Ouachita Valley Meats ‘steaks’ claim on flavor

How can you ensure that the food you eat is as fresh as possible? Simple. You go to the source. In the Arkadelphia area, people are flocking to Ouachita Valley Meats, owned by the Huneycutt family, for locally sourced meats and outstanding meals to go.

The Huneycutts, a seven-generation farm family with a passion for producing quality meats and grain to retail, were the 2022 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. Their farm operation includes cotton, corn, wheat, soybeans, hay and cattle.

Ouachita Valley Meats owners Jeff Liggins and brother-in-law Luke Huneycutt manage and operate the sparkling clean and tastefully decorated establishment.

“We started with a local meat market concept on Feb. 28, 2023,” Liggins said.

“As we visited similar shops across the nation, we picked up on a trend to offer fresh, hot food, in addition to our other products. People really enjoy our hot plates and other menu items. It has been so popular that we hired some additional help to maintain our service level to our standard.”

A farm-to-table butcher shop, Ouachita Valley Meats serves as a take-and-go style restaurant operation with a couple of picnic tables at the front of the store. While enjoying my lunch there, I thought it would have been great to pick up a few meals and head over to Lake DeGray for a nice lunch with a view.

As I talked with a few patrons, I learned the restaurant has a large group of dedicated fans. One customer told me that he plans his weekly schedule around the day the Shaved Ribeye Sandwich is featured. The shaved slices of freshly butchered, fork-tender ribeye steak are coated in a tasty sauce and lovingly placed on a bun. I think this was my favorite menu item that I sampled.

I also tried the Smoked Pork Tacos. This plate included two large, soft flour tortillas filled with fresh, tender smoked pork and topped with sour cream, pickled onion and cilantro. The simple combination delivered huge flavor. A side of queso with corn chips made the perfect accompaniment.

The Turkey Sandwich had mounds of yummy turkey slices topped with lettuce, tomato, sliced onion, pickles and American cheese. Simple, but a great option for a hot day, or any day for that matter.

Liggins said that the team fires up the smoker each day and offers smoked meats for customers to buy by the pound. The store also offers a Smoked Brisket hot plate lunch. I could tell when the brisket was delivered that these guys knew what they were doing. The brisket had a nice “bark” on the outside and that moist, tender texture that only a master smoker can deliver. The meat was outstanding and needed nothing but a fork to enjoy each bite. The sides — homemade macaroni and cheese and baked beans — were very good.

I also loved the Chicken Salad Sandwich. The house-prepared chicken salad was light and a tasty option.

Huneycutt and Liggins grinned as they offered me a few desserts. Although I did not eat 100% of each item, I sampled homemade Banana Pudding, freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies, Bread Pudding and Nana’s Chocolate Pie. Which one was the best? Let’s just say this: I wanted to order another serving of each to enjoy for the next four days.

The “heat and eat” offerings are very popular for super busy families. Meals and sides include: Chicken Cajun Pasta, Working Man’s Casserole, Creamy Spinach Chicken, Baked Potato Salad, BBQ Beans, Breakfast Casserole, Mac and Cheese, Nana’s Cornbread and Pinto Beans.