Burger Quest NWA

We have scoured NWA for the best burger, we still have a few to try but figured we could share the list so far. We sampled mom and pop, chains, and fast food. Scores were based on patty quality (weighted 45%), Bun (25%), Toppings (15%), Experience (15%), scored on a scale of 0-5. 

We will update the final results when we complete our list. Missing your favorite? Post a comment.

Rank	Burger	Score
1	Station Café	3.83
2	Bonefish	3.64
3	Houlihans	3.59
4	Patricks	3.55
5	Five Guys	3.50
6	Flaps Down Grille	3.40
7	Coltons	3.39
8	Tusk and Trotter	3.38
9	Susie Q	3.34
10	Westside Drive In	3.33
11	Ron's Bville	3.31
12	Table Mesa	3.31
13	Louie's	3.24
14	Pinnacle Stn Mkt.	3.24
15	Hugos	3.20
16	Steak N Shake	3.19
17	Sam's Old Tyme	3.14
18	Hermans	3.11
19	JJ's Rogers	3.10
20	Market Place	3.08
21	Feltner Bros	3.04
22	Curts Place	2.98
23	BackYard Burger	2.98
24	Wendys	2.98
25	Acropolys	2.97
26	Braums	2.93
27	Wesner's	2.70
28	Burger King	2.15
29	Sonic	1.93
30	McDonalds	1.43

Cathy's Corner

910 HWY 412 E
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
(479) 524-4475

Food: 4 Sporks (out of 5)
Service: 4 Sporks
Atmosphere: 3.0 Sporks
Price: 2.5 Sporks
Worth Returning: Yes
Coke or Pepsi: Pepsi : (
Sweet Tea: Yes

Every town needs a Cathy’s Corner, a place where the locals gather and share stories about last night’s big game and about the big fish that got away, for Siloam Springs that place is Cathy’s Corner. A busy roadside restaurant with a gravel lot in what appears to be an old farm house, that was before the highway expanded and the front yard gave way to tractor trailers and casino traffic. For many years I have driven past the little yellow house at the bend on 412 without a second glance in a rush to my next destination not knowing what I was missing. Instead in our haste we would eventually end up driving through the local chain for a value meal and be back on the road within a few minutes.

The charm of the local restaurant can easily be appreciated here with tables covered in ads from local businesses, walls accented by antique signs and advertisements and the requisite group of elderly gentlemen sharing a newspaper at their favorite table drinking endless cups of coffee and lamenting about their small towns future. Cathy’s draws an eclectic mix of locals with daily specials and tremendous breakfast platters all served by an attentive and friendly staff and for me the obvious choice had to be the corned beef hash which is hard to find these days and done properly an even more difficult task. The hash is accompanied by 2 eggs prepared to your specifications, hash browns, and toast or biscuit with gravy (with or without sausage). My son enjoyed his “Kids Meal” of 5 small pancakes with strawberries and thick cut bacon which he appreciated the most as it was not crisp bacon! Needless to say we left quite a bit of food on the table as me made our way to the check stand. As we enjoyed our breakfast I noticed the special board with today’s special of Meatloaf, Fried Chicken, and Bean Soup and started planning my next visit to Cathy’s for lunch.

So the next time you pass by that little yellow house on the side of the highway take a few minutes and stop by, that fast food chain restaurant can be found anywhere. I wish our town had a Cathy’s Corner where the locals gathered for coffee and some local gossip. Slow food served fast!

BurgerQuest

William’s Soul Food Express

306 N. Bloomington St.
Lowell , AR 72745
(479) 372-4835

Food: 4.0 Sporks (out of 5)
Service: 3.5 Sporks
Atmosphere: 3.0 Sporks
Price: 3 Sporks
Worth Returning: Hell Yes
Coke or Pepsi: Pepsi
Sweet Tea: Yes
Patio: No
Beer and Wine: No

Reviewed by my friend "Buffet Buster".

Grab a Spoon and a Bowl, Lowell’s Got Soul!

