We had a hankering for some BBQ while heading back north from Hot Springs. Being from the Chicago area, it's always interesting to go off the beaten path into more rural/farming communities.
After missing the exit to a BBQ place about 20 miles south, I Googled and located Hog Pen. Stopped in and found the place clean (including the bathroom), the service friendly and informative, and the food pretty darn good. My husband had the half slab of ribs and I had the pork steak... Which I think is one of their specialties.
He seemed to enjoy the ribs and the pork steak was great. Something different than most places offer. The pork steak didn't have tons of fat to cut off, which I appreciated. It was tender enough to not require a knife either. The sides and bbq sauce were good. I wouldn't say they blew me away, but really I had no complaints whatsoever either.
I would definitely stop back again the next time passing through the area.
