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JC's Bar-B-Q ~ Van Buren, Arkansas


First visit: Jan 2026

We continued our westward journey through Arkansas, via a couple of very poor towns, where the thrifting proved excellent. By lunch time, we were in the Fort Smith area. I haven't been here since 1980! And yes, it was with my dad on business.

We once again dived in for barbecue, though this time we managed to find an independent. The first thing you'll notice walking in is it's a very Christian oriented place (note tag line). Fine with us as we're of the faith, but pagans may want to look elsewhere. And they get the clever name effect with JC. Hey don't scoff, The Green Mile did the same thing.


This is a full service restaurant and we were seated promptly.  It's a spacious restaurant with lots of natural light. 

I saw bologna on the menu, a meat you almost never see. And I still didn't because they were out of it. Darnit! So I went back to the cheeseburger. Oh my gosh, best one on the trip! Note the knife stab. That was how it was served. The spicy beans were regular baked beans with a slice of jalapeno. But fortunately the baked beans weren't too sweet, sometimes a problem. Mrs. RJG (in her plaid blouse) was munching on her beef brisket sandwich at picture time. She enjoyed it, but I think I liked mine more. Service was great as well.

I'd definitely return here if in the area. But given it's been 46 years since I last checked into Fort Smith, it seems highly unlikely. If I wait that long again, I'd be 107. That would require a resurrection I would imagine. Clever RJG, clever.

1/10/26

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