Taste The Best Beef At These 19 Must-Try Steakhouses In Arkansas
Arkansas might be known for its natural beauty and Southern charm, but its steak game is seriously underrated.
Tucked between rolling hills and bustling towns are steakhouses that serve beef so tender and flavorful, it’ll make you forget every bland bite you’ve had before.
Whether it’s a smoky ribeye or a perfectly seared filet, these spots know their way around a cut of meat. Bring your appetite because these kitchens are firing on all cylinders.
1. Taylor’s Steakhouse – Dumas
Hidden in tiny Dumas since 1948, Taylor’s remains a carnivore’s pilgrimage destination worth every mile of the drive. Locals swear they’ve perfected the art of aging beef.
Their hand-cut steaks arrive with a caramelized crust that gives way to buttery-tender centers.
The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus where it belongs—on the remarkable meat that’s been drawing devoted fans for generations.
2. Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse – Eureka Springs
Nestled among the Ozark mountains, this log cabin establishment channels frontier charm while serving up serious beef. The cabin’s history dates back to 1864, creating an atmosphere thick with character.
Meat lovers rave about their ribeyes, served sizzling on hot plates with that distinctive charbroiled flavor.
After dinner, wander the grounds and soak in views that complement the hearty meal you’ve just devoured.
3. The Porterhouse – Hot Springs
Sporting a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe, The Porterhouse elevates Hot Springs’ dining scene with seriously impressive cuts.
Their namesake porterhouse delivers the best of both worlds—tender filet on one side, flavorful strip on the other.
Bartenders mix classic cocktails that pair perfectly with the rich, beefy flavors. Don’t skip their tableside-prepared Caesar salad, a theatrical start to what will surely be a memorable meat-centric feast.
4. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room – Little Rock
Riverfront elegance defines this Little Rock institution where power lunches and romantic dinners happen alongside impressive wine pairings.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer Arkansas River views while you cut into perfectly aged prime beef. Their bone-in ribeye might just change your steak standards forever.
Live piano music often fills the space, creating a sophisticated soundtrack for serious steak enthusiasts who appreciate the finer points of premium beef.
5. 501 Prime – Hot Springs
Sleek and modern with a touch of Southern hospitality, 501 Prime brings contemporary steakhouse vibes to Hot Springs.
The dramatic open kitchen lets you watch chefs work their magic on USDA Prime cuts. Beyond exceptional steaks, their seafood tower makes for an impressive starter.
The bar program deserves special mention—barrel-aged Manhattans and old fashioneds complement the robust flavors of perfectly cooked beef.
6. Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse – Little Rock
Luxury incarnate, Arthur’s pampers guests with impeccable service and beef that rivals any steakhouse in America.
Their temperature-controlled aging room isn’t just for show—it’s where magic happens to their prime cuts. Tableside preparations add drama to the dining experience.
The wagyu beef program here is particularly noteworthy, featuring both American and Japanese options for those willing to splurge on the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
7. Sullivan’s Steakhouse – Little Rock
Jazz tunes flow through this sophisticated space where hand-cut steaks meet craft cocktails. The vibrant bar scene makes Sullivan’s as perfect for networking as it is for celebrating special occasions.
Their signature bone-in cuts deliver intense flavor, especially when topped with their famous garlic horseradish butter.
Happy hour here has achieved legendary status among locals who come for the discounted bites but stay for the full steakhouse experience.
8. Doe’s Eat Place – Little Rock
Presidential approval doesn’t come easily, but Doe’s earned Bill Clinton’s frequent visits during his governor days.
This unpretentious spot serves mammoth porterhouses family-style—we’re talking steaks measured in pounds, not ounces. The tamales that start your meal have cult status all their own.
Don’t let the humble surroundings fool you—this place has been perfecting their beef game since 1941, and the char-grilled perfection proves they’ve mastered every detail.
9. The Black Cat – El Dorado
Founded back in 1938, this El Dorado landmark has seen the town through boom and bust while maintaining its reputation for stellar steaks.
The vintage neon sign outside hints at the timeless experience waiting inside. Their signature Black Cat Special comes with a perfectly seared filet wrapped in bacon.
Old-school charm permeates everything from the leather booths to the veteran servers who know exactly how long to cook your beef for that ideal pink center.
10. MadHouse 101 Restaurant & Bar – El Dorado
Bringing contemporary flair to El Dorado’s steak scene, MadHouse 101 offers a lively atmosphere where serious beef meets creative cocktails.
