Atmospheric Arkansas Locations Feature Out-of-the-Ordinary Dining

Kerry Kraus, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Interest in unusual places to eat has enjoyed a tremendous surge in the last few years. You only have to watch The Food Network and The Travel Channel, or read one of numerous articles, Web sites and guidebooks on the subject, for proof. Now unusual cuisine can mean any number of things – menus with unusual or different foods, dining establishments found in out-of-the-ordinary locales, local hot spots, etc. After polling the people who know The Natural State best – some of my co-workers and members of the Arkansas tourism industry – I have compiled a list of what I will call "unique dining," not only because they are found in buildings that you don’t ordinarily expect to find a restaurant, at least nowadays, but because they have all been given "thumbs-up" as to the cuisine offered.

A Category All Their Own

Diversity, from the uncommon structures they call home to the type of dishes offered, are what these establishments have in common.

The Mammoth Orange, Redfield: Possibly the most recognizable "unique" dining facility in Arkansas, this roadside oddity was built in 1966, inspired by a giant orange restaurant in Fresno, CA circa 1950s. The menu features hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, salad bar and dinner specials. It is located halfway between Little Rock and Pine Bluff at 103 North Ark. 365; 870-397-2347 or 870-397-2572.

The Lighthouse Inn, Fort Smith: Since lighthouses are usually only on the coasts, a lighthouse is not expected to be found in landlocked Arkansas. But there is one and this Fort Smith landmark is known for its excellent food. The Lighthouse Inn opened in 1974 and has been a local dining tradition since. Its location on the banks of the Arkansas River, the natural setting and the moonlight reflecting off the water makes this a popular romantic spot. The menu features seafood, steaks and chicken. Should the weather be questionable….there is a sign hanging in the restaurant stating: "Coil up your rope and anchor here till better weather doeth appear." 6000 Midland Blvd.; 479-783-9420.

Café Africa, Little Rock Zoo: Housed in the newly renovated historic lion house at the Little Rock Zoo. Built in 1933, this Works Progress Administration all-stone building features a rock fireplace, multi-level dining, and a wide variety of food for kids and adults alike: sandwiches, burgers, chicken fingers, tater tots and fries. Specialty menu items include a daily hot plate special and panini sandwiches. Cafe Africa is also available for private party rental. #1 Jonesboro Drive; 501-666-2406.

War Eagle Outpost, Eureka Springs: At the historic 1905 Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs, every floor of the seven-story building is ground level. And if that’s not enough of an oddity, you can also enjoy a meal inside a cave in the hotel lobby. Open for breakfast and lunch, the cafe offers a full line of coffee drinks, War Eagle biscuits and gravy, homemade cinnamon rolls and panini breakfast sandwiches on homemade bread. 12 Spring Street; 479-253-7411; www.basinpark.com.

All Aboard Dining

Whether it’s a train, boat, plane or double-decker bus, there are several opportunities for "mobile" dining in Arkansas.

The Parachute Inn, Walnut Ridge: Meals aboard a plane have not always been considered unusual, but they are quickly becoming an endangered species. You can still have a meal aboard a plane, albeit a stationary one, at this one-of-a-kind restaurant. Housed in a Southwest Airlines Boeing 727, the interior has been painstakingly restored to the original "Southwest" look and seats have been reconfigured to fit tables. Diners can stash their coats in the overhead bins. It features Southern-style home cooking. 10 Skywatch; 870-886-5918.

The Park at West End, Fort Smith: Two unusual eating opportunities are found here on the banks of the Arkansas River. First is the "Nickel and Dime Diner" located in a Pullman car that has been converted into a diner. The booths are constructed from the original train seats. The bar and back bar are from Pete's Place Restaurant circa 1937. Visitors can choose from the wide variety of menu offerings ranging from sandwiches to Chicken Parmesan. A 1963 British Leyland double-decker bus has been turned into a concession giving the impression of a group going for a bus ride. 15 North 2nd Street; 479-420-1821.

Stoby’s, Russellville: A former day coach now provides seating for this popular restaurant. The car was purchased from Southern Pacific by the Rock Island line which used it as a dining car. This car, along with a Chicago Suburban Express Car and a Rock Island Parlor Car, are located on Stoby's property, adding to the seating available in the adjoining reconstructed train depot. In 2002, 200 feet of suspended model train track running between the two main dining rooms was installed adding to the railroad ambience. Stoby’s famous cheese dip is a menu favorite, along with the breakfasts. Lunch and dinner are also served. 405 West Parkway; 479-968-3816.

Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway: Dining here takes visitors back to when train travel was king and dining aboard was an epicurean experience. The Eurekan Dining Car features lunch and dinner trips. Starched white tablecloths and candlelight add to the elegance of dinnertime dining where three entrees, accompanied by soup, salad, rolls and dessert are choices from April through Oct. Wine and champagne are available. Lunch is served from May through Oct. and features three hot entrees along with homemade bread, beverage and special dessert. The train is housed at the historic Eureka Springs Depot, 299 North Main Street; 479-253-9623; www.esnarailway.com/.

