Every year the Department of Arkansas Heritage hosts the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. Ten outstanding restaurants throughout the state have been chosen as finalists for the 2019 induction. Arkansans will find out which beloved eatery will be added to the Food Hall of Fame on Feb. 25th, 2019. Although only one restaurant will be added to the Hall, all ten are delicious winners in our eyes. Let's grab a table and have a taste of all the distinguished finalists.
1. 4-Dice Restaurant - Fordyce
You won't find an older eatery that's been continuously owned and operated by the same family in southern Arkansas than 4-Dice. The seafood buffet even caught the attention of Rolling Stone's Keith Richards and Ron Woods back in 1975. The 4-Dice Restaurant is located at 1990 US-167, Fordyce, AR 71742. To learn more about their buffet, head over to their Facebook Page.
2. AQ Chicken House - Springdale
The AQ Chicken House has proudly been serving blue plate specials for over seventy years. AQ's (which stands for "Arkansas Quality") chicken is prepared in about every way imaginable from Charbroiled to Cajun. For a sweet finale order the freshly fried peaches and a scoop of ice cream. The AQ Chicken House is located at 1207 N Thompson St., Springdale, AR 72764. For more information, visit their website right here.
3. Bruno's Little Italy - Little Rock
One of the most authentic Italian restaurants in the state is Bruno's Little Italy. The Bruno family history is just as rich as their in-house sauces - the first Bruno generation to move to America is credited for bringing commercialized pizza to New York! If you close your eyes while taking a bite you may just think you're in Naples. Taste for yourself at 310 Main St. #101, Little Rock, AR 72201. Learn more about the eatery by visiting their website.
4. Burge's Hickory Smoked Turkey And Hams - Lewisville
What began as some casual backyard turkey smoking has evolved into the ever delicious Burge's. Order a whole bird for the holidays or just stop by for a tasty plate lunch. You can find their smoked meats in the original Lewisville location (526 Spruce St., Lewisville, AR 71845) as well as Little Rock (5620 R St., Little Rock, AR 72207). Check out their website for more information.
5. Craig's Bar-B-Q - De Valls Bluff
Craig Brothers Cafe, now known as Craig's Bar-B-Q, is the perfect place for messy but unbelievably good BBQ meal. Their spectacular sauce made with bell peppers and apples will have you reaching for napkins after every bite. They're located at 15 Walnut St., De Valls Bluff, AR 72041. To learn more about their tasty history, visit this site.
6. Doe's Eat Place - Little Rock
Although it originated in Mississippi, Arkansans have adopted Doe's Eat Place as a state staple. You're most likely within reach of a scrumptious slab of shareable sirloin since they have 5 Arkansas locations. The Little Rock location is at 1023 W Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72201. Learn more about their restaurants at their website.
7. Keeney's Food Market - Malvern
Don't be fooled by exterior of this tiny grocery store, Keeney's Food Market is home to some incredibly delicious steaks. You'll be hit with the aroma of whatever the daily special is as soon as you step through the door. The burgers and meatloaf are great but the ribeye steak sandwich is our favorite. Keeney's Food Market is located at 101 W Mill St., Malvern, AR 72104. Visit their Facebook Page for more info.
8. Kream Kastle - Blytheville
This old school drive-in started as a simple hot dog stand in 1952. You can order burgers, BBQ, and soft serve ice cream through the retro speaker system. The Kream Kastle Drive-In is located at 112 N Division St., Blytheville, AR 72315. Learn more about their history by reading this article.
9. Ohio Club - Hot Springs
The Ohio Club in Hot Springs has more than 110 years of history. During its earlier years the Club operated as a speakeasy and illegal casino that attracted nearly every well known gangster at the time. Today you can munch on gangster-inspired eats like the Bugsey pastrami and beef or the Big Al double cheeseburger. The Ohio Club is located at 336 Central Ave., Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901. For more information, visit their website.
10. Star of India - Little Rock
The steaks, BBQ, and plate lunch-featuring eateries aren't the only representations of Arkansas' favorite meals. The Star of India also has a shot at becoming the next inductee to the Food Hall of Fame. The beloved Indian restaurant has flavorful dishes on their lunch buffet or made-to-order. Stop by at 301 N Shackleford Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211 or visit their website.
For more information about the Arkansas Food Hall Of Fame (and to see all 100+ nominees), visit the Dept. of Arkansas Heritage's website.
Which restaurant do you think will be the next addition to the Food Hall of Fame? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
You also need to add these restaurants to your 2019 Arkansas dining bucket list.
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