We’ve talked about hole-in-the-wall restaurants and mom and pop restaurants before. Those places are all great places to get your eat on, but there are so many more small, homey little restaurants that deserve recognition. This list features eleven hidden gems, restaurants that you may not know about, but should definitely visit as soon as possible. From gas stations to refinished residences to libraries, these restaurants are totally worth the search it takes to find them.
1. Benson’s Grill (Fort Smith)
Benson’s Grill is a Fort Smith favorite, but if you haven’t spent much time in the Hanging City, you might not know about it. You’ll find the fort’s favorite greasy spoon at 2515 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith.
2. Herman’s Ribhouse (Fayetteville)
The building at Herman’s Ribhouse used to be a private residence. Now it’s a fantastic place to find delicious ribs and an inviting atmosphere. You’ll find it at 2901 North College Avenue in Fayetteville.
3. Brenda’s Dairy Bar (Mabelvale)
Brenda’s Dairy Bar might not look like much, but it’s a fantastic place to grab a good old fashioned burger and shake. You can do just that at 14016 High Road in Mabelvale.
4. Chang Thai & Asian Cuisine (Sherwood)
This family-run restaurant is a Sherwood favorite. One user on Yelp said it "looks like a basement," but there’s no need for a makeover when the food is this good. You’ll get some great Asian-themed grub at 9830 Highway 107 in Sherwood.
5. HB’s BBQ (Little Rock)
Located in a residential neighborhood, there are even some Little Rock natives who don’t know about HB’s delicious barbecue. Don’t let the neighborhood setting confuse you. You’ll find some truly delightful food at 6010 Lancaster Road in Little Rock.
6. Cycle Path Cafe (Bentonville)
Some people might not know about the Cycle Path Cafe, but most Bentonville book lovers do. That’s because it’s located in the Bentonville Public Library. This fantastic little eatery offers delicious freshly prepared sandwiches and fantastic muffins, which are located at 405 South Main Street in Bentonville.
7. Grand Central Station (Bella Vista)
Grand Central Station might look like a gas station, but actually it’s totally a gas station. And that’s okay, because I, for one, believe that some of Arkansas’s best food comes from gas stations. Grand Central Station’s homestyle fare can be found at 1806 Forest Hills Boulevard in Bella Vista.
8. Short Stop Grill (Garfield)
Short Stop Grill may have the word "short" right in the name, but one thing they’re definitely not short on is ice cream. Their ice cream cones come in gargantuan proportions, and so does the flavor in every dish they serve. You’ll find barbecue, pizza, and so much more at 18440 Marshall Street in Garfield.
9. KJ’s Family Restaurant (Judsonia)
If you’re anywhere near Searcy or Judsonia, you’ve absolutely got to stop by KJ’s Family Restaurant and try some scrumptious breakfast food, delicious chicken nachos, pie like your grandmama used to make. You’ll get great food and some nice old-fashioned small town atmosphere at 616 Highway 367 North in Judsonia.
10. Craig’s Bar-B-Que (De Valls Bluff)
If you’re looking for the best barbecue this side of the Mississippi, you don’t need to go to Kansas City. You need to go to De Valls Bluff. There’s seriously no better barbecue anywhere. Find Craig’s at 15 Walnut Drive-Route 70.
11. Laddie Daddy’s Hillbilly Kitchen (Greebrier)
I’ll admit to being a hillbilly with a decent vocabulary, and proudly so. I’m especially fond of this restaurant based solely on its cool name. Its tagline is even better, as it promises "Copious Amounts of Deliciousness." But the truth is, Laddie Daddy’s big burgers, fresh made pastries, and mouthwatering meatloaf are even better than their gift for branding. You won’t find better homestyle food anywhere than at 294 South Broadway Suite #2 in Greenbrier.
For other neighborhood restaurants you just can't miss, click here. If you're looking for totally fabulous cheese dip, this is the list you need.
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