Jim Sutton
Little Rock Office
Of course BBQ is a big deal here in Arkansas. While BBQ is very good in Texas too, I think that Arkansas BBQ is just a little better. Mostly because I think Texas leans towards beef and Arkansas is more about Pork. I think Pork just lends itself to BBQ better than beef. With the possible exception of brisket. BBQ brisket is hard to beat. To be honest Arkansas BBQ is heavily influenced by Memphis BBQ, and in my opinion Memphis like the Mecca of BBQ.
Another thing Arkansas specializes in is cheese dip. Cheese dip was invented in Arkansas.
For me, with barbecue, it depends on what mood I'm in. If it’s old school BBQ like I grew up eating it Sims. If it's sweet and spicy BBQ, I go with Whole Hog Cafe. Craig’s BBQ in Devall’s Bluff is good too. It’s super tangy and you definitely want Cole slaw on your sandwich to sweeten it up a little. Then there’s is Nick’s in Carlisle. It’s like an institution around here. Then there is also Corky’s BBQ. For me it’s like fast food BBQ, but acceptable quality. Wright’s BBQ is also highly regarding in Little Rock.
Kym McGee
Little Rock Office
Southern Fried Catfish- Arkansas is one of the largest producers of catfish in the US. I feel the crispy, well-seasoned fish is a staple of the state’s cuisine.
Having the right ingredients is the most important parts of getting the Southern Fried Catfish just right. Of course, the corn meal breading is the best choice with all the right seasoning; add sea salt, paprika, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion powder. This mixture will give you the perfect delicious crispy catfish filets; don’t forget the perfect sides. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon Fish Fry. It’s also my favorite Mother’s Day Tradition started by my sons once they were teenagers and has continued into adulthood.
Faith Oliver
Hot Springs Office
My favorite dish in Arkansas, after moving from Dallas to Hot Springs, is a classic fried catfish plate with hushpuppies and coleslaw. This meal captures the essence of Arkansas’s lake culture, especially around Lake Hamilton (where I live), where it's common for local restaurants to have "boat docks" for customers.
Seafood boils, brimming with crawfish, are also a local favorite, found everywhere from roadside food trucks to chain restaurants. Unlike the coastal seafood I ate in Dallas, these dishes reflect Hot Springs’ water-friendly vibe, and echo the area’s laid-back, social vibe, where weekend boating and community fish fries and events (I.E. the annual Hot Springs Fishing Challenge) bring people together.
For me, enjoying catfish by the lake evokes the small-town charm and traditions that make Arkansas feel like home, which is so different from my old city life.
Scott Banks
Little Rock Office
I'm not sure if I have a favorite meal... but as far as fond memories go, crawfish boils are always fantastic. It's just kind of great when everyone gets together like that.
Carol Robbins
Texarkana Office
My favorite meal is just a well cooked steak and potatoes. There were 12 men listed who signed the articles of incorporation for the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, and my dad, my uncle, and grandfather were part of that.
My dad’s a cattleman so we always had the best pick of the meat. He was also the President of the Arkansas Beef Capitol. Cattlemen know the best way to cook a steak! My Daddy told them the only thing he had to do to get honored was outlive the rest of the guys. He is 89 years old. He’s kinda my hero.
Kim Clark
Little Rock Office
My favorite meal is fried catfish, fries, hush puppies, coleslaw and all that good stuff 😊 Ever since I was little my family always did at least one big fish fry in the summer. It was always so much fun having a bunch of friends and family come out.
Everyone playing games, listening to music and just enjoying being around each other. Sooo many good memories!!
Julie Robinson
Little Rock Office
My favorite cuisine to eat in Arkansas is southern food. Southern food has Deep roots in Arkansas culture. Comfort dishes like fried chicken, catfish, collard greens, cornbread, and black-eyed peas make me appreciate the south more. These dishes are
Often made from scratch, with recipes passed down for generations and it brings back a lot of memories with my grandparents.
