Whole Hog Gets 4 Stars in Business Lunch Review (Opinion)

Whole Hog Café
1400 SE Walton Blvd., Suite 46, Bentonville

Two reviewers found themselves in the Rogers/Bentonville area one day at lunchtime and decided to finally test the Whole Hog Café. The place touts itself as being a “world champion” at barbecue.

Our reviewers, being reporters, were skeptical.

Standing in line to order, one self-proclaimed barbecue snob was a little put off by the Whole Hog’s choice of décor: nothing but pig-topped trophies lined the walls. But he realized how many people were packed in the dining room, so he decided there might just be some truth in the hype.

He could see people with plates of ribs that looked delectable, but his appetite didn’t lean that way. He ordered a plate lunch of pulled pork ($6), which came with a choice of two sides. He took coleslaw and a bag of potato chips, although potato salad, baked beans and a tossed salad were options.

He thought the pork was tender and delicious. It didn’t have a powerful smoked flavor but proved good meat nonetheless. The slaw was fresh and crisp.

One problem, he thought, was the Whole Hog’s sauces — there are seven. Six sauces were on most of the tables (although only four were at our table), and the “volcano” sauce is available at the counter. Our barbecue snob believes a barbecue joint should stick to one signature sauce and not try to please everyone.

But he was compelled to try the four available to him. He settled on the No. 2, which is described as “traditional tomato, vinegar and slightly tangy.”

The second diner ordered the beef brisket sandwich ($4.50) with a side of potato salad ($1.30). She thought the brisket was very tender. She liked the potato salad, which tasted like a variation of German potato salad, even though it wasn’t the traditional mustard potato salad she loves so much, she said.

Overall, the two diners agreed that it was the best barbecue they’ve tasted in Benton County.