15 Best Restaurants in Jonesboro, AR
Whether you're a visitor passing through, or fellow resident looking to uncover hidden gems, I'm excited to share some the best restaurants in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in Jonesboro, AR that are not featured here. Our aim is not just to guide you to popular eateries but to encourage you to venture out and experience the city's diverse culinary landscape for yourself.
Enjies
Enjies Italian - Mediterranean Food has become a staple in my weekly dining routine.
It's tucked away in Jonesboro, giving a unique twist to our local food scene.
A visit to Enjies is not just about food; it's an experience.
One dish that has left an indelible impression on my taste buds is their lamb platter with rice.
It's nothing short of incredible. Every bite transports you to a Mediterranean getaway, and it's so delicious that it keeps you coming back for more.
And did I mention the portion sizes? They're just right, leaving you perfectly satisfied.
And if you're someone who values fresh and yummy food, then you're in for a treat at Enjies.
The freshness of the ingredients shines through in every dish, making the food not just tasty but also wholesome.
BJ's Soul Food
Whenever I crave some real, delectable soul food, only one place comes to my mind: BJ’s Soul Food.
It’s my go-to spot for not just food but the experience it provides.
The variety on their menu is exceptionally extensive, making the decision-making process a bit tricky for a food lover like me.
Each visit is a guaranteed hit, as every dish they serve is crafted to perfection.
The best part is that the quality remains consistent, a trait that has made this place a city favorite.
It doesn't matter if it's your first visit or tenth; you can be assured of a great meal every time.
Mai Pai Thai Cuisine
Every so often, I catch myself craving the mouthwatering Thai flavors of Mai Pai Thai Cuisine.
This gem of a restaurant, nestled in the heart of Jonesboro, is a delight in every sense.
The moment I step through the door, I'm greeted with the enticing aroma of simmering curry.
One of the things that makes Mai Pai stand out is their authentic cuisine.
Every dish, from the flavorful yellow shrimp curry to the super chicken satay, exudes authenticity and taste.
And don't even get me started on their papaya salad - it's just awesome!
But what I love most about Mai Pai is their selection of vegetarian dishes.
Their yellow curry with tofu is simply delicious, and if you've never tried their pot stickers, you are in for a treat.
For those who prefer their dinner with a bit of a kick, the drunken noodles are a must-try.
However, my personal favorite has to be the orange chicken. It's the perfect appetizer - tangy, sweet, and deliciously crunchy.
And for my main, I can never resist the pineapple fried rice or the Pad Su I.
Casa Singuilucan
My city is graced with quite a few Mexican food spots, but none of them quite compare to Casa Singuilucan.
This place holds the charm of traditional Mexican dining, far removed from the typical Americanized TexMex joints.
The first thing to note is that this isn't your run-of-the-mill TaMolly's or El Acapulco, catering to a non-Mexican clientele.
The menu is conveniently posted on the wall and by the register, serving as a roster of classic Mexican delights.
They serve dishes that you will struggle to find anywhere else in the city.
Their mulitas, for instance, are like a small quesadilla on a corn tortilla filled with your chosen meat, a delightful treat to the palate.
Their chicken enchiladas, smothered in green sauce, are a favorite of mine.
The tacos, too, are worth a try.
GrillZil
Oh, GrillZil, where have you been all my life?
Nestled unassumingly in Jonesboro, this eatery has quickly become my new haven for scrumptious food and delightful service.
The first time I ventured into GrillZil was purely by chance.
As I walked in, I was taken aback by the welcoming atmosphere, and I felt right at home.
But the true star of the show was the food. I decided to try the pasteis and chicken stroganoff, as recommended by fellow food enthusiasts.
The aroma of the food itself was enough to get my stomach grumbling, and when I took my first bite - pure bliss!
The pasteis were flaky and filled with goodness, while the chicken stroganoff was creamy and tender, exploding with flavors that had me asking for more.
And let's not forget the dessert - the eclair cake. The cake was so addictive that I found myself ordering a second serving.
I also tried the Coxinhas on my subsequent visit, and it was just as amazing.
