Burl's Country Smokehouse - Royal

Fantastic food! I stopped at Burl for lunch based on a customer’s recommendation while in Hot Springs. I loved the rustic atmosphere and the impressive collection of American and early American artifacts and memorabilia. I ordered the baby back rib plate with potato salad and baked beans. The portion of ribs was generous, featuring some of the meatiest ribs I've ever encountered, with minimal fat and a wonderful smoky flavor. The meat was tender, juicy, and served hot, easily pulling away from the bone. There was a mild BBQ sauce available on the table if you wanted extra. The baked beans were among the best I've ever tasted, packed with smoked pork and sausage. The potato salad was also quite good but had a texture more like mashed potatoes, which I personally enjoyed. Overall, this was an excellent BBQ meal, and at under $11.00, it felt very reasonably priced.

This is one of the rare spots where you can enjoy a sandwich made with house-smoked meats and freshly baked bread. The interior is small and eclectic, filled with various knickknacks that add charm to the atmosphere. It's the perfect place to grab a delicious sandwich on your way to the lake.

Burl's standout feature might be the cinnamon rolls available at the checkout. These rolls, filled with tightly wound layers of pastry, sugar, and spices, are as big as your head.