9 Must-Try Restaurants In Fort Smith, Arkansas That Locals Love For Cheap And Delicious Meals

One French dip sandwich in this town has been a longtime menu favorite at one of Fort Smith’s oldest restaurants. The place that serves it still keeps the grill going until midnight.

I love that kind of staying power. Another diner here never closes at all, so biscuits and gravy at 3 AM are a real option.

A third spot bakes cinnamon rolls in a kitchen that came back after a fire in 2012.

I think this corner of Arkansas gets overlooked when people talk about great food. The meals worth remembering seem to come from family kitchens, burger stands, taco counters, and pho shops that keep prices friendly.

I can see why people around here treat these places like a local treasure map. So which would you chase first: the burger, the barbecue, or the big bowl of pho?

1. Ed Walker’s Drive-In & Restaurant

Plenty of sandwiches come and go, but the French dip has been a longtime favorite at this historic restaurant. That history makes this Towson Avenue drive-in one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Fort Smith.

The Giant Cheeseburger earned its own spotlight on Food Network’s The Best Restaurants in America. In 2020, the place also landed in the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.

Inside, you’ll find ’50s-inspired decor that feels like a time capsule with a grill. There’s even a coin-operated mechanical razorback, which might be the most Arkansas ride you’ll ever take.

Prefer to stay in your car? Curbside service keeps the old drive-in spirit going strong.

The menu stretches far past burgers. You’ll spot a patty melt, a hot beef sandwich, a club house sandwich, and a chef salad.

Fried pickles, fried mushrooms, and gravy fries make easy sides to share. Daily Blue Plate Specials rotate, and the dressings are made in house.

Save room, because the dessert lineup leans heavily on pies. Chicken fried steak with gravy and curly fries is another strong move here.

Hours run from 10 AM to midnight, seven days a week. That makes it a solid pick when a late-night French dip craving hits.

Weeknight evenings tend to be calmer than weekend afternoons. Plan around that if you’d rather skip the rush.

Address: 1500 Towson Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901

2. George’s Restaurant

Burgers on Grand Avenue have been a family affair since February 1982. Two brothers opened the doors, and their family has run Fort Smith restaurants for over sixty years.

That kind of history shows up on the plate. George’s holds a spot in Entertainment Fort Smith’s Hall of Fame for Best Burger.

Go big with the Big George Cheeseburger, or keep it simple with a classic hamburger. The fresh-cut fries are homemade, which matters more than people admit.

Want those fries loaded? Gravy fries and chili cheese fries are both on the menu.

Not in a burger mood? You can pick from a Philly sandwich, a club sandwich, a salmon burger, salads, and Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

Chicken fried chicken is here too, for anyone who believes chicken deserves extra crunch. The menu is huge, and portions run generous.

Homemade pies close things out, with flavors like peanut butter and cherry. Don’t skip the homemade ranch dressing either.

The vibe is unassuming and family-run, with friendly, attentive service. Counter service and table service are both available, so a quick lunch works fine.

Doors open at 10 AM Monday through Saturday, and the place closes on Sundays. Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up with an appetite.

Address: 2120 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901

3. Benson’s Grill

Biscuits and gravy at 3 AM? At this Rogers Avenue diner, the grill never clocks out, because it’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Breakfast is served around the clock, and that’s where the kitchen really shines. Arkansas Times named it the Best 24-Hour-A-Day-Breakfast, and e-Fort Smith gave it Best Greasy Spoon.

Start with scratch biscuits and gravy. Then consider the G.O.T.cha!!, an open-face biscuit piled with hashbrowns, eggs, your choice of meat, and gravy.

That’s less a breakfast and more a construction project. Portions tend to cover the whole plate, so pace yourself.

Burger fans get handmade half-pound patties, including the Big Mama. The Thousand Island dressing is homemade, too.

The menu also offers a Philly cheese steak omelette, a patty melt, chicken fried steak, and onion rings. Chili cheese fries round out the late-night lineup nicely.

