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One of the best things about the USA being a melting pot of cultures is the wonderful variety of available cuisine. Some of the most delicious dishes come from our southern neighbors, as Mexican food is hugely popular — for good reasons. Residents of Fort Smith, Arkansas, definitely know that, as they have some amazing Mexican restaurants. Here are some of them. 1. El Zarape If you're looking for a place that serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a friendly and familiar atmosphere, this may be the best spot in the area. The staff is not just hard-working but also very eager to make everyone feel right at home. Everything on the menu looks and tastes amazing, from a bowl of simple tortilla soup to unique dishes such as El Zarape's Special Fajitas. A kids' menu is also available, but also a secret menu with different tacos and burritos. more 2. Miguel's Taqueria Mexican cuisine is special in many ways, especially when it's authentic, created by people who grew up cooking these dishes with recipes that have been passed down through generations. For this reason, restaurants such as Miguel's Taqueria are very popular, as they offer authentic Mexican food that's cooked exactly how it was meant to be. Located on 1719 Rogers Avenue, it's one of the best places in town to get Mexican tacos as well as tamales, fajitas, enchiladas, tortas, and many more amazing dishes. 3. Zapata's Mexican Grill Eating delicious Mexican food amid a lovely decor and enjoying excellent service is what every food lover should expect when visiting Zapata's Mexican Grill. Everything on the menu tastes incredible, from tacos and fajitas to chimichangas and quesos. If you don't have anything important to do afterward, you should feel free to indulge yourself with the expertly made spicy margaritas. 4. La Huerta Grill Few places can match the authentic feeling of a Mexican dining experience quite like La Huerta, especially during the summer. The large outdoor area features patio seating and live music on weekends to help everyone get in the mood for a fiesta. The fajitas and Baja tacos are absolutely delicious here, but so is everything else on the menu. This combination of a lively outdoor atmosphere and incredible food makes this place an ideal venue for a party. 5. Las Americas Too Las Americas Too celebrates not only Mexican food but also Latino cuisine in general. Although classics such as tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas are both authentic and very tasty, visitors should thoroughly scan the menu to see special Nicaraguan and Salvadorian dishes. A great way to get acquainted with those styles of cuisine is by ordering the Mercedes Favorites, named after the place's owner, which consists of a sampling plate with various Central American foods that are sure to delight your taste buds. Authentic Mexican restaurants are a treasure for any community, as they guarantee both delicious food and a great atmosphere. Any name on this list definitely ticks these two boxes, but they all have their own surprises that can only be discovered by paying them a visit. Image via Flickr by wnhsl

Fort Smith is home to a bustling dining scene which offers something for every occasion. Whether you're looking for a romantic fine dining experience or a quick grab-and-go dinner after a long day at work, you're going to find what you need in Fort Smith. If you're looking for unique dining options, check out these must-see restaurants. 21 West End This fine dining establishment is where you'll want to be if you're planning a romantic evening or special dinner of any kind. The small space is eclectic yet sophisticated, perfect for a quiet evening. If you plan on dining here, make sure you have room for appetizers and an entree. more Start your meal off with their incredible artichoke dip, which consists of a warm cream cheese base with parmesan cheese served with wonton chips. If you're more of an adventurous eater, give the chef's cheese board a try. It includes a unique selection of fresh cheese, and the available cheeses change frequently. The Chicken Cordon Bleu Ravioli is a twist on this classic cheesy, salty chicken dish. Entrees at 21 West End are truly a cut above. You can order small plates, which are almost like tapas, or a full-size dish. Some of these tasty bites include bacon-wrapped quail, derby cheese with sage, blackened tuna, and house-made burrata. The Citron Duck is truly marvelous. It features a crispy duck breast with a citrus cream dressing. Seafood fanatics will want to give the seafood stuffed manicotti a try. This pasta dish is loaded with all your seafood favorites such as shrimp, scallops, and crab. Anthony's Italian Restaurant This restaurant has a family-friendly and casual atmosphere. You can always count on being treated like family when you visit Anthony's. If you're in the mood for pasta or other Italian favorites, there's no better place to be in all of Arkansas. Be sure to bring your appetite, as Anthony's dishes up plentiful portions of their perfectly prepared dishes. The chicken parmesan with a side of pasta Alfredo is rich, creamy, and flavorful. For a simpler approach, order the linguine with homemade pasta sauce. Anthony's incredible pasta sauce will have you coming back for more in no time. The ravioli are large, stuffed to perfection, and delicious. You can't go wrong with any of the tantalizing entrees at this local favorite. Art's BBQ & Burgers Sometimes you just need to fill up on American-style comfort food. Your taste buds are in for a treat when you stop for a bite to eat at Art's BBQ & Burgers. What Art's lacks in fine dining flair, they make up for with great tasting food. This is another casual restaurant that makes for a great night out with the family. Art's specializes in smoked BBQ and burgers. Everything on the menu is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Grabbing a bite to eat in Fort Smith might be one of the hardest things you ever have to do. Not because of a lack of selection, but because of an abundance of amazing choices. We think you should try all three restaurants on our list! Image via Flickr by SGPhotography77

