Not all New Year’s resolutions are difficult to keep. We’ve got a great one that you should have no problem committing to – and it’s dining out at the state’s best restaurants. And just to make sure things go off without a hitch, we scoured the area for bucket list restaurants in Arkansas that you’ll want to try for yourself. And best of all, you can visit one for each month of the year.

1. Monte Ne Inn (Rogers)
Trout-Tuff/TripAdvisor
Monte Ne Inn Chicken, 13843 AR-94, Rogers, AR 72758, USA
Monte Ne Inn Chicken Restaurant/Facebook
In addition to the "best fried chicken in the state of Arkansas," Monte Ne Inn serves up a slew of homemade sides. The best part is that everything is all-you-can-eat. Visit the website to find out more about this family-style restaurant in Arkansas.
2. Jones Bar-B-Q (Marianna)
Frode Hoff/Google
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner, 219 W Louisiana St, Marianna, AR 72360, USA
Senthil/TripAdvisor
Not just a restaurant, Jones Bar-B-Q is a national landmark, as it’s "one of the oldest black-owned restaurants in the U.S." Since opening in 1910, it’s garnered numerous accolades. Most recently, it landed a spot on the New York Times’ list of America’s Favorite Restaurants for 2021. You can check out the Facebook page for more information about this legendary restaurant in Arkansas.
3. Cliff House Restaurant (Jasper)
Emily E/TripAdvisor
Arkansas 7, AR-7, Jasper, AR, USA
Ted Zamperini/Google
Talk about dining with a view! Cliff House Restaurant overlooks the Arkansas Grand Canyon, which means splendid vistas are always on the menu. Speaking of the menu, it features fried catfish, steaks, burgers, salads, pastas, and homemade desserts. Read more about this scenic restaurant in Arkansas.
4. Oark General Store and Café (Oark)
Kyle Johnson/Google
Oark General Store, 117 Co Rd 5241, Oark, AR 72852, USA
Oark General Store/Facebook
Opened in 1890, Oark General Store is the "oldest continuously operated grocery store in the Natural State." That’s not its only claim to fame, though. Over the years, it’s grown into a one-of-a-kind dining destination. Be sure to visit the website to find out more about this beloved restaurant in Arkansas.
5. Ferguson’s Country Store (Saint Joe)
Ferguson's Country Store and Restaurant. Solid cherry and oak furniture/Facebook
Fergusons Country Store & Restaurant, solid Cherry & Oak Furniture, 121 AR-333, St Joe, AR 72675, USA
Ferguson's Country Store and Restaurant. Solid cherry and oak furniture/Facebook
Open seasonally March – December, Ferguson’s Country Store doles out a slew of home-style meals; however, it’s most known for its famous hot, homemade cinnamon rolls. For a full list of menu items, be sure to visit the Facebook page of this home-style restaurant in Arkansas.
6. McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant (Hot Springs)
Whatsis Incognito/Google
McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant, 505 Albert Pike Rd, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913, USA
McClard's Bar-B-Q/Facebook
In the business of bar-b-q since 1928, McClard’s Bar-B-Q has had plenty of time to perfect its famous fare, including its signature hot sauce. You'll want to read more about the history of this iconic BBQ restaurant in Arkansas.

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7. Bean Palace Restaurant (Rogers)
War Eagle Mill, Rogers Arkansas/Facebook
War Eagle Mill, 11045 War Eagle Rd, Rogers, AR 72756, USA
War Eagle Mill, Rogers Arkansas/Facebook
Offering one of the state’s most unique dining experiences, The Bean Palace is located in War Eagle Mill, a working gristmill from 1832. Sure to hit the spot, the menu features a wide range of choices, including vegetarian options, kids meals, lunch specials, and more. Wrap up your meal with a guided tour of the historic mill. Be sure to visit the website to read more about this historic mill and restaurant in Arkansas.
8. The Venesian Inn (Tontitown)
Venesian Inn/TripAdvisor
Venesian Inn, 582 W Henri De Tonti Blvd, Springdale, AR 72762, USA
Venesian Inn/Facebook
An Arkansas icon, The Venesian Inn has been bringing a touch of Italy to the Ozarks since 1947! In that time, it’s become known for its signature dish – spaghetti and fried chicken. Visit the website to find out more about this beloved restaurant in Arkansas.
9. The Ohio Club (Hot Springs)
Ohio Club/Google
Ohio Club/Google
Opened in 1905, The Ohio Club takes the title of Hot Springs’ oldest bar. That’s not its only distinguishing feature, though. It’s also known for its "world famous" burgers. Read more about the history of this world-famous restaurant in Arkansas.
10. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars & Weinkeller Restaurant (Wiederkehr Village)
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars & Weinkeller Restaurant/Google
Wiederkehr Wine Cellar & Weinkeller Restaurant, 3324 Swiss Family Dr, Wiederkehr Village, AR 72821, USA
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars & Weinkeller Restaurant/Google
An international delight, Weinkeller Restaurant serves up a slew of Swiss and European specialties in a cozy atmosphere. Be sure to visit the website to find out more about this European restaurant and winery in Arkansas.
11. Ozone Burger Barn (Ozone)
Rick Lewis/Google
Ozone Burger Barn, 14433 14499 AR-21, Ozone, AR 72854, USA
Stephanie Pryor/Google
Remotely located smack dab in the middle of the Ozark National Forest, Ozone Burger Barn doles out delicious burgers. It’s truly hard to say which is better – the setting or the food. You'll want to visit the Facebook page for a full list of menu items from this iconic burger restaurant in Arkansas.
12. Ed Walker’s Drive-In (Fort Smith)
bacon pope/Google
Ed Walker's Drive-In & Restaurant, 1500 Towson Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901, USA
Chris Li/Google
Head back in time with a visit to this historic drive-in, which opened in 1943 and boasts an undeniable 50s vibe. And while the nostalgic setting is charming, it’s the food that’s put it on the map. Today, the drive-in is known far and wide for its "world famous French dip sandwich." Read more about this drive-in restaurant in Arkansas.

So, what do you think? Are these eateries bucket list worthy? Have you dined at any of the restaurants mentioned above? Did we miss your favorite spot? If so, tell us!

These restaurants are just a portion of the must-visit places in the state. Here’s an article with a list of ultimate and definitive bucket list worthy things in Arkansas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

BUCKET LIST RESTAURANTS IN ARKANSAS & RELATED INFO

Melanie J | November 18, 2022

What are some more bucket list restaurants in Arkansas?

There are tons of bucket list restaurants in Arkansas, and all of them are worthy of a visit. Here are five of the most popular ones and where to find them.

Whether you love BBQ, a good burger, catfish, or just down home comfort food, chances are, you’ll find something that you will love at one of these bucket list restaurants in Arkansas. 

What are some of the oldest restaurants in Arkansas?

On record, the oldest restaurant in Arkansas is the White House Café and it has been around since 1907. But there are many other restaurants in Arkansas that have been open for over 75 years.

One thing about Arkansas is that you will always find a restaurant that has stood the test of time. 

What bucket list restaurants in Arkansas serve the best burgers?

By far, the Natural State has some of the best burgers in the South. And there are many restaurants in Arkansas that have some of the best burgers that you’ll ever eat. Here are three of the top restaurants in Arkansas that serve a great burger.

And here’s an article where you can read more about another restaurant that serves the best burger in Arkansas. 

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