Last Friday I was leaving the office for lunch to hit the gym to do a little “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”. When you are a “Buffet Buster”, one has to do anything to keep from being the size of a Fiat 500. Anyway, a sweet sound hit my ears that I haven’t heard since I lived in Houston, “Dude, let’s go get some soul food.” After the split second it took to decide whether to spend 30 minutes on a treadmill or experience smothered pork chops and butter beans, I was in. My friend explained to me that he had discovered this spot one day while driving through Lowell Arkansas just north or Hwy. 264 on 71 Business. You have to be careful not to pass the place, it is pretty small, 8 or 10 tables, tucked in the parking lot of Torres Bus Tours. Williams Soul Food Express is worth the hunt.

Growing up in Southeast Texas just minutes from the Louisiana border, I have had my fair share of Creole and Soul Food in my epicurean adventures. This place is the real deal. The second you hit the door you can smell the rue burnin’. For those of you that don’t know what that is, it a blend of oil and flour in equal parts essentially burned to perfection for gumbos, gravies, stews and sauces. To me it’s a thrust back in time to my grand dad’s kitchen for a big pot of chicken gumbo, heaven. The first sign we knew we were in for a treat was the fact that we saw a table full of policemen and another full of truckers the moment we entered, oh yeah. Also the special of the day, and everyday, includes Pan Fried Chicken. The menus are brief and printed on plain white paper, tucked in a table tent.

The menu includes a list of the daily specials, sides, wings, burgers, and catfish.That day, one in our group ordered chicken wings, regular and lemon pepper. The other two fellows ordered catfish. I could not pass on Friday’s special, Smothered Chicken. The special comes with 2 sides, cabbage was a given. I was torn on whether to get the lima beans or the purple hull peas. I let the kitchen surprise me. Purple Hull Peas it was and man they were both great. The Smothered Chicken fell off of the bone and was bathed in a heavy brown sauce. I chose the cornbread muffin for the bread choice. I was the perfect complement to sop up the salty brown goodness that was left on the plate after I scarffed down the chicken breast, drumstick, cabbage and purple hull peas.

My friends were very complimentary of the Catfish Plates. Complete with fries and hush puppies. I figured it was real good since neither of them offered any samples. But my friend that ordered the wings offered me one of his chicken wings in the house sauce. I was of course expecting a bold traditional Buffalo Sauce you might expect at any other wing shop. This was a very different experience. I’m no chef, but I think it is a mix of a buffalo sauce with a touch of honey. MY GOSH, it was really really good. I spoke to the chef as I was cashing out. It seems that this place is a family run establishment with Mon at the register, sister at the tables, and son over the stove. I think everyone pitches in in the kitchen. Being a true family business this place needs your love. It is worth the visit and the food and the family are great.

Overall I give this place 4 of 5 sporks, because it is a place I will keep in my regular rotation of lunch choices. And the food reminds me of home. It may not remind you of your home but, you should truly check this place out.

Y’all enjoy.

Palm Noodle Bar

200 S Bloomington

Lowell, AR 72745

(479) 770-0011

Food: 4 Sporks (out of 5)
Service: 3.5 Sporks
Atmosphere: 2.5 Sporks
Price: 2 Sporks
Worth Returning: Yes        

Beer / Wine: No

Coke/Pepsi: Coke

Patio: No

Not too thrilled with the local Chinese Buffet, make your way to Lowell for the Palm Noodle Bar. Actually, there is no bar but there are homemade noodles and a great selection of Chinese entrees. It is hard to pin down the exact origin of the dishes at the Palm as they feature curries, ramen, Thai style dishes, and Malaysian dishes. All I know is that it was terrific and I look forward to returning for more noodles!

 

Place your order at the front and find a seat in the spacious and immaculately clean dining room. If you are like me, you will eyeball all of the dishes emerging from the kitchen second guessing your order as each dish is paraded before your table. Today there was no second guessing as I had been craving a good noodle soup so the Tonkotsu Ramen was in order. Tonkotsu broth is a slow simmered broth using chicken and/or pork bones simmered over a long period to release the bits of marrow, which produces a velvety smooth and rich broth. Bok choy, soft cooked egg, scallions, and tender slices of roast pork compliment the ramen. The final touch applied to your taste at the table often includes spicy chili paste or Sriracha sauce. 

 

The noodles are made in house at the Palm, which is not a common practice in NWA and are the centerpiece of many of the dishes here. Palm has daily specials with mostly Chinese oriented dishes for around $7 and includes a spring roll and drink. The most expensive dish on the menu is $8.99 so eating here will not break the bank.

