Interstate 30 cuts right past Arkadelphia, and plenty of drivers never look up from the exit signs. That is a missed chance, because this Clark County town packs catfish, barbecue, burgers, tacos, and breakfast plates into a few short stretches of road. Some spots sit just off Exit 78 on Valley Street.
Others are a quick turn from Exit 73 along Pine Street, or a few minutes into town. Here are eight restaurants that give hungry travelers a real reason to leave the highway, plus the hours and details that help you plan the stop.
1. Fat Boys Fine Foods
Barbecue and catfish share the spotlight at this Valley Street restaurant, which sits right off Interstate 30 at Exit 78. The menu covers a full rack of ribs, a chopped BBQ sandwich, and a catfish dinner, with fried okra and French fries on the side.
Fried pies are a menu highlight too, so dessert is covered before you get back on the road. Sweet tea gets attention here, and the dining room offers table service for both lunch and dinner.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu, and prices land in the $10 to $20 range per person. Parking is free and usually easy.
It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8:30 PM and closed on Sunday. Catering is available if you are feeding a bigger crew back home.
2. Matty’s
Road trippers who want breakfast in a historic home have one stop in town that fits. Matty’s serves breakfast and lunch inside an older house at 313 S 10th St, and the menu leans toward comfort food like omelettes and sandwiches.
The Arkadelphia Omelette is the highlighted menu item, and coffee and tea are part of the draw. From I-30 Exit 73, the trip is a short detour down Pine Street to 10th Street.
Hours are the thing to check first. It is closed Monday and Sunday, open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 AM to 1:30 PM, opens at 6 AM on Friday, and runs 8 AM to 1 PM on Saturday.
Reservations are accepted, and the kids’ menu and high chairs make it workable for families. Prices run $10 to $20 per person.
3. Flying Burger & Seafood
Need crab legs and a double burger from the same counter? Flying Burger & Seafood makes that possible, just off I-30 Exit 78 on Valley Street.
The menu mixes burgers with fresh catfish, assorted seafood baskets, grilled shrimp kabobs, and single cluster crab legs. Bacon cheese fries are on the highlight list too.
Ordering happens at the counter, and there is a drive-through if you would rather stay in the car. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery are also offered, and reservations are not needed.
It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM and closed Sunday. Expect $10 to $20 per person, with a kids’ menu for younger eaters.
4. Allen’s BBQ Company
Fried pies made in-house set this barbecue spot apart from other smokehouses along the interstate. Allen’s BBQ Company sits at 3100 Hollywood Rd, near the corner of Hollywood Road and Pine Street, close to I-30 Exit 73.
The menu covers pulled pork and pork belly sandwiches, ribs, brisket, smoked chicken, sliced beef, and sausage. Sides include baked beans, coleslaw, and mac and cheese, and BBQ Nachos are a listed highlight.
The restaurant is small, with counter service and outdoor seating where dogs are allowed. The parking lot is on the compact side, so give yourself a minute at busy times.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM, with Sunday and Monday closed. Plan on $10 to $20 per person.
5. Fish Net Family Restaurant
Catfish comes with a full set-up here. Every meal includes beans, coleslaw, hush puppies, and a green tomato relish, which makes the plate feel complete.
Fish Net Family Restaurant sits at 5000 Valley St, off I-30 Exit 78. Grilled and fried catfish lead the menu, with coconut shrimp, boom boom shrimp, creole pasta, gator bites, and frog legs for people who like to branch out. A full vegetarian menu is available as well.
Table service, a private dining room, and reservations make it a good pick for groups. The kids’ menu and high chairs help families.
Hours are limited. It is closed Monday and Tuesday, open 4 to 8 PM Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 9 PM Friday and Saturday, and 11 AM to 7 PM Sunday. Prices run $20 to $30 per person.
6. Hamburger Barn
One traveler pulled off the interstate because the place was said to have appeared in Southern Living magazine, and Hamburger Barn does look the part of a sit-down alternative to fast food. It stands at 2813 Pine St, less than a quarter mile from I-30 Exit 73.
The menu is American grill standards: burgers, steaks, chicken, fajitas, salads, and quesadillas. Fries and onion rings round out the plate.
Table service and a family-oriented setting keep things relaxed, and there is a kids’ menu. It also works for watching sports.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 8:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Sunday is closed, and prices run $10 to $20 per person.
7. Slim and Shorty’s
A tiki theme in the middle of Arkansas is reason enough to slow down. Slim and Shorty’s brings a beach look to 617 Clinton St, a short drive east into town from I-30 Exit 73.
Seafood is the focus, with catfish and po’boys in front, and steaks on the menu for anyone who wants something different. Food is cooked to order, and desserts are also offered.
Outdoor seating and live music add options, and table service keeps lunch or dinner easy. Reservations are accepted, and a kids’ menu is available.
It is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. Monday through Wednesday it is closed, and prices run $10 to $20 per person.
8. Walk & Taco
Breakfast tacos, wonton tacos, and catfish tacos all share one menu here. Walk & Taco serves street-style fare at 2909 Pine St, right along I-30 Exit 73.
Steak azada and quesadillas are listed highlights, and steak quesadillas and fresh guacamole show up on the menu too. Portions are generous, and prices stay in the $10 to $20 range per person.
Service is flexible. You can dine in, use the drive-through, order takeout, choose curbside pickup, or get delivery. Reservations are not taken, which suits a quick stop.
It is open every day from 10:30 AM to 9 PM, which makes it the easiest bet when the other restaurants on this list are closed.
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