INDULGE

No matter what your palate desires, delicious dining options are abundant in and around Texarkana. Whether you are looking for Mexican, Italian, American, or Asian choices or just a place to relax and enjoy a drink, be sure to check out these locallyowned options.

1923 Banana Club

Travel back in time while enjoying wine, beer, and cocktails at the 1923 Banana Club. This club is located downtown at 223 East Front Street. (facebook.com/1923BananaClub)

Alley Cats Coffee Bar

Alley Cats Coffee Bar, at 305 East Front Street in Texarkana, Arkansas, is hard to miss. Located inside a remodeled 1940s train car, the unique environment is the perfect place to enjoy a good cup of coffee. Stop by and get that spark of caffeine to help you get through your day. (www.alleycatscoffeetxk.com)

Benchmark American Brasserie

If you are looking for a fine-dining restaurant with an informal atmosphere, bring the entire family to Benchmark American Brasserie. Classically French-trained chef Rebecca Williams’ locally-influenced French-American menu offers the perfect dining experience for those looking for a casual fine-dining establishment with a full bar. (www.benchmarktxk.com)

El Frio Express

Premium frozen drinks can now be found in downtown Texarkana. Whether you are in the mood for a frozen margarita, daiquiri, piña colada, or lemonade, visit El Frio Express at 204 East 4th Street. (www.facebook.com/ElFrioExpress)

FLYING BURGER & SEAFOOD

Flying Burger & Seafood, located on Summerhill Road, offers a casual dining experience for those who love burgers or seafood. Combo specials are available or order off of the menu for a meal sure to please. (www.flyingburgerandseafood.com)

The Frozen Rail

Nestled in the Entertainment District in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas, The Frozen Rail offers frozen margaritas, daiquiris, and beer. Look for the railroad car on Broad Street ... you can’t miss it!

FUJI KIM’S SUSHI & GRILL

If you are looking for Japanese cuisine with a fusion of American and Korean flavors, try Fuji Kim’s Sushi & Grill. The Kim family and their staff work hard to create sushi masterpieces that are sure to please. Open for lunch and dinner, Fuji Kim’s is the go-to place for sushi or other Japanese specialties.

Graham Slam Bakery

Graham Slam Bakery, a delicious dessert shop, is located at 1201 Arkansas Boulevard, in Texarkana, Arkansas. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, visit Emily Graham at Graham Slam for your cookie, cupcake, and cake fix. (www.grahamslambakery.com )

Hopkins Icehouse

A corner bar reminiscent of days gone by, Hopkins Icehouse offers a place to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. The downtown location was originally built in the early 1900s and has retained its original tin ceiling, transoms, doors, floors, and glass windows. Visit Hopkins Icehouse and sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal. (www.hopkinsicehouse.com)

Ironwood Grill

Truly one of Texarkana’s locally-owned restaurants where the menu has something for everyone, Ironwood Grill offers indoor seating and patio dining with pub tables and low tables. A restaurant with great salads, great steaks, great soups, and great sandwiches, if you try them for lunch, a hand-tossed sandwich is the way to go. (www.ironwoodgrill.com)

JOE’S PIZZA & PASTA

Joe’s Pizza & Pasta serves your favorite Italian dishes, like Chicken Jerusalem and Lasagna Pizza. It is located at 2700 Richmond Road #17, Texarkana, Texas. (eatatjoespizza.com)

JOHNNY B’S OF TEXARKANA

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Johnny B’s offers daily specials, as well as burgers, salads, sandwiches, steak, shrimp, and fish. Visit 224 East 5th Street for good food in a quaint atmosphere.

JULIE’S DELI

For over 25 years, Julie’s Deli has served as the lunch place where Texarkana comes together. A local favorite, Julie’s offers unequaled customer service and fresh quality ingredients. Julie’s is “Texarkana made from scratch,” so stop by to eat at the deli where “delicious happens.” (www.juliesdeli.com)

Lost Pizza

Voted Best Pizza and Best New Business in Texarkana in 2023, Lost Pizza serves delicious signature pizza (and more) in a cool, funky, family-friendly atmosphere at 4206 Gibson Lane. (lostpizza.com)

NAAMAN’S CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ

Naaman’s Championship BBQ pairs its delectable brisket, chicken, pulled pork, ribs, and sausage with signature homemade sides, including twice-baked potatoes and cheesy corn.

Naaman’s location on North State Line features a great atmosphere to accompany delicious food. Everyone must visit Naaman’s and see why Texas Monthly magazine visited here and included Naaman’s in a special section about Texas BBQ joints. (www.naamansbbq.com)

NEWK’S EATERY

Located on Mall Drive, Newk’s serves up hearty portions of premium meats sliced in-house, hand-shredded cheeses and imported ingredients, scratch made sauces & dressings and fresh fruit & vegetables chopped in-house every day. If you are looking for a sandwich, soup, or salad, Newk’s serves up all of their meals with a generous dose of hospitality. (www.newks.com)

Old Tyme Burger Shoppe

A favorite among locals and visitors, Old Tyme Burger Shoppe offers traditional American, breakfast, burgers, dinners, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Be sure to check out Facebook for the shoppe’s homecooked lunch specials, too. (www.facebook.com/OTBS1991)

