Owner Troy Meacham
By the time Troy Meacham opened Meacham’s Restaurant in 1979, he already had decades of restaurant experience, as he started in the business when he was 14. His experience is clearly reflected in the great offerings served at the Ash Flat establishment.
Meacham’s is a well-known gathering spot for locals and visitors headed to Lake Norfork. It is decorated in an eclectic, western theme that provides a warm, home-like environment to enjoy the wide variety of offerings ranging from breakfast to dinner, and from veal cutlet to fresh seafood.
The onion rings at Meacham’s are known locally as the “best ever,” and after trying them they get my vote!
The small order I had was a huge stack of thick rings that were hand-battered and fried to a golden brown. They were cooked to perfection and had a great, sweet flavor.
Meacham’s catfish is never frozen and you can order a whole fried catfish.
Troy serves only U.S.D.A., farm-raised catfish that is never frozen. You know a place serves only the best catfish when you can order a whole, fried catfish, which is a lost art and not commonly found in restaurants. The huge fish was a great treat and reminded me of my childhood days when my family would host fish-fry events after seining our ponds in the summer. Once you try catfish this way, you won’t want it any other way, as the flavor is superior to filets. Only a great cook knows how to cook this like my Grandpa did. Troy and his team are master catfish cookers.
“I use only quality products,” Troy said. “The restaurant is what I do and what I love. We are committed to providing our customers with top-quality food and great service.”
Next, I was presented with the Real Veal Cutlet. This is a five-star dish that featured thin-sliced veal with large, sautéed mushrooms in a delicious brown butter sauce. This is some of the best veal I have eaten and a sure-to-please meal.
Chicken Brococcoli Alfredo
Troy’s dishes are visually pleasing as well as flavorful. The Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a perfect example as it features fork-tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed broccoli and a blend of three cheeses in a nice sauce. This is one of those meals that give you a unique flavor with each forkful of goodness.
The sandwiches and hamburgers are also great menu options. I tried the Philly Sandwich and was impressed. The sandwich features thinly sliced steak, tasty grilled onions and jack cheese on a toasted French roll. The thick steak fries were the perfect complement to the Philly.
The ‘best ever” Onion Rings.
During the Let’s Eat visit, a steady flow of patrons dined and entered the restaurant, the cheerful wait staff greeting many of them by name. Newer guests were met with genuine smiles.
Mike and Annette Parmley of Batesville were among the diners. They love the grilled chicken livers served with grilled onions. The couple visits the restaurant often to dine, and both agreed that everything on the menu was great.
At Meacham’s Restaurant, breakfast is available anytime. I sampled the four-egg omelet with cheese and ham. Nothing beats a great, homemade omelet. If you try one, you get your choice of two fillings, including cheese, bacon, ham, sausage, mushrooms and green chili.
A variety of daily specials is also available, along with a nice selection of desserts.
The next time you are close to Ash Flat, stop by Meacham’s Restaurant. Troy and his wonderful team will greet you like an old friend and serve you a delicious, home-cooked meal.
