For those of you who think that Fayetteville, Arkansas is just like any other Arkansas town, you are very wrong. Fayetteville boasts a killer food scene that has spread into Bentonville and Rogers as well. We have everything from classic Indian food to some of the best upscale Southern cuisine anywhere.
So whether you are a freshman just exploring campus for the first time or just someone looking for the best that Fayetteville has to offer, here is your go-to guide for whatever you are craving.
When you’re craving a slice: U.S. Pizza
Photo Courtesy of @dakotachey287 on Instagram
Regardless of whether you are headed to brunch or stopping in for dinner, U.S. Pizza has just what you need. Endless Mimosas accompany a variety of quiches on Sunday morning. For dinner grab a thin crust pizza and order up a side of their homemade creamy Italian dressing (basically their ranch). You will definitely leave satisfied.
What to order: Gracie’s Creamy Italian Chicken & Bacon
Location: 202 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When you wanna brunch: Prelude Breakfast Bar
Photo Courtesy of @Spoonarkansas on Instagram
This brunch spot is new to Fayetteville and once the word is out I can promise you the line will be out the door. Become a regular now as they try out different menu items and maybe you can lock down a seat once they blow up.
What to order: Southern Weekend Eggs Benedict
Location: 509 W Spring St #210, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When you want some afternoon tea: Savoy Tea Company
Photo Courtesy of @savoytea on Instagram
Savoy is exactly what you need after a morning at the Farmer’s Market. Head down the block from the square and pick up a sandwich or cupcake with just about any tea you could imagine. As you enter you are overwhelmed with a two walls of dried tea options mixed in house and ready to be purchased.
What to order: When it is hot get the strawberry white, sweetened and iced. When it is cold you must get the caramel apple almond.
Location:19 E Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When the ‘rents are footing the bill: Doe’s Eat Place
Photo Courtesy of @everett_chevrolet_nwa on Instagram
No college student wants to dish out the funds for a steak, so when mom and dad come to town make sure this is on your to-do list. Doe’s is well known in the South for their perfect steaks and their down-home side dishes. Order up that ribeye and makes sure to save the leftovers for a second meal.
What to order: The ribeye, of course
Location: 316 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When you need that special cup of joe: Onyx
Photo Courtesy of @onyxcoffeelab on Instagram
If you haven’t noticed yet, local coffee shops way outnumber Starbucks here in Fayetteville. Onyx has several locations across NWA so if you want a premium cup of coffee or just need a casual place to meet up, this is the spot.
What to order: Any cup of their drip coffee
Location: 2418 N Gregg Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
When you trying to eat like an adult: The Hive
Photo Courtesy of @thehivebentonville on Instagram
Alright foodies, this one is here for you. My personal favorite when it comes to upscale dining in NWA, the Hive can not be topped. They have everything from classy Southern staples to out-of-the-ordinary specials. The burger is topped with a tomato jam and homemade pimento cheese. Grab your significant other or a group of friends and make the trip to Bentonville to check this spot out.
What to order: Hive Burger
Location: 200 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712
When you need food between classes: Blackboard Grocery
Photo Courtesy of @blackboardgrocery on Instagram
With Blackboard Grocery being just a few steps down Dickson St. this is the perfect place to grab lunch off-campus between classes. They have ready-made salads, fruit cups, pastries, and even meat and cheese boxes. If you prefer, you can order a sandwich or some soup from their long list of options.
What to order: Chicken Bacon Sriracha Sandwich
Location: 644 W Dickson St #101, Fayetteville, AR 72701
#SpoonTip: Use the TapIt app to get delievery to your doorstep
When you have those late night munchies: Con Quesos
Photo Courtesy of @con.quesos on Instagram
This fusion taco spot opened in January and they have been killing it ever since. They offer everything from a Steven’s special taco to tacos that take on an Indian or Greek flare. Open from 10:30 am – 12 am, they are perfect to help you kick off the day or a great snack to end it with.
What to order: A 2 taco plate with the Los Cabos and the Condesa
Location: 2016 M.L.K. Jr Blvd #8, Fayetteville, AR 72701
#SpoonTip: If it is really late night order up the Huevos Con Quesos at the drive-thru.
When you’re craving something sweet: Kream
Photo Courtesy of @katriinamai on Instagram
Brand new to Fayetteville, this ice cream shop has made quite the splash. They serve up ice cream in a cup, cone, or better yet a KREAMY bun (aka a donut). Located close to campus, this is sure to be the next big thing in Fayetteville.
What to order: A donut ice cream sandwich
Location: 329 N West Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701
When it’s “Meatless Monday”: Greenhouse Grill
Photo Courtesy of @greenhousegrille on Instagram
Greenhouse grill is an easy pick for a vegetarian friendly menu. Options change based on the season and you always know the ingredients are fresh and often locally sourced. Bring your veggie-loving friends and they will be leave singing your name.
What to order: Early tomato salad or try the mushroom risotto for something heartier
Location: 481 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When you want a classy Happy Hour: Theo’s
Photo Courtesy of @bowmanrestaurantgroup on Instagram
Classy is exactly what you will get. Bring $20 on a Thursday night and you can get three drinks and an appetizer while you chill on a great patio. Dress code is a bit more formal, but it is always fun to get dressed up with the besties.
What to order: Basil Gimlet and Chipotle Artichoke Dip
Location: 318 N Campbell Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When you just need a good sandwich: Natural State Sandwiches
Photo Courtesy of @naturalstatesandwiches on Instagram
Nestled away in a food truck behind Fayetteville’s Funky Yard Sale, this truck serves up a twist on your typical sandwich. The menu is short and sweet but the size of their sandwich will blow your mind. I recommend sharing one unless you are absolutely ravenous.
What to order: Fajita chicken sandwich
Location: 693 W North St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When you’re craving that B-B-Q: Sassy’s
Photo Courtesy of @_felinity_ on Instagram
Sassy’s is many people’s go-to when it comes to Fayetteville barbecue. So much so that they are about to open their second location. You can’t go wrong with ribs or a sandwich, but if neither of these call your name try out the Moo Pig Sooie, their take on a burger adorned with pulled pork.
What to order: Beef brisket sandwich
Location: 708 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When you’re trying to get your drink on: West End
Photo Courtesy of @WestEnd on Facebook
West End has an upper deck that tops all patios in Fayetteville. Bring your friends and wait for the music to get going while you settle in with a drink. You are guaranteed to see everyone pass through at some point in time during the night. Just make sure that if you stay late you are down with big crowds.
What to order: Whatever floats your boat
Location: 339 N West Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When it’s date night: Pesto Cafe
Photo Courtesy of @abbeyneel on Instagram
The go to Italian restaurant in Fayetteville, Pestos has been around for forever and everything on the menu is a close to perfect. However, be aware that the line on Friday and Saturday nights can be out the door so plan ahead or pick up and take bake to the comfort of your home.
What to order: Cannelloni, but you can’t go wrong with a classic like chicken fettuccini
Location: 1830 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
When you wanna try Indian food: Khana Grill
Photo Courtesy of @khanaindiangrill on Instagram
For as close as you will get to the real deal in Fayetteville Khana is the place to go. Still new on the food scene here Khana has really taken over. They offer all the classics along with some fun drinks if you are feeling adventurous. So go ahead and eat outside the box.
What to order: Chicken Tikka Masala
Location: 2101 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
When you’re hungover: Deluxe Burger
Photo Courtesy of @deluxeburgernwa on Instagram
So maybe Friday night was a bit much or maybe you got home late from that concert and are just now getting out of bed. Regardless, your first move should be Deluxe. They just released a new menu with all the old staple burgers but some options for the non-beef friends. Order up the classic Deluxe burger and I promise you will be healed in no time.
What to order: Aloha Burger if you are feeling fancy or you can’t go wrong with their signature Deluxe Burger.
Location: 550 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When you’re cramming for exams and the library is full: Puritan Brew
Photo Courtesy of @puritancoffeebeer on Instagram
This place has a much better view than the library and with one of the best porches in town it is the best of both worlds. They offer up many coffee classics and a selection of beers on tap. Bring your books and those headphones but be faced with the tough choice of beer or coffee.
What to order: One of their many beers on tap or if you are actually studying go for a classic latte
Location: 205 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
#SpoonTip: Start the afternoon here with coffee and books then end the night with a beer or two as a reward for all that studying.
When you need some Mexican food in your life: El Matador
Photo Courtesy of @HollyA on Yelp.com
There may be as many Mexican restaurants in Fayetteville as there are churches but if you want to go with a quality choice, El Matador is the correct choice. Menu items range from your typical burritos, tacos, and enchiladas to Arkansas classics like the Steven’s special. But the way to go is the Dennis Special if you want to branch out and try something new.
What to order: Dennis Special
Location: 3412 W Wedington Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704
When you need to catch the game: Grub’s
Photo Courtesy of @grubsdowntown on Instagram
With a wall of TVs devoted to whatever sport is on you are sure to always know the score. Top is off with cheap beer and drink specials and some quality food and you have the ingredients for happy Razorback fans. If we get the win you can rest assured that this place gets a little rowdy.
What to order: Bacon Cheddar Burger
Location: 220 N West Ave Fayetteville, AR 72701
When Cuban food is what you desire: Green Goat Food Truck
Photo Courtesy of @greengoatgourmet on Instagram
Quite possibly the best hidden gem in Fayetteville, this food truck is happily parked at the Yacht Club on College. They have a cilantro sauce that you will want to dip everything in, and the outside picnic tables make this the perfect lunch spot. Their cuban sandwich is made with a variety of twists but the basic option will always be a favorite.
What to order: Classic cuban with tostones
Location: 617 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
When you’re “doing it for the Insta”: Arsaga’s
Photo Courtesy of @arsagasdepot on Instagram
Any local knows that for pretty food you go to Arsaga’s and for pretty toast you check out their Church St. location. So grab your camera, some friends, and a big appetite and head over to either the Depot or the Church location. You will have some gorgeous photos and a satisfied stomach.
What to order: Ozark Crepe
Location: 548 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
#SpoonTip: The wait on a Saturday or Sunday can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour so try going for breakfast during the week or come prepared to be patient.