Inside, you’ll find red vinyl booths, exposed brick, and a counter facing the open kitchen. Grab a stool and watch your meal come together.

The diner’s roots go back to the 1990s, and it has old-timey charm to spare. It’s a laid-back spot for solo meals or a group after a long night.

Weekend mornings are the busiest stretch. Sunday and Monday evenings tend to be calmer if you’d rather skip the crowd.

Address: 2515 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901

4. Tassanee’s Thai Cuisine

A plate of Pad Thai can go a long way when the portions are generous and the price stays reasonable. That’s part of the appeal at Tassanee’s Thai Cuisine on Dodson Avenue.

This locally owned restaurant specializes in freshly prepared Thai dishes. The menu also includes several Chinese-inspired favorites, giving diners plenty of choices.

Pad Thai is a popular starting point, with stir-fried noodles that make a satisfying lunch. Pad See Ew and drunken noodles are other favorites worth exploring.

Curry fans have several options, including green curry, Massaman curry, and Panang curry. Each brings its own combination of spices and flavors.

Pineapple fried rice adds something different to the table. Chicken fried rice and Thai basil fried rice offer more familiar choices for anyone who prefers rice over noodles.

Start with fresh spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or crab rangoon. These appetizers work especially well when sharing with friends or family.

Vegetarian and vegan diners have plenty of flexibility. Many dishes can be prepared without fish sauce, oyster sauce, or eggs, with tofu or vegetables replacing meat.

Gluten-free options are available, too. The kitchen’s willingness to adjust ingredients makes dining with different dietary needs easier.

Portions are generous, and the casual dining room keeps things relaxed. Takeout is available for anyone who prefers eating at home.

Parking spaces are limited, so you might need to park across the street. Calling ahead during a busy lunch break is also a smart move.

Address: 1611 Dodson Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901

5. Las Americas Restaurant

Pupusas stuffed with cheese and pork are reason enough to visit this South Zero Street restaurant. Las Americas brings the flavors of El Salvador, Mexico, and Nicaragua together under one roof.

The family-run restaurant has earned a loyal following for generous portions and reasonable prices. The menu goes well beyond familiar tacos and burritos, with plenty of dishes worth discovering.

Start with the Salvadoran pupusas. These thick corn tortillas come filled with options like cheese, beans, and pork, making them an affordable way to try something different.

Salvadoran tamales arrive wrapped in banana leaves, while Mexican tamales use traditional corn husks. Both offer a delicious introduction to the kitchen’s specialties.

The fried plantains are another favorite. Served with Salvadoran crema and refried beans, they make a satisfying appetizer.

For something more substantial, try the carne guisada, a beef stew served with rice, beans, avocado, and tortillas.

The menu also features chicken flautas, enchiladas, and several breakfast dishes. Huevos rancheros and the Salvadoran breakfast combinations offer plenty of variety.

Prices help make this place particularly appealing. Individual pupusas cost just a few dollars, while many full meals remain comfortably affordable.

The atmosphere is casual, with friendly service and a dining room suited to families. Takeout is available when eating at home sounds better.

Doors open at 10 AM daily, with later closing hours on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s an easy place to visit for lunch or dinner.

Address: 1806 S Zero St, Fort Smith, AR 72901

6. Calico County

Fresh-baked cinnamon rolls have been a reason to wake up early in Fort Smith since 1984. Doors open at 6:30 AM most days, and the timing makes perfect sense.

This long-running spot has served home cooking for four decades. It even bounced back after a major fire in 2012, which says plenty about its staying power.

The menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with recipes cooked from scratch. Daily specials keep things interesting.

Biscuits and gravy make a strong morning start. Later in the day, Granny’s Fresh Crispy Catfish and chicken fried chicken take center stage.

Prefer it grilled? Grilled catfish is an option, along with chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, and chicken fried steak.

Home-style vegetables, cornbread, and biscuits come along for the ride. Giant onion rings, fried okra, and fried green tomatoes make great add-ons.

