This Tiny Drive In May Just Be The Best Kept Secret In Arkansas
Melanie Johnson
Author
Garry’s SlingBlade Drive-In might just be the best-kept secret in our state. This old-school dairy bar in Benton is keeping childhood nostalgia alive in the best way. From cheeseburgers to hot dogs to chili cheese fries to malts and shakes, you’ll find it all at Garry’s. Though it has changed hands several times, this classic eatery has been dishing up deliciousness from the same location since 1961. It has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for many years. If you’re in Benton, do yourself a favor and stop in at this old-fashioned drive-in restaurant in Arkansas.
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Also, be sure to visit the Facebook page of Garry’s SlingBlade Drive-In for more information as well as for a full menu.
And while you’re in the area, you must visit the Gann Museum, a great museum in Benton featuring fascinating relics. If you’re spending a few days in Benton, we highly recommend a stay at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Little Rock Benton, which offers fantastic service and amenities at a reasonable price per night.
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Dining Around Arkansas
Garry's SlingBlade Drive-In is just one of the many unique spots to eat around the Natural State!
What Are The Best Spots To Eat In Benton, Arkansas?
- Olde Crow General Store is a bit of an Arkansas icon, doubling as a general store and a deli serving some of the best sandwiches in the state. You can buy fresh produce and meats here, along with some delicious desserts, but around lunchtime, you'll usually find a line at the deli counter. Some of the highlights include the Rubicon, the deli's Arkansas twist on a Reuben, and the Flying Hog, featuring turkey, bacon, and cheese. All of these sandwiches are huge and packed with meat.
- The Wood Grill Buffet is part of a small southern chain that takes your local chain buffet to the next level. The main attraction here is definitely the all-you-can-eat steak and ribs, served daily after 4 p.m. But that's just the beginning - even if you're here for lunch, the odds are you'll find ham, fried chicken, meatloaf, pot roast, or other stick-to-your-ribs Southern classics. Don't miss out on dessert!
What Are Some Of The Best Historic Restaurants In Arkansas?
Garry's SlingBlade Drive-In has been around for over 60 years, but these joints have it beat.
- Skyline Cafe, found in Downtown Mena, has been around for over a century now, and it's a great place to experience a touch of old Southern hospitality. This rustic luncheonette has been rebuilt after being destroyed in a 2009 storm, but it's still serving up the best corned beef hash in Arkansas for breakfast and amazing overstuffed burgers. Many of the regulars at this place have been coming here for decades.
- The White House Cafe, found in Camden, is a historic eatery that first opened its doors in 1907. This no-frills cafe is filled with memorabilia from the decades past and often feels like a time capsule. The menu specializes in Southern classics like catfish, chicken-fried steak, and burgers, but it also has a surprisingly robust and flavorful Tex-Mex menu every day. For dinner, nothing beats one of the restaurant's signature steaks!