Arkansas is full of incredible restaurants, and among them are places that absolutely must be visited—especially if you’re entertaining an out of towner and wanting to make an impression about how great the food is in the Natural State. These places win awards and attract attention from national media. Try them out and see just what everyone’s raving about and why they’re going back for seconds:
17. Damgoode Pies
Damgoode Pies has three locations in Little Rock and another in Fayetteville. Pizza lovers have so many choices on the menu when it comes to sauces and toppings that they'll become regular customers just to try everything once. Pasta and sandwiches are also available, but the 'signature' pies come highly recommended.
16. David's Burgers
With six locations around Arkansas, business is booming at David's Burgers and it's all for good reason. Fresh, hand-cut beef is used in the burgers and freshly cut fries are all-you-can-eat. Very popular with families, David's Burgers also has a great selection of shakes and beverages on the menu.
15. Cathy's Corner
A northwest Arkansas favorite for breakfast and lunch, Cathy's Corner is located at 1910 Hwy 412 E in Siloam Springs. Comfort food and fresh home cooked meals are the draw here, and the service is heralded as fast and always friendly.
14. Hugo's
The price is always right for the amazing food you'll get at Hugo's in Fayetteville. Regulars recommend trying the homemade crepes, but if you're in the mood for a meal you can have it all. Everything from seafood and steak to burgers and fries is offered on the menu. Hugo's also offers daily specials that will have you coming back for more great food at a nice price.
13. Godsey's Grill
Godsey's Grill is located at 226 South Main Street in Jonesboro. Notable for its variety of sandwiches and burgers on the menu, Godsey's Grill also has a diverse offering of appetizers as well. Steaks and seafood entrees are popular and those who are looking for good home cooking can find it at Godsey's Grill. They also cater events!
Godsey's Grill is located at 226 South Main Street in Jonesboro. Notable for its variety of sandwiches and burgers on the menu, Godsey's Grill also has a diverse offering of appetizers as well. Steaks and seafood entrees are popular and those who are looking for good home cooking can find it at Godsey's Grill. They also cater events.
12. Rocky's Corner
Italian cuisine and American standards are served here at 2600 Central Avenue in Hot Springs. Regular patrons enjoy the service as well as the safe efficient parking, and Spa City visitors will love both the delicious food and close proximity to Oaklawn Racing and Gaming.
11. Star of India
You'll feel like you're at home at Star of India. The manager Sammy will remember you on your visit back (and you definitely will be back). You're treated like a VIP while you treat yourself to the best Indian cuisine in Little Rock.
10. Arthur's Prime Steak House
Arthur's Prime Steak House is a fine dining establishment located on 27 Rahling Circle. In addition to a high quality meal, diners will enjoy the extensive wine list the restaurant offers.
9. McClard's
Established in 1928, McClard's is a legend when it comes to Arkansas barbecue. Meats are smoked daily at the restaurant and hot tamales are a popular specialty with regular patrons. The restaurant has been a focus of southern barbecue in national media, too, having appeared in Southern Living magazine and on the Food Network.
8. Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking
Located on 26 White Street in Eureka Springs, Ermilio's delicious sauces are made from scratch and family recipes from Northern and Southern Italy are used in preparing classic Italian dishes. (Save room for dessert. Regulars love the Italian cream cake.)
7. Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante
Rolando's has restaurants in Hot Springs, Fort Smith and Fayetteville. Diners will like the fusion of modern cuisine with classic Latino dishes such as quesadillas and burritos, and everything is served with a large helping of Southern hospitality.
6. Bordino's Restaurant and Wine Bar
The crown jewel of Dickson Street, award-winning Bordino's Restaurant and Wine Bar, has a menu that offers diners a variety of selections from modern to classic. Dress to impress and treat yourself to the valet parking for a high class experience.
5. Mud Street Cafe
The history behind the name "Mud Street Cafe" is interesting. The building where the cafe is located was built in 1888 at street level. A spring that ran underneath the town in the late 19th-century often flooded the street, and the nickname "Mud Street" was born. Ever since, the street has evolved and the cafe can now be found after descending a level of stairs into a haven of coffee and dessert paradise. Come here for breakfast or lunch, and come back on Friday and Saturday evenings for coffee and fresh baked goods.
4. One Eleven At The Capital
Arkansas dining at its finest is at this location, formerly known as Ashley's at the Capital. Enjoy a weekday lunch or dinner at One Eleven or come for breakfast and brunch on Sundays. Such delicacies as crab cake and coleslaw are on the menu. Enjoy the raspberry cheesecake or the yummy One Eleven donuts when you want something sweet.
3. Doe's Eat Place
Having grown past its beginnings in Greenville, Mississippi, Doe's Eat Place became an Arkansas legend after its Little Rock location was featured in the 1992 Presidential Campaign. Franchised locations can also be found in Bentonville, Fort Smith, Fayetteville and Hot Springs.
2. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner
Known around America as the oldest operating restaurant in Arkansas, Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna attracts barbecue lovers from everywhere and holds a high position in the Natural State as well as the South for being a long-running and successful family owned establishment.
1. Cotham's
An old general store in Scott and a museum that's well known for its 'hubcap burgers', Cotham's is a famous Arkansas dining spot in a small, peaceful location. Cotham's has been featured in national media and is also well known for serving delicious Southern fried catfish, fried green tomatoes and a large variety of tasty pies on the dessert menu.
Whether you’re looking for ambiance, comfort food, excellent service, or a just fun time out dining, these restaurants around the Natural State will accommodate you. Be sure to bring a friend who’s visiting so they’ll have a nice memory of an amazing Arkansas meal. Leave a few words about how much you love these great restaurants!
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