The sense of community you can find there, the homey atmosphere...what’s not to love about a great mom and pop eatery? It’s all very Arkansas, isn’t it? Eat food you love among people who love it too, while enjoying the southern hospitality of your friendly local business. If you love hearty food and a friendly atmosphere, you’re in luck—because we’ve found 15 of the best mom and pop establishments in the state of Arkansas.

1. Bob and Ellie’s (Fort Smith)

Bob and Ellie’s is a fantastic diner with mouthwatering food and an extensive menu full of diner favorites. It’s located at 6500 Highway 271 South in Fort Smith. If you’re dropping in for dessert, try this gorgeous Butterfinger Cheesecake.

2. Country Kitchen (White Hall)

If you’re in White Hall and looking for a fantastic patty melt, go to local favorite Country Kitchen. The menu includes southern favorites and traditional masterpieces. Country Kitchen is located at 4322 Dollarway Road in White Hall.

3. Log Cabin Family Restaurant (Rogers)

Featuring a breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings, Log Cabin Family Restaurant specializes in comfort food and flavor-packed, affordable pizzas. Check out the appetizing breakfast with kielbasa! You can find the Log Cabin Family Restaurant at 14550 East Highway 12 in Rogers.

4. Dan’s I-30 Diner (Benton)

Dan’s I-30 Diner enthusiasts love the home-cooked style of the dishes there. They’ve got a board of daily specials and a menu chock full of hearty food. Look at the chicken fried steak and eggs! You can visit Dan’s I-30 Diner at 17018 Interstate 30 North in Benton.

5. Mary Pop’s Family Restaurant (Horatio)

Featuring both traditional American dishes and flavorful Mexican fare, Mary Pop’s Family Restaurant is a favorite of folks in the small southwestern Arkansas town of Horatio. You can find the delicious plate of Mexican food featured above at 405 Main Street.

6. Dave and Ray’s Downtown Diner (Little Rock)

The lunch buffet at Dave and Ray’s Downtown Diner is to die for, but so is everything you can order off the menu. The specials change every day, and you can find delicious food no matter what time you arrive. Find Dave and Ray’s Downtown Diner near the state capitol at 824 West Capitol Avenue in Little Rock.

7. Hillbilly Hideout (Ozark)

Located in the I-40 Travel Center, a 24-hour truck stop, you won’t find better homestyle gas station food than at Hillbilly Hideout. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll find all your favorites on their menu. Grab a burger and fries, the daily special, or a French toast breakfast at 3202 Pence Lane in Ozark.

8. Home Plate Diner (Bryant)

With a full breakfast menu and a variety of lunch and dinner choices, Home Plate Diner is a favorite for Bryant locals and visitors alike. The menu includes "lite choices," blue plate specials, and a dessert of the day. You’ll find treasures like this chicken salad sandwich at 2615 N Prickett Road in Bryant.

9. Ruby’s Diner (Marshall)

Searcy County is the Chocolate Roll Capital of the World, and there’s no better place to try them than at the homey Ruby’s Diner. You’ll also find burgers, barbecue, tex mex plates, and delicious traditional dinners. You can find all of that and more at 607 Highway 65 North in Marshall.

10. Johnny B’s Grill (El Dorado)

Johnny B’s serves breakfast all day. Their breakfast menu is full of traditional favorites, as are their lunch and dinner offerings. You can have waffles, steak, a burger, or crawfish at 211 South West Ave in El Dorado.

11. Olivers Southern Cuisine (Van Buren)

Relatively new on the scene, Olivers Southern Cuisine is set in charming downtown Van Buren. You’ll find all your Southern favorites and so much more. You can find this delicious plate of Chicken Tenders at 719 Main Street.

12. Kountry Kitchen Grille (Clarksville)

Who doesn’t want to eat at a place called Kountry Kitchen Grille? You’ll find all your favorite diner fare, including these absolutely gorgeous pies. Visit them at 2604 West Main Street in Clarksville.

13. Mom and Pop’s Waffles (Morrilton)

Hey! Mom and Pop is right there in the name! Mom and Pop’s Waffles isn’t all waffles, though. You’ll find some truly awesome chocolate gravy, chicken fried steak, and burgers. Visit this local fave at 1504 Oak Street in Morrilton.

14. Old South Restaurant (Russellville)

If you want to eat where the locals go, try Old South, a restaurant loved by locals. They serve breakfast any time, their menu is full of steak, burgers, sandwiches, and chicken. You’ll find all your favorite southern dishes there, served with a smile. Visit them at 1330 E Main St in Russellville.

15. Skyline Café (Mena)

With a full breakfast menu and a variety of sandwiches, and home-style late lunch offerings, the Skyline Café is located along the Talimena Scenic Byway. It's totally adorable, and the flavor inside is fantastic. Visit them at 618 Mena Street in Mena.

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