You’ll find amazing restaurants all over the Natural State, but these restaurants have been around long enough to establish themselves as trademarks of Arkansas dining. Whether you’re looking for Southern comfort cooking or something sweet to indulge yourself, these places have been around long enough to prove themselves as the best around the state.
12. Venesian Inn
The Venesian Inn has been serving authentic cuisine and delicious fried chicken in Tontitown since 1947.
11. Neal’s Cafe
Neal's Cafe in Springdale is well known for its longevity. Having been around for more than 70 years, Neal's knows just how to do fried chicken. (Stay for dessert. The pies are worth it.)
10. Fred’s Hickory Inn
Fred's Hickory Inn in Bentonville has been serving excellent pasta and barbecue on the menu for more than 40 years.
9. Franke's
Franke's Cafeteria in Little Rock has been serving the capital city the best of home cooking since 1919.
8. Feltner’s Whatta-Burger
Feltner's Whatta-Burger in Russellville is a great place to eat and a wonderful throwback to the original drive-in diners of the 1950s.
7. Cotham’s Mercantile
The original Cotham's Mercantile was built in Scott, Arkansas in 1917. The general store grew into a beloved establishment that's famous for its hubcap burgers.
6. Charlotte's Eats and Sweets
Charlotte's Eats and Sweets in Keo is housed in a historic pharmacy building and has been popular among locals and travelers for years. The homemade cakes and pies keep everyone coming back for more.
5. AQ Chicken House
The first AQ Chicken House was built in Springdale, Arkansas in 1947. The restaurant has remained popular over the years, even opening a second location in Fayetteville.
4. Oark General Store
The Oark General Store & Cafe in Oark, Arkansas has been in operation since 1890. The establishment serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also provides groceries and camping supplies.
3. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna has been in business for more than 100 years. The historic and award-winning diner has seen a lot of love from national media, as it has been featured on news outlets and in magazines as a notable southern BBQ diner.
2. Ozark Cafe
The Ozark Cafe, established in 1909 in Jasper, Arkansas, is a popular spot for great burgers and live music.
1. McClard's BBQ
McClard's BBQ in Hot Springs has been in its present location since 1942 and remains very well known thanks to their amazing barbecue sauce. McClard's has received national attention thanks to its famous fanbase as well. (President Clinton is one of the notable names who have praised McClard's.)
Enjoy these time-honored locations when you’re traveling Arkansas and looking for a great place to eat. Residents who frequent these restaurants will be happy to give you their opinion as regular diners at these spots!
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