The Springdale-area (includes Johnson, Lowell, Elm Springs and Tontitown) is beginning to be known as one of NWA’s top culinary hotspots. The contents of this article may not come as a surprise to those that live nearby, but when you have a restaurant on the verge of being 80 years old and another that made last month’s New York Times, the eyeballs on the scene multiply and the parking lots get a little tighter.
Here are my favorites at recent Springdale stops (presented in alphabetical order).
Handle: @flavorsofnorthwestarkansas
- Carnitas Los Cuatro Hermano’s
- They’re deservedly having a moment—hopefully a long one. Last month, they were included in the New York Times article, “41 of the Greatest Mexican Restaurants Across the United States.” Have the mixed carnitas tacos and you’ll know why. The Palos family has run it for 30 years, and it may just be the start!
- Casa Alejo
- It’s where I first had birria (*getting misty-eyed*). It also might be my favorite guac in all NWA. There are times where I’ve thought about hopping over just for that! Those quesabirria tacos are gospel, but their steak fajitas absolutely slay. I have so much on that menu to get to.
- El Cuervo Express Taqueria
- I found them in their old location when they shared an old house with a CPA. I googled it and saw that they had 4.8 stars on Google reviews. I’ve now been twice. Think chips right out of the fryer, righteous asada and trompo street tacos. Next time I’m trying the barbacoa de borrego!
- Gaskins Trattoria
- A new spot that we love! The folks from Gaskins on Emma opened this neighborhood spot at the end of July on the south end of downtown. I had the meatballs, chicken parm, and the tiramisu (twice in two days), all delish! Personally, I’d lick their red sauce from the bowl.
- Isabella’s Bakery
- This is a newer family Mexican panaderia in Lowell. My three favorites there are the carrot cake (not overly sweet—tremendous), tres leches cake (strawberry with a delicious cream cheese layer between the cakes), and the Oreo concha—have that one with coffee and a GOOD MORNING will be had by you!
- MJ’s
- What a spot. Fantastic pizza, but it’s MUCH more than pizza. The Housemade Potato Gnocchi? Stunning. I hated that we shared it at our table—oven-roasted chicken, crimini mushrooms, fingerling potatoes, fresh herbs, and white wine butter sauce! Sidenote: the filet with layered potato galette is pretty freaking special as well.
- Pizzeria Ruby
- Death, taxes, and Pizzeria Ruby. The pizza is the bell cow there as well and it’s also flat out delish, but I have another favorite in the building. It’s the Spaghetti Pomodoro. My gosh. It’s all homemade and celebrated with the mag-freaking-nificent Sunday sauce with a pat of butter on top. Hold my calls.
- Rein Sushi & Hibachi
- When you read reviews about Rein, not only do you read about the great food, but you also read about the great people. Though a favorite sushi and hibachi spot for many, they have so much more. Case-in-point? The spicy garlic dumplings. Where have these been all my life?! Cravings have started for them again.
- Venesian Inn
- Next year, they’ll be 80 years old! How? That Chicken & Spaghetti. Period. That house made spaghetti and meat sauce is iconic along with the soaked side salad (I love that garlicky vinaigrette). They don’t skimp there. And I’m weak for those rolls—we all are. 80 years of patrons would agree!