Russellville sits right between the Arkansas River and the Ozark foothills, and plenty of its best meals come from buildings you could drive past without a second look. Some are tiny brick storefronts. Others sit beside the highway or inside a vintage train car.
This list covers nine casual spots, from burgers and barbecue to pho, pizza, and birria tacos. Each one has a signature dish or a setting that gives it a reason to be here, so save this for your next trip through town.
1. CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers
Here is a burger joint with a meat case, where you can pick out your own ball of fresh meat. That detail alone sets CJ’s apart from the usual drive-thru stop.
The 1950s-style counter-serve spot sits at 2803 N Arkansas Ave, right off the highway. Burgers are made from fresh, never frozen beef, and the menu also covers fresh-cut fries and shakes.
You order at the counter and find a seat, since there is no table service. Families can count on a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables, and there is a free parking lot.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, with the doors closed Sunday and Monday. Friday afternoon and evening are the busiest stretches, so a midweek lunch is the calmer play.
2. Ridgewood Brothers BBQ
Smoked sausage gets a lot of attention at Ridgewood Brothers, and the jalapeño cheddar version is a standout. The restaurant cooks Texas-style meats low and slow over hardwood.
The menu also covers brisket, tender pork ribs, pulled pork, and burnt ends. Homemade barbecue sauces are on hand, and the Loaded Baked Potato lets you pick your meat.
Find it at 803 W Main Pl in a plain storefront with a picnic-style feel. Service is at the counter, and there is outdoor seating plus free parking.
It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Friday evening and Saturday afternoon draw the biggest crowds.
3. Taco Villa
Seating is a tight squeeze at Taco Villa, and regulars seem fine with that. The local chain location at 420 E 4th St is built around quick Tex-Mex plates.
Tacos, enchiladas, and taco salad bowls are the draws, and the hot sauce gets as much talk as the food. Sour cream and chips with dip round out a typical order.
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM, and it is closed Sunday. Expect a wait at peak times, especially on weekday afternoons and evenings.
There is a kids’ menu, high chairs, outdoor seating, and free parking. Takeout works well here, since indoor space is limited.
4. The Smokehouse Deli of Russellville
Bring an appetite and a friendly attitude toward your neighbors, because the Smokehouse Deli runs on the smaller side. The local deli at 1000 W Main St serves signature sandwiches and homemade desserts.
The Reuben is a favorite, and the soups are homemade, served with fluffy cornbread. A mustard-based potato salad is another side to look for.
It is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Tuesday through Friday are the busier days, and Saturday morning is quieter.
Service is dine-in or takeout, with a free parking lot. Plan a quick visit rather than a long linger.
5. Stoby’s Restaurant
A train circles the ceiling at Stoby’s, and you can even dine in a train car. The diner at 405 W Parkway Dr sits near the old Russellville train depot.
Cheese dip is the headliner, and you can order it by the quart. The menu also lists blackened burgers, cajun jambalaya, BBQ nachos, pulled pork, steak, and baked goods.
Breakfast is a big part of the day here, with hours from 6 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. It is closed Sunday.
Table service, a drive-through, delivery, and takeout are all offered. A kids’ menu and high chairs make it easy for families.
6. Old South Restaurant
Open since 1947, Old South is one of the longest-running diners in town. It stays plain on purpose, with a basic dining room at 105 E Harrell Dr.
Chicken fried steak with white gravy is the menu highlight, along with chicken fried chicken, fried pork chop, and prime rib. Fried pickles and fried green tomatoes cover the starters, and juicy hamburgers show up too.
Breakfast starts at 7 AM, and the restaurant stays open until 9 PM Monday through Saturday. It is closed Sunday.
Table service, curbside pickup, and takeout are available, along with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Friday evening and Saturday are the busy times.
7. La Villa
Thick-crust fans should note that La Villa’s Sicilian pizza is known as worth the wait. The restaurant at 1312 N Arkansas Ave serves unpretentious Italian classics like pizza and spaghetti.
Portions run large, including an 18-inch pizza and a personal pan that can feed two. Stromboli also makes regular appearances on tables.
Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, closing at 8:30 PM most nights and 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. Monday is a day off.
Unlike many spots on this list, La Villa accepts reservations. It also has table service, a kids’ menu, high chairs, and free parking.
8. Linh Vietnamese Cuisine
Dinner and a grocery run can happen under one roof at Linh. The Vietnamese restaurant at 624 S Knoxville Ave also doubles as a grocery store.
Pho is the traditional anchor, with generous portions. Spicy lemongrass beef, beef stir fry with clear noodles, egg rolls, and pork spring rolls fill out the menu, and Vietnamese iced coffee and lemonade are on the drink side.
Full vegetarian and vegan menus are available. The restaurant is open daily except Wednesday, with hours from 10 AM or 11 AM to 8 PM.
Reservations are accepted, and delivery, takeout, and dine-in are all offered. Prices stay modest for the portion sizes.
9. Tacos 4 Ever Burritos & More
Started as a food cart, Tacos 4 Ever now runs from a brick-and-mortar storefront at 407 S Arkansas Ave. The restaurant specializes in street tacos and a range of birria dishes.
Quesabirria tacos and shrimp tacos both draw orders. Barbacoa, carnitas, carne asada, tortas, fajitas, and the caliburrito fill out the options, and breakfast burritos start the day.
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8:45 PM. It is closed Sunday.
Drive-through, curbside pickup, delivery, and takeout are all offered. Vegetarian and vegan menus are available, and there is a kids’ menu and free parking.
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