A coffee shop is not only a place where you can grab your caffeine fix for the day, but also one where you can meet up with friends or family for a catch-up, take that special first date, or just sit down and relax with a good book. Here are three coffee shops in Fort Smith that provide an attractive setting, good service, and great coffee. Fort Smith Company This new coffee shop in downtown Fort Smith, located in a renovated historic building, is a favorite spot for locals to sit down for a relaxing coffee. The décor is eclectic and hip, and the atmosphere warm and inviting. On the coffee menu are a variety of different choices such as a Lavender Latte, White Chocolate Mocha, and Spiced Thai Latte, all made by expert baristas. You can also enjoy a scone, waffle, crepe, a piece of quiche, or a toasted sandwich if you get peckish. Locals swear by the Turkey, Swiss, and Rosemary Quiche, the Mediterranean Crepe, or the Goat Cheese Toast. If you feel like having a beer with your lunch or supper, they have locally-brewed craft beer on tap. Fort Smith Company also hosts events such a movie nights and regularly features live music. You will find this coffee shop at 1101 Rogers Avenue. more Artistic Bean House This coffee house features couches where you and friends can chill, or you can sit down in a corner by the books for a quiet coffee. If you need to get some work done or reply to a few emails, free Wi-Fi is available. The walls are lined with local artworks, and local musicians often entertain the guests. The coffee at this chain is served by skilled baristas and prepared from Fair-Trade Organic Specialty beans, which are freshly roasted on the premises daily. On the coffee menu are over 13 special brews, including a Frappé, White Mocha, White Latte, Espresso Macchiato, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Caramel Apple Cider Latte. They also offer a food menu, consisting of wraps, paninis, muffins, and sandwiches. This coffee shop is located at 615 Garrison Avenue. If you cannot leave work but want one of their delicious coffees, you can also order online. Sweet Bay Coffee Company Located next to a beautiful park in Fort Smith, The Sweet Bay Coffee Company offers a relaxed setting where you can meet up with friends and family, or have a business lunch. On the coffee menu are hot, iced, or frozen Chai tea, coffee of the day, Café Au Lait, and a Cappucino Shake, and the food menu includes delectable dishes such as a Spinach Artichoke Flatbread Pizza, Rasberry Smoked Turkey Panini, and a Classic Club Sandwich. For breakfast, there is a selection of bagels and breakfast sandwiches available. They are at 3400 Rogers Avenue. Whether you want some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle, to meet up with friends and family, or make a date for gourmet coffee, these coffee houses will not disappoint. https://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielgm/45814116461/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Gabriel GM

Are you one of those people who douses everything you eat with layers of hot sauce? Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a spice-loving gene. Your love of these hot foods comes with your dining choices. Whether you're looking to try Indian cuisine or authentic Thai in the area, there are a few great venues to choose from. When you've got a passion for spicy, turn up the heat at these three restaurants around Fort Smith, Arkansas. R&R's Curry Express A hidden gem, R&R's Curry Express creates some of the most exotic dishes with the tongue-tingling flavors Indian cuisine is famous for. Indian food can be both exciting and intimidating, and for some, it's a new world of taste sensations. more R&R's hand-rolled barbeque wraps feature magical flavors. Pick either meat or veggie, topped with daikon, spinach, and a special cucumber and yogurt dressing with a touch of mint to cool things down. For dessert, try the rasmalai, a fresh cheese patty served in sweetened cold milk. It's just $3, while most entrees at R&R are around $7. Get your curry Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday until 10, and Saturday from noon to 10. Kountry Xpress A little oasis off the I-40 in nearby Mulberry, Kountry Xpress is a delicious find. When you've had your fill of greasy road-side classics, stop here and discover what's cooking. They're open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can get a heaping serving of palak paneer, chicken tikka masala, and an order of naan for less than $25. Some say it's the best Indian food near Fort Smith. There's also a buffet when you decide to go off menu and experiment. If you love the heat of authentic Indian cuisine, this