8 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Arkansas Dining Bucket List

Bucket lists are pretty great, but nothing is better than a bucket list that combines flavor and hometown atmosphere. The 11 restaurants on this list aren’t big chains. In fact, most of them don’t come close to the word "big" except when it comes to flavor. None of these restaurants are in impressive buildings, but all of them are just the kind of unassuming little eateries that serve the best food. From barbecue to diner fare to ethnic cuisine, these are restaurants you can brag to your foodie friends about visiting.

1. Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales (Lake Village)

Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales is a long-standing Delta institution. Though the façade of the restaurant doesn’t look like much, the flavor inside is sure to impress. Rhoda's was inducted into the inaugural Arkansas Heritage Food Hall of Fame in 2017, making it a must-visit spot while you're in town. Whether you’re craving tamales, pie, chicken, or catfish, you'll find them all at Rhoda's at 714 Saint Mary Street in Lake Village.

2. Taqueria El Palenque (Little Rock)

Taqueria El Palenque is a small place, but you’re not going to find better Mexican food anywhere else in Arkansas. With less than ten tables, it makes for an cozy hometown feel, and you’re sure to get plenty of attention from your server. This amazing little restaurant is located at 9501 North Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock.

3. Jake’s Pizza (West Fork)

West Fork is a small town, and Jake’s Pizza is a small place. While size doesn’t matter when it comes to flavor, that homey atmosphere makes for a wonderful way to enjoy a mouthwatering pizza with friends or family. Jake’s Pizza is located at 74 West Main Street in West Fork.

4. Bubba’s Barbecue (Eureka Springs)

Bubba’s Barbecue’s motto is “It might not look famous, but it is!” They’re right about that because Bubba’s Barbecue is famous for its baby back ribs and pork shoulder. You’ll find that famous barbecue, located at 166 West Van Buren in Eureka Springs.

5. Holly’s Country Cooking (Conway)

Conway residents describe this gem as small, cozy, and friendly. At Holly's, you’ll find all your favorite diner fare, which you can eat in a place that makes you feel right at home. Holly's Country Cooking is located at 120 Harkrider Street in Conway.

6. August Moon (West Helena)

August Moon is a Chinese restaurant in West Helena where Eastern and Western cultures meet. It's probably the only place you'll find General Tso's chicken and chicken fried steak. You can enjoy both dishes at 108 Garland Avenue in West Helena.

7. Kopper Kettle Smokehouse (Van Buren)

Located between the small town of Alma and the medium-sized-for-Arkansas town of Van Buren, you pretty much can’t find better pie than at Kopper Kettle. This smokehouse specializes in delicious sandwiches and home-style sides, and they’ve got burgers to die for. You’ll find them at 6310 Alma Highway in Van Buren.

8. Skyline Cafe (Mena)

The diner fare at the Skyline Cafe just can’t be beaten. Set in the small Ouachita Mountain town of Mena, the Skyline Cafe has been serving people for a long time. You’ll find taste with a dash of long tradition at 618 Mena Street in Mena.

Still hungry for more? Check out these Arkansas restaurants that pack big flavor into small spaces. For a Natural State Foodie bucket list, try this, and be sure to add these stops to your next trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.