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Tucked away in a most unexpected location, experience the magic of trying one of our little hidden food treasures. For example, how about driving up to a gas station to fill your tank only to discover some of the best fried chicken you will ever put in your mouth. Or try walking into a bakery, and also finding delicious, fresh, handmade tamales. Only the early birds get these fabulous tamales, so if you enjoy tamales, get there early.

Do yourself a favor, and use the list below to discover one of our Top 10 Hidden Food Treasures:

Bella Vista

American Legion Post 341 $
1889 Bella Vista Way, (479) 268-5090

One of the best kept secret in NWA is the food at American Legion Post 341 on Fridays and Tuesdays. Post 341 puts on a killer fish fry on Friday nights from 8 – 10 p.m., for $5.00, and you can get get 3 wholesome filling tacos with beans and rice on Taco Tuesdays from 8 – 10 p.m., also for $5.00. The post has a fabulous group of vets, but you don’t have to be a vet to enjoy these events.

Grand Central Station $
1806 Forest Hills Blvd
Bella Vista, AR (479) 855-9214

A gas station that serves some of the best fried chicken, soups, sandwiches, and burgers to be found in the country. They also serve breakfast including killer cinnamon rolls and three-egg omelettes. The folks that run the place are really nice and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Try the place once, and you’ll be hooked! Note:  Image at top of page is some delicious chicken from Grand Central Station.

Bentonville

Bentonville Library Café – Cycle Path Café $
405 S Main St
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 586-3940

Not the kind of eatery you would expect to find in a library, it specializes in quality coffee and delicious sandwiches and wraps. Try the fresh homemade chicken salad on Cranberry Pecan bread.

It’s the kind of sandwich that keeps you coming back time after time. They also offer an amazing catering menu for all your catering needs.

Decatur

Backdoor Club & Grill $
1190 S Highway 59
Decatur, AR
(479) 752-3592

Located behind TNT Express in Decatur, AR, Backdoor features great food and brews. Appetizers, salads, wings, wraps, sides, sandwiches, burgers (killer burgers), baked potatoes, dinners and a kid’s menu are all available. The staff is neighborly and efficient and will help you celebrate almost any occasion. Karaoke is happening on Thursdays and some Saturdays.

Garfield

The Short Stop $
18440 Marshall St
Garfield, AR
(479) 359-1303

If you’ve ever craved a tall, perfectly flavored, giant ice cream cone, then you must visit The Short Stop in Garfield, the home of the giant cone. Not far from Beaver Lake, folks stop by to grab one of these commercial sized ice cream cones. When you first see your cone, you may think you’ll never be able to eat all of it, but they are so yummy, you’ll have it all eaten before you know it. Besides the giant cones they also have burgers (cooked to perfection and juicy) and plate lunches. The Short Stop also sells Phillips 66 gas.

Fayetteville

Blackboard Grocery & Eatery $$
644 W Dickson St #101
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 443-1479

Located on Dickson Street in the heart of Fayetteville, this eatery is an upscale urban market offering one-stop shopping and featuring select groceries, produce, coffee, delicious soups, sandwiches served on Apple Blossom Sourdough bread, crisp salads, and that’s just for starters.

Rogers

Gaby’s Bakery $
1803 S 8th St
Rogers, AR 72756
(479) 621-0063

Although Gaby’s is primarily a bakery turning out delicious breads and pastries, if you get there early enough, you can get some of the best tamales you’ve ever put in your mouth. For all you tamale lovers out there, get up early and get you body over there to see what all the fuss is about.

Pupuseria Salvadorena $$
1400 W Walnut St
(479) 631-8911

If you enjoy authentic Salvadorian food, you will love the food at Pupuseria Salvadorena. The list of pupusas is long and varied. Don’t let the basic restaurant look put you off, the food really is delicious. In general, be prepared to wait a bit for your food, but your wait will be worth it.

Springdale

Rose Stop International Delicacy $
1003 S Pleasant
Springdale, AR 72764
(479) 750-0400

You’re in for a real treat when you visit this unique International grocery, bakery, and gas station. This is a great place to find Mediterranean, Persian and South American food items. Specialties include homemade felafel sandwiches, hamburgers, pie, freshly made Gyros, Baklava, and frozen Middle Eastern meals.

Honorable Mention:

Yazzetti’s Italian Restaurant $
519 W Dickson St
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 442-4226

Located inside George’s Majestic Lounge, Yazzetti’s serves homemade pasta, salads and awesome hand tossed pizza with their own special marinara. Stop in for a delicious lunch if you’re down on Dickson Street, and be sure to save room for one of their daily rotated amazing homemade desserts.

Best of NWA, Top 10