Note: I have combined the review for their two locations, the one on Mission Blvd and the other location on Wedington. INTERIOR In regards to both of their locations, overall they are both kept clean and are inviting. The feel is very "eclectic" in regards to all of the wall hangings and the penguin memorabilia. A person could literally spend hours upon hours between the two locations, checking out all of the neat stuff. The Mission Blvd location will seat approximately 125 people, with three separate areas. They also have an "enclosed" area, that partitions off with a set of sliding doors, which would be good for a group of say around 45 people. Party? Business get together? It should accommodate either. They also have another area of booth seating, that has an actual chalk board attached to the wall, which gives kids something really fun to do. Or, if you are a big kid, lets you explore your "inner foodie artist". In regards to the seating capacity of the Wedington location, I am not 100% sure. But if I were to guess, I would say that they can seat around 100 or so people. They also have a seating area that is off from the main, which is good for groups or parties. In fact, there is a weekly poker game I go to there, and they use this area to host the tournament. Restrooms at both locations have always been clean. And those of you who follow my reviews, know I ding restaurants hard when the cleanliness level is not what it should be. Both locations are family friendly, and I am also pretty sure that each are wheelchair accessible. FOOD On to the most important part, the food. I have not tried every single offering from them, but what I can tell you is that I have enjoyed all but one of the many that I have tried so far. The one item I did not like were the chicken wings. I ordered them without sauce, and they were bland. No real seasoning at all, which means they were relying on the sauce to give all the flavor. Now I will say, when I told them that I did not like them, they replaced them for me with something else at no charge. I have had their mushroom burgers several times. And I have to say, that it is highly doubtful that I will become a "vegetarian" anytime soon, but this offering from their vegetarian section has won me over. It is made with Shitake mushrooms, that are meaty, meaty and did I happen to mention that they are meaty? Another of my favorites is their steak burger. This burger is just all around great. So if you find you have a need to feed your inner carnivore, this should be one of your top picks. How about their soups you ask? I have had several, and liked each of them. I would have to say my favorite was their smoked chicken corn chowder. Really well executed, the chicken had a great flavor and this soup was nice and creamy. Really hits the spot, especially on a cold day! And I recently tried their smoked chicken. I ordered a whole chicken, and then turned it into a combo for just a couple of bucks more. By the time tax was added on, I paid around $12 for this. I have to say this is one I also enjoyed. The skin was cooked just enough, and had a good seasoning to it. The smoke was infused nicely into the meat of the chicken. I also ordered home fries and coleslaw. And both were spot on as usual. For dessert both locations have freshly made cookies. Alas, I have no photos to share, but will update the review soon with some. My favorites have to be their double chocolate chip and their white chocolate chip apricot. Always moist and yummy! But if you stop in there, in the afternoon, make sure to get your cookies quick, otherwise they may be sold out by the time you get to the counter. And I would be remise if I did not mention their ribs. I really like these, as they are a dry rubbed rib. The dry rub tastes good, the flavoring infusing nicely into the meat. Each time I have ordered these, they have been good. Make sure to try a side of the beans and coleslaw, they are made from scratch. IN SUMMARY I would highly recommend these two locations to my readers, well worth the time of stopping by there and spending a few dollars. Prices are reasonable, and the service has always been good when I have been there. Which is why I continue to spend my hard earned dollars there!
(4)
Tim M.
Ordered the rib combo for lunch today and the ribs were very sub par. I don't know if they were trying to get rid of yesterday's supply or what. The ribs were tough and came with many tiny broken bones which made it almost impossible to eat. Also they used and end rib which was hard as a rock and unedible. Maybe it was a slow night yesterday and I just caught left overs from the night before.
(1)
Paige K.
This place hasn't disappointed us yet. The grilled chicken sandwiches are amazing and the staff are always pleasant to be around. We will definitely be going here many more times in the future.
(4)
Mechele H.
My fave are the Veggie Sub and the Club sandwich. Turkey, bacon, mozzarella & american cheese, lettuce, tomato, & mayo
(5)
Emily B.
