Mouthwatering barbecue favorites to satisfy every family member are always the order of the day at Jerry Neel’s Bar-B-Q, Catfish, & Catering. Since 1977, we’ve been your go-to destination for pigging out in a big way with amazing meals and barbecue catering in Fort Smith, AR. Our five-generation, family-owned restaurant features an amazing selection of made-from-scratch dishes. You’ll love our lunch specials and will surely want to share your favorites with the whole gang through our catering options. Stop by today, pick up your order at our drive-thru window, or contact us for a catering order. Be sure to ask about military and senior discounts.
Based on 578 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.0 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Drive-through ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
1823 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 646-8085
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Friday | 10:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
10:30 AM–8 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
John Merrill
My family and I finally tried Jerry Neel’s today (after having tried most of the barbecue joints in Fort Smith over the years; some of them many times now). It was a really good experience overall, I must say! Not only were the ladies who took my order on the phone super friendly and accommodating from start to pickup, but our whole family really enjoyed their meals too (the others got a couple of burgers and fries, and another got a chopped pork sandwich, fries, and coleslaw). The fries were crispy and tasty. Some of the better fries we’ve had in a while (and we’re picky when it comes to our fries ). My smoked sausage (pictured) was better than many that I’ve tried in the area, and not overly salty for that matter (one of my pet peeves with some others), and the the baked beans I got (also pictured) were some of the better, more memorable and distinctive beans I’ve gotten at a barbecue joint in some time. They stood out from the crowd. All in all, we really enjoyed our meal (without breaking the bank, by any means!), and I think we’ll be keeping Jerry Neel’s in mind for future barbecue cravings, for sure!
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Spencer Lubby dubby
The food here is excellent; used to come here with my family a lot as a kid whenever we wanted the best pork sandwich in town . Their twiced baked potato is sooooo yummy. I decided to come back as an adult today, and it hasn’t changed a bit. Still good people working there as its a small family business. They are friendly kind. Definitely worth going to. All in all, A+
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Rebecca Morman
My husband, our 2 boys, and I visited Jerry’s today for the first time and we absolutely love it! The food was amazing!! The staff was friendly and even though we didn’t know that you were supposed to order when you first come in, they didn’t make us feel dumb for the mistake. They were very kind. The Christian music they played was an added bonus! Thanks for the catfish, Jake! It was wonderful! God bless you guys!
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Rocky Bullwinkle
Stopped in this restaurant to eat and I will say it is amazing. The food is to die for. I wish I could have ordered everything on the menu. I had the 3 meat meal which you can choose from a large variety of meat. Service was fantastic. Our waitress Alexis was the greatest ever. Jake, the owner came up and greeted us and talked. Super great guy. If you want great BBQ with a great atmosphere, I highly recommend this place. I will definitely come back
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Malissa Goins
Love eating here. Staff always make sure we are taken good care of. We never leave hungry. Owner always stops at our table and visits. Been eating here for about 30yrs. We’ve never had a food or service problem. Excellent place to eat BBQ.
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JOSEPH POTTS
Place is definitely a solid 4 Star restaurant, staff very friendly and great clean atmosphere. The owner was very engaging and even offered up some suggestions on what to try. The BBQ ribs & brisket were okay (a bit dry though) being a BBQ place I had higher expectations but still enjoyable. The coleslaw was kind of interesting, very crunchy and not too sweet the baked beans were very tasty and had a little ooomph to them highly recommend. The catfish was very good, I’d like a bit more bold flavor to the mix they use but they cooked it perfectly so fluffy and delicious. Footnote for you to ponder is why there is no hush puppies served with fish plates…low cost & easy to make meal more well rounded. Their shrimp was some of the best I’ve ever had full of flavor, perfectly cooked and my only complaint was they need larger order sizes. The owner was adamant that the twice baked potato was kind of a signature staple for them; so ordered to give a try. My advice is to never order this it was one of the worst twice baked potatoes I’ve ever eaten. The skin was limp & not crunchy, the potatoes were over whipped and then topped by some single slice Kraft cheese. No butter, no bacon bits, no chives & no sour cream…absolutely awful. The potatoes alone could of dropped score lower especially when bragged about but I try to be fair and we truly enjoyed the overall meal. So definitely give a thumbs up recommendation as worth the stop to try.
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Giancarlo Gonzalez
The food -exceptional! I had the Boneless Beef Rib, Grilled Chicken and Fried Catfish with sides of Fried Okra and Mashed Potatoes and dessert, Strawberry shortcake! My to go order was BBQ Chicken, Beef Brisket and Fried Shrimp with sides of Corn and Twice Baked Potato with Peach Cobbler for dessert! My friend’s recommendation was spot on, the staff was friendly, the place clean and co-owner Mary Sue stopped by to say hello and see how I was doing, felt like a homecoming honestly and I dare say one of my all time favorite places to dine, God Willing I’ll be back before my journey has ended, enjoy intrepid travelers!
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Chelsea Harris
I had a brisket meal and the meat was the most flavorful smokey flavor I’ve ever had! Everything was absolutely delicious! The meat is so tender and juicy you can literally pull it apart with your lips!
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Stephanie Powers
Lunch was stellar. The shrimp and catfish isn’t even cut until you order. Then they batter and fry it to absolutely perfection! Also they smoke the meats daily. I tried the ribs. YUM!! Their house sauce is delicious. Smokey & sweet. Definitely get you a twice baked potato on the side. It’s a ton of food but every bite is good. Jack, Jen, John, and Alexa make some wonderful food with fast & friendly service.
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R Green
1st time here. My brother & I both got chopped beef sandwiches (highly recommended). Excellent food, even better waitress (best server I’ve had in Ft Smith).
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