is the place to go. Don't let its location scare you away. Sure, it's in a gas station, but it's a genuine kitchen that cooks up an extensive menu of five-star cuisine. There's something for everyone at Kountry Xpress, like hand-made fried chicken, mac and cheese, and chicken strips for the kids. Tassanee's Thai Cuisine Housed in an unassuming building, this quaint little restaurant is easy to drive past — but don't. Pull into the small parking lot to the left of the building, and get ready for a flavorful, spicy adventure. Made to order from fresh ingredients, a hot plate from Tassanee's is delivered with fast, friendly service that's always spot on. Place your order for spicy bean thread noodle salad, and in 15 minutes, it's ready for pick up. When you're looking for a great little hole in the wall, head to Tansanee's Thai Cuisine. To serve you best, they're open every day except Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. A lot of us love spicy self-torture, so don't be afraid to dabble with a little hot sauce on occasion. These three restaurants near Fort Smith are turning up the temperature just for you. Come on out and see just how much heat you can handle. Photo by SteFou! | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is the original gateway to the Wild West and was once the last chance for civilization before entering the wilderness of the Indian Territory. Because people from all over the world wanted to travel west, Fort Smith ended up with settlers from almost every corner of the world. You can still see this in the diverse culinary scene in the area with a diverse selection of restaurants. Make sure to check out these Fort Smith treasures to tempt your taste buds. Paizi's Gryos Paizi's on Rogers Avenue is a local favorite that serves up delicious Mediterranean food. This place started out as a food truck, and is now in a permanent brick and mortar location. The gyros are to die for with rich lamb, rosemary, chicken, and garlic. They also have a wonderful beef pita, and the Greek salad is always a hit. Another favorite is the stuffed grape leaves, along with the tzatziki sauce which is flavorful and delicious. The staff at Paizis are always friendly and helpful, and the place is clean and comfortable. more 21 West End For a classic bistro experience, head to 21 West End. This place has an upscale atmosphere with some unique menu items and an extensive wine list to provide plenty of options for pairing. To start, make sure to try the cream cheese crabcakes or the spinach salad. For dinner, the blackened salmon is always delicious along with the rosemary roasted chicken breast. For a real treat, make sure to get the famous cognac pork tenderloin. This is a fantastic cut of pork, topped with a signature cognac demi-glace and caramelized pears. Eureka Pizza Eureka Pizza is a local institution that serves high-quality homemade pizza. The sauce is made from scratch right in the kitchen using fresh-packed tomatoes. Eureka also makes their dough fresh each day and then hand tosses each pie to order. The selection of pizza ranges from the traditional pepperoni or veggie to some more unique flavor pairings such as the barbecue beef, Tuscan chicken, or the Eureka supreme. You can also create your own pizza with all your favorite toppings, or try the oven baked Buffalo wings or the Tuscan cheese bread. AJ's Oyster House Enjoy a fun and casual night out at AJ's Oyster House. This restaurant has the flavors of New Orleans combined with fresh seafood. The service is always excellent, and the kitchen staff makes everything from scratch. Make sure to try the shrimp po'boy or the fish tacos, and if you want a treat, save room for the banana pudding. Another popular menu item is the cat-toufee. This catfish dish offers the choice between grilled, fried, or blackened, it comes on top of a bed of rice, and then everything is topped with crawfish étouffée. There are so many different dining experiences in Fort Smith that you can always find something new to try, or if you prefer, you can keep to your old favorites. Photo by GW Fins | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Barbecue for lunch or dinner is always a solid meal choice, especially in the Fort Smith, Arkansas area. Whether you're a fan of tasty ribs, chicken, or brisket, these four restaurants will satisfy your craving for barbecue. Neumeier's Rib Room If you love barbecue and music, Neumeier's Rib Room is the place to go. It's been an institution in Fort Smith since 1998 and features some of the best barbecues in the area. Delectable favorites on the menu include the pork loin baby back ribs, the chopped pork shoulder, and the chicken. Tamales are also a big favorite among the locals. more In addition to the great food, you'll appreciate being able to dine out and enjoy great music too. River Valley BBQ Barbecue in Arkansas focuses a lot on pork. River Valley BBQ in Fort Smith has its fair share, but it's also known for some very tasty beef brisket. The key to good barbecue is the meat and this restaurant cooks it just right. So you don't necessarily need barbecue sauce to enjoy it. In addition to ribs, brisket, and andouille sausage, River Valley serves up dishes like corn nuggets, baked potatoes, salad, and sandwiches. The restaurant also offers up specials that change on a daily basis. It's a good family-run restaurant to come to for lunch and dinner any time. Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ started out as a barbecue competition team before becoming a full-fledged restaurant. What started out as fun competition outside of work quickly became about producing the best-tasting barbecue. One popular dish is the Judge's Platter, which consists of three baby back ribs, brisket, two pieces of sausage, pulled pork, two sides, and bread. It's perfect for sharing. Besides the barbecue, Ralph's Pink Flamingo also has delicious salads, baked potatoes, and even a barbecue burrito on the menu. Save room for one of the restaurant's sweet desserts too. Because of the restaurant's competition history, the interior features many of the awards that the team received while competing in the Kansas City Barbecue Society. You might also see some of the awards that the Fort Smith community has bestowed on the restaurant for its barbecue. The Whole Hog - Fort Smith The Whole Hog in Fort Smith offers many of the same dishes as the other restaurants on this list. It does manage to separate itself from the rest of the barbecue scene by offering food fast through features like a drive-thru window. Menu items include platters with a choice of pulled pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, or sausage with two sides and a roll. Outside of the traditional barbecue plates and sandwiches, try a specialty like barbecue nachos with your choice of meat or a loaded baked potato. Barbecue is something that Fort Smith takes very seriously. Each of the restaurants on this list has their own unique take on ribs, chicken, brisket, and sausage, including a few barbecue fusion dishes. Stop in at one of these great restaurants the next time you're in Fort Smith. Photo by David McSpadden | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Barbecue has a long history of being one of the most sought-after cuisines no matter where you are. In fact, a good barbecue restaurant is a staple of any town, so you can find a good barbecue place almost anywhere. With so many places to choose from, finding the best can be a challenge. Here are three smokin' hot barbecue restaurants to tantalize your taste buds. Rib Room If you are looking for the best barbecue, then you'll want to start at Rib Room. Throughout Arkansas, Rib Room is known as the Arkansas State BBQ Champion of 1994, where it took home first place for its pork ribs. Rib Room specializes in ribs with a full menu that comes complete with all of the BBQ items that you would want. Not only are the ribs great, but the sides are exceptional as well. more If you are planning a party, Rib Room caters and can take your party to the next level. There are several catering options that can be prepared on-site or delivered. The restaurant is also available for private events on Sundays and Mondays with enough notice. Art's BBQ Over on Rogers Avenue, you can find Art's BBQ & Catering. Art's is a great place to get a great meal and watch the game. Many people come in for the sports and stay for the food. Art's specializes in burgers and sandwiches with many meat and toppings to choose from. The salads are good, too, if you are looking for a healthier option. It also has a large following on Facebook and keeps you updated regularly so that you know of the latest specials and what games will be on. Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ Another great place to try is Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ. Ralph's is also known for having contest-winning barbeque including its ribs. The menu focuses on sandwiches but has a lot of other options for you to choose from as well. The pulled pork is a common favorite, as well as the BBQ Bubba with pork, sausage, slaw, and onions. Regardless of what you choose, you are bound to find something good. If you like to cook your own BBQ but want a great sauce to get you started, Ralph's bottles and sells its own sauces. There are five varieties to choose from and they are reasonably priced. If you don't have time to stop in to pick it up, it can be shipped to you as well. Searching for the best barbecue spot in town can be a fun, tasty adventure. Whether you just want a good meal or you're a BBQ aficionado, you can't go wrong with a good barbecue restaurant. Before you start making the rounds to all of the barbecue spots in town, stop by Rath Auto Resources to make sure that your car is ready. You can get a tune-up, or you can check out the latest 2018 and 2017 vehicles on the lot. Either way, you can leave with a car that will help make sure that you get all of the best BBQ in town. Photo by F. D. Richards | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Foodies from near and far are beginning to notice the town of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and for good reason. It has several award-winning restaurants, where the best food is served by the best people. If you love going out for breakfast, then you're going to love the options in Fort Smith. From waffles and hash browns to French toast and omelets, it's a breakfast lover's paradise. Rath Auto Resources is proud of our city and its incredible restaurants. These are the five best restaurants to go for breakfast in Fort Smith. Calico County Calico County is a town icon that's known for serving traditional good ol' fashioned American comfort food and generous portions. The fresh ingredients and attentive staff create a recipe for a memorable and delicious meal. Try the awesome breakfast burrito, the chicken and waffle, or the mouthwatering biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. more The Egg and I The Egg and I is one of the best brunch spots in all of Fort Smith, and it serves a lot more than eggs. Try the veggie Benedict that's served with creamy, made-from-scratch hollandaise sauce. The cheesecake berry French toast is also a favorite. The service is always spot-on, and the food delicious, which is why they've been delighting customers for over a decade. