Looking for the best restaurants in Eureka Springs, Arkansas?
After years of visiting this quirky Ozark mountain town, we’ve eaten our way through everything from legendary Italian restaurants and gourmet tasting menus to tiny taco trucks and cozy breakfast cafes.
These are the restaurants we recommend again and again to friends planning a trip to Eureka Springs.
When most people think of small-town Arkansas, gourmet dining probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But Eureka Springs has a way of defying expectations!
In fact, one Eureka Springs restaurant has even been recognized by Forbes as one of the best date night restaurants in the country and you will find it on this list!
So, here you go…Our list of some of the best restaurants in Eureka Springs, Arkansas!
By the way, we try to only include places that we have personally visited within the last two years, so if your favorite is not on this list it might be because we haven’t been there recently. Just let us know and we will try to stop by on our next trip!
A couple of things to keep in mind before you go: parking can be tricky downtown, and some restaurants close during the off-season or keep limited weekend hours. Always check ahead. I have linked each restaurant’s website or Facebook page to make it easy.
Here are our top choices for places to eat in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- Best Breakfast: Mud Street Cafe
- Best Mexican Food: Carmen’s Tacos
- Best Burger: Disco’s Grill
- Best for People Watching: The Balcony at Local Flavor Cafe
- Best View: Sky Bar Gourmet Pizza
- Best Fine Dining: Le Stick Nouveau
- Best Place to Have a Drink: McGarity’s Pub
Best Restaurants in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Best Breakfast
You’ve got to start your day off right! Here are the best breakfast and coffee places in Eureka Springs.
Sugar and Crumbs Cafe
We visited Sugar and Crumbs Cafe for the first time recently and were so impressed! Honestly, we loved everything we tried. The biscuits were a stand-out, so light and fluffy, y’all! They even have the Arkansas favorite…chocolate gravy!
You also don’t want to miss the waffles or the gouda cheese grits. Honestly, I’m still thinking about those grits. You really can’t go wrong here. Although they do serve breakfast all day, they also have a nice lunch menu.
The atmosphere is also excellent. We loved the colorful decor and the warm greetings.
Mud Street Cafe and Mud Street Annex
Mud Street Cafe and Mud Street Annex are beloved spots owned by the same people with the same delicious food and coffee. They are basically sister restaurants and each has a unique personality.
The original Mud Street Cafe is tucked into what locals call “Underground Eureka,” a cozy cave-like setting right in the heart of downtown.
The Mud Street Annex, is an experience all its own. It is literally suspended over the stream that gave Mud Street its name. Don’t miss seeing the glass floor where you can watch the water flowing 20 feet below you!
My husband is a coffee drinker (I am not) and he says the coffee here is excellent. Their coffee has actually won awards.
All the food is good as well. I love their veggie hash browns and on our last visit we shared the sour cream pancakes and they were so good that we found ourselves fighting over the last few bites.
Planning a trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas? Start here!
Food Trucks
Food trucks have become an important part of the Eureka Springs food scene. Here are some of the best!
The Yellow Bucket Fried Tacos
The Yellow Bucket food truck is located in the “beer forest” at the Gotahold Brewery. The tacos here are somewhat unique. They are fried in a cast iron skillet. Best of all, the ingredients are fresh and delicious.
My personal favorite are the cast iron tacos with shredded pork, avocado and lime topping. But try any of them! They are all perfection.
They also have taquitos and if you don’t like a crispy taco, soft tacos. The street corn is a non-negotiable. Truly the best I’ve ever tasted.
As an added bonus, the owners are so nice and friendly.
Disco’s Grill
Want the best burger in Eureka Springs? Maybe one of the best burgers in Arkansas? Then you’ve got to try Disco’s Grill.
They have a delectable and delightful smash burger. Just so good, y’all. Birria is one of my favorite dishes in the world and theirs is top notch.
Not only that but this is one of the few places in town where a vegetarian and a meat-lover can go and both leave happy because in addition to beef burgers they have vegetarian burgers, and falafel, and Brussel sprout tacos.
Have I tried any of the vegetarian options myself? No, I have not. But I have seen them and they look amazing.
Carmen’s Tacos
I know, more tacos. But the two places on this list are SO different. Carmen’s Tacos are equally as delicious but are more traditional. And they are amazing.
The late Carmen Tapia had a dream to open a food truck. Her family opened this one in her honor! They serve authentic Mexican food including Tacos de al Pastor, de Asada, and de Chorizo, as well as Quesadillas, Burritos and much more.
I especially love their sauces which, be warned, definitely pack a spicy punch.
This food truck is extremely popular so you can expect lines but the wait is worth it. They are also CASH ONLY so come prepared.
Best for Lunch
Eureka Springs Eats and Treats
We also enjoy Eureka Springs Eats and Treats and often stop in for lunch when we are in town.
I think they have great soups so I often get the soup of the day along with their chicken salad on a croissant. My husband loves the frito chili pie. They have a variety of other items on the menu including a pastrami sandwich and pulled pork nachos.
The staff is always super friendly and helpful.
Not only is the food good, but it is not located in the crowded main area of town and they have a parking lot which makes this a convenient place for families or groups.
Love Greens
If you are vegetarian or, like us, are trying to be healthier and eat more plant based meals, Love Greens is the place.
I feel like Eureka Springs really needed a restaurant like this.
Everything here is SO fresh and SO good. There are salads and smoothies, bowls and sandwiches. So much to choose from! The Greek Salad is amazing and I have also tried some of their soups which were so tasty.
It is an added bonus that everyone in the store is so helpful and friendly
Local Flavor Cafe
Local Flavor Cafe is a super popular locally owned restaurant with both a balcony that overlooks the bustling main drag through town as well as a grotto side patio.
