Bon UAppétit: Profiles on the Best Fayetteville Eats
Fayetteville is a college town. We think loud student parties, weekends in the wilderness and Razorback central. And we’re right. Fayetteville is an outdoorsy, relaxed and student-centered type of place and with that comes a diverse range of good eats. From authentic Mexican to down-home cookin’, this town offers a little of everything.
In northwest Arkansas, we have access to almost any type of cuisine. From fast food to Thai food, Italian to Indian, Barbecue to Cajun, the possibilities are endless in finding an interesting meal. With such a wide array of restaurants in the area, it’s tricky to find the best of the best when it comes to eating out. Check out these suggestions of some of the best restaurants in Fayetteville.
Sassy’s Red House
Price $$ ($10-$15)
Location: 708 N. College
Southern-style barbecue seems to be on every corner, but Sassy’s Red House is one of the best places to chow down on ribs, brisket and pulled pork in Fayetteville. Offering appetizers such as homemade salsa ($2.99), BBQ nachos ($10.99) and fried pickles ($5.99), Sassy’s gets the vote for being a great place to grab drinks and snacks while watching the big game on one of their many flat screen TVs, or somewhere to take a date on a Friday night. The dinner options are endless with a selection of ribs, catfish and chicken. Offering BBQ baked potatoes ($6.00), the Sassy deluxe sandwich ($8.99) and a traditional pulled pork platter ($8.99), dinners are packed with flavor and easy on the wallet. Check out the student coupon books, as Sassy’s offers a great discount to UA students. A great place to eat with friends on the weekend, catch a Razorback game or take the parents, Sassy’s offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, great food and drink specials, and wins our vote as a good eat in town.
Hammontree’s
Price $$ ($10-$15)
Location: 263 N. West Ave
There aren’t many places that offer childhood favorites such as grilled cheese and tomato soup as the main event. Hammontree’s, however, prides itself on offering the most outrageous grilled cheese dinners to students around town. Located in the heart of dining and entertainment in Fayetteville, Hammontree’s sits at Dickson Street and West Avenue, and offers a great mix of grilled sandwiches, soups and hot dogs. Offering a relaxed and laid back feel, guests can sit inside and enjoy the cozy brick interior, or relax in the sunshine on the patio. Try their tasty grilled cheese sandwiches such as “Brie’s Company” ($6.75), the “Caprese Melt” ($6.50) or the “Cheebacca” ($6.95), or chow down on homemade soups such as spinach gorgonzola or tomato and fresh basil ($2.95), an “Aloha Dog” ($6.25) or their famous blueberry grilled cheese ($3.75) dessert. Whatever you decide on, Hammontree’s is a great place to enjoy an eclectic meal, a little Fayetteville flavor and a lot of friendly faces.
Burrito Loco
(formerly Columbiamex)
Price $ ($0-$10)
Location: 2155 W. 6th Street
If there is one place UA students flock to for an incredibly cheap yet delicious lunch, it’s Burrito Loco. Discovered by all UA students during their time here in Fayetteville, Burrito Loco is a hidden grocery store in a strip mall in town that offers $1 tacos and some great finds. There is nothing fancy about the restaurant—calling cards, imported beer and spices sit on the shelves. Though in the back of the building, a small walk-up kitchen is surrounded by tables and booths, most likely with UA students filling them. Offering tacos stuffed with carnitas, carne asada, chicken or beef, or more adventurous flavors like tongue and intestine, the $1.25 tacos are hard to beat. With a fresh-vegetable station to garnish your entrée with, guests can add cheese, grilled peppers and onions, cilantro and salsa to the already delicious meals. The restaurant also offers other entrees like burritos, tamales and other authentic favorites at an extremely reasonable price. Remember to tell the cashier when you visit for the first time, as the friendly family offers a free Mexican pastry to first time guests. Now, that is hard to beat.
Hugo’s
Price $ ($0-$10)
Location: 25 ½ N. Block Ave
Chances are if you have visited the Fayetteville Square, you have walked directly past Hugo’s without ever realizing it. Located on Block Avenue in Fayetteville, the restaurant is tucked away in a basement and is a true hidden gem. Since 1977, Hugo’s has been offering American favorites like burgers and fries, as well as a full bar and some great daily specials. With an eclectic and fun atmosphere, friendly staff and a great menu, Hugo’s is a great place to pig out with friends. Try the mushroom crepes ($5.50) or Quiche Lorraine ($4.95) for a fresh alternative, or go all out and try the great sandwiches and burgers such as the jalapeno cheese burger ($6.95) and the hot pastrami and cheese ($6.25). Skip the fast food and head downstairs to snack on some great American eats at a student-friendly price.
These are just a few of the hundreds of great restaurants in northwest Arkansas. Check out the semester student coupon books for other great Fayetteville eateries, and get ready to immerse yourself into a diverse mix of tastes in town. Fayetteville offers just about anything, and it’s up to us to find and share them. Offering fresh, local ingredients in fun and friendly atmospheres, students can try the many dishes that are offered right outside of campus. Enjoy what Fayetteville has to offer, and try somewhere new today.