I've eaten here many times over the years, as well as having had their food catered and overall, I like it pretty well. Their meats are consistently good (I usually have the pulled pork), and I like their salads and famous cookies as well. Their side items tend to be pretty bland (especially the potato salad), and their sauces are alright, but could definitely be more flavorful and unique. It isn't a place I tend to seek out to eat, but if other people want to go there, I know I can find something I'll be reasonably happy with (if I avoid the side items).
(3)
Kristal Joy W.
Since moving to the South I have become an expert on BBQ and I LoVe me some Penguin!! The pulled pork is nice and smokey. The ribs are a bit fatty but it's ribs, they are full of fat!! The meat is tender, succulent with just enough blackness.. The sauce is key and excellent. Hot or mild it's perfect. I tend to get the same thing yet have tried the chicken and it's great too. Next I think I will have to try a burger, cause thee is always a next time for the penguin!
(3)
Penny W.
Food has declined greatly. The meats were dry except ribs. The sliced beef was warmed on a stove top and tough. The tea and green beans were good but all other sides were ok. We ordered the special for my son and received a different rib plate with half the ribs. We won't be back
(1)
Jennifer M.
It's just not that good. Being from Texas we have come used to good bbq. This is a far cry from good. We've tried it several times because we keep hearing it's good but each time the meat is dry and the sides lack flavor. Their "great" breakfast was a let down as well. Try Sassy's if you want good bbq in Fayetteville.
(2)
Chad S.
I really want to like Penguin Ed's. I do. It's close to my house, I like the whole penguin thing (who doesn't like penguins? mean people, that's who.), the staff is friendly enough, and...it's close to my house. If you live in East Fayetteville, east of Crossover, the dining options within a few minutes are very limited, and pretty much limited to the Mission/Crossover intersection. So it'd be great to have a good barbecue place in that vicinity. Alas, Penguin Ed's falls short. And please note that I'm only reviewing this specific location...hopefully the others are better. And also note that I'm writing this after eating at (or picking up from) this location plenty of times. But when it comes to the 3 main barbecue staples, the yardstick meats for barbecue joints (for me, at least) - brisket, ribs, and pulled pork - they're sadly just not very good here. The ribs are not tender, and accordingly, not real easy to eat...the pulled pork is often dry, and needing sauce, and the brisket just isn't good. Always tastes reheated to me. Last night, everything tasted overly smoky to me, like they're using liquid smoke or something like that. It's weird. Maybe everything at this location is smoked elsewhere and then reheated there, I don't know. I will give them this, though - I like their sausage. They slice it thin, lengthwise, and it's got a lot of flavor. It almost seems like they brown it a bit in a pan after slicing, not really sure, but it's my favorite thing there. The chicken is usually nice and moist, albeit also has some of that overly smoky flavor...but chicken is usually down my list a ways in terms of what to order at BBQ joints. Sides are unremarkable...beans are okay, potato salad doesn't hold a candle to Whole Hog's (along with the ribs, brisket and pulled pork), and the mac & cheese sucks (my kids don't even like it!). So there you have it. Go for the penguins and the convenience, stay for the sausage, pass on the rest.
(2)
Mr. G.
I'm not sure why Penguin Ed's is popular. The brisket is chewy and flavorless. I have also tried the ribs which were very dry. Employees are friendly and the cookies are good.
(1)
R H.
I am updating this review from a 3 to a 4 star. The reason being, is continued quality product at lunch. Also, my wife, son, and I have begun going there on lazy Sunday mornings for breakfast. I'm not sure what I was expecting from a BBQ Place for breakfast, but what I got was another quality product. Maybe not the best breakfast you've ever eaten, but made from scratch, delicious, and filling is all I need after a long week of serving the public myself. And that is exactly what they deliver. I have to say that they may also be guilty of having the nicest staff in town. I don't know names, but everytime we are there they go out of their way to make sure we feel like we are welcome there. I'll just say that they seem to enjoy their jobs and enjoy working with the public. Well done Penguin Ed's you took good BBQ, added a good Breakfast, threw in some great service and consistency of product, and now you are a NWA staple.
(4)
Steve L.
