Arkansans are fiercely loyal to their favorite local restaurants. Having lived in other states, I’ve come to realize just how much we love the places that have been feeding our families for years – and sometimes for generations.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the most iconic and famous restaurants in Arkansas.
These aren’t necessarily the fanciest restaurants in the state. In fact, quite a few of them are in small towns, old buildings, or out-of-the-way places that you might easily drive right past if you didn’t know what was waiting inside.
What they do have is history, character, loyal customers, and food that keeps people coming back.
What Do We Consider an Iconic Arkansas Restaurant?
So, what makes a restaurant iconic?
For this list, I’m looking for places with a long history, a strong local following, and a reputation that reaches beyond just their local community.
Most of these restaurants have been around for decades, and many have been serving Arkansans for 40, 50, or even 75 years or more.
A few have changed locations, ownership, or even closed and been revived along the way, but they still represent an important part of Arkansas food culture.
Things to Know About These Special Arkansas Restaurants
Many of these are what I would call destination restaurants. These are places people are willing to drive out of their way to visit.
You’ll notice that barbecue, and fried catfish are especially well represented. This is Arkansas, after all! But you will also find steaks, pies, tamales, Italian food, burgers and more.
The one thing that all these restaurants have in common is that they are beloved by the locals and have good food!
I am intentionally not including Arkansas dairy bars. We have so many wonderful old-fashioned dairy bars around the state that I think they deserve a list all their own.
This list is also not meant to be a ranking. I’ve simply put them in alphabetical order.
And because restaurants change, close, reopen, and sometimes surprise us, let me know of any changes that we should make to this list.
List of the Iconic Restaurants in Arkansas
Before you go: Many of these restaurants are in small towns and may have limited or unusual hours. Some are only open certain days, and a few may be cash only.
Because hours and prices can change, I’m not listing them here. I’ve included an official website or Facebook page when available, so be sure to check the latest information before making the drive.
Abe’s Ole Feed House (El Dorado, Arkansas)
Abe’s Ole Feed House has been serving the El Dorado area since 1986 and has become a longtime favorite in South Arkansas.
This is an old-fashioned Southern buffet with plenty of comfort food, including catfish, shrimp, frog legs, chicken and all the usual sides.
Abe’s came under new ownership in June of 2026. Early reviews have been very positive, with longtime customers reporting that the food and experience are still much the same.
And whatever you do, save room for one of their famous homemade cinnamon rolls! Those alone might be worth the drive.
- Abe’s Old Feed House Address: 2299 Lawson Rd El Dorado , AR 7173
- Facebook Page: Abe’s Ole Feed House
AQ Chicken House (Springdale, Arkansas)
AQ Chicken House is one of those Arkansas restaurants that many people have fond memories of.
The original AQ opened in Springdale in 1947 and served generations of Arkansans for 75 years before closing in 2023. Fortunately, that wasn’t the end of the story.
New local owners purchased the AQ name, recipes and traditions and reopened the restaurant in downtown Springdale in July of 2026. They even worked with former AQ employees to bring back many of the original recipes.
AQ has always been famous for its chicken over the coals. You’ll also find pan-fried chicken, barbecue chicken and plenty of the old-fashioned sides and rolls that longtime customers remember.
I never had a chance to visit the original AQ, but I did recently eat at the newly reopened restaurant. The atmosphere is nice and bright, and of course I had to try the famous chicken over the coals. It was delicious, the service was nice, and it was fun to see this longtime Arkansas restaurant back in business.
- Address: 100 W. Emma Ave., Suite 101, Springdale, AR 72764
- Website: AQ Chicken House
Bruno’s Little Italy (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Bruno’s Little Italy has been serving Italian food to generations of Arkansans since the late 1940s.
The Bruno family first opened a restaurant in the Little Rock area in 1948. Over the decades, Bruno’s has had several locations around Little Rock and North Little Rock.
I have memories of eating at Bruno’s with my parents when I was a kid, and of course have been back many times as an adult. Today you’ll find Bruno’s on Main Street in downtown Little Rock, where it seems to be as popular as ever.
