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Photo:
Robbie Caponetto
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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