Top 50 memorable meals across the state
I’ve written roughly 156 “Let’s Eat” columns over the past 13 years, and people often ask the same question: Which restaurant was your favorite? My answer has always been simple — the last one I reviewed.
Over the years, the local restaurants featured in Arkansas Living have a shared commonality: owners and staff who care about their customers, invest in their communities and make every meal feel personal. Along the way, the “Let’s Eat” column has introduced me to many new friends.
Now, after years of memorable meals, I’ll share my top 50 local restaurants that are still in operation. Narrowing the list to just 50, however, was no small task.
- Skylark Cafe — Leslie
- Fat Boys Fine Food – Caddo Valley
- Skinny J’s – Jonesboro
- Monte Ne Inn – Rogers
- Hole in the Wall Cafe – Conway
- The Grill at Whispering Woods – Jordan
- Hamburger Barn – Arkadelphia
- Nima’s Pizza – Gassville
- Mystic Grill – El Dorado
- Kasper’s – Clarksville
- Mr. Whiskers – Hot Springs
- Steinhaus Keller – Hot Springs
- Sue ’N Carol’s – Texarkana
- Beech Street Bistro – Crossett
- Cooyon’s – Mountain Home
- Lady Birds – Sheridan
- Neighbor’s Mill – Harrison
- Herman’s Ribhouse – Fayetteville
- The Rolling Pin Cafe – Fayetteville
Jerry’s Steakhouse in Trumann knows how to cook the perfect steak. - Scott Station – Scott
- Flying Burger & Seafood – Magnolia
- Chopping Block Steakhouse – Mena
- Ari’s Little Italy – Glenwood
- Peggy Sue’s Place – Heber Springs
- Calico Country – Fort Smith
- Gadwall’s Grill – Sherwood
- Stoby’s – Russellville
- Briar Rose Bakery – Farmington
- The Buttered Biscuit – Bentonville
- Gina’s Place – Jonesboro
- Woods Place – Camden
- Postmasters Grill – Camden
- Sue’s Kitchen Express – Jonesboro
- Verona Italian Restaurant – Benton
- Farmhouse Cafe – Bald Knob
- Who Dat’s Cajun Restaurant – Bald Knob
- Jerry’s Steakhouse – Trumann
- Sam’s Pizza Pub – Hot Springs
- Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie – Bentonville
- Ward’s Crawfish Hole – Hot Springs
- Patty’s Down the Road – Hot Springs
- DeVito’s Restaurant – Harrison
- Neal’s Cafe – Springdale
- Tailgater’s Burger Company – Hope
- The Whippet – Prattsville
- Copper Mule Table & Tap – Bryant
- Purple Onion – Cabot
- Eat My Catfish – Benton
- The Wooden Spoon – Gentry
- JTown’s Grill – Jonesboro
Over the years, I’ve treasured the emails and phone calls from dedicated readers. I’ve especially enjoyed helping readers map out must-try restaurants in towns and cities across The Natural State.
As I revisited the restaurants featured in “Let’s Eat,” I was saddened to see that some beloved dining spots had closed their doors. But that’s the rhythm of the restaurant world: one chapter ends, and another begins when a hard-working dreamer opens a new place of their own.
The mission of “Let’s Eat” has always been to shine a light on local restaurants and introduce them to more than 375,000 readers. Judging by the calls and notes I’ve received from restaurant owners, many of you have eagerly visited the places we’ve featured. A few have even told me they were overwhelmed by the response — one restaurant said it completely ran out of food after a surge of customers.
Please remember that the family-owned restaurant owners want your dining experience to be exceptional. If something isn’t quite right, let them know. And while you’re there, be sure to appreciate the servers and cooks who help bring each meal to the table.
This is my last column as I begin a new professional chapter. Thank you for inviting me to your tables and traveling Arkansas with me one meal at a time. I’ve enjoyed every bite.
“Let’s Eat” will continue with the Arkansas Living team conducting the heavy fork-lifting. If you discover a culinary gem, let them know so they can help shine a spotlight on it.
Dining recommendations? Submit at: arkansaslivingmagazine.com/contact-us