Mention Nashville, Arkansas, and visions of smoky barbecue and Southern comfort food dance in our heads. But this small city’s dining scene holds delicious surprises beyond the expected—from family-run gems serving up crispy catfish to cozy spots where the fried chicken rivals grandma’s. Here are the places making 2025 taste especially good.
12 Disciples Coffee
$ | (870) 557-3837 | WEBSITE
Sure, you can get yourself a quality latte at a lot of the places on this list. But have you ever had yours with a raspberry cheesecake cookie on the side? 12 Disciples Coffee is one of the few cozy spots in Nashville, AR, and they make it count. Raspberry Cheesecake Shamwich Cookies, Creme Brûlée lattes, and creamy hot cocoas can all take your morning up a notch. Try and sit at one of the tables near the window, where you can get a view of the friendly staff behind the counter.
Fisherman’s Cove
$ | (870) 845-3335 | WEBSITE
If you drove past Fisherman’s Cove without knowing better, you might not guess it serves some of the best Southern comfort food around. There are no rustic fishing nets or nautical decorations and, like many restaurants in small-town Arkansas, it looks more like a simple roadside diner with warm lighting and cozy booths inside.
But this one serves plates of shrimp and grits that are a must-try, crispy fried green tomatoes with just the right tang, and hot fried catfish so fresh it practically melts. It’s a perfect family spot, especially when the sweet waitresses make you feel right at home in the casual setting.
Chicken Express
$ | (870) 455-0532 | WEBSITE
For a quick, satisfying meal that hits the spot, head to Chicken Express in Howard County. There’s a popular drive-through that keeps things moving, though customers wish for dual lanes to ease the occasional traffic backup. At the window, you’ll be greeted with hot, fresh food and friendly service that makes up for the rare order mix-up—the manager promptly resolves any issues that come up.
Classics like crispy chicken and sides deliver exactly what you crave, but they also have lighter options to balance out the hearty fare. The location stays busy during peak hours, and it’s tough to find parking since it’s limited to employees only, but the staff works efficiently to keep the line moving. If you don’t want to deal with the drive-through at all, you can walk right in for counter service instead.
Poblano’s Mexican Cafe
$ | (870) 451-9468 | WEBSITE
Poblano’s Mexican Cafe serves Mexican food that compares with some of the best dishes in Nashville. Full of colorful papel picado and rustic wooden tables, the welcoming restaurant is our go-to spot in the area for ribeye fajitas, enchiladas suizas, and fajita tacos topped with a generous drizzle of white cheese sauce.
Stop by with a date or a group for casual dinner and drinks—there’s horchata with cinnamon topping, and with attentive staff and reasonable prices, it’s easy to get a satisfying meal.
Starz Family Restaurant
$ | (870) 845-2133 | WEBSITE
Starz Family Restaurant is a reboot of a family dining spot from the ’80s, but unlike the last family road trip movie, this is a comeback we’re completely on board with. It occupies a cozy single-story space, has very practical booster chairs, and serves Nashville’s best sweet potato fries with brown sugar. They also have really good burgers, a thoughtful children’s menu, and accommodating service for various dietary needs.
A bit more casual than its upscale neighbors, Starz is also more affordable, but it’s absolutely worth it for the friendly atmosphere and satisfying food.
China Buffet
$ | (870) 845-3730 | WEBSITE
China Buffet hasn’t been around nearly as long as the other Nashville spots on this list, but it’s already in our top three for Chinese buffets. Their hot and sour soup is made fresh daily, the cheese rolls are extra satisfying, and they’ve figured out the ideal balance of flavors in their fried rice. And it’s very easy to walk-in, even with a small group. A good lunch option, it’s a comfortable spot with tasteful decor: warm lighting, clean lines, and genuine atmosphere.
los agaves nashville mexican restaurant
$ | (870) 845-2400 | WEBSITE
Escape from the bustle of Nashville and melt into a world of melted-cheese bliss at this delightful Mexican spot, decorated with charming chairs and cozy booths. Tucked away in town, Los Agaves is a pleasant, unassuming restaurant, especially compared to some of the other top Mexican eateries in the area. The magic is all in the flavors.
Bring an appetite to enjoy as much of the delicious menu as possible, including the standout enchiladas topped with melted American cheese and the vibrant, standout salsa.
Taco Bell
$ | (870) 451-9616 | WEBSITE
Taco Bell in Nashville offers affordable Mexican-style food like tacos that can be inconsistent—sometimes they’re soggy and lacking filling, sticking to the wrapper and causing a mess when eaten. It’s a solid drive-thru option, but we also swing by for a quick bite on the go. The bright fluorescent lighting makes grabbing a taco from the friendly ladies at the window feel like a no-fuss pit stop. They’re known for keeping things budget-friendly and convenient across their locations.