Ed. Edd. Eddie. I like the decor and the overall vibe of this place. The sauces are decent, as is the pulled pork. As Katy stated, the ribs are quite fatty - I tried them again on this most recent visit and they were just as I had remembered them from a few years ago - "cheapish" and excessively fatty/gristly. The clear star of this place, however, is the Nieman Marcus cookie. Gasp?! A cookie, you say? Yep. Get 'em when they're fresh and you'll fall in love. Wait too long, however, and they turn hard and crumbly, so there's definitely a very finite/limited window of opportunity to enjoy them. Sad that I enjoyed the cookie more than the 'que. If it's straight-up barbeque that I'm jonesing for, I'll head to Whole Hog in Bentonville - those guys know a thing or six about smokin' some pork. Ed's also a bit pricey, especially for the general quality.
(3)
Chris S.
Dry, cold, sparse sliced brisket meat sandwich overpriced. Staff often looks like they hunt for tattooed stoners. I'm sticking with Dickies.
(2)
Ben T.
I am a HUGE fan of the Penguin Ed's B&B location on S. East Avenue (I gave it 5 stars and always love the food), but this location is just OK, especially compared to it's superior sibling. The menu is somewhat limited (although they do have more in the baked goods department at the cafe portion, which shares the location). I ordered the pulled chicken, and was very disappointed to have chopped chicken served. Big difference. Not sure if the chef was napping that day, or if that's how they always serve it. I'll continue to head to the B&B, but may give this place a try for the baked stuff.
(3)
Robert J.
Love the pulled pork. Had a piece of chicken that was good also. I've heard that it's one of the best in Fayetteville and ended up here when Whole Hog closed at 8:00. "eclectic" decor with friendly employees. Great Sauce, and the toast was a great addition.
(4)
Lea M.
Great smoked chicken salad! Plenty of seating and friendly employees. Love it. Tastes fresh. I'm a regular.
(4)
Joel D.
Huge portion sizes. Tasty dry rub BBQs. Prompt service, clean and pleasant environment and reasonable prices. I left feeling like a stuffed sausage. My favorite BBQ place in the area so far.
(4)
Callan C.
Ed's is my favorite BBQ in Fayetteville. I remember when it was a little food cart next to the gas station...times have changed! Location is excellent at the under-served intersection of Mission and Crossover. The BBQ sandwich combo is an excellent option and the smoked chicken salad is a must-have staple. Good food, comfortable environs - a must for locals!
(4)
Doug W.
Penguin Ed's is one of my favourite BBQ places. They simply have the best ribs and pulled pork I have had (and I have had a bit). I tried their prime rib (on Sat. night only and they run out. It comes from the smoker at 1730 so drop by), and it was also quite good. I like the ribs and pulled pork better though. The smoked sausage is also very good but it's sausage and it's greasy (supposed to be that way). Everything I have had here is tasty. Some of their sides are so-so. I didn't like their baked potatoes since they are not quite fully baked (like in Michigan) so you may or may not like that. The green beans are "southern style" but they don't taste it. I usually get potato salad (I like it) and slaw (it's fine, unremarkable but fine). But hey, the meat is why you go here and the meat is lovely. Their sauce is sort of a combo of Texas and North Carolina (sweeter than NC but not gross sweet like Texas). I usually make my own since their "hot" sauce is not very and mine is. This place is nice inside and also has a quick take away window where you can order and be out in 10 minutes. There is parking in front. If I lived nearby, I would likely eat here way too much. My friend also likes their smoked chicken.
(4)
M. E.
I've enjoyed Penguin Ed's for years, and now that I've moved away, it's one of the only places I make sure to visit. The food is great and, though others on Yelp complain about the price, it's really quite reasonable priced. This and the other location closer to downtown are a must visit in Fayetteville. I particularly enjoy the BBQ meat potato with chicken.
(4)
Katy N.
Great service, the ribs were huge but a seemed extra fatty. Not bad, but not the best I've ever had.
(3)
Justin B.
The food is average at best. Not sure why there are rave reviews for this place, but the atmosphere is good. Bottom line: Not a bad place for BBQ, but there are much better options in Fayetteville.
(3)
Don S.
Great fresh food, friendly staff.
(4)
Ryan P.
The ribs were better than the brisket (which was pretty dry), if you're into sauces you might be disappointed. The BBQ-beans and home-fries were very good. I'll go back after I try some other nearby places for comparison.
