10 Most Coveted Restaurant Tables In Arkansas (That Locals Keep To Themselves)
Arkansas has more than beautiful mountains and rivers, it’s home to some seriously amazing restaurants that locals would prefer to keep secret.
From hidden steakhouses to barbecue joints that have been around for generations, these dining spots offer tables so special that getting a reservation feels like winning the lottery.
Whether you’re craving perfectly cooked steak or down-home Southern cooking, these twelve restaurants serve up unforgettable meals in settings that make every bite taste even better.
1. 501 PRIME
Hot Springs’ crown jewel of fine dining doesn’t mess around when it comes to serving top-tier beef. This upscale steakhouse has earned its reputation by delivering perfectly aged cuts that practically melt on your tongue.
The atmosphere screams sophistication without making you feel stuffy or uncomfortable. Dark wood accents and soft lighting create an ambiance that’s ideal for celebrating special occasions or impressing someone important.
Reservations disappear faster than free concert tickets, especially on weekends. Locals know to book weeks ahead if they want to snag a prime table inside this popular Hot Springs destination.
2. Conifer
Bentonville’s culinary scene got a serious upgrade when this contemporary American restaurant opened its doors. Chef Matthew Cooper brings creativity to every plate, transforming local ingredients into edible masterpieces that look almost too beautiful to eat.
The menu changes with the seasons, meaning you’ll never have the same experience twice. One month you might be savoring duck prepared three different ways, and the next you’re diving into locally sourced trout with unexpected flavor combinations.
Snagging a table here requires planning and a bit of luck. The intimate dining room fills up quickly with food enthusiasts who appreciate innovative cuisine served in a relaxed yet refined setting.
3. The Hive at 21c
Dining surrounded by contemporary art isn’t something you’d expect in Northwest Arkansas, but this restaurant delivers exactly that experience. Located inside the 21c Museum Hotel, every meal comes with a side of visual stimulation from rotating art installations.
Chef Matthew McClure crafts dishes that honor Southern traditions while pushing boundaries in exciting directions. The fried chicken might arrive with unexpected accompaniments that somehow make perfect sense once you taste them together.
Art lovers and foodies fight over reservations here, especially during Bentonville’s busiest cultural events. The combination of museum-quality surroundings and museum-quality food makes every table feel like a front-row seat to something extraordinary.
4. River Grille Steakhouse
This Bentonville steakhouse offers something most restaurants can only dream about, a reputation built on consistent quality and classic fine dining rather than riverfront views. The dining room’s elegant atmosphere complements every course.
Their steaks arrive sizzling and seasoned to perfection, cooked exactly how you ordered them. The sides deserve their own standing ovation, particularly the loaded baked potatoes that could double as a meal themselves.
Locals guard their favorite corner tables like treasure maps. Call ahead if you want a prime spot during peak dinner hours, because walk-ins rarely score seats at this popular establishment.
5. Lassis Inn
Since 1905, this Little Rock institution has been famous for its fried catfish and buffalo fish ribs that inspire fierce loyalty among regulars. Walking through the doors feels like stepping back in time, with vintage decor and an atmosphere that hasn’t changed much in decades.
This James Beard Award–winning spot focuses on perfectly fried fish, hush puppies, and simple Southern sides, no burgers here. Honest, delicious food served in a no-frills environment speaks louder than any trendy decor ever could.
6. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner
James Beard Award winner and proud of it, this tiny Marianna spot proves that greatness doesn’t require fancy surroundings. The Jones family has been smoking pork over hickory wood since 1910, perfecting their craft across four generations.
Forget choosing from an extensive menu—they serve barbecue pork sandwiches and basically nothing else. That singular focus allows them to achieve barbecue perfection that draws pilgrims from across the country to this small Delta town.
Arrive early because they sell out regularly, closing up shop once the day’s meat is gone. Cash only, limited seating, and absolutely worth every mile you’ll drive to taste authentic Arkansas barbecue history.
7. Atlas the Restaurant
Fayetteville’s food scene took a quantum leap forward when this restaurant opened downtown. Chef-driven cuisine meets approachable atmosphere, creating a space where you can enjoy elevated dishes without feeling like you need to whisper.
The menu reads like a love letter to global flavors, with influences spanning continents yet somehow working together harmoniously. Seasonal ingredients get transformed into plates that photograph beautifully but taste even better than they look.
Reservations fill up fast, especially Thursday through Saturday, so plan ahead if you want to experience Fayetteville’s culinary excellence.
8. Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse
West Little Rock keeps this steakhouse gem relatively quiet, preferring to enjoy its excellence without tourist crowds. Traditional steakhouse vibes meet modern execution, resulting in an experience that satisfies both old-school meat lovers and contemporary diners.
Prime cuts get the respect they deserve here, aged properly and cooked by people who understand that steak preparation is both science and art.
Corner booths become highly contested territory among regulars who appreciate the privacy and ambiance they provide. The attentive service strikes that perfect balance between helpful and hovering, making every guest feel valued without being intrusive.
9. The Preacher’s Son
Eating inside a beautifully restored 1920s church creates an unforgettable dining experience that Bentonville locals treasure. Original stained glass windows cast colorful light across tables while soaring ceilings remind you of the building’s sacred past.
Farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s a commitment to showcasing Arkansas’s agricultural bounty. The menu changes frequently based on what’s fresh and available, ensuring repeat visitors always discover something new to love.
Brunch service on weekends attracts crowds that would make Sunday congregations jealous. The combination of stunning architecture and thoughtful cuisine makes this converted house of worship a temple of gastronomy worth celebrating.
10. Oak Steakhouse
Rogers’ newest rooftop steakhouse proves that luxury dining has found a home in Northwest Arkansas. Located atop Hotel Avail in the Pinnacle Hills district, it pairs fine beef and seafood with sweeping skyline views.
Their dry-aged steaks showcase proper preparation techniques that bring out deep, complex flavors carnivores crave. Beyond beef, the seafood selections impress equally, with fresh catches prepared with the same attention to detail as their famous steaks.
The extensive bourbon collection attracts whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate sampling rare bottles in comfortable surroundings. Whether celebrating an anniversary or closing a business deal, locals know this restaurant delivers memorable experiences that justify the splurge.