Arkansas

Cousin Johnny and I have decided to spend our annual vacation together this year in the great state of Arkansas.  Our plan is to fly into Memphis and then spend the next week driving all over the The Natural State.  We expect to eat bbq, catfish, lots of great Southern food and if we aren't careful, maybe a slice or two of pie.  We have the whole week, so anywhere in the state is fair game and we aren't afraid to drive a couple hours out of our way for a place that sounds especially good or interesting.
 
All the places currently listed on the Roadfood restaurant listings will be in play.  And I also plan on hitting Hunka Pie and Franke's Cafeteria in Little Rock and Charlotte's Eats & Sweets in Keo.  Any other places we must hit?

Hunka Pie is a must. Glad to see you're including it. Try the Butterfinger pie, it's to die for. I also hear their burgers are good but am usually just there for pie. They are opened on Tues-Sat only now so plan accordingly.
 
Here are some suggestions for Little Rock if you have time.
 
Other burger spots I like are Arkansas Burger Company, which also has excellent fried pies, and Buffalo Grill.   
 
The Faded Rose and Maddie's Place are great cajun/creole restaurants. Both have excellent po-boys. I love the roast beef po-boy at The Faded Rose and my lunch companion always raves about the homemade hot sausage po-boy at Maddie's. Although I'm partial to the buttermilk fried chicken with Crystal hot sauce glaze.
 
A good take, but maybe more upscale rendition, of the meat and three plate lunch can be found at Loca Luna. They have excellent roasted bell pepper soup and lobster bisque as well as some good hand made pizzas and calzones. 
 
For BBQ, I would suggest Whole Hog Cafe or Sim's.    
 
For dessert try Trio's. They can be fairly pricey at dinner but they have some good lunch specials. Finally if you're into cupcakes try Brown Sugar Bakeshop. They have some amazing combinations like Chicken and Waffle, Maple Bacon, and French Toast and Country Ham cupcakes along with the more traditional flavors.
 
Hope those help.  Have a great trip. 

Buffetbuster
 
It's been 6 years, but  Crooked Hook Catfish in Jacksonville  AR (suburban Little Rock)
is a must- I've checked recent reviews on reliable yelp and urbanspoon and apparently it's still good.
Besides their catrish, their strong points are their hushpuppies and tomato relish
 
Trust me on this- please- if you and cousin Johnny are dissapointed I would gladly comp you both for your meals.
 
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/200/1034371/restaurant/Little-Rock/Crooked-Hook-Catfish-Restaurant-Jacksonville

FoodBully-
Thanks so much!  I couldn't have asked for a better, more helpful response!
 
When I was in Little Rock in December, it was only a few days after HunkaPie had moved to their new location and they were closed on a Saturday afternoon.  Hopefully, they will make it up to me this time.
 
You gave so many good suggestions, but Maddie's Place really caught my eye as did Sim's.  What do you think about Chip's BBQ?  I have read good things about the pie but nothing about the 'que.
 
WJ-
Thanks for reminding me about that place.  It is now on the list!

As I've recommended elsewhere, consider a side trip to Greg and Jim's Grocery in Colt to sample their barbecue beans.  http://www.hollyeats.com/GregJimsBarBQ.htm

Fred's Catfish in Mountain Home

Holly-
5 grease stains?  That's good enough for me!  Those beans look wonderful.  Thanks.
 
Beef & Fries-
Ate at Fred's in 2008 and enjoyed it.  Thanks for the recommendation!

If you want real family country food then get off I30 at Exit 222 in Texarkana, TX and go to Bryce's Cafeteria for the best home cooked food in America. It's just off I30 at Exit 222 and very convenient. Part of Texarkana is in TX and part is in AR. 
 
Bryce's Cafeteria @ 2021 Mall Dr., Texarkana, TX 903 - 792 - 1611  
http://www.brycescafeteria.com/
 
On up the road at Arkadelphia, AR you will find good hamburger's at Hamburger Barn or good country food for breakfast or lunch at The Honeycomb Restaurant at Exit 73.
 
Hamburger Barn @ 2813 Pine Street, Arkadelphia, AR 870 - 246 - 5556  
The Honeycomb Restaurant @ 710 Main Street, Arkadelphia, AR 870 - 245 - 2333  
http://www.honeycombrestaurant.com/
 
At Exit 116 at Benton, AR you will find outstanding road food at Ed & Kay's Restaurant on the N side of I30 for lunch and dinner.
 
Ed and Kay's Restaurant @ 15228 Interstate 30 N., Benton, AR 501 - 315 - 3663  
Get off I 40 at Exit 175 at Lonoke, AR and go S on Highway 31 to E 8th Street and go to Pruett's for good BBQ.
 
Pruett's Bar B Que @ 108 E. 8th St., Lonoke, AR. 501 - 676 - 2622  
Get off I 40 at Exit 183 at Carlisle, AR on Highway 13 and go S to Nick's BBQ in Carlisle, AR.
 
Nick's Bar B Que @ Hwy. 13 N., Carlisle, AR. 870 - 552 - 3887  
http://www.nicksbq.com/
 
Craig's BBQ in Devall's Bluff, AR is outstanding.
 
