Good food and great vibes at Forrest City’s local eateries.
Good food and great vibes at Forrest City’s local eateries.

Fuel Your Adventure in Forrest City

By: Forrest City

Forrest City, Arkansas, is a gateway to some of the state’s most breathtaking natural escapes, and it’s also home to local restaurants that keep adventurers and travelers well-fed. Whether you're fueling up before a day of hiking at Village Creek State Park or winding down after exploring the Delta Heritage Trail, the town’s local spots serve up comfort, tradition and a true taste of the Arkansas Delta.   

Delta Q & Deli

Ask anyone in Forrest City where to find a great sandwich, and they’ll likely point you to Delta Q. The menu features classic deli sandwiches, hot subs like Philly cheesesteak and fried bologna, fresh salads and seasonal soups. Barbecue lovers can get their fix with a pulled pork sandwich, BBQ tacos or BBQ egg rolls. Don’t skip the homemade desserts — they’re the perfect way to wrap up your meal.

Colorful salad ingredients – chopped green bell peppers, crispy bacon, boiled egg, pickle slices, shredded cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeno peppers – topped with ham and turkey in a bowl on a silver tray.  A pie with a browned meringue in a silver pie tin sits on brown paper square and placed on top of a light green ceramic pedestal.
Order a delicious salad or sandwich then save room for dessert.

Ole Sawmill Café

A Forrest City institution with roots stretching back more than 75 years, stepping into Ole Sawmill Café feels like coming home. This family-run eatery greets guests with a welcoming country store full of local goods before leading them to a dining room filled with Southern hospitality. You can order off the menu, but the best way is buffet-style, so you can load up your plate with as much fried chicken and mashed potatoes as your heart desires. Whether you're stopping in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this spot delivers a taste of Arkansas tradition.

Three, fried catfish filets sit on a bed of lettuce on a plate with crinkle cut pickle slices, three round hushpuppies, a baked potato cut open and topped a butter. A container of tartar sauce is next to the fish.    Two chefs prepare plates of food in a kitchen. One is slicing meat while the other arranges sandwich ingredients. Pots and pans hang in the background
Home-cooked comfort — served with a side of Southern hospitality— comes out of the kitchen at Ole Sawmill Cafe.

 

Legacy Café

This Forrest City favorite serves up hand-cut steaks, house-smoked meats and Southern classics in a space filled with vintage auto memorabilia and local charm. From hearty burgers and sandwiches to expertly grilled ribeyes, every dish reflects their dedication to quality. Be sure to save room for the housemade bread pudding, a family recipe worth savoring.

Interior of a retro-style diner with vintage gas station signs and memorabilia covering the walls. Two older men sit and chat at a table beneath string lights and ceiling fans, creating a nostalgic, relaxed setting.
Step into Legacy Café and dine with a side of roadside nostalgia.

SheBrews Coffee and Pie

If your adventures require a caffeine fix, SheBrews Coffee and Pie is a must. This cute drive-through or walk-up café is known for its expertly crafted lattes, friendly service and homemade pies that pair perfectly with your beverage. Not a coffee person, but still need a wake-up? They also offer custom energy drinks.

Three drinks in plastic cups with ice and straws sit in a row on a green ledge. The drinks create an ombre-layered effect – one light orange to dark orange, the middle from light blue/green to dark blue/green and the last light pink to dark red. In the background is a shop with windows with an open sign.    row of three drinks on a ledge
Add some pep to your step with a caffeine boost or cool off with a delicious refresher.

Betty B's Smokehouse BBQ

Big flavor comes in a small package at Betty B’s Smokehouse BBQ. Located in a tiny house along Highway 70, this takeout-only spot serves up mouthwatering meats packed with bold, smoky goodness. The smoked chicken sandwich is a must-try, featuring tender chicken and a sauce that clings to every bite. And don’t leave without a slice of cake — it’s the sweet finish you didn’t know you needed.

A sandwich topped by a bun has shredded chicken, barbecue sauce and coleslaw sits on a piece of aluminum foil waiting to be wrapped.
Pack a picnic with smoked chicken sandwiches from Betty B’s.

More Forrest City Flavor

While these local favorites steal the spotlight, Forrest City has even more to offer. So, next time you’re passing through on your way to Arkansas’ stunning state parks, take a break, grab a bite and experience the rich flavors of this Delta town.

 

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