quote:
Hugo's - I love the Derek's Special. Their fries are incredible. Burgers are also some of the best anywhere.

Herman's - Honestly not quite as good as when I was in grad school in the 90's but still amazing.

Cafe Rue Orleans - As odd as it may sound, this is the best South Louisiana cuisine you will find outside of the NOLA/BR area. New Orleans native relocated to NWA 20+ years ago and brought her family recipes with her. Seriously - authentic and fresh Louisiana food (dem crawfish slept in the bayou last night, cher)

Catfish Hole - Love the fish. The unlimited puppies, slaw, relish and pickles are awesome too.

Wright's BBQ - I've had ALL of KC's best bbq (Joe's, SLAPs, Jack Stack, Q39, Gates, Bryant's) and Wright's is better. They do pulled pork, ribs, chicken and sausage better than anybody. But they also do a brisket that can't be beat. I don't generally order brisket because ribs and pulled pork are preferred. But at Wright's you must have the brisket.

Hugo's is on the list.

Hugos is mostly atmosphere. Yes, it is a good burger joint. The Bleu Moon has been making me happy for 25 years.

Cheers on the Square is great.

Vetro1925 is great.

I agree with Wright's, although it's technically in Johnson (Baja Fayetteville). If we are counting Johnson (why the hell not, Wrights is literally a few hundred yards from Fayetteville city limits), I'd throw some love on Pizzeria Ruby over in Johnson Square. Out-fricking-standing. The Onyx folks also opened WellMet cafe recently which I'm meaning to try. Johnson Square is getting pretty cool.

Otherwise, I am into immigrant/ethnic food. Thai (Salathai, Thai Taste being my faves, while the midtown joints Thai E San, and Thai Diner aren't great, IMO, but there are like 7 Thai restaurants in this city now) and Mexican/South American (too damn many to count around here). Those places kill and never make these college-town lists because racism.