Written by Kristy Alpert

The Ultimate Arkansas Dining Guide | Listen

By: The Local Palate

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Best Chef in Arkansas: Micah Klasky

While other kids were watching cartoons, young Micah Klasky was studying cooking shows and honing his skills in his granny’s kitchen. Fast-forward to today, and it’s this passionate chef’s signature cooking style that’s catching everyone’s attention. Klasky’s drive to define and preserve the culinary identity of Arkansas is behind everything he does at The Hive, where he worked his way up from sous chef to executive chef in just eight years. His style is approachable yet unexpected, as he often tailors his menu to what his coterie of Arkansan purveyors has fresh that season.

Micah Klasky Recommends

The Meteor, Bentonville

Bike shop, natural wine store, and tasty bites in a comfortable setting.

Pizza D’Action, Little Rock

My neighborhood bar when living in Little Rock: darts, cold beer, and doc bread (housemade focaccia topped with mozzarella, pepperoni, onions, and jalapeños).

Recovery Room, Jonesboro

Brian and Sarah Nobles pour their hearts into wherever they are, and you can feel that. For me going into one of their spots always feels like coming home.

Rhoda’s Famous Tamales, Lake Village

Blink and you’ll miss this treasure of an Arkansas eatery. Grab a can to take home while you’re at it; tamales make great gifts!

PinoyLicious Filipino Kitchen, Bentonville

It’s become my happy food. Alona and Mark have created something special while showcasing the food of the Philippines here in Bentonville.

Best Mixologist in Arkansas: Heather Baber-Roe

RŌBER, Benton

Mixologist Heather Baber-Roe in front of Rober in Benton, Arkansas

A sober mixologist may just be the secret behind some of the state’s best cocktails. Heather Baber-Roe, owner and chef of The Taco Society (which owns Baja Grill, Revival, and RŌBER), gave up alcohol in 2018 and credits her heightened sense of smell to her success behind the bar. Her staff likens her process to watching Ratatouille, where she expertly sniffs out ingredients and the drink until she finds the perfect mix. Her menu is a balance of crafty classics with fruity, sour, and sweet options as well.

Heather Baber-Roe Recommends

Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom, Little Rock

I don’t think I’ve ever eaten anything that Cash makes that I didn’t like.

El Sur Street Food Co, Little Rock

I crave their food. If I had to pick my last meal, it would either be from RŌBER or from El Sur.

Ciao Baci, Little Rock

A few reasons: the burger, the people, the ambiance. In my drinking days, that staff made sure I made it into an Uber—I am forever grateful.

Salem Dairy Bar, Benton

It’s my go-to for Sunday lunch. I live nearby, and Heather’s staff reminds me of mine; they really want to make sure people are happy with their food. (501) 794-3929

Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse, Little Rock

It still has a special place in my heart, and you can’t beat that mac and cheese.

The Best of Arkansas

Carrots and bone marrow from DONS Southern Social in Hot Springs, Colorado — DONS Southern Social

Best New Restaurant: DONS Southern Social, Hot Springs

This Hot Springs hot spot pulled from the city’s clandestine past to create a speakeasy with a penchant for surprises, including the menu itself, with surprising mashups like black tea-brined fried chicken and smoked rabbit Bolognese.

Best Tried & True Restaurant: Jones Bar-B-Q Diner, Marianna

Jones’ James Beard Award—the first in Arkansas—proves good barbecue speaks for itself. Their chopped pork shoulder is sold by the pound or between Wonder Bread, and often sells out before noon.

Best Brunch: Hail Fellow Well Met, Springdale

Leave it to Jon and Andrea Allen, the creators of Onyx Coffee Lab, to curate the buzziest brunch menu in Arkansas, where housemade sourdough, coffee-seasoned bacon, and chili crunch-topped jammy eggs are mere accoutrements to hearty mains.

Ice-cream cone with 7 assorted scoops from Loblolly Creamery in Little Rock, Arkansas — Loblolly Creamery

Most Inventive Ice Cream: Loblolly Creamery, Little Rock

Loblolly partners with local farmers and producers to create true-to-Arkansas flavors like honey lavender and Little Rock-y Road (with housemade marshmallows!). Scoop their seasonal Morning Brew while it lasts, featuring coffee from Fidel & Co.

Best Bakery: Wild Sweet William’s Baking House, Searcy

Lisa Ford bakes everything from scratch, including her signature blueberry, lemon, and lavender white chocolate scone. Plan to come home with extras, especially a pimento cheese kolache or salted caramel-covered cinnamon roll.

Best Farm to Table: The Root Café, Little Rock

Farmers are “the root” of this all-day café, whose menu prominently features local producers. Order a Simon Farms burger with mushrooms from Driftwood Farms or top housemade granola with Jerry Hamilton’s pecans.

Chips and queso paired with a cocktail from Loca Luna in Little Rock, Arkansas — Loca Luna

Most Memorable Cheese Dip: Loca Luna, Little Rock

Mark Abernathy and Frank McGehee started a statewide crazeby creating the first ever white cheese dip in 1988. Their version lives on at Loca Luna: sharp, spicy, and loaded with roasted green chilis.

Best HiFi Bar: Pinky Swear 1907, Rogers

Located above Heirloom 1907—and owned by the same team behind it—this vibey record bar pairs vinyl with natural wines, craft cocktails (we love the French Exit) and hearty bar snacks.