8 Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants In Conway, Arkansas Worth Discovering In 2027
One lunch spot here serves fried cornbread inside an old cotton gin. Another posts a Spanish-only menu and saves boiled pig’s feet for the weekend.
That was enough to hook me. I’m all for any town where a diner opens at 5 a.m. and a barbecue joint gets by with just five tables.
I like the idea of eating somewhere that skips the fancy signs and lets the food do the talking. Arkansas has plenty of places like that, and this college town packs a surprising number of them into a few short miles.
Some keep lunch-only hours. Others came back after real hardship.
I can’t imagine skipping a cafeteria line stacked with pies just because the building looks plain. Which would tempt you first: smoky barbecue, a steaming bowl of pho, or something a little more adventurous?
1. Stoby’s Restaurant
Some restaurants close after a fire, but Stoby’s came back. That comeback story is a big part of why it holds such a special spot in town.
This long-running diner on Donaghey Avenue serves Southern-style American food. The crowd mixes college students, families, and visitors who’ve heard the hype.
Cheese dip is the headliner, and the original version is a vegetarian favorite. Order the large size if you’re sharing, because nobody wants to fight over the last chip.
The Stoby Sandwich is the house signature. For something with a little kick, the Cajun quesadilla brings bold flavor to the table.
Breakfast starts at 6 a.m., so early risers have options. Stoby’s Breakfast, eggs Benedict, and a breakfast burrito all make strong cases for a morning visit.
Leave room for possum pie. Despite the name, it’s a layered dessert, not anything from the woods.
Baked goods are a point of pride here. Dessert ranks among the highlights, and coffee makes a natural partner.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Sunday closed. Friday and Saturday mornings tend to be the busiest.
Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside. A drive-through, delivery, and a private dining room add even more ways to enjoy it.
Families get a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. It’s a fitting finale for a food tour, and possum pie makes a pretty memorable last bite.
Address: 805 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72034
2. Hog Pen BBQ
Five tables. That’s the whole dining room, so grabbing a seat can feel like winning a small prize.
Hog Pen BBQ sits on Walnut Street. The modest location hasn’t kept people from finding it, and lunch lines can stretch out the door.
Classic American barbecue shares the menu with Cajun specialties, burgers, and pie. That mix gives you room to wander if you can’t settle on one craving.
Pork ribs are a big reason folks make the trip, and they’re known for falling right off the bone. The chicken gets cooked twice, which adds an extra layer of smoke and flavor.
Sandwich fans can go for pulled pork, sausage, or beef. Want a full plate instead?
Pulled pork dinners and catfish dinners both hold down the menu.
Sides deserve real attention here. Collard greens and hushpuppies are both available, and the BBQ fries make a fun twist on a basic side.
Save room for pie, since dessert ranks among the highlights. The tea selection is another bright spot to round out a smoky meal.
Hours are tight, so check the calendar before you go. The doors open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the pit rests the rest of the week.
Bringing the family works well, with a kids’ menu and high chairs on hand. Dogs are welcome outside, and free Wi-Fi helps if you’re working through lunch.
Address: 800 Walnut St, Conway, AR 72032
3. Holly’s Country Cooking
Wednesday means chicken and dressing, and Tuesday means hamburger steak. At Holly’s, the calendar basically writes your lunch order for you.
This family-owned spot serves Southern food cafeteria style. You grab a tray, pick your favorites, and find a seat without waiting for table service.
Country fried steak is one of the big draws. Fried chicken and hash brown casserole are right there with it, so decisions get tough fast.
The daily plates come with two vegetables. That setup lets you build a meal that tastes like a family reunion without the folding chairs.
Pies are a huge part of the fun here. Peach cobbler also makes an appearance, and dessert ranks among the best reasons to stop in.
Lunch is the only shift, running Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekends are off, so don’t plan a Saturday comfort food run.
Expect a crowd during those midday hours. The room stays busy on weekdays, with a lively but laid-back mood that matches the food.
In a rush? A drive-through and delivery make it easier to grab a plate when you can’t sit down.
The tea selection gets high marks, which fits right in with a Southern lunch. Coffee is also available if you need a boost for the afternoon.
Reservations aren’t taken, so plan to show up and get in line. Free parking and high chairs for little ones make the trip simple for families.
Address: 116 S Harkrider St, Conway, AR 72032
4. Hole In The Wall Cafe Catering And Events
A former cotton gin now turns out cornbread instead of cotton bales, which feels like a solid career change. The building sits in downtown Conway, and the food inside leans hard into Southern comfort.
Service runs cafeteria style, so you point at what looks good and keep moving down the line. Expect a spread of meats, vegetables, and homemade desserts waiting for you.
The cornbread is the headliner here, and it comes fried rather than baked. Hot water cornbread shows up too, a skillet classic across the South.
Pair that bread with grilled chicken and a scoop of fried okra for a plate that feels like Sunday dinner. Then leave a little room, because the desserts are made in house and get plenty of love.
Timing matters more than usual with this one. Doors open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the cafe stays closed Saturday through Monday.
That short window makes it a true lunch mission, so plan your week around it. Service moves fast, which helps if you’re squeezing a meal into a work break.
Coffee is another quiet strength, so a refill after your plate is a smart move. There’s also a private dining room, and the team handles catering and events for bigger gatherings.
