With a rich history and even richer food, the Arkansas Delta is an area that everyone needs to tour. No matter if you're traveling to visit Johnny Cash's boyhood home in Dyess or the Beatles-themed town of Walnut Ridge, you'll have to eventually decide where to stop for food. Let us inspire you with some our favorite eateries down in the Delta.
1. Josie's Steakhouse - Batesville
We'll begin our food journey at the gateway to the Arkansas Delta, Batesville. The city may not share in the rest of the delta's flatland but Josie's is a perfectly delicious stopping point before continuing further east. The Carpenter family originally opened the restaurant in Waldenburg and moved to the Batesville location in 2004. As you can see, portions are generous and and the variety of surf and turf will keep any picky pallet satisfied.
Josie's overlooks the White River at 50 Riverbank Rd. in Batesville.
2. The Pizza Den - Hoxie
You certainly won't be disappointed if you order a pizza from The Pizza Den. After all, the dough is made in-house. But, if you're willing to step outside of the pie and join the locals, then you need to have one of their pepper steak po' boys. Their homemade dough and slow-cooked roast may have you putting down the pepperonis for good. The Pizza Den is also one of the few restaurants in Arkansas that serves beignets, too.
The Pizza Den is located at 513 NW Texas St. in Hoxie
3. Parkview Restaurant - Corning
For a dining experience untouched by time, take your delta travels to Parkview. As a community center point for the town, Parkview has stayed a classic sit-down eatery since the 1950s. You can't go wrong with their daily specials but if you're up for it, try the Chicken Special. It's an entire chicken made to order for your more ravenous appetites.
Parkview Restaurant is located at 1615 W Main St. in Corning.
4. Oinky's BBQ - Paragould
Bring your appetite and prepare to get messy at Oinky's. Nothing beats a pulled pork sandwich and slaw but if you're wanting something a little different then you should order the Piggy Fries. We warned you; things could get messy! Be sure to have cash on hand, as they don't accept cards.
Oinky's BBQ is located at 318 W Northend Ave. in Paragould.
5. Penny's Place - Weiner
After Ms. Penny Sitzer bought J&D's Dairy Bar in 2004, the Weiner staple grew into an even more delicious eatery. The addition of a smoke shed and more menu options keeps us from having only one favorite. No matter if you order ribs, catfish, a patty melt or even frog legs, just be sure to save room for a homemade cinnamon roll.
Penny's Place is located at 210 S. Van Buren in Weiner.
6. Uncle John's Italian Restaurant - Crawfordsville
Uncle John's has been standing strong, mostly by word of mouth, since it opened in 1984. They serve tradition Italian dishes such as ravioli and lasagna but also venture out with weekday specials like catfish. No mater if you're sticking to pasta or not, you'll love their nontraditional bread pudding for dessert.
Uncle John's Italian Restaurant is located at North, 5453 Main St. in Crawfordsville.
7. Pancho's Mexican Restaurant - West Memphis
Did you know cheese dip was first created in Arkansas? One of the best places to sample the state staple is at Pancho's. Open since 1956, the time-tested eatery hasn't changed much, aside from the updated building and two more locations. Pair your entree with their famous cheese dip, hot sauce or even renowned dressing. Better yet, Pancho's can even deliver these treats! To order a dip or four, visit their website right here.
Pancho's is located at 3600 East Broadway St. in West Memphis.
8. Bonnie's Cafe - Watson
Loyal customers, not advertising, keeps Bonnie's as a lively community spot in Watson. Since 1985, Ms. Bonnie has been serving breakfast and lunch, as well as her famous butter pie. Try a flat-smashed burger or a daily special like chicken fried steak.
Bonnie's Cafe is located at 304 Front St. in Watson.
9. Rhoda's Famous Hot Tamales and Pies - Lake Village
Miss Rhoda Adams has been spoiling Lake Village with her tamales since 1973. She began feeding the hungry with her sweet potato pie, which soon took off to a food truck business, then later a little restaurant. Come for the tamales but be sure to visit again for her fried chicken and burgers.
Rhoda's Famous Hot Tamales and Pies is located at 714 Saint Mary St. in Lake Village.
10. Old Co-op Restaurant - Eudora
Never underestimate any Arkansas eatery that happens to be part of a gas station, convenience store, or in this case, a co-op. They're known for their crawfish platter but their specials will keep you drooling. Specials like their pork chops with purple hull peas, greens and cornbread, or the fried ribs with cabbage and sweet potatoes, will motivate you to take the drive to the corner of the state.
The Old Co-op Restaurant is located at 1133 highway 65 in Eudora.
For a visual of all the deliciousness we just toured, here's a map:
What delta restaurant would you add to our tour? Share your must-stops with us in the comments below!
If you're driving through the delta metro area, then you should stop at the world's best pizzeria.
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