Big Easy Catering L.L.C
If there's one thing we Arkansans know, it's good food.
And when it comes to Cajun cuisine, I've yet to find a place that does it better than Big Easy Catering L.L.C.
It's become my corner of the state to enjoy authentic, mouth-watering Louisiana flavors.
Every time I bite into their seafood pasta or gator bites with tiger sauce, I'm instantly transported to the heart of New Orleans.
It's not just the dishes that are rich in flavor, but the portions are also generous, striking the perfect balance of being filling but not excessively so.
The best of the bayou, as they call it, really is a culinary delight in every sense of the word.
Their Jambalaya, in particular, is a dish that deserves special mention.
Every spoonful is a burst of authentic New Orleans flavor.
It's so delectable that I often order extra, just to ensure I have enough to relish later.
B A Burrito
You wouldn't believe how many times I've driven past this place!
One evening, after a particularly long day, I thought I'd give B A Burrito a shot.
For a largely unknown joint, the place was buzzing. Unsurprisingly so, it's always a good sign when a place is busy.
Like many casual dining spots, the setup is similar to Chipotle.
But trust me when I say their unique meat and toppings selection has Chipotle beat.
Throw in the homemade chips and fresh salsa, particularly the salsa verde, and you'll be having a fiesta in your mouth.
I remember the first time I ordered, I ended up doggy-bagging half the burrito and chips.
For those with kids, I've seen plenty of youngsters there, and they seem to enjoy the food just as much.
Papitos
I've had the pleasure of dining at Papitos Mexican Grill in Jonesboro numerous times, and it continues to impress me with its delicious food and unique atmosphere.
The first thing that strikes you about Papitos is its modern decor, a refreshing departure from the typical Mexican restaurant aesthetic.
It enhances the dining experience and creates a comfortable setting.
More than just the decor, the food at Papitos is a delight.
The dip is simply incredible, so packed with flavor that it's impossible to stop scooping it up with their delicious, crispy chips.
And let's not forget their hearty and flavorful main courses that never fail to satisfy.
A particular standout for me was when I visited Papitos for lunch post the Arkansas State University graduation.
Their beverage selection also deserves special mention. Each drink is well-poured and packed with flavor, definitely something that adds to the overall dining experience.
El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
There's nothing quite like the comforting familiarity of your favorite local haunt.
A place where you can fully unwind and enjoy great food – that's what El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant is for me.
You're immediately welcomed by the tantalizing aroma of Mexican cuisine.
Once settled, it's hard to resist their salsa and chips.
They are out of this world, and you'd be remiss not to order their cheese and guacamole dip to go along.
Each bite is a burst of flavor, craftily blending the freshness of the ingredients.
The fajitas Jalisco and the carne asada tacos are personal favorites.
Each piece of meat is seasoned meticulously, cooked to perfection, and served hot.
The homemade tortillas and chips just melt in your mouth - a food experience that's hard to beat anywhere else in the city.
Lazzari Italian Oven
I've always had a soft spot for family-run establishments, and Lazzari Italian Oven has been one of my go-to spots for Italian fare for years.
Their pizza is a definite must-try, and the casual atmosphere makes it a welcoming place to drop by any day of the week.
During one of my recent visits, I noticed that the place looked quite the same as it had for the past decade.
The windows were smudged and could use a good cleaning, and some parts of the restaurant seemed like they could benefit from a bit of refurbishment.
Pastaria 49
If you're searching for a spot that will never disappoint, look no further than Pastaria 49.
It's become my go-to spot for enjoying a variety of delicious dishes, from pasta to pizza to their mouthwatering garlic knots.
Trust me, those knots are something special.
I often drop by for lunch with my colleague, where we relish the exquisite taste of their Hot Honi pizza lunch special.
It's a thin-crust pizza, completely different from your usual fast food fare, definitely more of a genuine brick oven pizza.
Paired with their soft, flavorful garlic knots, it's an experience that's had me coming back time after time.
My partner is a big fan of the shrimp pasta and those irresistible bread knots, while my son thoroughly enjoyed his serving of spaghetti.