The dining room has a down-home, Southern-themed feel that suits families. Big groups can even book a private dining room.

Military members and seniors get discounts, which is a nice touch. Free on-site parking makes the visit simple.

Weekend mornings and Monday mornings get busy fast. Tuesday evenings are usually the calmest.

No matter what lands on your plate, grab a cinnamon roll for later. Future you will be grateful.

Address: 2401 S 56th St, Fort Smith, AR 72903

7. Phở Việtnam

Free tea and a banana dessert at the end of the meal? That kind of bonus makes this little Rogers Avenue shop easy to love.

Phở Việtnam is a family-run spot serving Vietnamese classics in a casual setting. The pho is filling, flavorful, and fairly priced.

Bowls range from beef tenderloin pho to duck pho. Duck and bamboo vermicelli soup is another comforting choice on a chilly day.

Prefer something handheld? The pork banh mi is a strong pick, and shrimp egg rolls with mint add a fresh crunch.

Rice plates are just as tempting. Look for lemongrass chicken, grilled pork chop rice, and grilled chicken with curry rice.

Bún chả and sizzling beef in betel leaves bring even more variety. Seafood fried rice with pineapple adds a sweet twist.

Vegan and vegetarian diners get full menus here, which is rare. Bubble tea and a strong tea selection round things out.

The banana dessert is bananas in simple syrup, a sweet little finish. It’s a lovely way to wrap up a big bowl of soup.

Check the hours before you go, since they shift during the week. Tuesday and Sunday close at 5 PM, while other days run until 8 PM.

Reservations aren’t taken, and there’s no delivery. Takeout works great if you want pho on your couch.

Address: 2214 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901

8. Taqueria La Guadalupana

Tacos at 9 AM on a Sunday? This Greenwood Avenue taqueria makes that plan very doable.

The specialty here is traditional street tacos and homemade huaraches. Carne asada street tacos are a top pick, and cabeza is there for the bold.

Beyond tacos, you’ll find burritos, sopes, and gorditas. The guajillo red sauce gets high marks, so don’t skip it.

Pickled vegetables add a tangy kick on the side. They cut through rich meats in the best way.

Prices are reasonable enough to order a few extra tacos without guilt. Service is fast and friendly, so lunch breaks work fine.

Doors open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM. It’s closed Mondays, so don’t set your heart on a Monday taco.

Groups and families fit right in here. Reservations are accepted, which helps if you’re bringing a crowd.

Wednesday and Thursday tend to stay quieter. Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings get much busier.

Dogs can hang out with you outside. There’s no delivery, so plan on dining in or grabbing takeout.

Fort Smith has plenty of Mexican food, but a true taqueria hits differently. This one makes a smart detour on any Arkansas road trip.

Address: 800 N Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901

9. Jerry Neel’s Bar-B-Q, Catfish, & Catering

The aroma of smoked barbecue hits before the menu does at this family-owned Phoenix Avenue spot. Jerry Neel’s makes its smoked meats from scratch, and you can taste the effort.

Brisket brings a deep, smoky flavor that’s hard to forget. Ribs, sliced beef, and marinated chicken also shine.

The chopped pork sandwich is a classic way to start. For a full plate, the chopped pork dinner and sliced beef dinner bring the sides.

Catfish shares top billing with the barbecue here. It’s right there in the name, after all.

Twice-baked potatoes are a signature side worth trying. Baked beans and french fries are also on the menu.

The atmosphere stays casual, quiet, and clean. Service is friendly and caring, and the food is affordable.

Short on time? Use the drive-through or curbside pickup, or have it delivered.

Hours run Monday through Saturday, starting at 10:30 AM. It’s closed on Sundays, so plan your barbecue cravings around that.

Catering is available for parties and events. Reservations are accepted too, which helps with bigger groups.

Thursday through Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Monday mornings are the quietest time to stop in for a smoky lunch.

Address: 1823 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901