Bruno’s is known for its old-school Italian dishes, including pizza, pasta, toasted ravioli and its huge Lasagna Imbotito. The restaurant was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
- Address: 310 Main St., Little Rock, AR 72201
- Website: Bruno’s Little Italy
Catfish Hole (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Catfish Hole has been a Fayetteville favorite since 1994 and is especially popular with Razorback fans headed to or from a game.
They are known for their fried catfish, hush puppies and other Southern favorites, and the restaurant has been featured in national publications and on College GameDay.
It’s casual, consistently busy and one of those places that has become part of the Fayetteville experience for a lot of people.
- Address: 4127 W. Wedington Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72704
- Website: Catfish Hole
Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets (Keo, Arkansas)
In the mood for some delicious homemade pie? Charlotte’s is your place! Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets was established in 1993 in the small town of Keo. It is located in an old building that was once the pharmacy in town.
Get in line early because when the pies are gone – they are gone. I love all the pies at Charlotte’s, but I have to admit, the coconut cream is my favorite.
Don’t worry, they have more than pie. You will also find burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials at Charlotte’s, all of which are good.
- Charlotte’s Address: 290 Main St Keo, AR 72046
- Facebook Page: Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets Phone: 501-842-2123
Cliff House Inn (Jasper, Arkansas)
A stop at the Cliff House Inn is a must for anyone traveling from the southern part of Arkansas to the Ozark Mountains. The Inn has been around since the 1960’s and has had a restaurant since the 1970’s.
The site overlooks the “Arkansas Grand Canyon” near the small town of Jasper which means that this restaurant might just have the best views of any of the famous Arkansas restaurants on this list.
However, there are more than views!
The food is excellent here as well! They serve everything from chicken fried steak to various pasta dishes. For dessert you will definitely want to try their “Company’s Comin’ Pie.”
- Cliff House Inn Address: 6 miles south of Jasper on Hwy, 7, Jasper, AR 72641
- Website: Cliff House Inn Phone: 870-446-2292
Colonial Steakhouse (Pine Bluff, Arkansas)
NOTE: Sadly, Colonial Steakhouse closed their doors on July 15, 2025.
The Colonial Steakhouse situated in an old fashioned Tudor Style building in Pine Bluff has been serving perfectly cooked steaks and amazing appetizers since the 1970’s. If you don’t like steak they also have salmon, lobster tails, chicken breast and more.
This is a place where generations of Arkansans have come to celebrate special events. It has excellent food, friendly service, and a location in a historic building…what more could you want?!
The Dixie Pig BBQ (Blytheville, Arkansas)
The Dixie Pig BBQ is a must stop for anyone visiting Northeast Arkansas. It was opened by Ernest Halsell way back in 1923 in a log cabin called the Rustic Inn.
The Rustic Inn was sold, but Mr. Halsell then started the Dixie Pig and it is still owned and run by the Halsell family to this day!
They are known especially for their “pig sandwiches” which are finely chopped pork with coleslaw and a delicious vinegar based sauce.
This is old-fashioned southern pit barbecue!
- The Dixie Pig BBQ Address: 701 N 6th Street Blytheville, AR 72315
- Facebook: The Dixie Pig BBQ
Dondie’s White River Princess (Des Arc, Arkansas)
Dondie’s White River Princess sits on a hill above the White River in the small town of Des Arc. It is built to resemble a river boat.
We loved our recent visit to Dondie’s and enjoyed both the friendly service, the buffet, and the wonderful view of the river!
We did make reservations before we went and I would suggest that you do the same as they are only open 2 days a week. The parking lot will be full!
Dondie’s is known for its buffet that includes catfish, fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, hush puppies, corn fritters and so much more!
- Dondie’s White River Princess Address: 200 E. Curran St. Des Arc, AR 72040
- Contact: Facebook: Dondie’s White River Princess Phone: 870-638-7051
Ermilio’s (Eureka Springs, Arkansas)
I have been going to Ermilios since I was a teenager. This is an excellent Italian restaurant located in an old house in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. In fact, I don’t consider it a real trip to Eureka Springs until I have eaten at Ermilios.
They don’t take reservations so get there early or be prepared to have a bit of a wait. Don’t worry! The wait is worth it. They even have an upstairs room where you can play games while you wait.
