Springdale, located in northwest Arkansas, is home to over 80,000 residents and is the third largest city in the state. While known for being a hub of major corporations like Walmart and Tyson Foods, Springdale also has a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene offering a variety of cuisines.
From family-owned diners to upscale eateries, there is something for every taste. Here is a look at 10 of the top restaurants in Springdale, ranking from 10 to 1 based on reviews, reputation, and dining experience.
#10 Izzy’s Pizza & Wings
Izzy’s Pizza & Wings is a beloved local pizzeria and wing joint known for its coal-fired Neapolitan style pizzas and signature wing sauces. In a large space decorated in dark woods and neon signs, patrons can build their own pizzas from a bountiful selection of fresh toppings or choose from specialty creations like the meat lover’s pie loaded with pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon.
Izzy’s also does an incredible job with classic and boneless wings tossed in flavors ranging from mild to incendiary. Wash it all down with craft beers and cider on tap or homemade Italian sodas. Quick service and generous portions make Izzy’s a top choice for families, groups, and late night cravings alike.
#9 The Vault
For craft cocktails and small plates in a chic ambiance, head to The Vault. Located in an historic bank building downtown, the two-story speakeasy feel and intimate lighting transports guests back to the prohibition era. Acclaimed mixologist Jacob Smyth crafts seasonal concoctions using housemade ingredients like shrubs, bitters, and infusions.
Guest favorites include the smoky Old Fashioned and blood orange margarita. Small plates emphasize locally-sourced ingredients in dishes like shrimp and grits, quail with biscuits, and beef tartare to share. Expert service and a full bar make The Vault ideal for unwinding after work or special occasions.
#8 Texas Roadhouse
As the name implies, Texas Roadhouse brings the down-home flavors of the Lone Star State to Springdale. Entering feels like stepping into an old roadside honky-tonk with peanut shells crunching underfoot, twangy country music playing, and friendly servers slinging tortillas. The menu stars freshly seared steaks in indulgent cuts and sizes, from petite filets to porterhouse cuts for two.
Ribs, chicken, and seafood like tilapia and salmon satisfy non-beef eaters. Must-tries are the yeast rolls with cinnamon butter for dipping and mouthwatering steakhouse sides like baked potatoes, green beans, and mac and cheese. Pair your meal with a Long Island, longneck bottle, or cocktail.
#7 Big Orange
For farm-to-table cooking with Arkansas roots, Big Orange shines. Housed in a rustic-chic space downtown, this regional eatery sources from over 60 local purveyors and forages wild ingredients to create unique seasonal plates. Dishes change regularly but recent crowd-pleasers have included fried green tomato BLTs, pappardelle pasta with wild boar Bolognese, and skillet fried chicken with root vegetable hash.
The family-style menu also shows off the bounty with small plates like pickled vegetables, jams, savory scones, and honey from their own hives. Knowledgeable servers enhance the experience by sharing stories behind ingredients. Big Orange’s sustainability efforts and exquisite flavors elevate it among Northwest Arkansas’ finest restaurants.
#6 Tontitown Winery & Restaurant
Just 20 minutes outside Springdale lies the picturesque setting of Tontitown Winery & Restaurant. Nestled on 60 acres of vineyards, guests can sample award-winning wines during tastings in the tasting room or on the scenic outdoor veranda overlooking rows of grapes. The on-site restaurant serves classic American fare complemented perfectly by the house pours.
Start with appetizers like roasted beet salad or Brie fondue before moving to entrées like oak-fired pizza, salmon, steak frites, or barbecue platters. An impressive wine list includes over 25 varietals produced right on the property. It’s the ideal destination for a date night, girls’ weekend out, or casual family dinner with breathtaking views.
#5 Cafe Rue Orleans
For authentic Cajun and Creole flavors, look no further than Cafe Rue Orleans. Stepping into the warm, elegant space instantly transports guests to the French Quarter. Dishes pay tribute to Louisiana cuisine with favorites like étouffée, gumbo, shrimp and grits, po’boys, and dirty rice. Cajun specialties like crawfish boils and blackened redfish with crab sauce especially shine.
Start your meal with fried green tomatoes and finish with beignets for a taste of New Orleans done right. Live jazz enhances the ambiance several nights a week. Attentive service and affordable prices make Cafe Rue Orleans perfect for date night, celebrations, or a special family treat.
#4 Morra’s Pizzeria
Bringing New York-style slices to Springdale, family-owned Morra’s Pizzeria has been satisfying the community’s cravings for over 30 years. The cozy space features booths, beer taps, pizza ovens, and an open kitchen allowing guests to watch pies being artfully assembled.
Neapolitan-style crusts are cooked to perfection before being topped with a bounty of ingredients from spinach and mushroom to meat lover’s combinations. Specialty slices like buffalo chicken or taco also entice. Salads and calzones round out the menu, but it’s the thin crust slices that really shine. Guests of all ages rave about Morra’s delicious pizza, friendly service, and small-town charm.
#3 Feltner’s Whatta-Burger
A staple of Springdale since 1952, Feltner’s Whatta-Burger is beloved for its fresh, never frozen quarter pound burgers. Stepping into the vintage mid-century diner feels like a trip back to the 1950s with classic cherry red stools, oldies tunes, and neon signs. Order your burger plain or dressed with all the fixings from lettuce, tomato, and onion to bacon and American cheese.
Thick-cut fries, onion rings, and crispy chicken sandwiches are other standouts. Save room for crispy treats like peach pie à la mode or chocolate brownies served with a smile by friendly staff who know many customers by name. With a fun retro vibe and incredible burgers, Feltner’s is truly an institution.
#2 Pop’s Restaurant
Inside a beautifully restored 1930s filling station, one of Springdale’s finest dining destinations resides. As guests arrive, classic cars line the front while strings of lights illuminate bistro tables out back. In the homey yet sophisticated dining room, locally-sourced seasonal ingredients shine through dishes like Brussels sprouts salad, bison meatloaf, herb-crusted trout, pork chops, and skirt steak with charred onion butter.
Expertly chosen wine pairings elevate each bite. Desserts like warm brownies a la mode or boozy bread pudding rank among Northwest Arkansas’ best. Friendly, knowledgeable service and intimate yet lively ambiance create memorable evenings. Pop’s earns rave reviews for its fine cuisine, heritage setting, and old-fashioned hospitality.
#1 The Jones Center
Consistently voted the top dining destination in Springdale, the flagship restaurant of the Jones Center sets the gold standard. Inside the historic Georgian mansion surrounded by manicured grounds, guests are immediately transported by the elegant yet refined ambiance. European-influenced American seasonal cuisine showcases refined techniques through starters like smoked beet salad, soup du jour, and gulf shrimp tossed with homemade pasta.
Entrees such as herb-roasted chicken, lamb tenderloin, and seafood paella plate artfully plated ingredients raised and foraged from their own organic farm. World-class wines and craft cocktails perfectly pair each bite served by courteous, detail-oriented staff. Paired with private events spaces, The Jones Center brings sophistication and unmatched quality to Springdale.
Whether craving casual slices, rustic farm-fresh fare, or fine dining in heritage settings, Springdale offers top quality culinary experiences. From neighborhood favorites to upscale institutions, these highly-rated restaurants showcase the city’s vibrant food culture through inventive menus and gracious hospitality.