9 Neighborhood Restaurants In Arkansas With Food So Good You'll Be Back For Seconds
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J.B. VanDyke
Author
There’s nothing better than a good old-fashioned neighborhood restaurant, is there? Here you’ll find the best, friendliest, and most delicious restaurants in Arkansas. Most of all, though, these restaurants were chosen for their amazing, home-like atmospheres. I was looking for restaurants with an excellent reputation for serving great food with a friendly smile and fantastic ways of connecting the old cafes we all loved to places we can visit today. When it comes to the neighborhood-feel of your current favorite local eatery or that old-fashioned cafe from a bygone era where you wish you could still eat, you won’t find anywhere better than these nine restaurants.
Jones Bar-B-Q diner is such a staple in the Arkansas delta that it has hung around for over a century. In fact, it’s believed to be the oldest African-American owned restaurant in the South, possibly the oldest in the nation. The slaw and barbecue recipes used here haven’t changed in over a century, and neither has the homey atmosphere.
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Whatta-Burger in Russellville won a spot on this list by being the favorite of most Russellville residents and most people who pass by Russellville as well. This friendly neighborhood restaurant serves up simply the best of burgers, sides, and shakes. This place has been around since 1967, and it’s stepped firmly into the 21st century with its amazing online ordering option.
This little spot is another century-old Arkansas eatery. Set in the lovely small town of Jasper, the Ozark Café caters both to locals and those seeking adventure in the wilds of the Buffalo River area. There you’re going to find the friendliest service and some of the best down-home food in the Ozarks.
Ed Walkers has been a Fort Smith favorite for a long time now. This old drive-in offers some of the best diner fare you could find anywhere, and friendly service too, but what makes Ed Walkers exceptionally fantastic is the atmosphere. You see, this little burger joint hasn’t changed much décor-wise since it opened in the 1940s.
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This little drink-and-food stand was built in 1966 and originally called the "Big Orange" because of its unique shape. Its name may have changed in the past fifty years, but its commitment to serving delicious comfort food in style definitely hasn’t. There’s a reason that this exceptional orange is a favorite - the large menu is packed with hand-spun shakes, burgers, and daily specials.
Nothing says neighborhood favorite quite like a sprawling buffet full of your favorite Southern foods. Abe’s Ole Feed House calls itself the "finest all you can eat catfish buffet in central Arkansas," and they’re not wrong. Packed with fine seafood and home-cooked delights, this is a buffet you don’t want to miss.
The Purple Cow in Hot Springs is the youngest location on this list, but it’s still a neighborhood favorite. Because of its old-fashioned mid-century vibe, this restaurant is going to make you feel right at home. From mac and cheese to rodeo burgers, the menu is packed with deliciousness. What you’ve really got to try from this small Arkansas-owned chain are the superb shakes.
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The Dixie Pig takes barbecue seriously, as any restaurant that has been serving Arkansas for more than 90 years should. This Blytheville restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and perhaps the most perfect barbecued pork sandwiches in the whole of the Natural State.
The White House Café has won awards for the best steaks in Arkansas and boasts the widest selection of imported beer in South Arkansas. The White House Café hasn’t allowed that to interfere with their homey-atmosphere. This restaurant is a local favorite, but people come from all around to enjoy delicious food in a building that dates back to 1907, where you can sit at the counter like you could back in the day.
For great mom-and-pop eateries, read this article.
If you’re looking for fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurants, click here.
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