By Andrew Bell
Texarkana Gazette
Downtown Texarkana has always offered a unique variety of local restaurants.
Favorites include Mexican, Italian, seafood and southern style. You can start your day with a great breakfast, lunch on a delicious burger or salad and end with a wonderful dinner, all while staying in the downtown area. Fresh made desserts are also available any day of the week.
"Delicious food in an interesting building adds more to the dining experience," said Ina McDowell, executive director of Main Street Texarkana. "The history and authentic historic design provides a warm atmosphere. Friendly staff are always ready to share a great story.
"Weekly menu specials add to reasons for dining downtown with wine and craft beer tastings, and local bands playing live music. The entertainment district also allows for spending leisure time downtown while enjoying public art, and monthly special events."
Some downtown eateries include:
The Railyard Saloon -- Owned by Jaimie Reynolds, a veteran barkeep, this establishment endured through the pandemic downtown and now is fully involved in the downtown entertainment district scene, with events such as karaoke and the like.
Pecan Point Gastropub and Brewery -- They continue their brand of craft beer, cocktails and fine dining next to the Perot Theater, a key linchpin of the downtown scene.
Hopkins Icehouse -- The downtown Hopkins location is the single one remaining, as the Texas-side site was sold and converted into another restaurant. Hopkins Icehouse downtown continues to be part of the lively downtown scene as well as a key part of the downtown entertainment district.
Hopkins Icehouse -- is named for the ice storage houses that were located near the rail lines, where Texarkana citizens came to congregate, get cool in the days before air conditioning and enjoy a beer. It offers a range of reasonably priced main dishes that are generously portioned, such as the pork chops with sides. The spinny dip is a popular appetizer.
Broadway Sports Bar and Billiards -- Wet your whistle, enjoy some bar food, get in a game of pool or the game on one of their many screens, this is one place Texarkanians can kick back and enjoy themselves.
Verona Restaurant and Wine Bar -- This classy place offers a great Italian-style meal, along with delicious bread that goes well dipped in olive oil and vinegar. Or, if you prefer, you can just enjoy a wide array of wines. If a particular glass appeals to you, buy a bottle and take it home.
Johnny B's -- Offering a wide range of comfort food and serving breakfast all day, Johnny B's is family dining in historic downtown at the old Glass Pharmacy building. Enjoy flavorful comfort food, such as the chicken and dressing, roast beef with creamed potatoes, green beans, corn or candied yams, along with hot dinner rolls. Also, burgers of various configurations.
Pecan Point Gastropub and Brewery -- Established as part of the local craft brewing scene with beer making facilities on the premises, Pecan Point has established itself as one of the go-to places for fine dining. Located next to the Perot Theater, diners can enjoy a range of craft brews, wines and cocktails along with a variety of entrees and appetizers. One favorite is the Duck n' Grits, while others love the Fish and Chips and the Steak Fingers, which periodically appear on the menu. Word is, the stuffed mushrooms are to die for.
TLC Burgers & Fries -- Currently undergoing renovations, this longtime downtown establishment with old-school decor has been serving old fashioned burgers for decades. The 40-year-old restaurant, at 201 E. Broad St., has been closed since late June 2021, when the building was damaged in an after-hours fire. Despite delays, owners say it should be opening up this year. Along with fries with their legendary Red River Sand spice, this unique establishment will fill you up.
Zapata's -- Representing the higher end of Mexican dining in Texarkana, this downtown local favorite offers a varied selection of standards as well as options for the more health-minded diner who is looking for flavor still, such as large salads with grilled salmon or tuna. The salsa is tremendous and the bar is full, with restaurant favorites like the Cuba Libre. Located at 217 Walnut St.
1873 Club -- Operated by Kasey Fant, the former Arrow and Paragon still hearkens back to historic downtown Texarkana, retaining the classic interior, with each of the bar's three rooms having its own style. They have their own chef bringing their unique menu, offering quality dining as well as drinks.
El Frio Express -- The Wright family-owned business new drinking spot downtown has been open since last summer, offering frozen margaritas, daiquiris and much more.
The Forge TXK: The Forge TXK is a food truck located at 345 E. Front St. that offers tasty sandwiches, American food, drinks and more.
A few other places elsewhere in the city:
Mother Kelley's Home Cooking -- New location on State Line on the Arkansas side, they still have their same down-home menu.
Blue Water Bayou Wing Masters -- Located at the former Mother Kelley's location on Texas Boulevard, this place specializing in Creole style continues building a fan base with its unique approach.
Sam's Southern Eatery -- This regional chain of inexpensive Cajun and southern comfort style cooking places has a new location on New Boston Road at a former Sonic, in addition to its location on the Arkansas-side, on Hickory St.
Dapper at Park Place -- This historic Texarkana fine dining location turned Dapper as of the summer of 2021, offering three different modes and areas of dining as well as other attractions.
Ritz D'Bento Japanese Steakhouse -- Located on New Boston Road in the former Panda's, the newly-opened restaurant offers Japanese cuisine of the Ashan style of cooking, as well as American-style steaks.
Local Habit -- This new coffee shop in Nash serves tasty scones, cookies and muffins that you can dine on in a relaxing environment.