Texarkana eateries coming back strong from lockdown
Downtown Texarkana is emerging from the pandemic lockdown and Texarkana diners and bar crawlers are once again finding their legs under them as they renew their acquaintance with the scene. Those familiar with that scene give their views as to how things are, as well as what the next several months will look like.
Ina McDowell, executive director of Main Street Texarkana said “There has been tremendous growth in recent years as Texarkana has been a part of the national trend to bring back historic downtowns. It’s exciting that we as a community recognize and appreciate this opportunity by investing in our downtown. Every city has its own story to tell. We are embracing our uniqueness, beyond the state line, which benefits the entire community.”
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.
B&J’s Downtown Diner and Crossties — B&J’s Downtown Diner continues to offer comfortably priced comfort food and ice cream. It has since also begun a breakfast menu. Crossties, especially since the opening of the Downtown Entertainment District, has gone from event to event, also offering food and drink on the premises, with its own bar as well as a cold drink outlet in The Frozen Rail, in the caboose next to the premises and eateries such as Razordogs.
Hopkins Icehouse — The downtown Hopkins location is the single one remaining, as the Texas-side one 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—A longtime downtown establishment, this restaurant with old-school decor has been serving old fashioned burgers for decades. 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.
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.
Meomyo’s Bayou Cafe — Also relocated, now on Jefferson Ave., this restaurant offers its masterclass in Cajun cooking, regionally identified.
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.
Smoke Point Burgers — Featuring gourmet burgers and sides, this speciality burger place featuring an ever expanding menu ties itself back to Texarkana as burger central in the region, culturally.
Dapper at Park Place — This historic Texarkana fine dining location is coming out of a major revamp under its new ownership. Offering three different modes and areas of dining as well as other attractions, it is their intent to be destination dining for the region. They intend to be open July 2.