Texarkana, Arkansas is a delightful city nestled in the southwest corner of the state. While it may not be as big as Little Rock or Fayetteville, Texarkana has developed a thriving foodie scene over the last decade. From funky cafés to high-end steakhouses, Texarkana offers delicious dining options to satisfy every palate.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best restaurants that Texarkana has to offer. For each restaurant, we’ll highlight what makes them stand out, their most popular dishes, price range, and why you should add them to your Texarkana restaurant bucket list! Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these 12 eateries offer fantastic flavors you don’t want to miss.
Best Breakfast: Minnie’s Pancake House
When it comes to the best breakfast in Texarkana, Minnie’s Pancake House tops the list. Family-owned and operated since 1956, Minnie’s serves up hearty, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast classics perfect for starting your day off right.
Minnie’s has achieved local legend status for their giant, fluffy pancakes that come in a variety of flavors like blueberry, pecan, and chocolate chip. Pair your short stack with crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or Minnie’s popular chicken fried steak covered in creamy white gravy. Whether you stop by for a quick weekday bite or a leisurely weekend brunch, Minnie’s homestyle cooking never disappoints.
Standout Dishes: Pancakes, chicken fried steak
Why You Need to Go: Minnie’s is quintessential Texarkana – a hometown gem beloved by residents for generations. Their bakery-fresh pastries and cozy, diner-style ambiance adds to the charm.
Best Lunch Spot: Wake Up Café
For fresh, healthy lunch options, Wake Up Café is Texarkana’s top choice. Their diverse menu features freshly made salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, soups, and more using local ingredients.
Standouts include their rainbow vegetarian grain bowl loaded with vegetables and their barbecue chicken flatbread sandwich. Wake Up Café also offers an ample smoothie and juice bar, specialty coffee drinks, and daily lunch specials every Texarkana local looks forward to.
Standout Dishes: Grain bowls, barbecue chicken flatbread
Why You Need to Go: Wake Up Café brings vibrant, delicious dishes created with quality ingredients and health in mind. It’s an excellent lunch destination for vegetarians too.
Best Pizza: Big Willy’s Pizza
Runner up for Texarkana’s best lunch is Big Willy’s Pizza, a local favorite for over 20 years. Unlike the big chain pizzerias, Big Willy’s handcrafts their pizzas with homemade sauce, fresh toppings, and crust made in-house daily.
Favorites include their Texarkana special with smoked sausage, pepperoni, hamburger, onions, and mushrooms and the Homer’s Delight with Canadian bacon, sausage, beef, and extra cheese. Big Willy’s also lets you build custom pizzas exactly to your liking. Whether you dine-in or order takeout, Big Willy’s presents pizza the way it oughta be.
Standout Dishes: Texarkana special pizza, Homer’s delight pizza
Why You Need to Go: When locals crave pizza, Big Willy’s is the neighborhood go-to. Their generously-sized pies never skimp on high-quality ingredients.
Best Brunch: Bread + Butter
Forlazy weekend brunches accompanied by bottomless mimosas, Bread + Butter rules as Texarkana’s primo brunch destination. Their creative menu puts gourmet twists on all your favorite breakfast and lunch dishes.
The chicken and waffles comes fried to crispy perfection and drizzled in whiskey maple syrup while their shrimp and grits feature cheesy garlic grits and spicy Cajun shrimp. Bread + Butter also offers steak frites, loaded omelets, specialty Benedicts, salad, and sandwiches in case chicken and waffles isn’t your speed.
Standout Dishes: Chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits
Why You Need to Go: If you love cuisine with a contemporary flair, Bread + Butter’s elegant entrees give familiar brunch classics an upgraded experience.
Best Deli: Katz & Co Deli
When you visit Katz & Co, you instantly feel transported to an authentic New York-style deli right in the heart of Texarkana. Katz serves up traditional Jewish favorites from towering pastrami sandwiches to hearty matzo ball soup along with specialty sandwiches and daily lunch specials.
Their Reuben sandwich brings perfect harmony between salty pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing between griddled rye bread. You also can’t miss their pastrami cheese fries, crunchy fries smothered in pastrami bits, cheese, sour cream and green onions.
Standout Dishes: Pastrami sandwich, matzo ball soup, pastrami cheese fries
Why You Need to Go: Katz brings a taste of New York’s iconic delis to Texarkana complete with piled-high sandwiches on rye and signature sides.
