You’ve probably seen Barb’s Bar-B-Q, a simple roadside front on Pleasure Avenue, but never thought to stop for lunch — especially not for a burger. Fortunately, we’ve taken the liberty of doing so for you.
Hunter: I have often heard whispers of the burgers at Barb’s Bar-B-Q — nostalgic recollections from Searcy natives older than myself, recalling quick stops on the way home from school. I was excited to try what these people remembered so fondly from their youth. I suppose there is, unfortunately, a reason that these experiences are always recalled from youth. Barb’s burger was nothing short of underwhelming. At first glance, I was shocked at how small the burger was – it’s the sort of burger I would expect to find in an elementary school lunch. The meat was fine, but there was nothing special about it. The meager side of fries carried a bland taste. To make it worse, the burger was not priced for its size — the single burger with fries and a drink cost just over $8 — the same price as a double-bacon with fries and a drink at Big Al’s. If you decide to check out Barb’s, stick with the barbeque. I give the burger a 3/10.
JP: When I stop at a roadside barbecue restaurant, I don’t expect greatness, especially not from their burgers. But I do hope for it. I hope against all hope that maybe I’ve found a diamond in the rough — the one-in-a-million best-burger-you’ve-ever-had treasure in the midst of a place you’d least expect it. Unfortunately, at Barb’s, my expectations — and not my hopes — were fulfilled. There’s nothing much to be said for this burger except that it’s simply not very good. Imagine your high school football concession stand burger, and that’s the burger you’re getting here. To be fair, the place is called Barb’s Barb-B-Q, so they aren’t known for their burgers. But a man can hope. I give this burger a 3/10.
Bottom Line: The burger from Barb’s is small with no distinct flavor, and priced well beyond its value. Between our scores, Barb’s Bar-B-Q scores a 3/10 — our worst score.
