Follow the Arkansas Cheese Dip Trail

Fun fact: Arkansas is believed to be the birthplace of “cheese dip”. So, what better place to experience this culinary favorite than where it all started?

The origins of “cheese dip” are still up for debate, but Little Rock lawyer and filmmaker Nick Rogers did his research and is now convinced Arkansas is where it all began. Rogers discovered the original landmark Mexico Chiquito restaurant in Hot Springs (though it was named Little Mexico at the time) where cheese dip appeared on the menu as early as 1935 – predating Rotel by at least 10 years. 

Whether you believe it or not, one thing is definitely not up for debate: this state loves cheese dip, and by following this handy guide, you’ll love it, too:

Buffalo Grill Riverdale | Little Rock

Serving up classic American comfort—think cheese dip, hearty steaks, burgers, salads, and stacked sandwiches—this long-running spot (open since 1981) even offers outdoor dining for a laid-back meal. 

Casa Manana Rock | Little Rock

This spot serves authentic Mexican cuisine from signature white queso dips to hearty soups, salads, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and seafood specialties. Plus, enjoy classic desserts like flan, churros, and sopapillas.

Cheers in the Heights | Little Rock

A longtime neighborhood favorite since 1979, this spot serves an eclectic mix of American, Cajun, Italian, seafood, and vegetarian dishes—from soups and salads to burgers and (you guessed it) cheese dip. Outdoor dining is available.

Table 82 at The Cow Pen | Lake Village

This crowd-pleaser serves a mix of Mexican, seafood, Italian dishes, and steaks—including its famous cheese dip and signature Cow Pen ribeye with homemade sauce—plus a Sunday buffet of classic Southern cooking with fresh, seasonal vegetables. A banquet room is also available for groups.

Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro | Little Rock

This quirky, eclectic restaurant serves generous portions of pastas, Cajun dishes, and Southern favorites, all while operating as a proudly “green” restaurant with eco-friendly practices from containers to lighting. It’s also home to La Petite Roche, winner of the 2010 World’s Champion Cheese Dip Festival. 

Faby's Restaurant | Conway

This local favorite makes fresh tortillas daily and serves everything from dips, salsa, burritos, and tortilla soup to specialties like fried stuffed avocado and decadent desserts, plus a white queso that’s a must for cheese dip enthusiasts. The menu also surprisingly has a selection of Italian dishes!

Flying Burrito Co. | Fayetteville

This burrito bar is known for its GIANT burritos, but also serves tacos, nachos, rice bowls, taco salads, and house-made salsas and cheese dip.

Izzy's | Little Rock

Serving “healthy food for healthy people since 1985,” this Little Rock haunt offers continental cuisine ranging from fresh cheese dip, salads, pastas, pizzas, burgers, and award-winning hand-rolled tamales plus gluten-free and vegan options. Save room for dessert, though, especially if you like lemon icebox pie and bread pudding. 

Loca Luna | Little Rock

This nationally recognized, award-winning restaurant serves an eclectic, upscale mix of American gourmet dishes—dubbed “Nouveau Schizophrenic”—from white queso with roasted chiles to grilled meats, fresh seafood, pastas, and homestyle favorites, plus homemade desserts and Sunday brunch. 

Marlo's Little House of Tacos | Fayetteville

This popular local hangout is a beloved taco shack serving up hearty, no-frills Mexican food – especially their famous tacos and made-from-scratch cheese dip.

Nick's Bar-B-Q & Catfish | Carlisle

This laid‑back Southern roadhouse serves up slow‑smoked barbecue alongside battered farm‑raised catfish, crispy fried onion rings, and yes - a signature cheese dip.

Sparky's Roadhouse Cafe | Eureka Springs

Sparky’s Roadhouse Café is a fun, retro-inspired garage-themed hangout that serves up, in addition to its must-try cheese dip, eclectic yet familiar comfort food—from gourmet burgers (with cheese fries!) to enchiladas. And don’t miss the bowling lane and pins on the ceiling!

Stoby's Restaurant | Conway, AR / Russelville

Stoby’s is famous for its homemade yellow and spicy white cheese dips (so much so that American Idol’s Kris Allen named the yellow dip his favorite), but also serves up soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts like Possum Pie. It was also recognized by Esquire in 2009 as one of America’s best breakfast spots.

Taco Mama | Hot Springs

This spot serves classic, authentic Mexican fare made fresh daily, from fajitas, tacos, burritos, and hand-rolled tamales to a queso dip with chorizo and a Mexican green chile cheeseburger you’ve got to taste to believe.

Taco Pronto | Hot Springs

A local Tex-Mex favorite since the late ’60s, this spot serves classics like cheese dip, nachos, tacos, and burritos. But the real standout are their cheese crisps—crispy tortillas loaded with cheese, salsa, and jalapeños.