The Best Restaurants In Texarkana, Arkansas Charm

A friendly, laid back environment makes Fat Jack’s Oyster and Sports Bar a great place to unwind after a long day. Founded in 1985 by Jack Mills, the eponymous, vibrant venue features dancing and other live entertainment alongside many tasty edibles from meat options to seafood dishes. For seafood entrées, guests can choose between oysters on the half shell, peel and eat shrimp, and seafood gumbo to name but a few. For those diners who prefer something meaty, the rib eye steak and the classic cheeseburger are two highlights.

Tucked inside an historic building from the early 1900s is a neighborhood bar known as Hopkins Icehouse. The brainchild of George Dodson and David Jones, this gathering place not only serves up ice-cold brews and cocktails but also a selection of American dishes that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. Choices to note include the Sicilian burger with a choice of a hamburger patty or chicken breast topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato, seasonings, basil, and dijonnaise and the basil cashew chicken sandwich on wheatberry bread with a choice of chips or fresh fruit. Open every day, the joint also hosts many events plus Sunday brunch.

Joe’s Pizza and Pasta is a must-try for anyone who’s looking for delicious Italian cuisine. Located downtown in the Arts and Historic District, Joe’s delights customers with its varied menu that is sure to please many tastes from carnivores to vegetarians. Within a warm and inviting environment, diners can savor items such as the shrimp tortellini with shrimp, butter, garlic, and sherry wine in a pink sauce and the classic spaghetti with choice of sauce. The menu also includes a variety of subs and pizzas with one highlight being the lasagna pizza topped with ricotta, mozzarella, ground beef, plus marinara sauce. A children’s menu is also available for the littlest diners.

Old Tyme Burger Shoppe serves up a host of American dishes sure to sate the greatest of appetites. Open every day (hours vary), this burger joint offers guests not only a variety of juicy burgers but also a great selection of breakfast items, including savory and sweet options, sandwiches, entrées, and complementary side dishes, such as spicy fries and onion rings. Notable options include the double cheeseburger; the Randy burger with grilled bell peppers and onions; and the hearty chicken fried steak. This friendly haunt also features daily lunch specials along with delicious sweet treats, including cream pies.

A family-owned and operated establishment, Sue and Carol’s Restaurant is a charming restaurant specializing in home-style cuisine. Open for breakfast and lunch, this casual place features a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a host of comforting dishes. From egg dishes to hot cakes to sandwiches and more, the menu will suit many tastes. Highlights include biscuits and gravy; hamburger steak with grilled onions and brown gravy served with choice of sides, including macaroni and cheese and green beans; and the club sandwich. An array of tasty pies, including chocolate, and other sweet edibles, such as cakes in various flavors, can also be found at Sue and Carol’s.

Owned and operated by three friends, Three Chicks Café is part of the larger Three Chicks Feed, Seed and Café establishment. A place where customers can pick up feed for their animals or hardware equipment, they can also visit the rustic, charming cafe to sample delicious home-style cooking. Open Monday through Saturday, the menu features breakfast and lunch items that will satisfy any craving. The western omelette with ham, peppers, cheese, and onions and the French toast are two great morning time options, while the lunch crowd can enjoy a variety of burgers made with certified Angus beef, salads, sandwiches, and more. Three Chicks also offers specials plus sweet treats.

A local favorite, TLC Burgers and Fries is a beloved downtown burger joint that should be on anyone’s must-try list. A fast-casual joint that only accepts cash, this lunchtime establishment, open Monday through Saturday, serves some of the tastiest and juiciest burgers around. One favored option is the chili burger topped with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. Complementary sides, such as fresh cut fries topped with Red River Sand (a special seasoning), beverages, and sweet edibles are also available.

Zapata Mexican Grill and Cantina is a lively venue serving flavorful Mexican cuisine. Located downtown, this restaurant is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, which will appeal to both meat-eaters and vegetarians. Procuring the freshest ingredients available, guests can savor everything from enchiladas to tacos to steaks plus much more. Must-try dishes include the fresh mesquite grilled fish served with Mexican rice, tortilla soup, and guacamole and pico de gallo salad and the marinated skirt steak fajitas. Several desserts, including flan and fried cheesecake, plus many tempting libations, such as the strawberry margarita, are available as well.