(3)
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Address :2773 E Mission Blvd
Fayetteville, AR, 72703
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Frank E.
Note: I have combined the review for their two locations, the one on Mission Blvd and the other location on Wedington. INTERIOR In regards to both of their locations, overall they are both kept clean and are inviting. The feel is very "eclectic" in regards to all of the wall hangings and the penguin memorabilia. A person could literally spend hours upon hours between the two locations, checking out all of the neat stuff. The Mission Blvd location will seat approximately 125 people, with three separate areas. They also have an "enclosed" area, that partitions off with a set of sliding doors, which would be good for a group of say around 45 people. Party? Business get together? It should accommodate either. They also have another area of booth seating, that has an actual chalk board attached to the wall, which gives kids something really fun to do. Or, if you are a big kid, lets you explore your "inner foodie artist". In regards to the seating capacity of the Wedington location, I am not 100% sure. But if I were to guess, I would say that they can seat around 100 or so people. They also have a seating area that is off from the main, which is good for groups or parties. In fact, there is a weekly poker game I go to there, and they use this area to host the tournament. Restrooms at both locations have always been clean. And those of you who follow my reviews, know I ding restaurants hard when the cleanliness level is not what it should be. Both locations are family friendly, and I am also pretty sure that each are wheelchair accessible. FOOD On to the most important part, the food. I have not tried every single offering from them, but what I can tell you is that I have enjoyed all but one of the many that I have tried so far. The one item I did not like were the chicken wings. I ordered them without sauce, and they were bland. No real seasoning at all, which means they were relying on the sauce to give all the flavor. Now I will say, when I told them that I did not like them, they replaced them for me with something else at no charge. I have had their mushroom burgers several times. And I have to say, that it is highly doubtful that I will become a "vegetarian" anytime soon, but this offering from their vegetarian section has won me over. It is made with Shitake mushrooms, that are meaty, meaty and did I happen to mention that they are meaty? Another of my favorites is their steak burger. This burger is just all around great. So if you find you have a need to feed your inner carnivore, this should be one of your top picks. How about their soups you ask? I have had several, and liked each of them. I would have to say my favorite was their smoked chicken corn chowder. Really well executed, the chicken had a great flavor and this soup was nice and creamy. Really hits the spot, especially on a cold day! And I recently tried their smoked chicken. I ordered a whole chicken, and then turned it into a combo for just a couple of bucks more. By the time tax was added on, I paid around $12 for this. I have to say this is one I also enjoyed. The skin was cooked just enough, and had a good seasoning to it. The smoke was infused nicely into the meat of the chicken. I also ordered home fries and coleslaw. And both were spot on as usual. For dessert both locations have freshly made cookies. Alas, I have no photos to share, but will update the review soon with some. My favorites have to be their double chocolate chip and their white chocolate chip apricot. Always moist and yummy! But if you stop in there, in the afternoon, make sure to get your cookies quick, otherwise they may be sold out by the time you get to the counter. And I would be remise if I did not mention their ribs. I really like these, as they are a dry rubbed rib. The dry rub tastes good, the flavoring infusing nicely into the meat. Each time I have ordered these, they have been good. Make sure to try a side of the beans and coleslaw, they are made from scratch. IN SUMMARY I would highly recommend these two locations to my readers, well worth the time of stopping by there and spending a few dollars. Prices are reasonable, and the service has always been good when I have been there. Which is why I continue to spend my hard earned dollars there!
(4)Tim M.
Ordered the rib combo for lunch today and the ribs were very sub par. I don't know if they were trying to get rid of yesterday's supply or what. The ribs were tough and came with many tiny broken bones which made it almost impossible to eat. Also they used and end rib which was hard as a rock and unedible. Maybe it was a slow night yesterday and I just caught left overs from the night before.
(1)Paige K.
This place hasn't disappointed us yet. The grilled chicken sandwiches are amazing and the staff are always pleasant to be around. We will definitely be going here many more times in the future.
(4)Mechele H.
My fave are the Veggie Sub and the Club sandwich. Turkey, bacon, mozzarella & american cheese, lettuce, tomato, & mayo
(5)Emily B.
