Southeast of Little Rock and not far from the Mississippi River, you’ll find Dumas, Arkansas. In the past decade, its population has hovered around just 5,000, sometimes dipping closer to 4,000. Rural towns of this size are seldom known to have many options in the way of food, and restaurants are typically scant. But not so for Dumas! Perhaps because food crops such as rice, soybeans, and wheat have so long sustained the people of Dumas, foods of many different varieties are available here. The town features cuisines from Chinese to barbecue and much in between.

The Dumas Chamber of Commerce at 165 S. Main Street is one of few buildings in quiet downtown Dumas. This little strip exudes small-town charm! Stop in to find out more, and learn about the restaurants in the vicinity.
Dumas Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
While a variety of global cuisines are available in Dumas, southern hospitality requires that old-fashioned Southern cooking be offered as well. Barbecue, fried chicken, sweet tea, and cobblers are virtually ingrained in the community! Shep's takes things one step further, with Angus ribeye, seafood, and po'boys. Find Shep's FarmHouse at 732 Highway 65.
Sheps Farmhouse Restaurant, 732 Hwy 65 S, Dumas, AR 71639, USA
Shep's FarmHouse/Facebook

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Taylor's Steakhouse is all about the meat. Only the finest, most substantial are flamed up here, tender and juicy. Pick your own from large refrigerators displaying aged cuts, at 14201 AR-54.
Taylor's, 14201 AR-54, Dumas, AR 71639, USA
Taylor's Steakhouse/Facebook
Variety is the spice of life, and the food in Dumas doesn't disappoint in that respect. El Toro does its part, featuring fresh, spicy, south-of-the-border flavor. And that's no bull! Taste their incredible Tex-Mex at 718 US-65.
El Toro, 718 US-65, Dumas, AR 71639, USA
El Toro Mexican Restaurant/Facebook
Another must-visit taqueria in town is Taco Shop Taqueria Jalisco. This cozy Mexican restaurant in Dumas serves up some seriously delicious Tostadas de Ceviche!
Taco Shop Taqueria Jalisco, 119 US-65, Dumas, AR 71639, USA
Darrell Riley/Google Local

If you’re a foodie looking for an experience off the beaten path, don’t disregard Dumas, Arkansas! The town offers true southern flair in its food options, along with a medley of other restaurants to keep things interesting.

Looking for more great small towns in Arkansas to explore? Why not take a road trip to each of these 12 Arkansas towns over the next year?

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More to Explore

Best Restaurants in Arkansas

Sarah M. | March 29, 2023

What are the best restaurants in Arkansas?

While there's certainly a big concentration of great restaurants in Dumas, Arkansas, this little town isn't the only place boasting incredible places to eat in Arkansas! Here are some of our favorites:

  • Monte Ne Inn (Rogers). 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.
  • Jones Bar-B-Q (Marianna). 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.
  • Cliff House Restaurant (Jasper). 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.
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant (Hot Springs). Another Arkansas BBQ favorite, McClard’s Bar-B-Q been in the business for nearly a century and had plenty of time to perfect its famous fare, including its signature hot sauce.
  • Bean Palace Restaurant (Rogers). 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.
  • The Venesian Inn (Tontitown). 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. Yum!

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Dumas, AR, USA