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., it's the ideal place to meet up with friends and family over great homemade tasting food. What else could you want? Waffle House If waffles are your thing, then the Waffle House is your restaurant. It may not be fancy, but it serves the best waffles in Fort Smith. From blueberry-topped German style waffles to buttermilk waffles the way mom used to make, it's a haven for all waffle lovers.  Also, make sure to try the homemade hash browns while you're there. They're to die for! Lucy's Diner Lucy's Diner is a favorite of the locals and one of Fort Smith's best-kept secrets (until now). It serves some of the best omelets in town. From the delicious Denver omelet to the veggie delight or traditional ham and cheese, they are all perfectly prepared. The generous portions mean you can easily share one with a friend or family member. Lucy's Diner also has crispy bacon and tasty hash browns. Lewis Family Restaurant Lewis Family Restaurant is just what it sounds like. It's owned and operated by one family, and the staff treats the customers like family, too! You can't go wrong with the mouthwatering French Toast that's made from fresh homemade bread. You won't even need syrup. The breakfast burritos are another local favorite. You'll always feel welcome at Lewis Family Restaurant. Going out for breakfast is a great way to relax and enjoy time with family or friends. Try a dish you normally don't eat or get your usual. You'll enjoy yourself either way. Treat your taste buds to some delicious food from one of these five restaurants in Fort Smith, and soon you'll know what all the buzz is about. Photo by Baha'i Views / Flitzy Phoebie | Licensed under cc by- nc-nd 2.0

Foodies from around the world are finally beginning to take notice of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and for good reason. The city has several award-winning restaurants, where great food is served by great people. It doesn't matter what your culinary preference is, there's bound to be something you'll love. From Thai, to Italian, Vietnamese, or barbecue, there is a ton of delicious menu options just waiting to be discovered. Rath Auto Resources is proud of our city and its incredible restaurants. These are the four best restaurants in Fort Smith. Emmy's German Restaurant If the thought of soft pretzel chunks dipped generously in a creamy cheese fondue makes you go weak in the knees, you're going to adore Emmy's German Restaurant. Emmy's has been delighting customers with extraordinary more German food for over 50 years. Al Thome and Emmy Werner got married in Germany while he was serving in the American army. Eventually, they returned to Arkansas and opened their own restaurant. Now a local icon, Emmy's serves good home style sausages, mouth-watering schnitzel, and decadent desserts, like their famous apple strudel and German chocolate cake. Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ Ralph's Pink Flamingo offers the best in gooey, tasty, tangy barbecue. Fans of the restaurant know to keep their good clothes at home, because the food is not only delicious but messy, just like you would expect from a good old fashioned barbecue. The place looks a bit like a Wild West saloon, which is part of its charm. From tender ribs to juicy chicken and spicy pulled pork, there are plenty of dishes to choose from. Eat in, or do take out, either way, you'll want more. The staff at Ralph's is well known for participating in food festivals and cooking competitions, so you know they're barbecue masters. Green Papaya Green Papaya is a small Vietnamese restaurant in Fort Smith. It's a small place, so be prepared for a short wait, but rest assured that it's worth it. Stir-fried dishes are perfectly cooked up with authentic Vietnamese spices, like ginger, cumin, and hot chilies. Their portions are generous and the servers are attentive. Try their curry, drenched in sweet coconut milk and served over steamed rice. It's truly amazing! Taliano's Italian Restaurant Two childhood friends, Tom Caldarera Jr. and Jim Cadelli, opened Taliano's in 1970. It's a traditional Italian restaurant with a thoughtful staff and a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere. You'll feel like your dining with friends somewhere in the hills of Tuscany. With secret family recipes handed down from one generation to the next, Taliano's never disappoints. Expect generous portions of perfectly prepared comfort food, such as deep-fried ravioli and fettuccine alfredo. Make sure you save room for a slice of their melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu. Dining in a fine restaurant is a great way to relax and enjoy time with family or friends. Try a dish you normally don't eat. Get creative and tantalize your taste buds with some delicious food from one of these four wonderful restaurants in Fort Smith, and soon you'll know what all the fuss is about. Photo by piviso_com | Licensed under CC0 1.0