Fayetteville, Arkansas is well known for several things: The Arkansas Razorbacks, the eclectic shops, and the historic downtown. But, it should be noted that Fayetteville also has the best food in Arkansas. Most of the ingredients are sourced from local vendors and everything is unique. There are dozens of fantastic places to eat in Fayetteville, but here are my top eight eateries every tourist should stop at for their first visit.
1. Little Bread Company
Little Bread Company is a hole-in-the-wall type of establishment. They have pastries, sandwiches, coffee, etc. The restaurant is called "little" for a reason. There are about five tables inside, and there is usually a line out the door, but it is definitely worth it to stop and wait in line whenever in Fayetteville.
2. Hammontrees
Cheese and bread? What is more American than that? Hammontrees is a gourmet, grilled cheese restaurant. Pounds of cheese and thick slices of bread: nothing is more comforting than that.
3. Rick's Bakery
Honestly, there is not a better, more affordable bakery in North West Arkansas. They make every baked good item under the sun and it's all delicious. Especially the petit fours.
4. The Farmer's Table
The Farmer's Table is another quaint restaurant, where lines are usually out the door. All of ingredients for the food comes from local vendors, and much of the menu reflects the seasonal produce. Plus, water served in mason jars, mismatched mugs, a fire place, and randomly patterned cloth napkins give the illusion of eating at "grandma's farm."
5. Arsaga's Depot
A visit to Fayetteville is not complete without a stop at Arsaga's. Crepes and coffee (as well as some other items) are the big sellers. Like many restaurants in Fayetteville, Arkansas, most everything is made from local ingredients! Occasionally they have live, folk music, and showcase local artist's work on the walls. Arsaga's is truly the place to go to experience a few of the things that make Fayetteville such a lovely place to reside.
6. Mango's Gourmet Taco Shop
Mango's is a few different things. It's fast. It's cheap. It's delicious. A drive-thru Mexican restaurant is awesome for people on the go, or anyone that doesn't want to socialize.
7. Burton's Comfort Creamery
Burton's is the best food truck in Fayetteville. Just reading the names of the varieties of ice cream they offer is enough to know that this is one quirky, cool place. Grab and "Elton John" (ice cream rolled in fruity pebbles) or a "Michael Jackson" (vanilla and chocolate swirl with Oreos and Nilla Wafers).
8. Hugo's
One of Fayetteville's older restaurants, located in historic downtown, in the basement of a historic building. It is basically a classy version of a dive bar, specializing in burgers and beer.
All of these restaurants are superb, but the best part about them is that they are cheap enough for a broke college kid, like me, to afford.
