Asian restaurant and Sushi
Winner: Fuji Kim’s Sushi & Grill
Fuji Kim’s Sushi & Grill is Texarkana’s sushi hub. With a wide range of rolls, including one named after Texarkana, there is a flavor for all sushi lovers. Along with other Asian flavored dishes for those not inclined to sushi, they have a list of entrees including their famous fried spider crab and a bar offering beer, wine and cocktails, Fuji Kim’s a the roll for you.
Asian Restaurant and Sushi Finalist: Osaka Japanese Steak House
Bakery, Brunch, Catering and Desserts
Winner: Julie’s Deli
Julie’s Deli is a Texarkana tradition, with a range of sandwiches, soups and salads. They have various breads, entrees and more ready for purchase, as well as meals prepared for busy families on the go. Julie’s Deli even offers catering services for those in need of good service and the food brought on board.
Bakery and Desserts Finalist: The Cookie Lady
Brunch finalist: Johnny B’s
Caterer finalist: Big Jake’s Bar-BQ
Bar
Winner: Fat Jack’s Oyster and Sports Bar
Fat Jack’s Oyster and Sports Bar is a favorite in Texarkana and one of the must-see spots in the bar scene. Not only offering a range of drinks in a familiar setting, oysters remain legendary as does entertainment. Fat Jack’s is one of those places Texarkanians can rely on for entertainment.
Finalist: Arrow bar
BBQ and ribs
Winner: Naaman’s BBQ
A grill champion, this local favorite recently expanded its food court. Naaman’s BBQ offers a range of meats, steaks and more. Naaman’s barbecue draws hungry crowds every day for lunch or dinner. Ribs are considered a mouthwatering Texan barbecue and the atmosphere is “unique and a great vibe” according to reviewers. Diners also recommend the brisket, coleslaw, and cheesy corn.
BBQ Finalist: Big Jake’s Bar-BQ
Ribs finalist: Verona restaurant
Breakfast and donut restaurant
Winner: Shorty’s Donut Shop & Diner
The oldest restaurant still in operation in Texarkana, Shorty’s Donut Shop & Diner still offers its selection of dishes early in the morning for its dedicated diners. Eggs cooked your way, a selection of meats for breakfast including steaks, Shorty’s is a tradition still present in the Twin Cities. Their famous Southern Maid cream, mixed and glazed donuts also hold pride of place in customers’ hearts.
Breakfast finalist: Johnny B’s from Texarkana
Donuts Runner Up: Shipley’s Do-Nuts
Brewery
Winner: Redbone Magic Brewing Co.
Redbone Magic Brewing Co.’s motto is “Make Texarkana Happy”. With oven-baked pizzas, an extensive menu of comfort food and home-brewed beers, plus an array of entertainment, Redbone Magic seeks to live up to its motto.
Finalist: Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery
Buffet
Winner: Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill is known across the country for its extensive offerings. It has also become known for its breakfast buffet, available on weekends. Fancy a personalized omelet? More than one? You can get it here. Plus, they also have steak, made to your liking.
Finalist: the unique buffet
Fries and salsa, Mexican cuisine
Winner: Loca Luna
It was a good year for Loca Luna. In addition to offering their unique brand of Mexican cuisine, with delicious burritos, enchiladas and grilled fish dishes, their fries and salsa are also reader’s favorites. They also added a location in Texarkana.
Fries and Salsa Finalist: Zapata Grill and Mexican Cantina
Mexican Cuisine Finalist: TaMolly’s Mexican Cuisine
Cocktail, Happy Hour, Margarita
Winner: Zapata Grill and Mexican Cantina
Zapata Grill and Mexican Cantina offers fine Mexican cuisine, as well as a finely crafted cocktail bar. One of the most remarkable is their frozen wonder, Cuba Libre. Plus, their Bloody Mary is tasty. And the jug of margaritas awaits your order.
Cocktail finalist: American brassiere of reference
Happy Hour and Margarita Runner Up: at the border
Coffee and frozen yogurt
Winner: Taste and See
Taste and See is your place for coffee, yogurt, and confectionery. If what you want is hot and stirred, cold and stirred, cold and served or a selection of chocolate flavors, you can find it at Taste and See. Their goal is to provide the best coffee for everyone and they offer a wide selection from all over the world.
Coffee finalist: Starbucks
Frozen Yogurt Finalist: Fifteen Below
Family restaurant
Winner: Dixie Diner
This locally owned treasure continues to offer its brand of comfort food from the countryside. Pork chops, fried fish, fried chicken steak, plus fresh cornbread and homemade flavors are what it’s all about.
Finalist: Wayne’s Family Restaurant
Hamburger
Winner: 30 Burger
Since 30 Burger entered the Texarkana restaurant scene, it has specialized in gourmet burger setups. Besides the traditional sides, you can also order sweet potato fries, cheese curds and Brussels sprouts. Plus, wash it all down with the drink of your choice in their bar.