PECAN POINT GASTROPUB & BREWERY

Texarkana’s premier gastropub and craft beer destination, Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery is located in a pair of century-old buildings in the heart of historic downtown, next to the Perot Theatre. Pecan Point is a treasure for the taste buds, and that is why they were recently featured on The Texas Bucket List. Quality interpretations of classic gastropub fare are served up with an emphasis on regional cuisine and custom cocktails. (www.pecanpointbrewing.com)

POP’S PLACE

Locally-owned and -operated, Pop’s Place is dubbed “the best-kept secret in Texarkana.” With a wonderful atmosphere, friendly staff and amazing meals, patrons will be glad they traveled the short distance to enjoy this dining experience. (www.popsplacetxk.com)

The Rabbit Hole

The Rabbit Hole is a nonprofit business that does hands-on ministry and missions work. They offer coffee/teas, pastries, ice cream, and used books. It is a place to hang out, play games, strum a guitar, and visit with friends! It is located at 422 North Stateline Avenue.

Redbone Magic Brewing

A hometown brewery/pub mixed with an element of fun, Redbone Magic Brewing offers patrons an experience they won’t forget; if you are lucky, you may even see some magic. If you are looking for a place with great food and beverages in an incredible atmosphere, visit Redbone, located on Texas Boulevard. (www.redbonemagic.com)

Silver Star Smokehouse

Whether you want ribs, barbecue sandwiches, chicken fried chicken, or a specialty salad, Silver Star Smokehouse won’t let you down. Set in a rustic chic building, Silver Star is known for its delicious food served by a friendly staff. While you’re there, try the au gratin potatoes, and if you like frozen drinks, inquire about “The Duke” and “The Dolly.” (www.silverstarsmokehouse.com)

TLC BURGERS & FRIES

The award-winning landmark TLC Burgers & Fries is located on East Broad Street in Texarkana, Arkansas. TLC prides itself on its juicy burgers and fresh-cut fries, dusted with Red River Sand seasoning. Open only during lunch, TLC is a great place to visit with friends and enjoy a great meal downtown.

Tacos 4 Life

After sightseeing around Texarkana, be sure to stop by Tacos 4 Life and enjoy one of their scrumptious tacos, house-made sides, rice bowls, salads, nachos, or quesadillas. They have something for everyone and work hard to make your meal a pleasing experience. (www.tacos4life.com)

Twisted Fork Grill And Lounge

Twisted Fork Grill and Lounge, located at 5522 Summerhill Road, is a fun and relaxing dining experience. With a comfortable ambiance and delicious dishes, Twisted Fork combines American/Southwestern influences with timeless classics. New specials are added weekly, and live music is an added bonus on the weekends. (www.twistedforktxk.com)

What can you tell us about the restaurants you own? What would you like your guests to experience in your restaurant?

Well, the answer to that is in the name of our flagship restaurant: “Benchmark.”

We want to set a standard for dining and cuisine in this area. Our flagship offers chef-inspired and culinary-mastered cuisine and cocktails, along with outstanding service. We want our guests to enjoy a dining experience focused on high-end service.

What can you tell us about the upcoming Café Lucille? What does it offer to your customers? Why did you decide to open another restaurant?

It will be a breakfast and lunch fast-casual café with a full bar, private courtyard, and a daily dinner special designed for pick-up in the evening. A made-from-scratch menu will also offer many health-conscious items that

Verona Fine Italian Restaurant And The Cellar At Verona

Located in historic downtown Texarkana, Arkansas, Verona Restaurant brings fine Italian food and wine to the area. Open Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., this restaurant offers first-class service as well as delicious dishes and brings the finest food and wine to the area. (www.veronaonbroad.com)

The Wild Hare

Texarkana’s Entertainment District is home to The Wild Hare, located at 221 East Broad Street. This bar hosts happy hour, free billiards, and live music. (thewildharetxk.com)

ZAPATA MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

Zapata Mexican Grill & Cantina is downtown Texarkana’s premier destination for outstanding Mexican cuisine. Since 2002, guests from all across the Four States Area have enjoyed the award-winning wonders Zapata’s brings to the table. Open for lunch, a wonderful evening out or even a large party in the banquet room, Zapata’s brings you superb service, a festive atmosphere, and delectable dishes only Zapata Grill can create.

can be difficult to find for breakfast, as well as brunch every day!

When we started our restaurant company, Willrestco LLC, it was with the plan to open several restaurant concepts in and around the Four States Area.

Why did you choose downtown Texarkana as the location for Café Lucille? What are the benefits of the location?

Jason has always wanted to open a restaurant downtown; he, along with many others in Texarkana, is passionate about the restoration and future of our downtown area.

To be immersed in the arts and theater side of a growing downtown will allow us to be directly involved in the growing arts district, as well as the future of our beautiful city.

How do you see your restaurants expanding in the next five years?

We are focused on success and would like to see our restaurants not only thrive in Texarkana but maybe grow into other cities. And maybe our third concept can find its home downtown as well.

What is your personal mission or inspiration for your restaurants?

To keep growing and improving, striving to be the best.

Is there anything I haven’t asked that you would like the public to know about?

Restaurants are not the only part of the industry that we are working on; we have multiple concepts on the horizon. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated!