OK, if you’re lucky or blessed enough to be in the right place at the right time or make the proper reservations, you’ll have no trouble whatsoever finding yourself at one of these excellent Arkansas restaurants. These are the locales known for their classy atmosphere and chic ambiance. The wait staff at these restaurants are praised as some of the best you’ll ever find when it comes to proper service. These are the restaurants most of us have to actually make plans before attending–that’s how highly they’re regarded!
15. Benihana
Benihana Steakhouse can be found at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock and is a great place for a group gathering. Be sure your entire group is with you upon arrival to ensure fast seating! In addition to the cool hibachi grill tricks you'll learn from the chefs, you'll really like what's on the menu. From surf and turf to sushi as well as delicious fried rice, there's a lot to enjoy about this popular NLR steakhouse.
14. Gaskin's Cabin Steakhouse
You'll swear that Gaskin's Cabin Steakhouse has mastered the art of how to prepare a steak once you've been here. Located at 2883 Highway 23 North in Eureka Springs, locals will tell you that Gaskin's Cabin is the best place to eat when you're in the mood for an awesome steak. It's usually quite busy at this popular steakhouse and you can't make a reservation, so be sure to call ahead to get an estimate on your wait time--it's absolutely worth it.
13. James At The Mill
James at the Mill is located in Springdale at 3906 Greathouse Springs Road, and it's an excellent place to show friends from out of town how fancy and unique Southern dining is done. The flavor in every dish lets you know that you're enjoying something wonderful. Definitely make time (and make a reservation) for a table at James At The Mill when you're in northwest Arkansas.
12. South On Main
South On Main (located at 1304 Main Street in Little Rock to be precise) is praised as being the cream of the crop among innovative Southern dining. If you're curious about the creative entrees on the menu, the staff is always friendly enough to provide recommendations. Along with the diversity of the dishes, great live music is featured regularly. Be sure to make a reservation as tables here fill up fast!
11. 28 Springs Restaurant
The daily crowd of regulars at 28 Springs at 100 East University Street in Siloam Springs will be more than happy to welcome you to this amazing source of Southern cuisine done right. However, 28 Springs's popularity may leave you looking for a seat if you and your crew arrive at a busy time. Thankfully the service is done just as properly as the food at this restaurant and everyone gets accommodated and treated like family.
10. Foster's Pint & Plate
If you're in the mood for delicious bar food but prefer high quality, Foster's Pint & Plate in Bentonville is your kind of place. Located at 2001 South Bellview Road in suite 2, Foster's isn't a difficult place to get seated if you get there at the right time. The tables fill up quickly here, though, so be there or miss out on the great menu items and the awesome craft beer!
9. Petit Bistro
Make your reservation soon for Petit Bistro in Bentonville! Located at 2702 North Walton Boulevard, this classy eatery has amazing entrees on the menu and excellent service. The ingredients here are always fresh and the portion sizes are just right. Save room for the delicious pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
8. The Hive
The Hive in Bentonville is located at 200 Northeast A Street inside the 21C Hotel. This quirky and modern restaurant features classic American fare prepared to the magnificence that you'd expect from upscale cuisine. The wait staff here are quite attentive to diners' needs, too. If you're dining alone, don't worry--one of the cute little green penguins that liven up the restaurant's atmosphere will be placed at your table for a bit of company!
7. Movie Lounge
The Movie Lounge at 7601 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith is a top-notch facility for a unique upscale dining experience. The beloved tradition of 'dinner and a movie' are taken to the classiest levels here. Call buttons are provided at your table for fast service; that's how good the wait staff is! In addition to great classic menu selections, diners have a variety of cocktails to choose from on the drink menu and even gourmet popcorn to munch on.
6. Theo's
Theo's, located in Rogers at 3300 Market Street in suite 100, has a lively and modern ambiance that goes well with the excellent dishes there. Thursday is all-evening Happy Hour at Theo's and the best time to go for great drink specials, but get there early to beat the crowd! Private dining rooms are also available here for special occasions and events.
5. Brave New Restaurant
Lauded as some of central Arkansas's finest dining, the Brave New Restaurant is a hidden gem located at 2300 Cottondale Lane in suite 105. It's not difficult to find a seat and enjoy delicious entrees, but it's hard for some to actually find this award-winning locale! The view from the deck is gorgeous and you'll want to make room for dessert. (Try their famed chocolate crème brule when you stop in for lunch.)
4. So Restaurant
You can find the So Restaurant at 3610 Kavanaugh Boulevard in Little Rock. The chic atmosphere will make you feel like one classy customer as your server greets you and guides you to your preferred dining area. The wait staff's knowledge of the menu and wine list are particularly helpful. So Restaurant is especially great if you're looking for a cozy yet upscale setting for a date night!
3. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room
The hardest times to find a seat at Sonny Williams' Steak Room in Little Rock's River Market are definitely the holidays. New Year's Eve is especially popular for reservations at this fancy steakhouse at 500 President Clinton Avenue. Once you've enjoyed the steaks and seafood at Sonny Williams' you'll understand what all the praise is about--the excellent menu and service here will leave you completely satisfied.
2. Cache Restaurant and Lounge
The atmosphere at Cache Restaurant and Lounge in the River Market (at 425 President Clinton Avenue) is the first indication that you're dining in luxury! Sit on the balcony and people watch as you enjoy your meal. Try one of the many amazing drinks at the bar. Definitely be sure to make a reservation if you have a big group--don't miss out on Cache!
1. Arthur's Prime Steakhouse
Arthur's Prime Steakhouse can be found in West Little Rock at 27 Rahling Circle with valet parking available. Arthur's is an excellent setting for special event dining and upscale gatherings. Set your reservation and get ready for some amazing steak, appetizers, and sides!
Don’t hesitate to treat yourself! Plan a reservation at one of these amazing restaurants and get ahead of the crowd–or just show up at a good time when you can sit yourself down to an excellent meal. If there’s a wait, you won’t mind it too much when you look at the decor around these locales. (Relax, you’re in luxury! Your table will be ready shortly.) Speak out in the comments about the excellent experiences you’ve had at these upscale restaurants and others around the Natural State.
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