Dondie’s White River Princess, Des Arc: Located on the shores of the White River in downtown Des Arc, this popular eatery is patterned after the steamboats that once traveled up and down the White River. The restaurant has won numerous awards and has been featured on television and in magazines for its outstanding catfish and hospitality. The all-you-can-eat buffet includes catfish fillets, steaks, chicken strips, shrimp, crawdads, clam strips and barbecue. Dondie’s also has a wide selection of menu items including award-winning prime rib, rib eye and sirloin steaks, "Riverbend Chicken" and frog legs. The desserts are not to be missed. 101 East Curran Street; 870-256-3311.

Belle of Hot Springs: This riverboat replica is a 250-passenger vessel which plies the waters of Lake Hamilton. Five main dishes are available on the dinner menu along with salad bar, a baked potato, a vegetable and roll. A separate luncheon menu features five entrees accompanied by fruit, cookie and beverages. Children’s portions are available as well. The boat docks at 5200 Central Avenue, Scenic 7 Byway South. Reservations can be made by calling 501-525-4438. Additional information can be found on www.belleriverboat.com/

Arkansas Queen, North Little Rock: A recreated paddle-wheeler, the Queen has all kinds of offerings from lunch and dinner to sightseeing voyages. Specialty dinner and theme cruises include gospel nights Thursday through Saturday and a Jazz and Champagne Brunch on Sunday afternoons. All are on the Arkansas River with the menus varying according to the cruise selected. The regular dinner trips will have a Dixieland flavor this year with a live band and dancing after dining. Reservations can be made by calling 501-372-5777. A description of the events offered can be found on www.arkansasqueen.com/. The boat is moored at 100 Riverfront Drive in North Little Rock.

Salty Parrot, North Little Rock: Located next to the Arkansas Queen, the Salty Parrot adds a touch of the Caribbean to The Natural State. The open-air, floating café offers a varied menu and tropical drinks. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until last call with a DJ in the evenings. Live musical entertainment is available on Saturday night beginning at 7 p.m. This converted sand-and-gravel barge is Jimmy Buffet-style, laid-back dining at its best. 100 Riverfront Drive; 501-372-5777.

"Spirited" Meals

Whether or not you choose to imbibe, you can still have a “spirited” meal in a former brewery or an original wine cellar.

Doe’s Eat Place, Fort Smith: A part of the legendary Doe’s in Greenville, Miss., the Fort Smith edition is housed in the old Knoble Brewery. Built in 1848 by German immigrant Joseph Knoble to supply the approximately 37 saloons in downtown Fort Smith, this three-story cobblestone structure contains an original underground cellar where the beer was stored. Completely restored in the early 1990s, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a colorful history that parallels much of Fort Smith's past, and now houses Doe's. A connecting outdoor beer garden that made Knoble's a popular 19th century gathering place is still intact and the stone walls and floor are the same. The underground cellar where beer was once stored is now one of dining areas. North 3rd & E Streets; 479-784-9111.

The Weinkeller Restaurant, Weiderkehr Village: A part of Wiederkehr Winery, Swiss-German cuisine fills the menu here. The restaurant is housed in the original wine cellar, hand-dug by Johann Andreas Wiederkehr in 1880. The structure, which was converted to a restaurant in 1967, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous for its outstanding French-Onion soup, the Weinkeller menu runs the gamut from Swiss Cheese Fondue, Italian pasta dishes, Matterhorn Schnitzel and chicken to lobster, fish and steaks. Apple strudel, Black Forest cake, caramel custard and cheesecake are just some of the desserts available. 3324 Swiss Family Drive; 479-468-3551 or 1-800-622-WINE.

School Days

At one of these, visitors can create new "school" memories and not have any homework.

Ella’s Restaurant, Fayetteville: The second-oldest building on the University of Arkansas main campus, the Inn was built in 1906 as a young women’s dormitory. Carnall Hall is named for Miss Ella Carnall, an associate professor of English and modern languages at the University from 1891-1894. Because of her excellence as a student and her later success as a teacher and role model for young women, the building was named in her memory. The menu at Ella’s, which is located in The Inn at Carnall Hall, is nouveau cuisine with a wide array of dishes available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A Sunday brunch is also available along with coffee and dessert. Located on the University of Arkansas campus, Arkansas Avenue at Maple Street; 479-582-1400; www.ellasrestaurant.com/.

Colonial Steak House, Pine Bluff: A 1912 school building houses this venerable southeast Arkansas restaurant where you can enjoy a meal sitting in a classroom. Originally the Pine Street Elementary School (which was in operation until around 1940), the building was used for several purposes before becoming the home of the restaurant in 1987. The Colonial Steak House provides upscale dining with a varied menu of hand-cut steaks, seafood and chicken. Each meal consists of an entrée, choice of potato, garlic bread and a fresh daily cut salad bar for one price. Don’t miss the Cotton Blossoms appetizers. The steak house is located at 111 West Eighth Street. Call 870-536-3488 for more information or to make reservations.