Olga’s Taco Shop
$ | (870) 845-3428 | WEBSITE
Vibrant murals of Mexican landscapes brighten this Nashville restaurant, where you can expect a soundtrack of cheerful mariachi music. But the very last thing the food here will do is leave you unsatisfied. Olga’s Taco Shop lives up to its reputation, with deeply flavorful, wonderfully comforting Mexican food. If you love tacos, you owe it to yourself to try their super-rich, slow-simmered celebration of Birria.
They also serve a standard menu of Mexican-American favorites, but while there’s a time and a place for basic tacos, it’d be a mistake to miss out on things like soul-warming menudo or crispy, perfectly topped tostadas.
Simple Simon’s Pizza
$ | (870) 845-1330 | WEBSITE
The casual restaurant specializes in tasty pizza and bread sticks, which you can customize with your choice of toppings and sides. You could eat here three times in the same week, with three very different people, without ever feeling like you’ve done it all before. Simple Simon’s Pizza opened their location in Nashville, AR, and at the buffet-style space, you’ll see a lot of families splitting large thin crust supremes and chatting over the hum of the arcade area.
The salad bar offers a good selection, and various ice cream flavors, like Banana freeze and Butter pecan, make for a sweet finish. While service can slow during busy times, the staff remain friendly and accommodating, ensuring your experience stays enjoyable. It’s a great place for groups, with a clean, well-maintained party room that invites you to linger over another slice.
Master Donuts
$ | (870) 845-9977 | WEBSITE
Master Donuts’ pastries are exactly as good as the buzz around this Nashville spot suggests. As much as we’ve enjoyed everything we’ve tried here, we typically grab the same three things on repeat: the bacon/egg/cheese croissant, blueberry cake donuts, and chocolate-covered donut holes that come in a small, convenient box. This place gets very busy, and it’s take-out-only, but the service moves quickly.
The owners work diligently to provide an excellent experience, with everything priced around $2–$4 per item.
McDonald’s
$ | (870) 845-2364 | WEBSITE
Located right off the main road in Nashville, McDonald’s is an ideal destination for a quick family meal. They’re all about consistency here. The steak egg and cheese biscuit is served hot and fresh within minutes, and the triple cheeseburger comes with that familiar, satisfying taste. Our favorite item, the McFlurry, is the most nostalgic—and elusive—of the bunch. The machine hasn’t worked properly in about three years, making ice cream a rare treat.
Despite the fact that the entrance shares a parking lot with other businesses, the newly renovated interior and clean restrooms inside add enough comfort for a casual stop.
Smokin Rick’s Hickory House
$ | (870) 200-9722 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving hickory-smoked flavors in Nashville, head to Smokin Rick’s Hickory House. Go straight to their classics, for fantastic burgers and crispy catfish that deliver that perfect smoky balance. The front section is ideal for a solo meal, and the back is surprisingly spacious with room for families. Get your crew together and opt for the club sandwich with plenty of fixings to share around the table.
Sonic Drive-In
$ | (870) 845-0258 | WEBSITE
Sonic Drive-In has been a Nashville mainstay with a loyal fanbase for years, first opening its original location and later becoming a local favorite. Head here for one of the finest (and most refreshing) cherry limeades in town, and a classic burger, if you prefer something more substantial. No matter what you get, pair it with an order of their signature wacky pack for kids. It’s served with so many fun sides that the kids are always smiling.
La Villa
$ | (870) 845-3668 | WEBSITE
La Villa—a hidden gem worth traveling for—has been serving incredible portions of authentic Mexican food at very reasonable prices. In its unassuming location, they still deliver the same crowd-pleasing dishes with very friendly staff providing excellent service. Start with the great salsa and chips, followed by supersized portions of beef fajitas with tortillas on the side, saucy Rancheros dishes, and highly recommended street tacos like the shrimp tacos.
The chicken soup is a must-try, and save room for the huge fried ice cream dessert. We consider it a requirement to come here hungry and ready for a top-notch dining experience.
PATAcakes Catering, Venue, and More
If you’re looking for a reliable caterer for your wedding or special event in Nashville, head to PATAcakes Catering, Venue, and More. The professional team, led by owner Wendy, provides spectacular service at reasonable prices—you can expect to pay around $25-35 per person for their excellent catering. The space feels like a welcoming community hall, with bright lighting and comfortable seating that makes every celebration feel special.
It’s probably the most crowd-pleasing catering option on this list—even the home-style meals like chicken spaghetti are approachable yet delicious—but they make up for any lack of exotic flair with some stellar Reuben sandwiches and homemade pickles. If you have a diverse group of guests who all need to be well-fed and happy, this is the spot to hire for your event.