The Small-Town Restaurant That Is Worth a Visit From Anywhere in Arkansas

If you have a favorite restaurant, chances are, you’ll travel for miles to eat the delicious meals there. Am I right? Some patrons find themselves crossing state borders to indulge in their favorite comfort food. I don’t blame them one bit because I, too, will drive hours for a good meal to satisfy my foodie soul. There’s a small-town restaurant in Arkansas where folks are doing just that. People travel from near and far just to eat the burgers and hand-cut fries, as well as the mouthwatering BBQ, from Neon Moon in Mountainburg, Arkansas.

Visiting Neon Moon is a reminder of why small towns in Arkansas are the heartbeat and soul of the state. It's the kind of joint where locals gather to share stories with out-of-towners. This family-owned restaurant is a beloved spot with friendly folks serving comfort food with a side of southern hospitality. Come for the food, but stay for the experience of what small-town life is like in Arkansas.

Where is Mountainburg, AR?

Tucked inside the Boston Mountains, one of the most stunning peaks in the Ozarks is the small town of Mountainburg. The charming mountain town is located approximately 35 miles south of Fayetteville, making it an ideal destination for a day trip in Arkansas. With less than 700 residents, Mountainburg might not be the first town in NWA that you would visit. After all, you'll need to travel off the beaten path to get here. But this town is worth the trip. Not only is it surrounded by breathtaking overlooks, state parks, hiking trails, tranquil waterways, and more, but it's also hiding one of Arkansas' best-kept secrets.

Welcome to Neon Moon!

Only in Arkansas will you find a 15-foot green metal alien standing outside of a quirky food truck in the Ozark Mountains. Welcome to Neon Moon! Since 2015, this alien-themed burger joint has been slinging some of the best burgers in the state. Currently owned by Libby Moon Hansen, daughter of the original owner, the food-truck-style restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, split between a themed air-conditioned school bus and a covered outside deck.

The restaurant is especially popular amongst bikers riding through the area. They, too, travel miles and miles for the delicious food at Neon Moon. At any given time, you can expect to see a crowd of folks gather to feast on the mouthwatering burgers here. The food is fresh and cooked to order, so be prepared to wait; you won't be disappointed.

Dive Into the Out of This World Eats

The menu includes classic American favorites like BBQ pulled pork, chicken strips, hot dogs, a Reuben, and their famous chargrilled hamburgers and hand-cut fries. Over the years, the menu has been updated to include some otherworldly selections. As stated by Hansen, "We have added an Alien Burger that has our homemade jalapeño pepper jelly and cream cheese, a Dragon Burger with spicy buffalo sauce and grilled jalapeño peppers, and for our sweet lovers, we have added fried Oreos!" Yum!

As one of the best small-town restaurants in the area, it's no wonder that folks travel across the state to savor the food. The unique burgers and sandwiches keep patrons coming back for more. All burgers are made with fresh, never-frozen Angus beef, and they are cooked to order and to perfection. So, don't expect "fast food" here; it's a place that takes time to guarantee that each patron receives one of the best burgers that money can buy. And we can't disagree.

If you're not in the mood for a burger, opt for the Reuben, the BLT, or the massive hog heaven pulled pork sandwich. You don't want to skip that one! One of their signature items is the moon fries - a basket of hand-cut fries with cheese sauce, pulled pork, and BBQ sauce that you can top with grilled onions, sour cream, and jalapeños. Need I say more?

Oh, and before I forget, no matter what you do, you must save room for dessert. Don't skip the fried pies or fried Oreos; top them off with vanilla ice cream and experience what dessert dreams are made of! Overall, whether you enjoy a juicy burger or mouthwatering BBQ, Neon Moon delivers on that and more. Plus, the fun, eclectic atmosphere makes this small-town restaurant in Arkansas worth visiting. The experience here will be out of this world - literally!

Have you ever been to Neon Moon? If not, the next time you're in NWA near Highway 71, plan a trip to Mountainburg and stop in for a bite to eat. You can thank me later!

Be sure to visit the Neon Moon Facebook page for a full menu as well as specials. On your visit to Mountainburg, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more hidden gems in the area.