The name promises something small and humble, and the casual room keeps that promise. It’s the kind of Arkansas lunch stop where the cornbread gets the last word.
Kids are welcome, and high chairs are ready for the smallest diners. Parking is free in the lot and along the street, so save your energy for the dessert decision.
Address: 1016 Markham St, Conway, AR 72032
5. Portal del Gusto
Street tacos and Guatemalan specialties share the spotlight at Portal del Gusto, a modest restaurant on Harkrider Street. This Conway spot brings two Central American culinary traditions together without making dinner feel complicated.
The menu goes well beyond the usual tacos and burritos. You’ll find traditional Guatemalan dishes alongside Mexican favorites, giving curious diners plenty of reasons to explore.
Start with the Tacos Paisa, which combine grilled steak and chorizo with onions, avocado, and a fried jalapeño. Rice and beans come alongside to make it a complete meal.
The Pepián de Gallina offers something different. Chicken arrives covered in a Guatemalan red sauce, served with rice and tortillas.
Another standout is churrasco, a satisfying plate of roasted steak and sausage with beans, rice, and grilled green onions.
For something familiar, try the California burrito. It’s stuffed with your choice of meat, rice, beans, lettuce, and sour cream, then finished with cheese sauce.
The appetizer selection includes fried plantains, queso fundido, and Papas Chapina. Each offers another way to explore the kitchen’s mix of flavors.
Seafood fans aren’t forgotten either. Whole fried tilapia, shrimp ceviche, and creamy shrimp dishes round out the substantial menu.
There’s even tres leches cake for dessert, making it worth saving a little space after those hearty plates.
Portal del Gusto proves that an unassuming Conway restaurant can offer a surprisingly wide culinary adventure.
Address: 120 Harkrider St, Conway, AR 72032
6. Bob’s Grill & Cafeteria
Early birds, rejoice. Bob’s fires up the grill at 5 a.m., long before most of the town has found its car keys.
The diner sits on Oak Street with a bright, basic look and a historic feel. It’s the kind of place that keeps things simple and does them well.
Breakfast is the main event for many. Biscuits and country gravy lead the way, and omelets give egg fans plenty to work with.
Lunch brings a different lineup. Cheeseburgers get loads of praise, and buttermilk crispy chicken is a hearty pick when you want more than a sandwich.
Fries round out the burger plates nicely. Prices stay friendly too, which helps explain why college students show up here.
Need a meat-free meal? A full vegetarian menu means friends with different diets can share a booth.
Hours run from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Mondays close a little earlier at 1 p.m., so set an alarm if you sleep in.
Weekend mornings and Tuesday mornings are the busiest times. Thursday afternoon is usually the quietest stretch if you want a calmer meal.
Parking can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes. There’s a free lot and street parking, but spaces fill up.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. Reservations are accepted too, which is handy for a bigger breakfast crew.
Address: 1112 Oak St, Conway, AR 72032
7. Oriental Kitchen Restaurant
Chicken on a stick, five pieces at a time, might be the most fun way to eat lunch. Oriental Kitchen keeps that and plenty more on its no-nonsense menu.
This Chinese eatery on Morningside Drive skips the frills. Soups, lo mein, fried rice, meat dishes, and house specials do the heavy lifting.
Sesame chicken is a top favorite, and orange chicken isn’t far behind. Sweet and sour chicken and hot and spicy chicken give you even more ways to go.
Craving something greener? Chicken and broccoli is a steady pick, and there’s a full vegetarian menu for meat-free meals.
House fried rice pairs well with almost any entree. Egg rolls and dumplings also earn high marks, so starters are worth a look.
Portions are known for being huge. You’ll probably leave with a box of leftovers, which is great news for tomorrow’s lunch.
Service is counter style rather than table service. That keeps things quick and casual, especially for takeout or delivery.
One quick heads-up: there’s no restroom available. Plan ahead if you’re dining in with kids or a long drive ahead.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday is closed. Thursday evenings get the busiest, while mornings stay calm.
College students make up much of the crowd, drawn by the big plates. Free parking makes pickup easy too.
Address: 1000 Morningside Dr, Conway, AR 72034
8. Pho Huyen – Vietnamese Noodle Soup
A big bowl of pho can fix a gray day better than most umbrellas. At Pho Huyen, that steaming bowl comes with a side of easygoing charm.
The restaurant sits in a suite on Dave Ward Drive. It’s casual and quiet, with a trendy touch that makes it a nice spot to linger.
Traditional pho is the reason to come. Fresh spring rolls make a light partner, so you can balance rich broth with something crisp and cool.
Not in a soup mood? Bánh mì thịt nướng, a sandwich with grilled pork, is a menu highlight worth trying.
Portions are big and packed with fresh ingredients. You might want to share a starter so you can finish your bowl.
Plant-based eaters will be happy here. There’s a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu, which is a nice find in central Arkansas.
Tea fans should check out the selection, since it’s one of the highlights. Coffee is also on hand if you want a pick-me-up.
The hours are friendly for lunch and dinner. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday and Friday evenings are the busiest. A drive-through helps when you need noodles fast, and reservations are accepted.
Free Wi-Fi, high chairs, and plenty of free parking make it easy for students and families.
Address: 1600 Dave Ward Dr H, Conway, AR 72034