Fayetteville Restaurant Week isn’t just about food. It’s about stories, memories, and the people who bring flavor to our everyday lives. Every year, this week-long celebration transforms Fayetteville into a vibrant tasting menu of the city’s best. Whether you’re a long-time local or a hungry traveler, the restaurants on this year’s roster bring the heat, the heart, and the heritage. This year, we are taking you behind the scenes into four restaurants' special offerings for Fayetteville Restaurant Week this July 20-26, 2025.
Let’s start with Dot’s Nashville Hot Chicken, where fire meets flavor in the most unforgettable way. When Russell and Sarah moved from Nashville to Fayetteville, their biggest concern wasn’t finding a house or adjusting to the hills. It was the lack of cayenne-drenched fried chicken. Instead of settling, they decided to bring a little Tennessee with them. Since 2017, Dot’s has been serving up chicken that bites back, but you’ll never mind the burn. This year, they’re bringing back a fan favorite, “Flight of the Chicken” for Fayetteville Restaurant Week, taking brave diners through all their heat levels. Every bite is a masterclass in crispy, juicy chicken, made even better by scratch-made sauces and house-pickled accompaniments. And while the chicken is the star, Dot’s also shines for its commitment to sustainability. Everything from the side bowls to the utensils is compostable, thanks to their partnership with Food Loops. Their use of local farms like Bassett, ONB, and White River Creamery keeps their roots firmly in Arkansas soil.
Just up the road, Stonebreaker is redefining what it means to dine in the Ozarks. Nestled in the hills and just far enough from the bustle of downtown, this refined spot offers a breath of fresh air and a bite of something memorable. Arkansas native Chef Tyler Rogers doesn’t just cook, he crafts. His menus are rooted in the region, reflecting both a deep respect for local ingredients and an imaginative twist on Southern comfort. For Restaurant Week, don’t miss their Banana Split Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s a reimagined classic with the special Stonebreaker flair. Just a stone’s throw from downtown, this spot offers a calm retreat that feels like a staycation.
Then there’s Crêpes Paulette, the food truck turned institution that feels like Fayetteville with a French accent. What began as a pop-up on the Bentonville Square in 2010 has since bloomed into a full-fledged eatery in Fayetteville, offering sweet and savory crêpes that blend global flavors with local charm. Founders Paula Jo and Frédéric Henry bring French technique and Arkansas creativity to every bite. Kids love watching the crêpes being twirled on the griddle through their crêpe-viewing window, and adults come back for dishes like the Thai crêpe or the strawberry Nutella classic. During Restaurant Week, they’re offering a sweet deal. Any savory crêpe on the menu is part of their combo meal, giving diners a chance to try something bold without breaking their budget. True to their roots, Crêpes Paulette keeps things green, minimizing waste and supporting community causes while keeping their kitchen fast and fun.
Finally, step into Café Rue Orleans, where the scent of étouffée and the sound of Zydeco swirl through the air like a Louisiana breeze. For 25 years, Chef Maudie Schmitt and co-owner Carla Williams have turned a funky little Fayetteville spot into a true slice of New Orleans. From family recipes passed down through generations to a mirrored pane that once hung in Maudie’s grandmother’s French Quarter home, this place is steeped in tradition and love. If you’ve never had their Crawfish Étouffée, you’re missing out on a dish that tastes like it was simmered straight out of the bayou. For Restaurant Week, they’re offering a warm Southern welcome. Enjoy free beignets with any $25 purchase. It’s the kind of sugary, pillowy treat that reminds you why food can be the best kind of souvenir.
Restaurant Week is the best excuse you’ll get to explore Fayetteville one bite at a time. Whether it’s Dot’s fiery chicken flight, a Parisian-style crêpe, or a banana split ice cream sandwich with a twist, these dishes showcase the creative flare behind our local food scene. Supporting our restaurants means backing the people and flavors that make Fayetteville one of a kind. So pick a spot, try something new, and taste what this city is made of.
Fayetteville Restaurant Week (July 20–26, 2025) is a flavorful celebration of local culture, not just plates. It’s your chance to support small businesses, savor creative dishes, and discover the stories behind beloved spots like Dot’s, Stonebreaker, Crêpes Paulette, and Café Rue Orleans. Eat local. Taste Fayetteville. Share the love.