On the banks of the Arkansas River, Fort Smith thrives with frontier history, blues music, and a food scene that’s a crossroads of Southern comfort, old-world flavors, and innovative upstarts.
Doe’s Eat Place
A steak lover’s pilgrimage, Doe’s is famous for its laid-back vibe—mason jar glasses, checked tablecloths, and impossibly thick steaks charred on a hot grill.
The tamales are a local classic, and hospitality comes with a side of history: this is a room where stories are told and memories made.
Birthdays, retirements, and family feasts are always in the mix.
Bricktown Brewery
Set in a beautifully repurposed riverfront building, Bricktown pours regional and house-made craft beers—with loaded nachos, fried green tomatoes, chicken-fried steak, and their famous “Rocket Burger.”
Kids pack the arcade, grown-ups crowd the bar, and everyone leaves stuffed.
The Sunday brunch with biscuits and gravy is not to be missed.
Rolando’s Restaurante
Bright murals, Latin jazz, and Ecuador-meets-Southern cuisine define Rolando’s: shrimp enchiladas bathed in mole, sweet plantain fries, grilled tilapia, and chorizo-stuffed empanadas.
The back patio often hosts impromptu salsa nights and birthday dancing—this is food for the spirit as well as the stomach.
Green Papaya
For sushi and pan-Asian plates, Green Papaya draws a loyal crowd.
Their Dragon rolls and spicy ramen bowls are city favorites, while bento boxes and Thai curries keep lunch crowds smiling.
Cozy, friendly, and reliably delicious, it’s the spot for family reunions and quick, healthy bites.
Calico County
This iconic all-day diner serves classic Southern country breakfast, chicken and dumplings, fried catfish, and mile-high pies in a casual, nostalgic setting.
Regulars—grandparents, reunions, Little League teams—fill the big round booths.
Staff remember everyone, coffee never runs dry, and no one leaves hungry.
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