Finalist: The canoe
Home style kitchen
Winner: Mother Kelley’s Home Kitchen
“It’s made with love”, in the motto of Mother Kelley’s Home Cooking. From meatloaf to fried chicken and chicken to delicious side dishes, homemade desserts and all that tastes great, they bring comfort food to lunch all the time. They specialize in serving Texarkana’s spoon smiles.
Finalist: Dixie Diner
Warm wings
Winner: Wingstop
If wings are your thing, Wingstop is your stop. Specializing in chicken wings, this one is the local way to have wings your way. That’s what fans of the Texarkana wing are saying.
Finalist: Sirens
Iced tea
Winner: McAlister’s Deli
Enjoy your sandwich hot or cold with soup your way at McAlister’s Deli, but sprinkle it with Texarkana’s choice of iced tea, cold and freshly brewed. And, once a year, in the height of summer, come and have a free glass of tea.
Finalist: Chicken Express
Italian food
Winner: Joe’s Pizza & Pasta
Fans of Italian food in Texarkana have a choice and have said fans have chosen Joe’s Pizza & Pasta. Not only does the menu display a good selection of pizzas and pastas. But for more exotic choices like oven-baked fish dishes, some of the best stuffed mushrooms in town, wine, and bread that doesn’t stop, Joe’s Pizza & Pasta is waiting for you.
Finalist: Restaurant Verona
Liquor store
Winner: Chubby Cheeks
Texarkana drink fans continue to wet the whistles with the huge selection of Chubby Cheeks. Beer, wine, spirits, cocktail components, it’s all there, as well as a modest selection of food items, such as marinated quail eggs.
Finalist: Party Factory
Pizza
Winner: Gusano’s Chicago Style Pizzeria
Gusano’s Chicago Style Pizzeria is known for its signature Chicago pizzas and friendly service. The menu offers pizzas such as “Carnivore Craze”, https: //www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2021/oct/30/readers-choice-food-and-drink/ “Herbivore Delight”, https: // www . texarkanagazette.com/news/2021/oct/30/readers-choice-food-and-drink/”The Big Cheese “and the” Hawaiian “. Reviewers mention the restaurant’s “great atmosphere and atmosphere” and its “delicious pizza”.
Finalist: Scooter Pizza
Queso
Winner: At the border
On the Border has been serving its Tex Mex recipes since 1982. The Texarkana location has proven to be a popular spot for dinner or special occasions. The menu includes generous portions of favorite foods including chicken quesadillas, steak fajita nachos, and chicken flautas. The famous queso is one of the most popular appetizers.
Finalist: TaMolly’s Mexican Cuisine
Romantic dinner
Winner: Restaurant Verona
With indoor and outdoor seating, an extensive wine list, and a romantic atmosphere, Verona Restaurant in downtown Texarkana keeps patrons coming back for all of their special occasions. The menu includes carbonara, fettuccine with pollo Alfredo, crab cakes and squid. Desserts include tiramisu, crème brûlée and a delicious New York style cheesecake. Weekend brunch and a children’s menu are other services offered.
Finalist: Cattleman’s Steakhouse
Salad buffet
Winner: Jason’s Deli
Freshness is the key word at Jason’s Deli. It is famous for its delicious sandwiches, fresh and crispy salads and many dishes made with fresh ingredients. The menus include gluten-sensitive options and vegetarian options in addition to its famous salad bar. “My husband and I eat plant-based… This restaurant always adapts to our unique dietary needs,” said one reviewer.
Finalist: Golden Corral
Seafood restaurant
Winner: The Mighty Crab
All those who love seafood will find what they are looking for at Mighty Crab. The restaurant’s menu offers everything from snow crab and black mussels to fried shrimp and catfish. Other specialties include the clam chowder and the seafood bisque. “The food and service was fantastic. Steamed and spicy,” said one reviewer. “Very tasty seasoning. Large portions” said another reviewer
Finalist: Almost N-EATthing Food Truck
Smoothie
Winner: Tropical Smoothie
Tropical Smoothie brings a little bit of the tropics to Texarkana. The property serves smoothies in a variety of tropical flavors as well as wraps and other food items. “Best healthy wraps and smoothies. 100% Recommended ”one review said.
Finalist: Smoothie Blendz at Legends Gym & Health
Sports bar
Winner: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
Walk-On’s Sport’s Bistreaux offers unique delicacies for dinners with friends or special events. The gator husk is wrapped with blackened gator, blood sausage and peppers. Another favorite is the cajundilla. A chipotle tortilla filled with chicken, sausage and blood sausage and served with kidney beans and rice. There are plenty of TVs to enjoy the games and over 40 beers on tap.
Steak
Winner: Texas Roadhouse
Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple Friday night, Texas Roadhouse is known for its juicy steaks cooked in different ways to appeal to customers. The restaurant is known for their hand-cut steaks, ribs, legendary margaritas, and baskets of fresh bread with cinnamon butter. Texas Roadhouse also serves chili for cooler days. Service is also something the staff take pride in. “Top notch service,” one review read. “The drinks never dried out and the food came out quickly and hot,” reads another.
Finalist: Cattlemans Steak House