Best Tex-Mex Restaurant: Casa Rodriguez
Tex-Mex cuisine holds a special place in Texarkana’s culinary scene, so choosing the #1 spot came down to Casa Rodriguez. Family-owned for 30 years, Casa Rodriguez presents Tex-Mex standards like enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas along with their fabulous signature queso made in-house.
From sizzling chimichangas and burritos to their topped-to-perfection nachos, Casa Rodriguez nails the full spectrum of flavors you want from a stellar Tex-Mex joint. Refreshing margaritas and salsa that packs some heat perfectly complement Casa’s authentic dishes.
Standout Dishes: Queso, chimichangas, nachos
Why You Need to Go: When craving fajitas, enchiladas, and other Lone Star State classics, Casa Rodriguez takes the top prize for tasty Tex-Mex done right.
Best BBQ Restaurant: Big Jake’s Texas BBQ
All great Southern towns boast an ace BBQ spot and Big Jake’s holds court as the king of smoked meat in Texarkana. They slow smoke juicy brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, savory sausage and more using local White Oak wood. Beyond the traditional meats, Big Jake’s also plates up impressive barbecue chicken and pulled pork sandwiches topped with their signature BBQ sauce.
Their smokehouse chili, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad and pecan pie also shine as ideal BBQ sidekicks. Big Jake’s casual counter-service setup echoes the languid pace of authentic Texas barbecue done properly. Just grab some napkins and dig into tender smoked meat prepared by true local pitmasters.
Standout Dishes: Brisket, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches
Why You Need to Go: When it comes to TX ‘cue, Big Jake’s time-honored smoking methods produce traditional barbecue flavors that can’t be beat.
Best Fine Dining: Table 219
If you’re seeking a fine dining experience in Texarkana, book your reservation at Table 219. As a wine-centric restaurant, Table 219 stores over 200 varietals at any given time with 25 wines by the glass. Their refined dinner menu centers around seasonal ingredients and technique-driven preparation.
Start your meal with expertly fried calamari or duck fat potatoes before indulging in Table 219’s tender filet mignon, sesame crusted tuna, or classic French coq au vin. Every dish receives careful attention aimed at elevating flavors and presentation alike. For special occasions or whenever you crave elevated cuisine, Table 219 delivers sophisticated fare worth savoring.
Standout Dishes: Calamari fritti, filet mignon, sesame tuna
Why You Need to Go: The talented chefs at Table 219 apply their culinary artistry towards upscale entrees paired beautifully with their extensive wine selection.
Best Steakhouse: Mr. B’s Steakhouse
Nothing satisfies quite like an exceptional steakhouse dinner and Mr. B’s stakes its claim as Texarkana’s best spot for USDA Prime steak and seafood. Their aged Delmonico and Kansas City strip steaks melt in your mouth while fillets like Chilean sea bass and pecan crusted trout shine as stellar alternatives.
Beyond impeccable proteins, Mr. B’s also brings classic side dishes like au gratin potatoes, creamed spinach and roasted asparagus that feel nostalgic yet refined. With white linen service and ambient lounge, Mr. B’s elegant atmosphere mirrors their exacting culinary standards.
Standout Dishes: Bone-in Delmonico, Kansas City Strip, Chilean Sea Bass
Why You Need to Go: Mr. B’s flawlessly cooks premium cuts of steak and fresh seafood in an intimate steakhouse setting ideal for date nights and special gatherings.
Best Local Coffee Shop: Oak + Reed Coffeehouse
No great town lacks an exceptional local coffee shop where regulars and visitors mingle over incredible artisan coffee. For Texarkana, that special spot is Oak + Reed Coffeehouse near downtown. Their talented baristas prepare smooth pour overs, creamy lattes, and iced coffee refreshing enough for hot Arkansas days.
Beyond expertly brewed coffee, Oak + Reed’s homey space offers freshly baked pastries from regional bakeries and grab-and-go lunch items like paninis and rice bowls. Free community events like open mic nights and coffee cupping classes reflect Oak + Reed’s status as a welcoming neighborhood hub.
Standout Drinks: Pour over coffee, vanilla latte, cold brew iced coffee
Why You Need to Go: Oak + Reed not only serves Texarkana’s best artisan coffee and espresso drinks but also functions as a lively gathering place.
