The Best of Northwest Arkansas

The readers have spoken. The Free Weekly readers have sent in their votes for their favorites in the annual Readers Choice Awards and the results are below. You’ll find many perennial winners on the list and some new ones, too.

Although Fayetteville businesses and locales were the top vote getters, Rogers’ new Bonefish Grill and Eureka Springs’ Rogue’s Manor also made a showing. And as always, the nearby Buffalo River and Devil’s Den State Park come up as a popular recreation spots. A new restaurant that we had not even tried yet emerged as a big winner—Mama Dean’s Soul Food on South School Street. If you go by there during the lunch hour, it’ll be easy to find because the parking lot will be full. You’ll also see some new categories this year, like biscuits and gravy and Japanese–indeed we are a diverse community!

EATING OUT

Breakfast
Rick’s Iron Skillet
Runnerup: Common Grounds

Brunch
Emelia’s
Runnerup: Common Grounds

Lunch
Hugo’s
Runnerup: Petra Cafe

Dinner
Bordino’s
Runner up: Mermaid’s

Overall
Bordino’s
Runnerup: James at the Mill

New Restaurant
Tie: Bonefish Grill and Mama Dean’s Soul Food

Late Night
Common Grounds
Runnerup: IHOP

Coffeehouse
Arsaga’s
Runnerup: Jammin’ Java

Italian
Pesto Café
Runnerup: Joe’s Bistro

Thai
A Taste of Thai
Runnerup: Thai Diner

Chinese
Human Manor
Runnerup: Shanghai

Mexican
La Huerta
Runnerup: El Camino Real

Japanese
Wasabi
Runnerup: Shogun

Seafood
Bonefish Grill
Runnerup: Mermaid’s

Family
AQ Chicken
Runnerup: Joe’s Bistro

Pizza
US Pizza
Runnerup: Tim’s

Biscuits & Gravy
Rick’s Iron Skillet
Runnerup: IHOP

Burger
Hugo’s
Runnerup: Brenda’s Bigger Burger

BBQ
Penguin Ed’s
Runnerup: Lucky Luke’s

Steak
Herman’s
Runnerup: Theo’s

Dessert
La Maison des Tarts
Runnerup: James at the Mill

Fried Chicken
Mama Dean’s Soul Food
Runnerup: AQ Chicken

Meal under $10
Hugo’s
Runnerup: Joe’s Bistro

Vegetarian
Greenhouse Grille
Runnerup: Petra Cafe

Special Occasion
Tie: Theo’s, Rogue’s Manor

Most Romantic
Bordino’s
Runnerup: Rogue’s Manor

Atmosphere
Bordino’s
Runnerup: Pesto Café

Waitstaff
Pesto Café
Runnerup: Emelia’s

Chain Restaurant
Outback Steakhouse
Runnerup: Chili’s

Table for One
Common Grounds
Runnerup: Hugo’s

Patio dining
Theo’s
Runnerup: Common Grounds

Beer List
Brewski’s
Runnerup: George’s Majestic Lounge

Wine List
Theo’s
Runnerup: Bordino’s

Cocktails
Bordino’s
Runnerup: Theo’s

SHOPPING
Bookstore
Tie: Dickson Street Bookshop, Nightbird Books

Music Store
Sound Warehouse
Runnerup: Hasting’s

Flower Shop
Flora
Runnerup: Fayetteville Farmers Market

Gift Shop
Heartwood Gallery
Runnerup: Copper Pig

Jewelry Store
Perry’s
Runnerup: Swift’s

Camping & outdoor supply shop
Pack Rat
Runnerup: Lewis & Clark

Motorcycle shop
Bill Eddy’s
Runnerup: Pig-Trail Harley Davidson

Bicycle shop
Highroller Cyclery
Runnerup: Lewis & Clark

LOOKING GOOD
Men’s Clothing Store
Cheap Thrills
Runnerup: Soho

Women’s Clothing Store
Cheap Thrills
Runnerup: By Request

Kids Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runnerup: Dillard’s

Thrift Shop
The Attic
Runnerup: Salvation Army

Resale shop
Cheap Thrills
Runnerup: Puttin on the Ritz

Vintage clothing shop
Cheap Thrills
Runnerup: Salvation Army

Shoes
Snapdragon
Runnerup: Warren’s

Hair Salon
Robert James
Runnerup: Tie- Dead Swanky, Studio 8

Nail Salon
Lee Nails
Runnerup: Best Nails

Tattoo Parlor
Brainstorm
Runnerup: Knight Times

Health Club
Fayetteville Athletic Club
Runnerup: Curves for Women

HAVING FUN
Jogging/walking spot
Wilson Park
Runnerup; Lake Fayetteville

Hiking spot
Devil’s Den State Park
Runnerup: Lake Fayetteville

Swimming hole
Buffalo River
Runnerup: Hogscald Hollow

Picnic spot
Wilson Park
Runnerup: Eureka Springs

Day trip
Eureka Springs
Runnerup: Devil’s Den State Park

OUT & ABOUT
Live music
George’s Majestic Lounge
Runnerup: The Gypsy

Place to dance
Dickson Theater
Runnerup: George’s Majestic Lounge

Sports Bar
On the Mark
Runnerup: Buffalo Wild Wings

Movie Theater
Razorback 6
Runnerup: Fiesta Square

Bar/club
George’s Majestic Lounge
Runnerup: Brewski’s

SERVICES
Bank
Bank of Fayetteville
Runnerup: Arvest

Pharmacy
Walgreen’s
Runnerup: Collier

Dry cleaner
Peggy’s
Runnerup: Value Cleaners

HOME LIFE
Furniture
Lacuna
Runnerup: Sofa Mart

Home accessories
Target
Runnerup: TJ Maxx

Garden shop
Westwood Gardens
Runnerup: Lowe’s

Video/DVD Rental
Blockbuster
Runnerup: Hasting’s

Electronics Store
Best Buy

Most environmentally conscious business
Ozark Natural Foods
Runnerup: Old Souls Organics

Categories: Legacy Archive