When it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese is king! And here in Arkansas, we love this cheesy goodness cooked by grandma with a side of love. Grandma’s recipe is made with simple ingredients that will stick to your ribs. But it’s usually the most satisfying part of our meals. Luckily, there’s a restaurant hiding in Hot Springs that serves the best mac and cheese in Arkansas. And you’ll want to take a trip to try it for yourself.

“Fresh comfort food made with love” is what Emma Lee’s, a family-owned restaurant guarantees.
Toney Green/Google
It’s lovingly named after the family matriarch, who cooked food for the less fortunate in her hometown of Stamps Arkansas. If you’ve driven on Park Avenue in Hot Springs, chances are, you’ve passed this eatery and barely noticed it.
That’s because this joint is located in a small strip, with a modest sign showcasing the kind and loving face of Miss Emma Lee.
Susan Adamson Ray/Google
Typically, you would find a restaurant like this in one of our small towns. It’s a comforting and friendly place, filled with warmth just like at grandma’s house.
This unassuming soul food eatery is fairly new to the restaurant game, but it’s a giant amongst the rest.
Emma Lee’s/Facebook
Emma Lee’s has only been around for a little over 3 years, but don’t let that fool you because the recipes have been passed down for generations. In many ways, this is down home soul food at its best. You’ll taste the love in EVERY bite!

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And speaking of food, there is lots to choose from on the menu. Including favorites like smothered pork chops, Southern fried chicken, ribs, oxtails, as well as all the other country comforts that we love.
Emma Lee’s/Facebook
Also, don’t miss out on the catfish, it is crispy and oh so delicious.
Of course, the side items from soul food joints are always on point. From the greens to the yams to the cornbread and dressing, and we can’t forget, the “Holy Grail” mac and cheese.
Shadow Force/Google
And for many of us, the mac and cheese is usually our favorite. Have no doubt that Emma Lee’s makes one of the best mac and cheese in Arkansas.
As it should be, it’s a traditional recipe that is creamy and cheesy and baked to seal in all that yummy goodness.
Shadow Force/Google
You can’t go wrong with a side of this Southern-Style comfort food with your meal. It’s extra gooey and that slightly, crispy cheese layer on the top is EVERYTHING.
Patrons have traveled from all over just to eat this comfort food staple and you should too.
nolanh71245/TripAdvisor
And no matter what you do, don’t skip dessert. That peach cobbler ain’t no joke. Emma Lee’s legacy will continue for many years to come. And after one visit, you’ll feel welcomed just like at grandma’s house. 

Have you ever been to Emma Lee’s in Hot Springs? If so, did you try the yummy mac and cheese? Tell us in the comments. 

Be sure to stop by the restaurant on Saturdays and Sundays to enjoy a delicious down home country meal. And follow them on Facebook for specials as well as for a full list of menu items. 

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Emma Lee’s, 765 Park Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA