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Fayetteville, Arkansas, is best known for its vibrant art scene, idyllic location near the Ozark Mountains, and outdoor activities, from hiking to mountain biking. Largely thanks to being a college town—the city is home to the University of Arkansas—the food scene is also noteworthy, full of local establishments buzzing with a unique collegiate energy. Keep reading for the best restaurants in Fayetteville in no particular order.
Hugo’s
Robbie Caponetto
Ask any self-respecting local to name the most quintessential Fayetteville restaurant, and you’ll get one answer: Hugo’s. Dimly lit and brimming with vintage artwork and eclectic decor, this beloved basement restaurant has an array of burgers, sandwiches, and other entrees. But do yourself a favor and get the bleu-moon burger and a basket of homemade fries.
hugosfayetteville.com, 25 1/2 N Block Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Leverett Lounge
Robbie Caponetto
Leverett Lounge is a comfy neighborhood joint with a deceptively impressive menu. The food here is truly something special, with French-inspired, Southern-style entrees ranging from spring risotto with grilled radicchio and goat cheese to smoked chili rub flat iron steak served over vegetable hash. The custom cocktails are also excellent.
leverettlounge.com, 737 N Leverett Ave #1, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Cafe Rue Orleans
Robbie Caponetto
Head to Cafe Rue Orleans for Cajun-influenced, seafood-centric cuisine. Specialties include crawfish etouffee, shrimp Pontchartrain, and catfish stuffed with crab and topped with seafood sauce. Come hungry—the portions are generous, even by Southern standards.
caferueorleans.com, 1150 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Catfish Hole
Catfish Hole
Catfish Hole is family-style, classic Southern dining at its finest. Sit down at a table and you’ll be immediately served all the fixins’ for a proper catfish dinner (or any number of other fried dinners, from scallops to frog legs to clams). Wash it all down with a glass of sweet iced tea, obviously.
thecatfishhole.com, 4127 W Wedington Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704
Prelude Breakfast Bar
Prelude Breakfast Bar
Easily one of the best brunch places in town, Prelude boasts a wide-ranging menu that includes various kinds of pancakes (get a pancake flight and sample three of them), egg scrambles, tacos, and multiple eggs benedicts. It’s also a wholly inviting space—the sunlit dining room is framed with lush hanging plants, with whitewashed walls covered in original artwork.
preludebreakfast.com, 509 W Spring St STE 210, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Wood Stone Craft Pizza
Wood Stone Craft Pizza
For the tastiest pizza in Fayetteville, look no further than Wood Stone Craft Pizza. With two main locations (downtown and uptown), this popular pizzeria serves wood-fired, artisan pies alongside local craft beer and signature cocktails.
woodstonecraftpizza.com, 557 South School Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Arsaga’s Mill District
Robbie Caponetto
This local coffee roaster chain has a few locations, but the Mill District location is the only full-service restaurant. The diverse menu changes seasonally, but there are always solid vegan and vegetarian offerings (and the best coffee drinks in Fayetteville).
arsagas.com, 481 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
A Taste of Thai
A Taste of Thai
A longtime local favorite, A Taste of Thai is as well-known for its food as its ambiance. The interior is decorated with thick drapes, ornate light fixtures, and golden Buddhas, and the intimate, twinkly-lit patio is one of the best outdoor dining spots in the city.
originalatasteofthai.com, 31 E Center St #100, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Atlas
Meredith Mashburn Photography / Atlas
When date night rolls around, locals turn to Atlas, an upscale fine-dining restaurant in the heart of Fayetteville. The interior sets the mood: think custom French antiques, pristine white tablecloths, and soothing candlelight. As you might imagine, the food—a seasonal menu heavy on meat and seafood entrees—is equal parts beautiful and delicious.
atlastherestaurant.com, 208 N Block Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
The Farmer’s Table Cafe
The Farmer’s Table Cafe
When it comes to farm-to-table dining, the Farmer’s Table Cafe is the real deal. The restaurant uses almost all local products sourced from small sustainable farms in the area to curate a menu that’s organic, homemade, and reliably tasty.
thefarmerstablecafe.com, 1079 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Petra Cafe
The Petra Cafe
Tucked inside a small brick building off the downtown square, this Mediterranean cafe is the definition of cozy dining. Order whatever the special of the day is, or try their foule, a Middle Eastern chili made with stewed fava beans, tomatoes, and herbs.
thepetracafe.com, 31 East Center St. Ste 101 Fayetteville, AR 72701
Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese
Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese
It’s all about the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches (for the most part) at Hammontree’s—and that’s how locals like it. If you thought a good grilled cheese was just bread and cheese, think again. You can build your own sandwich, choosing from well over a dozen cheeses and several meat and veggie options, or opt for a classic sandwich on the menu.
hammontrees.weeblyte.com, 326 N West Ave #8, Fayetteville, AR 72701