The Best Burgers in Arkansas: Little Rock and Beyond (2026)

The best burgers in Arkansas are concentrated in Little Rock, where The Box has been griddling burgers since 1948 and local chains like David's Burgers and Big Orange have big followings. Outside the capital, Hugo's in Fayetteville and Johnson's Country Cookin' in Melbourne, home of the 2025 Arkansas's Best Burger, are worth the drive.

Below is our roundup, grouped by region. Every spot appeared in a 2025 or 2026 roundup, contest announcement or local news story when we wrote this. Hours change, especially at small-town cafes, so check before you go.

What to know about Arkansas burgers

Arkansas burger culture is mostly about diners, cafes and drive-ins, with a growing crop of smash burger spots and chef-driven burgers in Little Rock. The state's beef industry even runs its own contest: the Arkansas Beef Council started the Arkansas's Best Burger contest in 2024, with public nominations and regional finalists.

When you're ordering, look for:

• Griddle crust: the old-school places cook on flat-tops that have been seasoned for decades.
• Pimento cheese: it shows up on burgers all over the South, and Little Rock is no exception. See the best cheese for burgers for how it compares to American and cheddar.
• Big stacks: some Arkansas cafes go huge. If you're wondering how much meat that is, our how much ground beef per burger guide breaks it down.

Little Rock and North Little Rock

• The Box: a tiny downtown burger stand that has been running since 1948. Expect an old-fashioned, greasy-in-a-good-way burger off a griddle that's said to be decades old.
• Leo's Greek Castle: a neighborhood favorite in The Heights. The Leo Burger is a double with American cheese, pickle, lettuce and tomato, seasoned with the house Greek seasoning.
• Copper Grill: a downtown restaurant whose Sweet Hot Burger was a regional finalist in the 2025 Arkansas's Best Burger contest. It's stacked with two patties, candied bacon, pimento cheese, sriracha, bacon jam and arugula.
• The Root Cafe: a cafe in SoMa, with a second location in Breckenridge Village. Its pimento cheese burger uses locally sourced beef and bread.
• David's Burgers: a local chain with locations in Little Rock, North Little Rock and Maumelle. Several of its locations rank among the area's highest-rated burger spots in diner reviews.
• Big Orange: a burger restaurant with locations in Little Rock, including West Little Rock, and another regular among the area's top-rated burger spots in diner reviews.

Want a Little Rock-style bacon double at home? Start with our bacon cheeseburger recipe.

Northwest Arkansas: Fayetteville

• Hugo's: a Fayetteville restaurant that Islands picked it as Arkansas's burger spot worth visiting in 2026.

Fayetteville is about three hours from Oklahoma City, so if you're heading west, see our Oklahoma City burger guide for onion burgers and more.

North-central Arkansas: Melbourne

• Johnson's Country Cookin': the Big Daddy Burger here won the 2025 Arkansas's Best Burger contest, beating four other regional finalists after more than 2,100 nominations statewide. It's three half-pound patties with triple bacon and triple cheese on a toasted brioche bun, so bring a friend or an appetite. Chowhound also named it Arkansas's best hole-in-the-wall burger in 2025. See the Arkansas Department of Agriculture announcement.

Other 2025 contest finalists

The other regional finalists in the 2025 Arkansas's Best Burger contest make a good road-trip list:

• The Ozark Farmhouse: a food truck in Clinton, with a straightforward cheeseburger.
• E&R Bar and Grill: in El Dorado, with the Pickleback burger.
• Momma's Diner: in Pine Bluff, with the Bubba Burger.

Food trucks move around, so check social media for current locations.

How to make a pimento cheese burger at home

Pimento cheese shows up on Little Rock menus from The Root Cafe to Copper Grill, and it's easy to make at home.

1. Make the spread. Mix grated sharp cheddar with mayo and chopped jarred pimentos. Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
2. Cook the patties. A cast iron skillet or griddle gives the best crust. Season with salt and pepper just before cooking.
3. Add the cheese at the end. Spoon the pimento cheese on after the flip and cover the pan for a minute so it softens.
4. Toast the bun. A toasted bun stands up to the rich, melty topping.
5. Add contrast. Pickles, a slice of tomato or crisp bacon balance the richness.

Eastern Arkansas and nearby guides

If you're in West Memphis or anywhere in the Delta, the quickest big-city burger fix is across the river. Our Memphis burger guide has the details.

How to plan an Arkansas burger trip

1. Start in Little Rock. The Box, Leo's and Copper Grill can all fit into one day.
2. Make Melbourne a destination. It's about two hours north of Little Rock, so plan the Big Daddy as a main event, not a snack.
3. Pair Fayetteville with the Ozarks. Hugo's fits neatly into a weekend in northwest Arkansas.
4. Check hours. Country cafes often close early or skip certain days.

FAQ

Who has the best burger in Arkansas?

The 2025 Arkansas's Best Burger title went to the Big Daddy Burger at Johnson's Country Cookin' in Melbourne. In Little Rock, The Box and Leo's Greek Castle are longtime local favorites.

What is the oldest burger spot in Little Rock?

The Box is one of the oldest, operating downtown since 1948.

Is there a burger contest in Arkansas?

Yes. The Arkansas Beef Council runs the Arkansas's Best Burger contest, with nominations each spring, regional finalists and a statewide winner.

How should I cook big burgers like the Big Daddy at home?

Thick patties need lower heat and more time. Cook ground beef to 160°F, and use our burger temperature and doneness guide to check.