Pella Cafe Greek and Mediterranean Cuisine
Dining at Pella Cafe is like embarking on an authentic culinary adventure across Greece and the Mediterranean without ever leaving Jonesboro.
I've had the opportunity to indulge in an array of mouthwatering dishes, each one bursting with flavor and authenticity.
The food is not just hearty and delicious, but the portions are generous, too.
In fact, each platter is so plentiful that it almost seems like it's made for more than one person.
The chicken shawarma and chicken kebab entrees are personal favorites, served hot and perfectly seasoned.
Accompanied by a side of crispy fries, it's a meal that never fails to satisfy.
For an even deeper dive into Mediterranean cuisine, the lamb entree is a must-try.
Cooked to perfection, it pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh, creamy hummus.
But Pella Cafe is about more than just food.
The café exudes an enchanting charm that transports you straight to the heart of the Mediterranean.
Its décor, reminiscent of a quaint taverna tucked away in a Greek village, adds to the overall dining experience.
But it's not just the ambiance that's inviting; the service is top-notch as well.
Food is served promptly, usually in less than ten minutes, and the staff is always friendly and attentive.
The café also offers a variety of board games along with a chess board, making it a hit with my kids.
It's a delight to see them savor their chicken kabobs and rice while engrossed in a game of chess or dominos.
The soothing music playing in the background adds the final touch to the café's cozy and homely environment.
Chef's In Downtown Cafe
Oh, I can't begin to describe how much I love Chef's In Downtown Cafe!
It's a cozy little spot that has been a cornerstone of our community for as long as I can remember.
A typical Southern cooking haven that boasts fried pork chops that melt in your mouth, to-die-for rolls, and jalapeno cornbread that adds just the perfect kick to your meal.
And let's not forget about the buffet-style service!
You walk in, pay upfront, and then you get to serve yourself a wide array of sumptuous Southern dishes.
Parking can be a bit of a hassle during lunchtime.
The lot across the street is always packed, but I assure you, it's worth the challenge for a taste of their home-style cooking.
The food is so amazing that the place fills up quickly and is only open for lunch.
My advice? Arrive early to beat the crowd.
Poppy's Beach Grill
You know, there's nothing quite like a dinner out at Poppy's Beach Grill, a delightful corner of our city that's become a favorite for so many of us.
From the moment you walk through the doors, you're embraced by such a warm and inviting atmosphere - it truly feels like you're stepping into your second home.
And when it comes to food, I can confidently say that Poppy's Beach Grill is a cut above the rest.
I've tried numerous dishes, and none have failed to impress me.
Take their ribs, for example. They're incredibly flavorful and tender, they simply fall off the bone.
The taste is so good you might even forget to add the BBQ sauce that comes with them - I know I did!
Their rice is also a hit - it's consistently great and the perfect side dish to any meal.
I recently tried their spinach dip, and it was nothing short of amazing.
A friend of mine opted for the catfish, and he loved it.
I ended up having the Poppy burger, and it was equally fantastic.
Not to mention, their drinks are always spot-on, making the dining experience all the more enjoyable.
BA Eats
I found myself wandering into BA Eats not too long after it opened its doors in The Yard, close to A-State's campus.
My tastebuds were treated to a delectable burger accompanied by a side of well-prepared fries.
While the food was quite good, I must admit, it did make a dent in my wallet as the meal, which included a drink, cost me over $12.
However, the staff won me over with their friendly demeanor during and after ordering.
Their Tex-Mex menu caught my eye, and I've mentally bookmarked it for my next visit.
If you're a fan of a bit of heat in your meal, I've heard good things about their burgers with a jalapeno bun.
Final Thoughts
Jonesboro, Arkansas, has an incredibly diverse food scene that I'm grateful to experience.
From the delightful Italian-Mediterranean blend at Enjies and the authentic Thai flavors at Mai Pai Thai Cuisine to the southern comfort of BJ's Soul Food and the playful atmosphere at Hijinx Family Entertainment Center's JT's Grill, there's something for everyone's palate.
Whether I'm craving a burrito from B A Burrito, or a Greek feast at Pella Cafe, I know I'll be treated to a delicious meal.
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