Eleven

Autumn Bruschetta

600 Museum Way

Bentonville, AR 72712

(479) 657-2305

Food: 4 Sporks (out of 5)
Service: 4.5 Sporks
Atmosphere: 4 Sporks
Price: 4 Sporks
Worth Returning: Yes        

Beer / Wine: Yes

Patio: No

Hey guys are you looking for the perfect date night get away? Look no further than Eleven at Crystal Bridges Museum. Open for dinner service each Wednesday and Friday from 5-9 Eleven offers a terrific setting for your special night. Just beyond the main entrance Eleven is located on one of two suspension bridges which span the reflection pond fed by Crystal Springs. Before dinner start your date with a leisurely stroll along the art trail to appreciate the bronze sculptures outside the museum including Stella and Shore Lunch. The trail offers spectacular views of the museum and springs with plenty of opportunities stop and enjoy the company of your significant other.

Eleven, Thanks Brian for the photo!

Time for your reservation at Eleven (reservations are highly recommended) request one of many tables overlooking the reflection pool taking time to appreciate the stunning architecture offered by the museum. Start your meal with a bottle of her favorite wine and the Autumn Bruschetta, artisan bread topped with Gorgonzola, figs, walnuts, and topped with clover honey ($9) or the Arkansas Traveler with caramelized onions, cannellini bean spread, grilled shitake, and fresh veggies served with flat bread. For your entrée choose from pan roasted chicken atop smoked cheddar grits or Striped Sea Bass with brown butter. Growing up in Georgia I opted for the Shrimp and Grits, smoked cheddar grits topped with sauteed shrimp and covered in a Worcestershire beurre blanc sauce.

Pressroom Honey Vanilla Latte

After dinner head to the galleries and enjoy art from the Colonial period to more contemporary works including my favorites from Mary McCleary and Walton Ford. End your evening at the Pressroom on the square for dessert and a Vanilla Honey Latte.

Enjoy your date and thank me later for all of those points you just scored.

Tavola Trattoria

Gnocchi

108 SE A Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-715-4738

Food: 4.5 Sporks (out of 5)
Service: 4 Sporks
Atmosphere: 3.5 Sporks
Price: 3.5 Sporks
Worth Returning: Yes, several times
Coke or Pepsi: Coke
Sweet Tea: Yes, fruity
Patio: No

From the owners of Table Mesa (Mesa translated means Table) and new to Bentonville is Tavola Trattoria (Tavola translated means Table, this group has a table fetish) a modern Italian inspired restaurant on A Street just off the square in Bentonville. The contemporary setting is bright and comfortable but can be loud at times. The menu includes a number of pasta dishes, pizza’s, Panini sandwiches, and other entrees from fish to veal. Pasta dishes are available in both small and family style portions.

Anytime I see gnocchi on the menu it’s a must try and the gnocchi with Bolognese sauce did not disappoint here. Other dishes we tried included a special of tortellini with Italian sausage, the meatball pizza, and the ravioli. Everything we tried was exceptional with not a single complaint from the group. And the Pièce de résistance was the dessert, Desiree cake similar to a tres leches but topped with a Nutella sauce. Most of time we can share a dessert but on this day we nearly came to blows over this slice of Nutella heaven!

This is a great addition to the Bentonville repertoire and I look for forward to many more meals here.

Green Submarine

Mess House Meatball

3327 W Wedington Dr

Fayetteville, AR 72704

(479) 287-4588

Food: 4 Sporks (out of 5)

Service: 3 Sporks

Atmosphere: 1 Sporks

Price: 3 Sporks

Worth Returning: Yes

Coke or Pepsi: Assorted Soda’s

Sweet Tea: Yes

Patio: No

I was fortunate to be on Wedington Drive around lunch time last week and was certainly torn between choosing one of my favorites Hunan Manor or something completely different with the Green Submarine. Always on the lookout for another great place we chose the GS. I had already been told that this was no ordinary sub shop and upon entering was immediately overwhelmed by the sandwich choices. The menu includes a number of hot and cold sub options with soups and salads as well.

