Meat lovers, rejoice! We know the list of ways to make an exceptional steak is at least as long as the number of cuts to choose from—and how beef lovers rank their preferences regarding either topic certainly provides fuel for a couple of hotly contested debates. No matter where you land with your meaty opinions, if there’s a cut of steak your mouth is watering for, we’ve got an array of Fayetteville, Arkansas locations to cure your craving. Check out these favorites:
Doe’s Eat Place
Whether you’re listening to Dan Aykroyd, who is quoted as say, “Nobody Doe’s it better,” or you agree with Southern Living Magazine’s claim that Doe’s Eat Place offers the “Best Steak in the South,” there’s really no disputing the assertion by Times Picayune that this restaurant serves up “…steaks the size of man-hole covers.” The folks at Doe’s stick close to what they do best: five different thick cuts of meat to choose from, all aged at least 21 days. These sharable slabs of fine beef take time to prepare, so relax and dream about what’s due to hit your plate.
316 W Dickson Street
doesnwa.com/fayetteville
Ella’s Table
Affectionately called “the University’s Front Porch,” Ella’s Table is classy but not stuffy—and features the perfect spot to look over the lawn of Old Main with cocktail in hand before you head to the dining room. Look for their beef filet on the dinner menu, available in two sizes. If you’re stopping in for lunch, you might want to opt for their hanger steak frites with chimichurri, tarragon aioli and crispy fries. Ella’s an excellent choice if not everyone in your party is a steak fan, as their menu hits the mark for all sorts of palates.
465 Arkansas Avenue
innatcarnallhall.com
Herman’s Ribhouse
You know you’re in the right place when you’re not sure which is better—the food or the service. Either way, generations of diners have been coming in the doors since 1964 and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. The extreme carnivores in your party will appreciate the 32-ounce T-bone or the 40-ounce bone-in ribeye, but more delicate appetites can still get the full Herman’s experience with smaller filets and other traditional cuts. Pro tip: the waitstaff will start you off with salsa and saltine crackers…just go with it!
2901 N College Avenue
Herman's Facebook page
Mermaids Seafood Restaurant
At first glance, the newly initiated may believe Mermaids focuses entirely on seafood or dishes with an Italian flair, but you’ll quickly find this central Fayetteville hot spot has a chef and kitchen staff that know a thing or two about steaks. Whether you’re looking for a filet, ribeye or strip, you will enjoy the carefully selected cuts and the range of delicious flavors Mermaids is known for—think port wine rosemary sauce, peppercorn sauce or even shiitake soy-ginger. Add some truffle steak fries…heaven.
2217 N College Avenue
mermaids.ws
Renzo's Pasta and Italian Steakhouse
Tucked away in a cozy spot very near the University of Arkansas campus, Renzo’s offers diners a menu heavily inspired by old world Italian family recipes. While the pasta is absolutely delizioso, we hear plenty of great reviews about the grilled steaks. Options include sirloin, strip, ribeye and petite filet—and you have the difficult choices of having to decide if you want your steak prepared with an Italian garlic rub, parmesan butter crust, Italian herb crust or a gorgonzola butter topping (happy sigh.) Leave room for an after-dinner cannoli!
1214 N Garland Avenue
renzositalian.com
Theo’s Bar & Dining Room
While Theo’s can boast one of the most vibrant happy hours in town, we strongly suggest you extend your time in this beautiful just-off-Dickson venue and stay for a memorable dinner. You won’t be sorry if you opt for the 20-ounce ribeye with blistered tomatoes and bleu cheese, brussels with bacon and apples and fingerling potatoes…or the 8-oz filet mignon with red skin mashers, sautéed mushrooms, truffle butter and a Bordeaux reduction. Be still, all your foodie hearts—Theo’s is something special.
318 N Campbell Avenue
facebook.com/theos.fayetteville
Vetro 1925
Priding itself on offering perfectly executed, bold flavors created using original Italian methods, Vetro brings in the finest meat and seafood available. The menu always features bistecca, a prime New York strip served with delicious smoked potato purée, grilled spring onions, arugula pesto and balsamic caviar. We suggest you always inquire about the carni locali—the chef’s daily preparation of meat sourced locally from Ozark Pasture. Located just steps from the Historic Fayetteville Square, Vetro’s vibe is perfect for a special occasion (or just a random Tuesday.)
17 E Center Street
vetro1925.com