I've eaten here many times over the years, as well as having had their food catered and overall, I like it pretty well. Their meats are consistently good (I usually have the pulled pork), and I like their salads and famous cookies as well. Their side items tend to be pretty bland (especially the potato salad), and their sauces are alright, but could definitely be more flavorful and unique. It isn't a place I tend to seek out to eat, but if other people want to go there, I know I can find something I'll be reasonably happy with (if I avoid the side items).
(3)Kristal Joy W.
Since moving to the South I have become an expert on BBQ and I LoVe me some Penguin!! The pulled pork is nice and smokey. The ribs are a bit fatty but it's ribs, they are full of fat!! The meat is tender, succulent with just enough blackness.. The sauce is key and excellent. Hot or mild it's perfect. I tend to get the same thing yet have tried the chicken and it's great too. Next I think I will have to try a burger, cause thee is always a next time for the penguin!
(3)Penny W.
Food has declined greatly. The meats were dry except ribs. The sliced beef was warmed on a stove top and tough. The tea and green beans were good but all other sides were ok. We ordered the special for my son and received a different rib plate with half the ribs. We won't be back
(1)Jennifer M.
It's just not that good. Being from Texas we have come used to good bbq. This is a far cry from good. We've tried it several times because we keep hearing it's good but each time the meat is dry and the sides lack flavor. Their "great" breakfast was a let down as well. Try Sassy's if you want good bbq in Fayetteville.
(2)Chad S.
I really want to like Penguin Ed's. I do. It's close to my house, I like the whole penguin thing (who doesn't like penguins? mean people, that's who.), the staff is friendly enough, and...it's close to my house. If you live in East Fayetteville, east of Crossover, the dining options within a few minutes are very limited, and pretty much limited to the Mission/Crossover intersection. So it'd be great to have a good barbecue place in that vicinity. Alas, Penguin Ed's falls short. And please note that I'm only reviewing this specific location...hopefully the others are better. And also note that I'm writing this after eating at (or picking up from) this location plenty of times. But when it comes to the 3 main barbecue staples, the yardstick meats for barbecue joints (for me, at least) - brisket, ribs, and pulled pork - they're sadly just not very good here. The ribs are not tender, and accordingly, not real easy to eat...the pulled pork is often dry, and needing sauce, and the brisket just isn't good. Always tastes reheated to me. Last night, everything tasted overly smoky to me, like they're using liquid smoke or something like that. It's weird. Maybe everything at this location is smoked elsewhere and then reheated there, I don't know. I will give them this, though - I like their sausage. They slice it thin, lengthwise, and it's got a lot of flavor. It almost seems like they brown it a bit in a pan after slicing, not really sure, but it's my favorite thing there. The chicken is usually nice and moist, albeit also has some of that overly smoky flavor...but chicken is usually down my list a ways in terms of what to order at BBQ joints. Sides are unremarkable...beans are okay, potato salad doesn't hold a candle to Whole Hog's (along with the ribs, brisket and pulled pork), and the mac & cheese sucks (my kids don't even like it!). So there you have it. Go for the penguins and the convenience, stay for the sausage, pass on the rest.
(2)Mr. G.
I'm not sure why Penguin Ed's is popular. The brisket is chewy and flavorless. I have also tried the ribs which were very dry. Employees are friendly and the cookies are good.
(1)R H.
I am updating this review from a 3 to a 4 star. The reason being, is continued quality product at lunch. Also, my wife, son, and I have begun going there on lazy Sunday mornings for breakfast. I'm not sure what I was expecting from a BBQ Place for breakfast, but what I got was another quality product. Maybe not the best breakfast you've ever eaten, but made from scratch, delicious, and filling is all I need after a long week of serving the public myself. And that is exactly what they deliver. I have to say that they may also be guilty of having the nicest staff in town. I don't know names, but everytime we are there they go out of their way to make sure we feel like we are welcome there. I'll just say that they seem to enjoy their jobs and enjoy working with the public. Well done Penguin Ed's you took good BBQ, added a good Breakfast, threw in some great service and consistency of product, and now you are a NWA staple.
(4)Steve L.
