“If you like good BBQ and all the "yumminess" that comes along with it, (not to mention all the genuine southern hospitality) and if you like being around a crowd of kind and caring people, you're gonna love Bowles BAR-B-Q.But don't take my word for it, hurry out to Bowles. You'll be glad you did. Met your new best friends and favorite eating place.“
“An Oasis in the Arkansas CountrysideI was in the Osceola area for business meetings and was tasked by one of my colleagues to cater a lunch for 10 people. I was directed to the Hog Pen as the closest place to get food for a group. I must have driven past the non-descript building a million times and never even noticed it. The Hog Pen is a local mecca for barbecue in the area.When I arrived, I was lucky to have just beaten the lunch rush and the kind staff helped me put together a lunch for twelve people. My order had pulled pork, dry-rubbed ribs, smoked chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, and peach cobbler. The staff also provided me with buns, cutlery, napkins, sauces and everything else needed for a catered lunch.The food was exceptional, as I have had Barbecue from all over the US and can make a qualified statement about the flavour and quality. The chicken and ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and had an excellent smokiness. The rub was not overpowering and the flavour was mild with just a little touch of heat. The Pulling pork was soft and smoky and went well with the sauce provided by the Hog Pen team.In the end, there was not one scrap of food left as every morsel of food was eaten by the Big River Steel team whom I had brought the lunch for. I had tried a little of each of the items in the order and was pleasantly surprised. On my way back to my hotel, I stopped at the Hog Pen and bought a pulled pork sandwich for my drive.Parking: Plenty of spaces to park“