Everything is good but I dream about the bread with roasted garlic!
- Ermilio’s Address: 26 White St. Eureka Springs, AR 72632
- Contact: Website: Ermilio’s Phone: 479-253-8806
Here are some more of our favorite restaurants in Eureka Springs.
Ferguson’s Country Store & Restaurant (St. Joe, Arkansas)
Ferguson’s Country Store and Restaurant recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. This place is a landmark not just for locals, but also for those visiting the Ozark Mountains or headed to do some fishing on the White River.
They have a wide range of options on their menu from salads to steaks to salmon and we like it all.
However, Fergusons is definitely known for their HUGE and DELICIOUS cinnamon rolls.
- Ferguson’s Country Store Address: 121 East Hwy 333 Saint Joe, AR 72675
- Contact: Facebook: Ferguson’s Country Store and Restaurant Phone: 870-439-2234
Fisherman’s Wharf (Hot Springs)
There are several famous Arkansas restaurants on this list which are located in Hot Springs. However, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of my favorites because it is located right on the banks of Lake Hamilton and has a huge covered outdoor space to sit and enjoy delicious food with a view.
It is a little newer than some of the restaurants on this list as they opened in 2001. But they did make our 20 years in business criteria.
This is a super casual steak and seafood restaurant with great food and a fun ambiance.
- Fisherman’s Wharf Address: 5101 Central Ave Hot Springs, AR 71913
- Contact: Facebook: Fisherman’s Wharf Phone: 501-525-7437
You might also enjoy checking out some more of our favorite Hot Springs restaurants!
Hugo’s (Fayetteville)
Hugo’s has been in business since 1977. It is a great place located in a basement just off of the historic Fayetteville town square.
They are known for their burgers and fries. I consider myself a burger and fry connoisseur and can highly recommend the ones at Hugo’s. However, they also have a great list of appetizers, cheese boards, salads, and so much more.
They also have a full bar with a rotating list of local and seasonal beers as well as a great whiskey collection. It is all around just a fun restaurant with a great ambiance!
- Hugo’s Address: 25 1/2 N Block Ave Fayetteville, AR 72701
- Contact: Website: Hugo’s Restaurant Phone: 479-521-7585
JoJo’s Catfish Wharf (Mountain View, Arkansas)
JoJo’s Catfish Wharf is located right on the White River just outside of Mountain View, Arkansas. They are part of the long-time Jack’s Fishing Resort.
Obviously JoJo’s is known for their catfish which is served up golden and crispy, and delicious.
However, in our opinion, the MUST-TRY item at JoJo’s are their hushpuppies. They whip those delicious morsels up fresh every morning and these are truly my favorite hushpuppies I’ve ever eaten.
This is a great place to stop whenever you are in the area.
- JoJo’s Catfish Wharf Address: 237 Jacks Resort Rd, Mountain View, AR 72560
- Contact: Website: JoJo’s Catfish Wharf Phone: 870.585.2121
Jone’s Bar-B-Q Diner (Marianna, Arkansas)
I would bet that Jone’s Bar-B-Q Diner is the most famous restaurant in Arkansas. Not only is it the oldest black owned restaurant in the United States, but it was also the first James Beard award winning restaurant in Arkansas.
Despite those accolades as well as numerous mentions in national publications, Jone’s BBQ is still a humble and absolutely delicious restaurant located in the small town of Marianna, Arkansas.
They do one thing and one thing only…pork barbecue. There is NO menu. They sell pork by the pound and pork sandwiches on white bread with coleslaw and sauce…the Arkansas way!
Be aware that the BBQ does sell out and when it’s gone, it’s gone. So, show up early, especially on Saturdays.
- Jone’s Bar-B-Q address: 219 W Louisiana St Marianna, AR 72360
- Contact: Facebook: Jone’s Bar-B-Q Diner Phone: 870-295-38
Lassis Inn (Little Rock, Arkansas)
NOTE: The Lassis Inn has closed. There was talk of someone reopening it, but it does not seem like that will happen.
Lassis Inn, located alongside I-30 near Broadway in Little Rock is the other James Beard award winning restaurants on this list. This is also one of the oldest restaurants not just in Little Rock, but in Arkansas!