Craig's BBQ @ Rt. 70, Devalls Bluff, AR. 501 - 998 - 2616  
Get off I 40 at Exit 241A/B and go N to Colt, AR on Highway 1. Take a left on Highway 306 and go to Greg and Jim's for good BBQ. Greg & Jim's Grocery & BBQ @ Hwy 306, Colt, AR. 870 - 633 - 0541. 
Get off I40 at Exit 241A/B and go S on North Washington Street in Forrest City, AR to The Ole Sawmill Cafe. It's open for breakfast, lunch or dinner and serves outstanding country food. Get off on the S side of I40 on N Washington and go about 2 blocks to Ole Sawmill Cafe on your right.
 
The Ole Sawmill Cafe @ 2299 N. Washington St., Forrest City, AR 870 - 630 - 2299  
http://olesawmillcafe.com/
 
For outstanding BBQ stop at Roadside BBQ @ Exit 271 off I 40 In W Memphis, AR.
 
Roadside BBQ @ 196 Arkansas 147, West Memphis, AR 870 - 733 - 9208

buffetbuster


Cousin Johnny and I have decided to spend our annual vacation together this year in the great state of Arkansas.

 
If you get to Gassville I'd be interested in your opinion of the food at KT's Barbecue on US-62 (east end of town).  I've heard good things about it but have never had the chance to try it, as I'm in the area for Thanksgiving and it's closed that weekend.
 
Brad

buffetbuster


FoodBully-
Thanks so much!  I couldn't have asked for a better, more helpful response!

When I was in Little Rock in December, it was only a few days after HunkaPie had moved to their new location and they were closed on a Saturday afternoon.  Hopefully, they will make it up to me this time.

You gave so many good suggestions, but Maddie's Place really caught my eye as did Sim's.  What do you think about Chip's BBQ?  I have read good things about the pie but nothing about the 'que.

WJ-
Thanks for reminding me about that place.  It is now on the list!

It's been a while since I've gone to Chip's. Their pie is excellent, especially the chocolate-coconut combined.  I remember their BBQ is good but overly drenched in sauce for my taste.  Also I believe it's chopped BBQ whereas I prefer pulled pork. I usually go to Corky's myself but thought you might not consider that local enough since its origins are in Memphis.  Our local Corky's is owned by a former Razorback basketball player.  They have great hand battered onion rings and chicken fried steak in addition to their BBQ, which I find more consistent than Whole Hog. Whole Hog has a great smoky flavor but can be dryed out sometimes.  Sim's is always good when I've gone.  They have a thin very vinegary sauce, and the must try item there is usually the rib sandwich.

If you're going to be in the Russellville area, check out CJ's Butcher Boy Burgers. They grind their beef fresh, often right after you order, and the fries are cut from fresh potatoes.  This is the place Five Guys aspires to be.

ScreamingChicken

buffetbuster


Cousin Johnny and I have decided to spend our annual vacation together this year in the great state of Arkansas.

If you get to Gassville I'd be interested in your opinion of the food at KT's Barbecue on US-62 (east end of town).  I've heard good things about it but have never had the chance to try it, as I'm in the area for Thanksgiving and it's closed that weekend.

Brad

Let me get this straight.....  You want us to visit Gassville?  Okay, what's the punchline?

(giggling at the possibilities)

McClard's, AQ Chicken House, Doe's Eat Place, Burge's-all known
Venetian Inn    Tonitown, AR  (slightly north of Fayetteville) not well know. Excellent tradition. Great food.

Play27-
I saw Venetian Inn mentioned elsewhere and it is sounds like quite a place.  It may be a nice break from the other food we will be eating.  Thanks!
 
FoodBully-
I am assuming you like CJ's Butcher Boys Burgers better than Feltner's Whatta-Burger in Russellville?  And I appreciate the reply about Chip's BBQ.  We will definitely be stopping in, at least for pie.  I have been to the Memphis Corky's several times and enjoyed it, but like you said, we will be looking more for local places.
 
Littleman-
I thought we may be hearing from you!  Thanks for the effort and it is nice to see some recommendations for Arkadelphia, because we may be headed that way.  The Old Saw Mill Cafe also caught my eye and is a real possibility.

Ditto on the Old Saw Mill Cafe - fried chicken is terrific.  It is always the stop on trips to and from Little Rock.

No one mentioned West Memphis AR so I will -- try Willie Mae's Rib Haus, great bbq.  Everyone knows Memphis TN BBQ, but I don't know how many try on the western side of the river --
 
http://www.yelp.com/biz/w...-rib-haus-west-memphis

Haven't been to Feltner's in ages as I'm not often in that area, but totally fell in love with CJ's when I went.  Maybe a side-by-side comparison is in order. 

buffetbuster

ScreamingChicken

If you get to Gassville I'd be interested in your opinion of the food at KT's Barbecue on US-62 (east end of town).  I've heard good things about it but have never had the chance to try it, as I'm in the area for Thanksgiving and it's closed that weekend.

