Bucket lists are pretty great, but nothing is better than a bucket list that combines flavor and hometown atmosphere. The eleven restaurants on this list aren’t big chains. In fact, most of them don’t come close to the word “big” except when it comes to flavor. None of these restaurants are in impressive buildings, but all of them are just the kind of unassuming little eateries that serve the best food. From barbecue to diner fare to ethnic cuisine, these are restaurants you can brag to your foodie friends about visiting.
1. Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales (Lake Village)
Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales has been a delta tradition for a long time. Though the façade of the restaurant doesn’t look like much, the flavor inside is sure to impress. If you’re looking for tamales, pie, chicken, or catfish, Rhoda’s is definitely a place you need to visit. You’ll find them at 714 Saint Mary Street in Lake Village.
2. Taqueria El Palenque (Little Rock)
Taqueria El Palenque is a small place, but you’re not going to find better Mexican food anywhere. With less than ten tables, you’re sure to get plenty of attention from your server at Taqueria El Palenque. This amazing little restaurant is located at 9501 North Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock.
3. Jake’s Pizza (West Fork)
West Fork is a small town, and Jake’s Pizza is a small place. While size doesn’t matter when it comes to flavor, that homey atmosphere makes for a wonderful way to enjoy a mouthwatering pizza with friends or family. Jake’s Pizza is located at 74 West Main Street in West Fork.
4. Morrilton Drive-Inn (Morrilton)
At the Morrilton Drive-Inn Restaurant, you’ll find sixteen different burgers on the menu. That makes this little eatery one of the best places in the Natural State to find a delicious burger. Variety and savory goodness can be found at 1601 Oak Street in Morrilton.
5. Bubba’s Barbecue (Eureka Springs)
Bubba’s Barbecue has a motto of "It might not look famous, but it is!" They’re right about that, because Bubba’s Barbecue is famous for its baby back ribs and pork shoulder. You’ll love that famous barbecue, located at 166 West Van Buren in Eureka Springs.
6. Holly’s Country Cooking (Conway)
Words like "small," "cozy," and "friendly" are used by Conway residents to describe their favorite little eatery. On the menu there you’ll find all your favorite diner fare, which you can eat in a comfortable place that makes you feel right at home. Holly's Country Cooking is located at 120 Harkrider Street in Conway.
7. Gene’s Barbecue (Brinkley)
Fancy isn’t the name of the game at Gene’s Barbecue. Instead, the name of the game is flavor. Barbecue isn’t all they serve at Gene’s. Their menu is chock full of Arkansas favorites, and you’ll find them all at 1107 Arkansas 17 in Brinkley.
8. August Moon (West Helena)
August Moon is a Chinese restaurant located in West Helena. Actually, lots of people go there not for the Asian cuisine, but for the delicious American favorites they serve. You’ll find them at 108 Garland Avenue in West Helena.
9. Jasmine Thai Cuisine (Harrison)
Asian food really is the draw at Jasmine Thai Cuisine, and it’s absolutely delicious. This small restaurant is a Harrison favorite. They offer delicious food at low prices at 1409 North Main Street in Harrison.
10. Kopper Kettle Smokehouse (Van Buren)
Located between the small town of Alma and the medium-sized-for-Arkansas town of Van Buren, you pretty much can’t find better pie than at Kopper Kettle. This smokehouse specializes in delicious sandwiches and home-style sides, and they’ve got burgers to die for. You’ll find them at 6310 Alma Highway in Van Buren.
11. Skyline Cafe (Mena)
The diner fare at the Skyline Cafe just can’t be beaten. Set in the small Ouachita Mountain town of Mena, the Skyline Cafe has been serving people for a long time. You’ll find taste with a dash of long tradition at 618 Mena Street in Mena.
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