The renovated historic building balances industrial elements with comfortable seating. Their premium cuts come with house-made compound butters that elevate already excellent meat.
Weekend nights feature live music, making this spot perfect for those who want their steak dinner with a side of entertainment and local energy.
11. LongHorn Steakhouse – Fort Smith
Consistency counts when craving a perfectly cooked steak, and LongHorn delivers reliability wrapped in Western-themed charm.
Their Fort Smith location maintains the chain’s high standards while adding local hospitality touches. The Outlaw Ribeye remains their signature achievement—a generously marbled, fire-grilled masterpiece.
Budget-conscious beef lovers appreciate their early dining specials that make quality steaks accessible without breaking the bank.
12. Texas Roadhouse – Fort Smith
Fresh-baked bread and hand-cut steaks define this lively Fort Smith favorite where families gather for special occasions.
The open kitchen concept lets diners watch as butchers prepare cuts throughout the day. Their Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs deserve the name, but steak remains the star.
The Fort Smith location consistently ranks among the chain’s top performers, thanks to attentive service and management that ensures every piece of beef leaves the kitchen at the perfect temperature.
13. Saltgrass Steak House – Rogers
Channeling Texas Hill Country vibes in Northwest Arkansas, Saltgrass serves Certified Angus Beef® seasoned with their signature seven-spice blend.
The rustic-yet-polished atmosphere strikes just the right balance between casual and special occasion. Their Pat’s Ribeye consistently earns rave reviews for its perfect marbling and flavor.
Don’t miss their homemade beer bread with honey butter—it’s the perfect starter while waiting for your main attraction to arrive sizzling from the kitchen.
14. Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Rogers
Sizzling platters of USDA Prime beef define the Ruth’s Chris experience, where steaks arrive at precisely 500 degrees.
The Rogers location maintains the brand’s luxury standards while incorporating subtle Arkansas touches. Their signature tableside butter pour creates a sensory experience as important as the taste itself.
Corporate expense accounts keep this place humming during weeknights, while anniversary celebrations dominate weekends—proof that premium beef transcends ordinary dining.
15. Texas de Brazil – Rogers
Endless meat becomes an art form at this Brazilian-inspired churrascaria where gauchos circle the dining room with skewers of fire-roasted perfection.
The Rogers location blends South American traditions with Arkansas hospitality. Beyond the parade of beef options, their salad bar deserves special mention—it’s more like a gourmet appetizer buffet.
The picanha (sirloin cap) typically steals the show with its distinctive flavor and perfect rendering of the fat cap.
16. Oak Steakhouse – Rogers
Farm-to-table philosophy meets premium beef at Oak, where locally-sourced ingredients complement carefully selected steaks.
The modern space features warm wood elements that create an atmosphere both elegant and approachable. Their dry-aged tomahawk ribeye serves as both dinner and spectacle.
The thoughtfully curated wine list focuses on bold reds that stand up to their intensely flavored beef.
Weekend brunches here offer a different take on steak—try the steak and eggs with house-made hollandaise.
17. Fred’s Hickory Inn – Bentonville
Serving Bentonville since 1970, this log cabin institution balances Italian specialties with outstanding hickory-grilled steaks.
The rustic interior features crackling fireplaces that create a cozy atmosphere even in summer. Their hickory-grilled filets develop a subtle smokiness that elevates the beef’s natural flavor.
Sam Walton himself was a regular here—a testament to Fred’s enduring quality. The homemade Italian dressing has such a following that they now bottle and sell it by popular demand.
18. 501 Steakhouse – Jonesboro
Tucked away in the heart of central Arkansas, 501 Steakhouse combines down-home hospitality with upscale dining.
Their signature bone-in ribeye, aged for 28 days and seared to perfection, has locals and tourists alike making reservations weeks in advance.
The restaurant’s exposed brick walls and reclaimed barnwood decor create an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and comfortably Arkansan.
Chef Miguel Hernandez sources beef exclusively from Arkansas farms, ensuring every cut tells a story of local pride.
19. River Grille – Bentonville
Power players from Walmart headquarters frequent this upscale establishment where business deals happen over premium cuts and impressive wines.
The sophisticated interior creates a backdrop for serious conversations and celebrations alike.
Their 28-day aged steaks develop complex flavor profiles that justify the splurge. Seafood towers make popular starters for groups closing deals.
Local tip: their burger, available only at the bar, uses the same premium beef as their steaks at a fraction of the price.