Best Burger: Freeway Diner
No list of Texarkana’s best restaurants omitted the iconic Freeway Diner and their sensational smashburgers. Open since 1969, Freeway Diner serves piping hot burgers prepared on a flattop grill that locks in flavor and juices beneath a beautifully crisped exterior.
Their double cheeseburger presents two griddled beef patties oozing melty American cheese best enjoyed alongside crinkle cut fries and a creamy milkshake. During lunch hours, Freeway Diner packs out as locals flock for these unbeatable burgers done right.
Standout Dishes: Double cheeseburger, fries, milkshakes
Why You Need to Go: A hole-in-the-wall establishment, Freeway Diner enduringly satisfies Hungry travelers exit off Interstate 30 knowing they’ll be met with delicious burgers and shakes.
Best Italian Restaurant: Bellacino’s Italian Bistro
With exposed brick and strings of wine bottles lining the interior, walking into Bellacino’s Italian Bistro instantly ignites big city Little Italy vibes. Their menu bursts with Italian favorites like crispy calamari, meatballs bathed in marinara and pasta prepared every which way. For your main dish, order the Parmesan crusted chicken tenderloins or lingui e vongole with olive oil poached shrimp for a touch of seafood.
Of course, Bellacino’s offers pizza and subs too for lunch or late night bites. With good food, great wine and welcoming service, Bellacino’s transports you straight to Italy for the night.
Standout Dishes: Shrimp linguine, meatballs, pizza
Why You Need to Go: With its checkered tablecloths and aromas of garlic and oregano wafting through the dining room, Bellacino’s nails all the charm of authentic Italian cuisine.
Best Sushi: Maru Sushi Bar
Maru Sushi Bar remains many local’s go-to spot for getting their sushi fix handled with skill and precision. Their expansive maki menu presents every sushi roll variety imaginable while their sashimi and nigiri selection stays stocked with impeccably fresh cuts.
Beyond seafood, Maru also plates up teriyaki chicken, hibachi steak and tempura to ensure all tastes leave happy. For the best value, try one of Maru’s boat options that feeds multiple people. No matter your preferred sushi style, Maru executes top-notch Japanese fare seven days a week.
Standout Dishes: Spicy tuna rolls, sashimi combos, hibachi chicken
Why You Need to Go: With elegant presentation and consistently fresh fish, Maru remains many local’s go-to spot for getting their sushi fix handled with skill and precision.
Best Seafood: Hook Line & Sinker
Stationed along the Arkansas-Texas border, Texarkana locals have access to impeccably fresh Gulf seafood thanks to eateries like Hook Line and Sinker. Specializing in po’ boys, tacos, baskets and plates, this counter-service joint offers hefty portions of golden fried shrimp, catfish and oysters shucked daily.
Their Signature Sinker sandwich piles their lightly battered fried shrimp atop a soft hoagie roll dressed with lettuce, pickles and spicy boom boom sauce. Spice lovers also flock towards Hook Line and Sinker’s Sissy sauce kicked up with additional peppers and vinegar.
Standout Dishes: Sinker sandwich, fried shrimp/oyster/catfish baskets
Why You Need to Go: Hook Line and Sinker plates up ocean fresh Gulf shrimp and oysters with unique flavor profiles drawing loyal crowds for over 35 years.
Best Local Sweet Shop: Holly’s Country Candies
Finally, Texarkana locals satisfy their sweet tooth year round thanks to old fashioned candy store Holly’s Country Candies open since 1979. Step inside and your senses fill with the sugary sweet aroma emanating from their onsite candy kitchen.
From chocolate creams, caramels, brittles and fudges crafted in-house to retro candies like Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mary Janes and BB Bats, Holly’s stocks treats for kids and kids at heart. Customers also love their chocolate covered strawberries, premium ice cream and chocolate malt shakes. Pop by Holly’s when you’re looking to indulge your craving for nostalgic candy.
Standout Sweets: fudge, chocolate creams, chocolate malt shakes
Why You Need to Go: Holly’s candy emporium bursts with cookies and candies made lovingly from scratch just like grandma used to make ‘em.
Conclusion
With its small town charm and dynamic dining scene, Texarkana’s top restaurants offer fantastic meals morning, noon and night no matter your preferences or budget.
So next time hunger hits in this delightful section of The Natural State, explore Texarkana’s top dining destinations for scrumptious Southern fare.