Russellville may not be the first place that comes to mind for culinary adventures, but this year, something’s changed. A quiet revolution has been brewing in kitchens across town, with chefs putting down roots and redefining what Arkansas dining can be. And we’ve been keeping track of every delicious development for this updated guide.
KFC
$ | (479) 370-0044 | WEBSITE
Check KFC out when you want a reliably decent fast-food meal. This spot offers generally good fried chicken and a clean, straightforward dining area.
Las Palmas
$ | (479) 890-2550 | WEBSITE
Las Palmas is a vibrant spot that has a festive atmosphere that extends into the evening. Come here for generous portions and authentic flavors like the Birra Tacos, Poblanos enchiladas, and a wide range of Mexican delights. The lively music and friendly service make it a standout in the realm of Mexican dining, with prices that are better than half price and a treasure trove of options to choose from.
Cicis Pizza
$ | (479) 219-4324 | WEBSITE
Cicis Pizza’s straightforward setup works well for a variety of situations – for instance, dining with kids who have different tastes. But since it has hot pizzas, fresh cinnamon rolls, and things like a kid-friendly gaming area, it’s a particularly good choice when you’re looking for something convenient and family-oriented.
Mackey’s Catfish
$ | (479) 857-6653 | WEBSITE
This is the Southern comfort counterpart to Girl & the Goat. Here, you’ll find classic catfish with no fuss – for example, tender chicken bites and a fish platter that’s hot and delicious with no nasty grease taste. The hush puppies are soft and yummy, and the service is friendly and efficient. You can grab a simple order and enjoy it in their no-frills dining area, where the atmosphere feels like a beloved community spot.
Mackey’s consistently impresses with its tasty meals and good service, making every visit feel satisfying and straightforward.
Morelos Mexican Grill
$ | (479) 967-0086 | WEBSITE
After hearing all the buzz (this place has been a local favorite for years), Morelos Mexican Grill continues to deliver in Russellville. This Mexican restaurant is tucked away in a clean, spacious building, and along with famously fresh guacamole and flavorful fajitas, this spot also serves large lunch special portions and chicken and queso special fries. The chips, salsa, and white queso are all noteworthy, and the prices are lower than other Mexican food restaurants, providing great value.
The atmosphere is fun, with a welcoming service that makes guests feel like family—perfect for groups or a night out with friends. Many customers appreciate the flavorful food and great service, noting it’s even better when picked up rather than delivered. Overall, it’s a solid choice for excellent food made with fresh ingredients.
La Chiquita
$ | (479) 567-5698 | WEBSITE
Along with their flavorful fajitas, La Chiquita also has a fun date-night atmosphere. The best things at this Mexican restaurant are their tacos (all on flour tortillas), and they have refreshing strawberry margaritas.
Foodies Restaurant & Grill
$ | (479) 219-5432 | WEBSITE
Foodies has a fantastic atmosphere (fun and inviting, in fact – with ivy painted walls and accent lighting), and the space is perfect for date nights. The Greek/Middle Eastern-inspired dishes here aren’t the most authentic you’ll find, but they’re perfectly delicious, and the large menu of satisfying Mediterranean options will please any non-meat-eaters in your group.
Sisters’ Savory Kitchen
$ | (479) 498-8197 | WEBSITE
Sisters’ Savory Kitchen has some of the best comfort food in town, and thankfully, this year they have a cozy dining room. Every daily special here is fantastic, in particular the gumbo, which is a menu staple. But the non-specials are great, too – try the chicken and dumplings or the banana pudding.
Zaxbys Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings
$ | (479) 219-5444 | WEBSITE
The go-to spot for chicken finger cravings. This quick-service restaurant is currently serving a classic menu through its efficient counter service. With dishes like the Chicken Finger plate and Southern Fried shrimp deal, it’s more satisfying than what you’d expect from your average fast-food joint, but we’re not complaining. The buffalo chicken sandwich combo—three tenders on Texas toast—hits all the right notes, and the fries come perfectly seasoned.
Sure, the dining area gets uncomfortably warm, and the tea station could use clearer labeling, but the friendly staff and consistently good food keep us coming back.
Brown’s Catfish
$$ | (479) 968-3360 | WEBSITE
The buffet at Brown’s Catfish has plenty of variety between stations, servings are generous enough to satisfy even big appetites, and you can return for seconds. Plus, there’s a $25 per person charge. As far as the food goes, this place is known for its catfish and cod, but also has great baked beans and a whole section of the spread devoted to down-home dishes.