Let me get this straight.....  You want us to visit Gassville?  Okay, what's the punchline?

 
I believe the town slogan is, "Pull my finger."
 
Brad

Kat Robinson's visit, as reported on the Arkansas Times website today, reminded me of another restaurant to suggest for your trip: Your Mama's Good Food. I think it is a better alternative to Franke's Cafeteria.  They have excellent rolls and I love the homemade banana pudding. Click on Kat's name above to visit her great website for other suggestions around the state. 

susanll-
Thanks for the confirmation of Old Saw Mill Cafe, although when we stop in, it will most likely be for brekafast.  Of course, if they are willing to make us fried chicken for brekafast, we won't complain!
 
Laughing Goddess-
Willie Mae's Rib Haus has been on me list of places to try in the Memphis area for some time now, but we have yet to get there.  Thanks for the reminder.
 
FoodBully-
I became a fan of Arkansas Times on Facebook a few months ago and what a wealth of information.  And Your Mama's Good Food sounds exactly like the types of place that cousin Johnny and I like. 
 
I haven't been to Franke's Cafeteria in over a decade, but I will most likely stop in, if nothing nothing else for curiousity sake.  Oh, and the pies, too!

A slideshow of the 15 best pies in Arkansas as reported by Kat Robinson on Serious Eats website to help you on your trip.

FoodBully-
I was just about to post the same thing!  Great looking pies, huh?  The big surprise is that Family Pie Shop isn't represented.

buffetbuster


FoodBully-
I was just about to post the same thing!  Great looking pies, huh?  The big surprise is that Family Pie Shop isn't represented.

That is strange. I guess I thought that first pie was from Family Pie Shop instead of Lena's. When I first looked at it, I saw DeValls Bluff and just assumed.

This past December, I ate at both Family Pie Shop and Mrs. Lena's back to back.  Mrs. Lena's was fine, but wasn't nearly as good as FMP.

I suppose it's a matter of personal taste.  There's a reason I didn't write about Family Pie Shop... it comes down to not writing about places I don't like.  It's very rare that I say something bad about a place, because I know that doing so could damage these mom-and-pops.  The whole supporting local business argument.
 
Still... some of these pies are not just amazing... about half of them are otherwise undiscovered.  Seriously!
 
(and thanks for the props, guys)

Was going to mention... Chip's Barbecue.  I actually live in this area of town and know the Chipman kids.  Love the meat.  Tolerate the sauce -- I usually get mine without.  The pies, though... holy fish, they are good.  Cheesecake same thing.  The shakes are thick.  Go for lunch, get the nachos with the house cheesedip... it's one of the city's unheralded wonders.

TieDyeKat-
Welcome to Roadfood!  Thanks for the great pie list and all the other wonderful info you provide.  Arkansas is such an underrated state for food.
 
Chip's Barbecue has become a must visit.  And "holy fish, they are good" made me laugh!

wanderingjew


Buffetbuster
 
It's been 6 years, but  Crooked Hook Catfish in Jacksonville  AR (suburban Little Rock)
is a must- I've checked recent reviews on reliable yelp and urbanspoon and apparently it's still good.
Besides their catrish, their strong points are their hushpuppies and tomato relish

Trust me on this- please- if you and cousin Johnny are dissapointed I would gladly comp you both for your meals.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/200/1034371/restaurant/Little-Rock/Crooked-Hook-Catfish-Restaurant-Jacksonville

I read in today's paper that the Crooked Hook is apparently closed for remodeling. The paper didn't say how long it would be closed, so you may want to make sure they are open during your trip. Don't want you getting "Travelin' Manned".

For burgers in Little Rock,it's a tough call. Arkansas Burger Company,Burger Mama's,Buffalo Grill,Purple Cow,The Hop,Starlite Diner,Cotham's,and The Black Angus are all great. The Dairyland in Prothro Junction is the best in the state IMO though! Mel's in Malvern on US 67 south of town is a close second though.
 
I like Big Red in Russellville along with CJ's and Feltner's.
 
As for Arkadelphia/Caddo Valley I sure miss the Pig Pit. It was just about my favorite anywhere especially the sauce. Fat Boy's is very good,but they cleaned up the place too much IMO.
Mr. Sam Hays who ran the Pit for many years and then went to work for Tony @ Fat Boys just passed away a week or so ago. :( I prefer Allen's BBQ at the Highway 8/26/51 jct just west of the Arkadelphia exit. It's not my restaurant BTW,but it is very good IMO!
 
The Honeycomb is a wonderful place. The workers all have a disability of some sort. It's an offshoot of Group Living which also operates a thrift shop just across the street that's worth checking out also.  You can Google the name to find out more about them.

If you make it down to Texarkana, travel down to Nash,Texas to Guy's Texas Burger. It's a great dive burger joint!! The Texas Burger combo is a huge burger,fries,and a drink for a whopping 4 bucks I believe. I love it!
 
I could ramble on and on,but I have been to most of the places mentioned here,and I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendations. You have to go to Craigs BBQ,and I wish Shadden's in Marvell was still open.