Some burgers are fine for a quick lunch, and then there are the ones people plan a whole drive around. In Arkansas, the onion burger has a loyal fan club, and these four grills give them plenty of reasons to hit the road.
You will find a century-old Ozark café, a busy Fayetteville burger joint, a Fort Smith spot grilling elk and bison, and a longtime Arkadelphia favorite. Grab a napkin, because this list gets hungry fast.
1. Ozark Cafe, Jasper, AR
More than a hundred years of serving hungry folks gives a café a certain kind of confidence. Ozark Cafe sits at 107 E Court St in the little mountain town of Jasper, and it still has a soda fountain and walls full of Americana.
The onion lover’s order here is the French Fried Onion Burger. It is a cheeseburger made with two different cheeses and stacked with onion rings on top.
Burgers start as fresh, handmade half-pounders, and they come with crispy hand cut fries. If you want your onions a different way, the Patty Melt brings sautéed red onions, melted cheese, and the house Ozark sauce.
The menu goes well beyond burgers, with the Volcano Burger, fried mushrooms, fried pickles, chicken fried steak and gravy, and a full vegetarian menu. Breakfast starts at 7 AM every day, and there is weekly live music too.
Weekend mornings and afternoons get busy, so a weekday visit is the calmer pick. Reservations are not taken, but free parking is usually easy to find.
2. Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer, Fayetteville, AR
Retro garage decor sets the mood the second you walk into Smitty’s on East Joyce Boulevard. It is a casual Fayetteville spot built around a big lineup of burgers.
The fried onion burger is one of the stars, with fresh, juicy patties and onions doing the heavy lifting. The onion rings on the side have their own fan base for being cooked just right.
Ordering is simple. You place your order at the counter, grab a table, and the food comes out quickly.
Other picks include the mushroom swiss, the Grilled Jalapeño Bacon Cheeser, and the Bacon Avocado Ranch. Fry fans can choose fresh cut fries, Thunder Fries, or garlic parm truffle fries, and there is a thick, sweet chili too.
I like this stop for a group with mixed tastes, since there are games, a kids’ menu, and outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Hours run until 11 PM Thursday through Saturday, which helps after a late Razorbacks evening.
3. The Buffalo Burger Co., Fort Smith, AR
Elk on a fried onion burger is not something you see every day. In Fort Smith, a food truck at 1801.5 S Zero St makes it a regular lunch option.
The Buffalo Burger Co. specializes in buffalo, bison, and elk burgers. The Fried Onion Burger is a top order, and you can get it made with elk for a twist on the classic.
A smash burger is also on the menu for anyone who wants a more traditional patty. The Philly and a veggie burger round things out.
Service is takeout only, so plan to eat in the car or carry it somewhere nearby. Hours are 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday, and the truck is closed on Sundays.
Monday and Wednesday afternoons draw the biggest lines. Mornings and evenings tend to be quieter if you want to skip the wait.
4. Hamburger Barn, Arkadelphia, AR
College towns know burgers, and Arkadelphia has leaned on Hamburger Barn for years. The low-key grill on Pine Street serves burgers, steaks, chicken, and other American standards.
Onion fans should look at the mushroom and onion burger, which pairs nicely with a side salad or fries. The onion rings are a strong reason to order a basket for the table.
Signature picks include the Bubba Burger and the Chipotle Burger, plus the Chipotle Jack sandwich for a little heat.
Table service, high chairs, and a kids’ menu make it easy for families. Friday evenings are the busiest, while weekday lunches are usually calmer.
Doors open at 11 AM Monday through Saturday, closing at 8:30 PM on weeknights and 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. It is an easy stop if you are traveling Interstate 30 between Little Rock and Texarkana.
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