8 Texarkana Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants Worth Finding Before Everyone Else Does In 2027
One downtown burger counter here seasons its fries with something called Red River Sand. I love that name.
It sounds like a souvenir from a road trip, but it’s really a reason to order extra fries.
That same spot came back after a 2021 fire, which tells you how much a town can care about one griddle. I like how this border city keeps surprising me like that.
Part of it sits in Arkansas and part sits in Texas, and the best food doesn’t seem to care which side it lands on.
I’d say the real fun lives in small rooms with short hours and big plates. You’ll find fried fish on Hickory Street, buttermilk pie served only on weekdays, and tamales built on old family recipes.
Which one would you try first?
1. Johnny B’s of Texarkana
Early birds, this one opens at 6 AM, seven days a week. That alone makes it a friend to anyone who wakes up starving.
The place feels like an old-school diner that never needed a makeover. It’s locally owned, casual, and built around generous plates of traditional comfort food.
Breakfast is the headline act. Omelets are a big deal here, including the Johnny B’s All Meat Omelette.
Can’t decide on one meat? Fair enough, since that’s the whole point of that omelette.
There’s also a Bacon, Ham or Sausage Omelet for folks who like picking a lane.
Lunch brings out the heavy hitter. The Chicken Fried Steak Plate is the kind of meal that makes an afternoon nap feel required.
You get table service, so you can sit back and let someone else bring the coffee. Dessert is on the menu too, if you saved room.
Here’s a scheduling tip worth knowing. Thursday and Friday hours stretch to 8 PM, while the other days close at 3 PM.
That means a diner supper is possible late in the week. Thursday evenings tend to be the quietest stretch, so it’s a smart window for a relaxed meal.
Weekend mornings are a different story. Saturday and Sunday breakfast bring the biggest crowds, so arrive early or bring patience.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. Solo diners fit right in too, since a quick plate and a refill never need company.
It sits just a short drive from the downtown Arkansas side of town. Old-school prices and old-school plates make it an easy stop.
Address: 224 E 5th St, Texarkana, AR 71854
2. Country Cafe Diner
Huevos rancheros and biscuits and gravy on the same menu? That’s the kind of breakfast indecision this diner happily causes.
Big menus are the draw here. You’ll find pancakes, Belgian waffles, and a long list of omelets before you even reach lunch.
Biscuits and gravy hold down the Southern side of the morning. Huevos rancheros bring a little spice for anyone who wants eggs with some attitude.
Lunch keeps the comfort coming. Chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken both appear, along with burgers and sandwiches.
So which way do you go? Sweet, savory, or fried, there’s a path for your mood.
The dining room is clean and comfortable, with table service and a casual feel. Coffee is a strong point, so go ahead and order a cup.
Hours are steady and easy to remember. It’s open from 7 AM to 3 PM, seven days a week.
That daily schedule makes it a reliable pick when other spots are closed. Sundays bring the biggest crowds, so expect company after church.
Want a calmer meal? Monday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons are usually quieter.
Running late for work? A drive-through means you can grab breakfast without parking at all.
Groups and families fit in well here. It’s the kind of place where a table of six can order six different meals and nobody blinks.
Sitting on busy State Line Avenue, it’s simple to find from almost anywhere in town.
Address: 3200 N State Line Ave, Texarkana, AR 71854
3. TLC Burgers & Fries
Few burger joints can say they survived a fire and came back hungry. This downtown counter has been flipping burgers since 1982, and it reopened on August 1, 2022, after a fire in June 2021.
That comeback story is half the fun. The other half lands on your tray in a paper-lined basket.
Start with the fries, because they get their own legend. They’re fresh-cut and dusted with a house blend called Red River Sand seasoning.
Yes, you’ll want to know what’s in it. No, you probably won’t get the recipe, so just enjoy the mystery.
Burgers are made to order, and the Double Cheeseburger with All the Trimmings is the big, messy classic. Want something lighter?
A turkey burger sits on the menu too.
Chili fans have options here. You can get chili cheese fries, and there’s a Philly cheese steak for anyone craving something besides a patty.
The setup is simple, with counter service and no table service. You order, you grab a seat, and the food shows up fast.
The room leans retro, like a burger stand that never saw a reason to change. It’s family-owned and has been voted Best Burger in Texarkana for many years, which is a lot of local bragging rights.
Timing matters, so plan ahead. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, and Friday and Saturday until 7 PM.
Sundays are closed, and Saturday afternoons get the biggest rush. A weekday morning lunch run is your sneaky best bet.
Bringing kids? There’s a kids’ menu and high chairs, so the whole crew can join the fry fan club.
Address: 201 E Broad St, Texarkana, AR 71854
4. Mother Kelley’s Home Cooking
A deep-fried burger is on the menu, and honestly, that’s a sentence that earns your attention. It’s one of several reasons this family-run kitchen deserves a weekday lunch slot.
Southern home cooking is the whole mission here. Chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken, and country fried steak with gravy anchor the lineup.
Then come the sides that make a plate feel like Sunday dinner. Collard greens, pinto beans, and hot water cornbread show up in the mix.
Smothered pork chops are another big draw. Pair them with greens and you’ve got a lunch that sticks around all afternoon.
Save room, because dessert matters a lot here. Buttermilk pie is a house favorite, and homemade cakes also make appearances.
Not into meat? You’re still covered, since vegetarian options are part of the menu.
