Where and what are the iconic restaurants in Northwest Arkansas? These NWA restaurants have been in business for a long period of time and are beloved by their fans. Their very names are synonymous with Northwest Arkansas.
Iconic restaurants are unusual in that they have staying power, often being in business for generations and decades. They stand out from the crowd, and they have become a part of the history and fabric of Northwest Arkansas. Instead of the traditional Top 10 list, our list of top iconic restaurants of Northwest Arkansas couldn’t be limited to 10, so we are showcasing 12 of them. Enjoy!
Best Places To Eat In Northwest Arkansas
EUREKA SPRINGS
Local Flavor $$
71 S Main St, (479) 253-9522
During most conversations, whenever Eureka Springs is mentioned, Local Flavor restaurant will be suggested as a great place to eat fresh, creative cuisine. Chef and Eurekan native, Britt Evans, is at the helm, and the service is both fast and efficient. There’s a delightful outdoor patio overlooking historical Eureka Springs.
FAYETTEVILLE
Catfish Hole $$
4127 W Wedington Dr, (479) 521-7008
Wildly popular family style restaurant serving delicious catfish and all the fixins (hushpuppies, cole slaw, pickles). Friendly service, casual atmosphere along with a heavy dose of support for the Arkansas Razorbacks makes this a delightful place to eat in Fayetteville Arakansas. Buses and large groups are welcome.
Doe’s Eat Place $$$
316 W Dickson St, (479) 443-3637
One of America’s classics specializing in beautiful, tender tantalizingly delicious steaks, homemade tamales and chili. These steaks are truly melt-in-your-mouth. Get the famous porterhouse. You will become a regular! Doe’s has a second location in Bentonville.
Herman’s Ribhouse $$
2901 N College Ave, (479) 442-9671
Herman’s Ribhouse has been in business since time began. Well no, actually it was only since 1964 when Herman Tuck first opened the doors. This famous barbecue restaurant serves finger lickin’ barbecue that you’re likely to dream about. The tender, fall-of-the-bone ribs will stack up against any in the world, and that’s for sure. Note: Image at top of page is of Herman’s.
Hugo’s $$
25 1/2 N Block Ave North Block Ave, (479) 521-7585
Hugo’s, located right off the square and down a flight of stairs is known far and wide as “the” burger joint in Northwest Arkansas. The award-winning burgers really are something to brag about, and don’t get me started on those homemade fries and grasshopper crepes.
ROGERS
Monte Ne Inn Chicken $$
13843 AR-94, (479) 636-5511
If you haven’t been to Monte Ne Inn Chicken, you must visit soon to taste the scrumptious bean soup, fresh panfried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, coleslaw and homemade bread. This is all you can eat deliciousness served family style. Monte Ne Inn has been in operation for 46 years, and it is still going strong.
SILOAM SPRINGS
Barnette’s Daryiette $
111 W Tulsa St, (479) 524-3211
This cute burger, hotdog, ice cream, malt shop is still going strong after being in business since 1957. Generations have grown up eating and making memories at Barnette’s. If you get a chance to stop in a Barnette’s, you’re sure to have a real treat from the moment you walk through the door.
SPRINGDALE
Neal’s Cafe $
806 N Thompson St, (479) 751-9996
In business since forever and famous for fantastic panfried chicken, huge homemade pies and happy efficient service, Neal’s is a mainstay for the people of Northwest Arkansas. You can buy the pies by the slice or order a whole pie ahead for a family gathering or holiday.
Patrick’s Burgers $
3976 Elm Springs Rd, (479) 751-9245
Patrick’s is the home of the old fashion burger, and man oh man do they ever taste delicious, and they are still affordable too. Started in 1971, one family through four generations continue to work Patrick’s. The people of NWA are fortunate to have this long-standing burger eatery. Stop by soon, it you’re not already a regular, to see what all the fuss is about.
Susan’s Restaurant $
1440 W Sunset Ave,(479) 751-1445
Old-time atmosphere, this long-standing independent makes you feel welcome from the get-go. Southern style cooking including classic breakfast dishes like mouthwatering biscuits and gravy, and lunch standards like chicken fried steak and beef liver and onions. They close at 2:00 PM, do get there early for lunch.
TONTITOWN
Mama Z’s Cafe
357 W Henri De Tonti Blvd, (479) 361-2750
Since 1988, Mama Z’s Cafe has been serving delicious fresh homestyle Italian food that brings customers back, time and time and again. Local favorite dishes include the Chicken Parmesan (with Spaghetti),, fried chicken (with spaghetti) and onion rings. Their food is fresh, service is friendly and prices are reasonable. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Venesian Inn $$
582 W Henri De Tonti Blvd,(479) 361-2562
A Tontitown tradition since 1947, Venesian Inn has been and still is a favorite authentic Italian food dining
destination for several generations. With more than 70 years of operation, and countless numbers of customers, Venesian Inn has earned its spot among the iconic restaurants of Northwest Arkansas. The chicken and spaghetti dish is, perhaps, the number one ordered entree.
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Note: Graphic at top of page created by Emily Shepherd, Bentonville IGNITE
