Northwest Arkansas is a mixing pot of various cultures, thanks to both the University of Arkansas and the unique spirit of Fayetteville. Mexican food has become a staple in town, and the options for authentic and affordable Mexican cuisine are boundless. Being in the South, Fayetteville is home to many Southern traditions, including family-owned Mexican restaurants. While we can’t promise to end the “cheese-dip vs. queso” debate, anyone who respects a high-quality Mexican meal can agree that Fayetteville’s local options are top-notch.

The Arkansas Times’ 2018 Readers Choice Awards have been announced, and several Fayetteville restaurants took home best-of honors in the “Around the State” categories or were included as finalists. Fayetteville’s culinary scene is one of the main reasons people enjoy visiting, as the city’s restaurants feature a wide range of offerings, from classic staples to innovative cuisine to farm-to-table.

This week, Mockingbird Kitchen’s Chef Chrissy Sanderson was included on USA Today’s list “50 States: 50 Female Chefs.” Mockingbird Kitchen in Fayetteville, which celebrates its second anniversary this month, serves new American cuisine and is regularly listed among the best restaurants in Northwest Arkansas.

Though Italian by birth, the pizza has certainly become a staple of American cuisine, and Fayetteville offers a plethora of choices when it comes to great pizza restaurants. Pizza is a funny thing. It’s simple — dough, sauce, cheese, toppings — yet comes in a seemingly endless multitude of varieties and combinations, which allows it to be a personal experience, though it’s usually shared with others.

Ozark Mixology hosts the 4th Annual NWA Mix Fest & Cocktail Weekend January 11-14. This 3-day festival lets patrons try the best cocktails Northwest Arkansas has to offer, while highlighting local bar-chefs, bands and professional artists.

It’s a handheld thing of beauty, the sandwich. Although originally a British finger food, over time the sandwich has become a staple of American cuisine. What was usually thought of as a lunchtime food has found its way into the day’s other meals — and we’re okay with that! Within two slices of bread is typically meat, cheese and vegetables, but sandwiches have become as diverse as the people who enjoy them. With all the fun things to do in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas, grabbing some food in between attractions and activities is a smart move.