Lassis Inn is also an important landmark in Little Rock. It was a meeting place for the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in the capital city, particularly around the time of the integration of Central High School.
Current owners Marie and Elihue Washington still serve the same delicious catfish steaks, catfish filets, and Buffalo fish ribs in this little old blue building that dates from the 1940’s.
Lassis Inn is a must visit when you are in Little Rock.
If you are a visitor to town you will want to check out our Little Rock bucket list.
McClard’s (Hot Springs)
McClard’s has been feeding both locals and visitors to Hot Springs since 1928!
It originally started as a tourist court which served up barbecue goat. The story goes that a patron didn’t have enough money to pay his bill so he offered to give the owners a recipe for the best hot sauce in the world in exchange for his food.
They agreed to take the recipe, tinkered with it, put it on the menu and the rest, as they say, is history.
The barbecue is great of course, but I would suggest trying “the spread.” The whole spread is two tamales topped with Fritos, beans, chopped beef, cheese & onions. It looks crazy and tastes divine.
- Address of McClard’s Bar-B-Q 505 Albert Pike Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901
- Contact: Website: McClard’s Bar-B-Q Phone: 501-623-9665
Monte Ne Inn
The Monte Ne Inn is unique because it serves the same thing to every customer. You pay one price and receive an all you can eat meal that includes fried chicken and all the fixin’s.
Everything is served family style. They place it on the table and you pass it around. If you run out…you simply ask for more.
Besides the famous fried chicken the meal includes homemade bean soup, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, and biscuits with butter and apple butter.
The only things that are “extra” are your drinks and dessert.
- Monte Ne Inn Address: 13843 E. Highway 94 Rogers, AR 72758
- Contact: Website: Monte Ne Inn Phone: 479-636-5511
Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Catfish (Carlisle, Arkansas)
Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Catfish has been one of the famous restaurants in Arkansas since 1972. One reason that it is so well known is that it has a location right off of I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis.
They specialize in barbecued pork, beef brisket, chicken, sausage, and ribs, but also serve fried catfish. You will see their billboards on the highway, but this is not a tourist trap! They have great food and service.
- Nick’s Bar-B-Q Address: 1104 Bobby L Glover Highway Carlisle, AR 72024
- Contact: Website: Nick’s Bar-B-Q Phone: 870-552-3887
Oark Cafe and General Store (Oark, Arkansas)
Oark General Store began as a grocery store in the 1890’s making it the oldest continually operating store in Arkansas! These days it is primarily a restaurant that specializes in terrific burgers and fabulous pie and super friendly southern service!
Oark is in a rural area and surrounded by the Ozark National Forest. Which makes this cafe a special drive-in destination for many who are exploring the region.
It is truly a one of a kind place that should not be missed.
- Oark general store address: 117 County Road 5241 Oark, AR 72852
- Contact: Facebook: Oark General Store Phone: 479-292-3351
Here is a fun road trip that includes the Oark Cafe, a drive along the beautiful Mulberry River, and much more.
Ozark Cafe (Jasper, Arkansas)
The Ozark Cafe is located on the town square in the small Ozark Mountain town of Jasper, Arkansas.
It has been serving delicious food to locals and visitors to the region since the early 1900’s. They have steaks, seafood, various specials, hamburgers, and great ice cream from an old-fashioned soda fountain.
This restaurant has been named by a New York publication as a “top 50 foodie destination” in the United States. Not only that, but their chocolate gravy has been named a “must-try food from the 50 states!”
- The Ozark Cafe Address: 107 E Court St Jasper, AR 72641
- Contact: Facebook: The Ozark Cafe Phone: 870-446-2976
The Ohio Club (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
The Ohio Club is the oldest continuously operating bar in Arkansas. It even stayed open during prohibition acting as a speakeasy that had drinking and gambling. You can still see remnants of its gambling past in some of the decor today!
Obviously this means that the Ohio Club is a great place to have a drink, but it also is a fun restaurant!
Try some of the appetizers. We recommend the seasoned fried green beans. They also have an outstanding Reuben sandwich.