Subs are available in small ($5.99) and large ($9.99) sizes and include any number of toppings that could include pesto, red onions, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella, chipotle pesto, balsamic reduction, and to many more to mention here. By this list alone you will notice that GS is no Subway or Jimmy John’s (of course you’re not going to get a $5 foot long here either). It was a tough decision but we ended up with the mess hall meatball and turkey pesto. The meatballs were surprisingly good comparable to what you would find in a great Italian restaurant much less a sub shop. The sub was topped with caramelized onions, mushrooms, peppers and then doused with a generous helping of grated parmesan.  It was ridiculously good!

This place is small, not somewhere to linger and soak up the atmosphere (there is none) and only has a handful of table’s maybe seating 12 comfortably? Your better served to study the menu online and know your order ahead of time or call ahead. The majority of their customers on this day were taking subs to go and with the limited space inside is understandable. I look forward to exploring more of the menu on my next visit and I can guarantee you there will be a next visit to the Green Submarine!

Kosmos Greekafe

2136 N College
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 521-7482

Food: 3 Sporks (out of 5)
Service: 3 Sporks
Atmosphere: 2 Sporks
Price: 3 Sporks
Worth Returning: Yes        
Coke or Pepsi: Pepsi          
Sweet Tea: Yes

Patio: No

http://www.kosmosgreekafe.com/

I don’t  know but maybe I have never had bad Greek food even though I have tried it across the country albeit not very many times. I recently found myself in the mood for something different and Greek sounded like a good option. We made our way to Kosmos on N College and settled on the Pork Souvlaki plate ($7.99) with fries and a side Greek salad ($1.99). I generally stick to the combo plates but Kosmos does not offer that option. Kosmos is set up as a fast casual restaurant with counter service and self serve drinks. Place your order, pay, and grab a number for your table where your food will be delivered.

Pork Souvlaki

The pork was well seasoned with Greek spices and served on wooden skewers with your choice of fries or rice. The fries were also dressed in a similar Greek seasoning as the pork which added another dimension to the shoe string potatoes. We also ordered the side of Tzatziki (“Z” sauce) and pita. The “Z” sauce was thick and creamy with and perfect for spreading on the warm pita. My friend enjoyed the Gyro with fries and was very happy with his meal.

The atmosphere is definitely not the draw here with limited décor, crappy music, tables and chairs, that’s about it. This is a great alternative to the local fast food options for a change of pace.    

Pit Master’s BBQ

100 N Dixieland (Frisco Station Mall)
Rogers, AR 72756
(479) 202-5344

Food: 3.5 Sporks (out of 5)
Service: 4 Sporks
Atmosphere: 2 Sporks
Price: 3 Sporks
Worth Returning: Yes
Coke or Pepsi: Coke
Sweet Tea: Yes
Patio: No

http://www.facebook.com/pitmastersbbq

Being a BBQ fanatic I am always on the prowl for some good que. Having recently experienced some great BBQ in Dallas at Lockhart Smokehouse I was pleased to stumble upon a coupon deal for Pit Master’s located in the Frisco Station Mall. Yes, there I said it BBQ in a mall and Frisco Mall at that! I cannot remember the last time I visited Dixieland I mean Frisco Station mall but needless to say it’s been a long time.

So our group all armed with half off coupons headed over for lunch and browsed the menu and settled on the three meat combo with 2 sides and bread. Anyone with any que “IQ” would appreciate a pit masters skills in cooking ribs, pork, and brisket as all present their own challenges. The ribs were larger St. Louis style ribs and cooked to the point of “falling off the bone.” Now most people see this as a good thing but I prefer the meat to offer a slight tug from the rib bone as do most competition cooks. The flavor was there and the ribs were neatly trimmed to eliminate most of the fat and served without sauce (as all good BBQ should). The brisket was moist and very tender almost to the point of falling apart which again should offer some resistance when pulling apart. The pork was nearly perfect for me with great moisture and flavor. Sauce is on the table and reminds me of a Southern style with a slight vinegar and pepper profile. In speaking to the server I was informed that the meats are all smoked over mesquite which is a difficult wood for smoking as it offers such a strong flavor profile if not done right.

The sides were good not great with the beans being my favorite of those I tried. A slice of plain Texas toast accompanies the plate meals which is typical of Texas style BBQ. Thursdays enjoy all you can eat ribs for $11.99 which is a ridiculous price and you can also find other specials on their Facebook page. Check out Pit Master’s BBQ where we were all pleasantly surprised by the quality of the que and will be added to our list of lunch spots in NWA.