Ed. Edd. Eddie. I like the decor and the overall vibe of this place. The sauces are decent, as is the pulled pork. As Katy stated, the ribs are quite fatty - I tried them again on this most recent visit and they were just as I had remembered them from a few years ago - "cheapish" and excessively fatty/gristly. The clear star of this place, however, is the Nieman Marcus cookie. Gasp?! A cookie, you say? Yep. Get 'em when they're fresh and you'll fall in love. Wait too long, however, and they turn hard and crumbly, so there's definitely a very finite/limited window of opportunity to enjoy them. Sad that I enjoyed the cookie more than the 'que. If it's straight-up barbeque that I'm jonesing for, I'll head to Whole Hog in Bentonville - those guys know a thing or six about smokin' some pork. Ed's also a bit pricey, especially for the general quality.
(3)Chris S.
Dry, cold, sparse sliced brisket meat sandwich overpriced. Staff often looks like they hunt for tattooed stoners. I'm sticking with Dickies.
(2)Ben T.
I am a HUGE fan of the Penguin Ed's B&B location on S. East Avenue (I gave it 5 stars and always love the food), but this location is just OK, especially compared to it's superior sibling. The menu is somewhat limited (although they do have more in the baked goods department at the cafe portion, which shares the location). I ordered the pulled chicken, and was very disappointed to have chopped chicken served. Big difference. Not sure if the chef was napping that day, or if that's how they always serve it. I'll continue to head to the B&B, but may give this place a try for the baked stuff.
(3)Robert J.
Love the pulled pork. Had a piece of chicken that was good also. I've heard that it's one of the best in Fayetteville and ended up here when Whole Hog closed at 8:00. "eclectic" decor with friendly employees. Great Sauce, and the toast was a great addition.
(4)Lea M.
Great smoked chicken salad! Plenty of seating and friendly employees. Love it. Tastes fresh. I'm a regular.
(4)Joel D.
Huge portion sizes. Tasty dry rub BBQs. Prompt service, clean and pleasant environment and reasonable prices. I left feeling like a stuffed sausage. My favorite BBQ place in the area so far.
(4)Callan C.
Ed's is my favorite BBQ in Fayetteville. I remember when it was a little food cart next to the gas station...times have changed! Location is excellent at the under-served intersection of Mission and Crossover. The BBQ sandwich combo is an excellent option and the smoked chicken salad is a must-have staple. Good food, comfortable environs - a must for locals!
(4)Doug W.
Penguin Ed's is one of my favourite BBQ places. They simply have the best ribs and pulled pork I have had (and I have had a bit). I tried their prime rib (on Sat. night only and they run out. It comes from the smoker at 1730 so drop by), and it was also quite good. I like the ribs and pulled pork better though. The smoked sausage is also very good but it's sausage and it's greasy (supposed to be that way). Everything I have had here is tasty. Some of their sides are so-so. I didn't like their baked potatoes since they are not quite fully baked (like in Michigan) so you may or may not like that. The green beans are "southern style" but they don't taste it. I usually get potato salad (I like it) and slaw (it's fine, unremarkable but fine). But hey, the meat is why you go here and the meat is lovely. Their sauce is sort of a combo of Texas and North Carolina (sweeter than NC but not gross sweet like Texas). I usually make my own since their "hot" sauce is not very and mine is. This place is nice inside and also has a quick take away window where you can order and be out in 10 minutes. There is parking in front. If I lived nearby, I would likely eat here way too much. My friend also likes their smoked chicken.
(4)M. E.
I've enjoyed Penguin Ed's for years, and now that I've moved away, it's one of the only places I make sure to visit. The food is great and, though others on Yelp complain about the price, it's really quite reasonable priced. This and the other location closer to downtown are a must visit in Fayetteville. I particularly enjoy the BBQ meat potato with chicken.
(4)Katy N.
Great service, the ribs were huge but a seemed extra fatty. Not bad, but not the best I've ever had.
(3)Justin B.
The food is average at best. Not sure why there are rave reviews for this place, but the atmosphere is good. Bottom line: Not a bad place for BBQ, but there are much better options in Fayetteville.
(3)Don S.
Great fresh food, friendly staff.
(4)Ryan P.
The ribs were better than the brisket (which was pretty dry), if you're into sauces you might be disappointed. The BBQ-beans and home-fries were very good. I'll go back after I try some other nearby places for comparison.
(3)