Gluten-free choices are offered too.
Now the catch, and it’s a real one. Doors open Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 2:50 PM, and weekends are closed.
Mark your calendar if you’re passing through. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons get busy, while Mondays tend to be calmer.
Short on time? A drive-through is available, so you can grab smothered pork chops without leaving your seat belt.
Staying a while works too. Free Wi-Fi means you can answer a few emails between bites of pie.
The family tradition shows in the food and the friendly service. It’s simple, classic cooking, and it’s worth planning your Arkansas route around it.
Address: 2122 N State Line Ave, Texarkana, AR 71854
5. Chick O’ Fish
The name tells you the plan, and the menu sticks to it. Fried fish and seasoned chicken run the show at this family-oriented spot on Hickory Street.
Simple can be a strength. When a kitchen focuses on two things, those two things tend to get a lot of attention.
The seasoning on the fish is a big part of the appeal. It’s fried fresh and lands hot, which is exactly how fried fish should arrive.
Can’t pick a side? The 3 Fish and 3 Chicken combo settles that argument for you.
Fish loyalists can go with the 4 Piece Fish Combo. It’s a solid choice when you know what you came for.
A Philly cheese steak also makes the menu. That’s handy when one person in the car isn’t in a fish mood.
Getting your food is easy here. Drive-through, curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery are all options, plus dine-in seating.
Hours run later than many small spots. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 8:45 PM, and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 6:45 PM.
Friday is the big night, and that makes sense for a fish place. Friday afternoon into evening and Saturday evening bring the heaviest traffic.
Morning visits are quieter if you hate lines. An early lunch is a smart move.
Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are available. Dessert is on hand too, for anyone who saved room after the fish.
Address: 900 Hickory St, Texarkana, AR 71854
6. Big Jake’s BBQ
Military patches line the walls, and the brisket gets serious respect. It’s a barbecue joint that knows exactly who it is.
The building has a wooden look on the outside, and the inside feels roomy. It’s clean, casual, and built for eating, not posing.
Slow-smoked meats lead the way. Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sliced chicken all show up on the lineup.
Now for the menu item you’ll be thinking about later. Loaded brisket fries pile smoked meat on top of fries, and that’s a combo hard to argue with.
Fried okra is another side worth ordering. It’s a Southern classic, and it fits right in next to a pile of brisket.
Sauce fans get choices here. Several sauces are available, so you can test a few and pick a favorite.
Ordering happens at the counter, so there’s no table service. Grab your tray, find a seat, and get to work.
The schedule is generous for a barbecue spot. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and closed Sunday.
Friday is the busiest day, along with Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening. Saturday morning is the quiet window if you like elbow room.
Need food for a crowd? Catering is offered, which makes it handy for parties, reunions, and team dinners.
A drive-through and curbside pickup make takeout easy. Either way, it’s one of the friendliest barbecue stops on the Arkansas side.
Address: 1521 Arkansas Blvd, Texarkana, AR 71822
7. Los Tacos
Recipes from Mexico City power this small, family-run taco shop. They’ve been handed down through generations, and you can taste the care in the details.
Street tacos are the main event. The lineup includes pastor, bistec, longaniza, lengua, campechano, pollo, tinga, and fish.
That’s a lot of choices for one lunch. The fix is easy, though, since street tacos are made for ordering a few at a time.
Tortillas are made fresh, which matters more than you’d think. A good tortilla turns a solid taco into a great one.
Quesadillas earn plenty of attention too. The tinga quesadilla is a standout, with shredded chicken bringing a smoky kick.
Ever tried a huarache? It’s a long, flat masa base topped with good stuff, and it’s on the menu here.
Homemade hot tamales round things out. They’re a great pick for sharing, or for not sharing at all.
Check the clock before you go. Opening hours can vary, so it’s worth confirming the schedule before heading downtown.
That way, you can plan your taco craving accordingly. A little planning makes it easier to enjoy everything this family-run spot has to offer.
Unlike many small spots, reservations are accepted. That’s helpful if you’re bringing a group.
Table service keeps things relaxed, and there’s a kids’ menu for younger eaters. Curbside pickup and delivery work for nights at home.
Address: 422 N State Line Ave, Texarkana, AR 71854
8. San Luis Mexican Restaurant
Salsa can make or break a Mexican restaurant, and this one has a signature version. That’s your first clue the kitchen takes the little things seriously.
Portions here are generous. Plan on a full plate and maybe a to-go box for later.
The menu leans Tex-Mex with authentic touches. It’s comfort food with a small-town feel, which suits the mom-and-pop setting.
Service moves quickly, so it works for a short lunch break. Table service means you still get to relax while someone brings the food.
Coffee is on the menu, which is a nice surprise. Dessert is available too, so you can end on something sweet.
The family-style hospitality is part of the draw. Staff treat guests like relatives who just showed up for dinner.
Morning people, take note. It’s worth checking the restaurant’s current hours before planning an early visit.
Sunday can be a handy day for a family meal, but confirm the schedule before heading over.
Thursday evenings also bring a crowd. Want quiet?
Midweek visits on Wednesday are usually calmer.
In a hurry? A drive-through lets you grab your order without getting out of the car.
Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu ready. It’s a fitting last stop on any Arkansas side food crawl, and the salsa makes a strong final word.
Address: 702 East St, Texarkana, AR 71854