- The Ohio Club Address: 336 Central Ave, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901
- Contact: Website: The Ohio Club Phone: 501-627-0702
You might also enjoy reading our Amazing Guide to Hot Springs.
Rhoda’s Hot Tamales and Pies (Lake Village, Arkansas)
Rhoda’s Hot Tamales and Pies is a MUST stop if you live in or are traveling through this lower delta region of Arkansas.
Mississippi may get all the credit for Delta tamales, but in our opinion Rhoda’s is one of the best. Not only do they have tamales but also home-cooked food and delicious pies.
Of course, if you stop you have to have some tamales, but also try one of the pies. I recommend the sweet potato pie…or the pecan. You don’t even have to choose as Rhoda makes a pie that has both!
So many times we have stopped in on our way to the beach and enjoyed the food at this iconic Arkansas restaurant. We especially loved listening to Ms Rhoda tell stories of how she got started in this business.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the food is delicious.
UPDATE: Sadly, Ms Rhoda passed away in August of 2023, but her lovely daughter continues to run the restaurant.
- Rhoda’s Famous Tamales and Pies address: 714 Saint Mary St, Lake Village, AR 71653
- Contact: On Trip Advisor: Rhoda’s Famous Tamales Phone: 870-265-3108
Tamale Factory (Gregory, Arkansas)
The Tamale Factory is located on a beautiful family farm in Augusta, Arkansas which is not too far from the small town of Searcy, Arkansas.
Yes, this is destination dining at its finest and it is completely worth the drive.
What you will find at this restaurant is incredibly friendly service, great steaks, and amazing Delta tamales.
If it reminds you a little of Doe’s Eat Place that is for good reason. The owner originally owned Doe’s in Little Rock.
When his source of tamales closed down he decided he could make his own! We are so glad that he did! This is one of our favorite restaurants!
- Tamale Factory address: 19751 Highway 33 South Augusta, Arkansas
- Contact: Facebook: The Tamale Factory Phone: 870-347-1350
Taylor’s Steakhouse (Dumas, Arkansas)
There is a good chance that Taylor’s Steakhouse in Dumas is the priciest restaurant on this list. But, y’all, it is worth every penny. You want to taste the best steak…ever? Taylor’s is the place. I absolutely love it.
This is not a dressy restaurant, just come ready to eat.
It is located just outside of Dumas in a nondescript building. They serve amazing dry and wet aged steaks. If you aren’t a steak lover there are also other items on the menu such as fish, blackened duck breast, chicken, and pork chops.
But, the steak…
By the way, you will definitely want to make reservations for this one!
- Taylor’s Steakhouse Address: 14201 AR-54, Dumas, AR 71639
- Contact: Website: Taylor’s Steakhouse Phone: 870-382-5349
Venesian Inn (Tontitown, Arkansas)
The Venesian Inn has been providing a touch of Italy in the Ozarks since 1947! Tontitown was originally settled by Italians. Of course, they combined the food from their heritage with the food from their new home.
In fact, the signature dish of The Venesian Inn is spaghetti and fried chicken.
Believe me, it is SO good. Everything here is made from scratch including the delectable rolls.
- The Venesian Inn Address: 582 W Henri de Tonti Blvd Tontitown, AR 72762
- Contact: Website: The Vensian Inn Phone: 479-361-2562
Weinkeller Restaurant (Altus, Arkansas)
When the Weiderkehr family immigrated from Switzerland to the Altus, Arkansas area they immediately built a wine cellar by digging into the side of a hill on their farm. After that they built their home.
Mr. Weiderkehr began making wines using fruits and berries that were naturally found in the region and now this is one of the most renowned wineries in the region.
The family established the Weinkeller Restaurant in the 1960’s. It is located in the original cellar. Not only that but it is on the register of historic places in Arkansas.
They serve Swiss and German specialties as well as steaks and pasta dishes.
- Weinkeller Restaurant Address: 3324 Swiss Family Dr Wiederkehr Village, AR 72821
- Contact: Website: Weinkeller Restaurant Phone: 479-468-9463
I hope that you have enjoyed this list of iconic and famous restaurants in Arkansas.! Let us know if there are some we have forgotten to include.
These restaurants are just a few examples of some of the great dining in Arkansas that you might want to check out!