I adore the Mahi tacos here as well as their crab cakes. Two of my favorite dishes in town. But they have so many delicious options, salads, burgers, Ruebens.
And listen, If you like a Bloody Mary then you really MUST try the ones at Local Flavor Cafe.
Best for Special Occasions
Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave
In our opinion the Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave is one of the very best restaurants in Eureka Springs. The warm ambiance and upscale steaks and wood fired food make this a perfect destination for an anniversary or any other special occasion.
The restaurant is partially in a cave or, as they say, grotto. In fact, I would suggest that you try to sit near the grotto.
As you can tell by the name they serve a variety of wood-fired grilled foods. Of course there are steaks and other meat, but there is also grilled asparagus and an amazing grilled ciabatta bread.
The cedar plank salmon is one of my favorite dishes, but everything that we have ever been served here has been delightful.
I would strongly suggest that you make a reservation especially if you are in town during the busy summer season!
Le Stick Nouveau
In my opinion, Le Stick Nouveau is the PERFECT special occasion restaurant in Eureka Springs. It has even been ranked by Forbes as one of the best date night restaurants in the US!
Le Stick Nouveau is more than a restaurant. It is an immersive experience. You will be served a multi-course menu and there is only one sitting. This is fine dining at its best. We felt that every course was extremely well thought out and prepared to perfection
Everything is top notch at this restaurant. The taste, the service, the ambiance, and the presentation of the food. Just amazing.
I’ll be honest, I have only been here once…but it was such a culinary experience that I still dream about returning.
Best Italian
Ermilios Italian
Ermilio’s is a Eureka Springs fixture. It is a charming, and VERY popular restaurant located in an old house in the upper part of the city. We have been coming here for many years. Many Arkansans don’t feel like they have been to Eureka Springs unless they eat at Emilio’s.
Do be aware that they do not take reservations and there is almost always a wait. However, you can wait upstairs in an area where there is a small outdoor balcony, a room with games, and a bar.
The upstairs bar is CASH only.
The service is always excellent. Of course we love the bread with the roasted garlic. You mash up some of the garlic with a little bit of butter and slather it on the bread…wow!
Pasta lovers can choose from about 8 different pastas to mix and match with a variety of sauces, allowing you to get the perfect combination!
I like the Alfredo sauce and my husband is a fan of their “mom’s homemade meatballs in red sauce.”
Best Meal with a View
Sky Bar Gourmet Pizza
The Sky Bar Gourmet Pizza is on the 4th floor of the Crescent Hotel with views across the Ozark Mountains. If it is a pretty day you will definitely want to be seated outside on the balcony.
The drinks here are excellent and we also enjoy the pizza. The one that I recommend is the Barbecue chicken pizza. The dough is on the thicker side with puffy, pillowy edges.
I also think that the calzones are very good!
I should mention that this is not inexpensive pizza and the last time we were there the gratuity was automatically included in the price even for only two.
Best Classic Steakhouse
Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse
One of the things that I really like about Gaskins Cabin is the ambiance. The structure began as a two-room cabin that was built in 1864 and was a private home for 120 years!
It was added on to and changed over the years and is such a unique place to visit.
Gaskins is a traditional steakhouse that is known for their prime rib. Of course they also have filet, ribeye, New York strip, and more. There are also some seafood and chicken dishes which I’m sure are good, but I always get a steak.
Our steaks have always been cooked perfectly to our specifications with excellent flavor. Service has always been impeccable as well.
I highly recommend saving room for the chocolate bread pudding. Melt in your mouth delicious.
Best Pubs and Breweries
McGarity’s Restaurant and Irish Pub
McGarity’s Restaurant and Irish Pub is one of the top rated restaurants in Eureka Springs. It has been featured on America’s Best Restaurants TV show, and named a Top 10 Restaurant by NWA Travel Guide. We agree with the accolades!
This cozy restaurant is locally owned. They serve that Irish-inspired pub food, like shepherds pie and fish and chips as well as American classics such as burgers and wings.
They also have some vegan and vegetarian options, seafood, and kids meals.
In addition to the food you can have a Guinness on tap here or a craft beer or a cocktail. They have a large selection of whiskeys.
Gotahold Brewery
Gotahold Brewery happens to be the location of The Yellow Bucket Fried Tacos food truck that we mentioned above.
Even though Gotahold Brewing doesn’t serve food themselves they are a must-visit when you are in Eureka Springs. The laid-back beer garden atmosphere provides one of the most relaxing spots in town.
They have live music, outdoor games, and a genuinely fun vibe. And what better to go with your brew than a delicious cast iron taco.
Check Gotahold’s schedule ahead of time for live music nights. It makes for a perfect evening out.
Frequently asked Questions about Where to Eat in Eureka Springs
What is the best restaurant in Eureka Springs?
Of course this is a matter of taste. However, many visitors to Eureka Springs including Arkansans who visit frequently absolutely adore Ermilio’s. It is a favorite around the state.
Are there vegetarian options in Eureka Springs?
There are! We’ve named a few in the list above. And even restaurants that aren’t only vegetarian often have some good vegetarian options.
Do Eureka Springs restaurants take reservations?
Many of the nicest restaurants not only DO take reservations, but in certain cases, such as Le Stick Nouveau, reservations are necessary. The notable exception is Ermilio’s which famously doesn’t take reservations. We always try to get there very early if we don’t want to wait.
What about Parking for the Downtown restaurants?
I’m not going to lie. Parking can be a pain for the downtown restaurants. (Although several of the ones mentioned above are on the outskirts of town and have their own parking lots.) Eureka Springs does have a trolley system that can be very helpful.
Thanks for stopping by. We hope that this list of the best restaurants in Eureka Springs helps you plan your trip to this amazing mountain town!
