Visiting Fayetteville, Arkansas? Here's 5 of the best things to eat and drink
Northwest Arkansas has been exploding in recent years. Bentonville, with Walmart's corporate headquarters and the Crystal Bridges art museum, and the increasingly hip Rogers might not be recognizable to someone who last visited a few years ago. But Fayetteville, home of the state's flagship university and the Arkansas Razorbacks, has kept its character despite the influx of newcomers. The rolling, forested landscape is cut through with bike trails. The long-term residents include plenty of artists and eccentrics. And beyond busy Dickson Street, undergrads are relatively scarce.
Smoky Cheddar Burger
Where: Hugo's
The dark basement joint a block off Fayetteville's main square always has a wait. But the wait is worth it. Opened in 1977, Hugo's specializes in massive burgers, like the smoky cheddar or the jalapeño cheeseburger, and baskets of fresh cut French fries that can feed two. Save room for a chocolate mousse or a peach and amaretto crêpe.
25 1/2 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville, (479) 521-7585
Barbecue brisket
Where: Wright's Barbecue
Arkansas has a scattering of outstanding barbecue restaurants, like McClard's in Hot Springs or the legendary Jones Bar B-Q near the Tennessee border. But the state lacks a deep bench of pitmasters. While Wright's has little competition in Northwest Arkansas, its Texas-style 'cue would stand out anywhere in the South. Beyond the stellar brisket, other standouts on the hand-lettered menu include ribs and house-made sausage. Don't skip the sides.
2212 Main Dr., Johnson, (479) 313-8618
Existential DIPA
Where: Crisis Brewing
The founders turned their midlife crisis into a brewery. The beers at Crisis are some of the best in the area, and only a few can be found beyond the small brewery. While hop fiends will find the bitter brews they crave, Crisis also makes plenty of beers that appeal to drinkers who are anti-IPA. The barroom is cozy, but the best seats are outside on the tree-shaded patio.
210 S. Archibald Yell Boulevard, Fayetteville, (479) 582-2337
Bees Knees cocktail
Where: Maxine's Tap Room
Founded in 1950, Maxine's began as a simple bar. Today, it specializes in classic cocktails, like the popular Bees Knees gin sour with honey, and well-considered originals. While the menu has changed, the place still has the low-key friendliness of a neighborhood bar. Although it fills up on the weekends, during the week you can almost always grab one of the intimate booths or get a turn at the dart board.
107 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville, (479) 442-9601
Cinnamon roll
Where: Little Bread Company
The soft, flaky cinnamon rolls at Little Bread Company are bigger than a softball. If you want one on the weekends, show up early (the pecan sticky buns are in even shorter supply). Everything at this bakery is stellar, from the chocolate croissants and fruit Danishes to the bagels. Little Bread also makes sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.
116 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville, (479) 527-0622
News tips? Story ideas? Questions? Call reporter Todd Price at 504-421-1542 or email him at taprice@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: What to do in Fayetteville, home of University of Arkansas Razorbacks