Frontier Wal-Marts

General stores used to be as common as Walmart but they have rapidly disappeared from the landscape. A few are left and most seem to have reinvented themselves into great eateries. Though they are not just found in The Natural State, these places are "uniquely Arkansas."

Cotham’s Mercantile, Scott: Perhaps the most well-known "general store" in the state. The original Cotham’s in Scott occupies an old general store which partially sits on stilts over Bearskin Lake. Down-home country cooking has made it "Where the Elite Meet to Eat." Known for its trademark hubcap hamburgers and handmade onion rings, the desserts are also "must-haves." Cotham's is located at 5301 Ark. 161 South; more information can be obtained by calling 501-961-9284 or by checking www.cothams.com/.

Historic Oark General Store & Café, Oark: Oldest continuous-operation store in Arkansas, established in 1890. The building has the original floors, walls, and ceiling. Inventory includes groceries, barnyard feed, hardware, electrical supplies, gasoline and automotive supplies, gifts, souvenirs, and school supplies. The Cafe features home cooking and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the menu includes smokehouse style steaks, ribs, catfish, frog legs and homemade chicken fried steak. An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is available on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Located in the tiny Arkansas River Valley town of Oark at 215 Main Street, additional details can be found on www.oarkgeneralstore.com/.

Abe’s Ole Feed House: This South Arkansas restaurant is housed in an old country store and has gained a regular following with its all-you-can-eat offerings. These include fried catfish, seafood, barbecue ribs, a variety of salads and vegetables, plus desserts and huge homemade cinnamon rolls. Located in the Lawson community just outside El Dorado on 2299 Lawson Road; 870-962-3337.

Waiting for the Cows to Come Home

You won’t encounter any livestock here, only good cooking and clever atmosphere.

Brenda's Sale Barn Café, Pocahontas: Home cooking comprises the menu including Brenda’s famous Chocolate Gravy on Saturday mornings. A lunch buffet is popular with the locals. Black-and-white cow décor highlights the interior which is actually a part of a cow sale barn. The restaurant can be found at 706 Townsend Drive and more information can be obtained by calling 870-892-0240.

The Cow Pen, Lake Village: Located next to the levee on U.S. 82 East, this cow barn is open only evenings. The eclectic menu features a great steak named "Cow Pen special." The dining tables are located in cow stalls and the entrance looks like a cattle chute. It’s located at 5198 U.S. 82 East and can be contacted by calling 870-265-9992.

The Old Mill

Notable cuisine and the quaint ambience of old mills are served-up at these locales.

Neighbor's Mill Bakery & Café, Harrison: The menu features whole wheat ground on an over-100-year-old gristmill. The flour is used to make handcrafted American hearth breads and crusty European breads served at the restaurant. The antique-brick structure is patterned after the old Graue Mill in Oakbrook, IL. Inside, the massive exposed timbers give one the feeling of being in a 19th century working gristmill. Everything on the menu is made-from-scratch with the breads the star of the show. Breakfast features French toast and pastries; lunch includes hot and cold sandwiches, focaccia pizzas, homemade soups and salads; dinner menu is expanded to include pasta. Gourmet coffee, tea and espresso drinks available. 1012 U.S. 62-65 North; 870-741-MILL; www.neighborsmill.com.

James at the Mill, Johnson: Chef Miles James’ Ozark Plateau Cuisine™ draws diners from far and wide. The Historic Johnson Mill originally built in1835 was reconstructed in 1867 after being burned during the Civil War. The modern renovation of the mill was designed by world renowned Arkansas architect James Lambeth and incorporated the Inn at the Mill and adjoining restaurant. One of the state’s highest rated award-winning dining establishments and a member of the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, James at the Mill features fresh local ingredients and various creative techniques such as brining, cold smoking and wood fire searing. The restaurant also has a prized wine cellar. Open for lunch and dinner; located off I-540 at 3906 Great House Springs Road, minutes from Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers. 479-443-1400; www.jamesatthemill.com.

War Eagle Mill, Rogers: An authentic reproduction of the original 1873 mill which washed away in 1848, the structure, located on the banks of the War Eagle River, features The Bean Palace Restaurant on the third floor. The restaurant’s menu uses the whole grains ground by the mill for breakfast and lunch dishes. Home-cooking like ham and beans meets the Southwestern flair of the Black Bean Taco Salad on the diverse menu. Arkansas foodstuffs and other products made at the mill are available for purchase in the gift shop. It can be found at 11045 War Eagle Road in Rogers; 479-789-5343, toll-free: 866-492-7324; www.wareaglemill.com.

We hope you’ll take every opportunity possible to discover both the natural beauty and experience these "unusual" restaurants. For more information, go to www.Arkansas.com and select "dining" under "Things to Do."