Editor’s note: Downtown Jonesboro’s local dining scene offers something people are craving — authenticity. The menus are unique; the atmosphere is intentional; and behind every counter is someone who took a chance on a dream. From tucked-away cafés and lively patios to upscale date-night destinations and family-run kitchens, downtown has become a haven for locally-owned restaurants — places filled with personality, creativity and the unmistakable feeling that every dish comes with a story.

Welcome to Downtown Eats — a celebration of the restaurants, chefs and small business owners serving up the flavor of the city, one table at a time. With so many options, Downtown Jonesboro is the perfect place to meet for a meal, a business meeting or a festive celebration. For a complete list of menu items or hours of operation, please contact the restaurants below.

Bamboo Japanese Cuisine

300 South Main St., Suite A

(870) 203-0893

bamboojonesboroar.com

Sushi lovers know that Bamboo Japanese Cuisine offers some of the city’s best sushi. Besides the extensive sushi menu, Bamboo serves authentic hibachi, poke, bento boxes, fried rice and much more, all made from the freshest ingredients. The beautiful restaurant is great for a nice lunch or a date night and has weekly specials. Celebrate a birthday there and the honoree gets a free entree.

Brickhouse

Owner: Dan Johnson

218 South Main St.

(870) 336-2441

mightybrickhouse.com

For those in the mood for food, fun and the best in entertainment, the mighty, mighty Brickhouse has it all. Guests can enjoy live music, watch their favorite sports on multiple high-definition flat screens or party on the outdoor balcony overlooking Main Street. The friendly staff serves up New Orleans-style cuisine including steaks, fresh seafood and weekly specials. Let the good times roll, and head on over to Brickhouse.  

Bubblee Tea

Owner: Elna June

241 South Main St.

(870) 517-7644

bubbleetea.square.site

Fans of boba or bubble tea will love Bubblee Tea in Downtown Jonesboro. Bubble tea is a sweetened tea beverage with everything from chunks of fruit to tapioca pearls and has a unique following among boba tea fans. Owner Elna June, a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, says her goal is to bridge cultures and change how people think about tea. Bubblee Tea serves regular teas brewed in house with tea imported from Asia, steamed buns filled with meat and vegetables and bubble waffles. Check Facebook for weekly specials.

Chef’s In

Owner Lance Sullinger 

105 Burke Ave.

chefsinjonesboro.com

(870) 934-8962

For those in the mood for Southern cooking complete with cornbread and vegetables like mama used to cook, head to Chef’s In for the all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet. Chef’s In has been a Jonesboro fixture for 75 years and has been owned by Sullinger for the past 21 of those years. He says he feels blessed to be here. In a place where everyone is welcome, Chef’s In has a small-town vibe featuring Southern food at its best.

City Wok Dim Sum

Owners: Li and Cory Clay

241 South Main St., Suite A

(870) 520-9954

City Wok is a small, family-owned and operated cafe with food lovingly made from scratch. For those who need a quiet place for a delicious bowl of ramen, steamed buns or dim sum, City Wok has the best in Jonesboro according to their loyal and dedicated fans. City Wok is open for dining in with lunch and dinner hours or delivery from DoorDash. 

Dragon City Chinese Restaurant

300 South Main St., Suite F

(870) 933-8889

Dragon City is a popular spot for a wide variety of Chinese favorites like General Tso’s Chicken, Fried Rice, Sweet and Sour Pork, or Cheese Crab Rangoon. The menu is extensive, so there is something for everyone. Customers say delivery is swift and portions are huge. For those Chinese food cravings, stop by Dragon City.

Holly Blossom Tea Room

Owner: Chef John and Ramey Myers

305 South Main St.

(870)336-0020

The Holly Blossom Tea Room is a charming, British-inspired afternoon tea experience located inside The Parsonage in Downtown Jonesboro. Guests are invited to slow down and savor an elegant three-course tea service featuring savory bites, warm scones with traditional accompaniments, decadent desserts and a curated selection of premium loose-leaf teas. With its romantic vintage atmosphere and gracious hospitality, The Holly Blossom Tea Room offers a unique escape where tradition, beauty and connection bloom one cup at a time.  

Lemonade House Grille

Owner: Chad and Monica Campbell

237 South Main St.

(870) 340-0014

lemonadehousegrille.com

With the Lemonade House Grille, owners Chad and Monica Campbell are changing up the dining scene in Downtown Jonesboro with good food in a fun atmosphere. The menu includes appetizers, steaks, gourmet burgers, tacos, salads and much more. The LHG also has the world’s largest freshly squeezed lemonade menu with 25 different delicious lemonade combos like Prickly Pear, Peach Berry or Mango Tango, any of which can be made into an adult beverage. Visit Lemonade House Grille for good food and fun with family and friends.   

The Lounge at Huntington Square

Owners Matt and Heather Clarke

313 West Huntington Ave.

(870) 819-4131

Down a narrow alley along an unassuming building is one of the coolest venues in Jonesboro – The Lounge at Huntington Square. A 1920s inspired venue, The Lounge is the perfect space for events from weddings to a corporate meeting, charity fundraiser or live performances. The kitchen and bar serve up delicious food and imaginative cocktails to fuel the fun. Check Facebook for upcoming events or call to schedule an event.

Margaret’s

Owner: Meagan Arnold

226 South Main St. 

(870) 336-1464

At Margaret’s From Scratch Kitchen, enjoy a chef-driven breakfast, lunch and specialty dinner concept rooted in scratch-made comfort food, elevated hospitality and community connection. From handcrafted pastries, specialty coffee and signature brunch dishes to charcuterie, catering, private events and live music experiences, Margaret’s blends upscale dining with the warmth of gathering around the family table. Check Facebook for upcoming live music and events.

Omar’s Uptown

Owners: Omar Barry

301 South Main St.

(870) 336-3001

omarsuptown.com

Omar’s never fails to impress; the service is always impeccable, and the steaks and fish are among the best in town. Chef Barry’s respect for the food is evident in every dish served. For a special celebration, a business meeting or a memorable evening with friends, this is the place to go. There is an extensive wine and cocktail menu, not to mention a fabulous dessert menu with features like the baked Alaska or a decadent Espresso Creme Bruleé. Check Facebook for weekly specials and events like the Valentine’s dinner, live music and wine tastings. The upstairs deck is a great place to catch the sunset.  

The Porch at Huntington Square

Owners: Matt and Heather Clark

401 West Huntington Ave.

(870) 819-4132

The Porch is a kid- and dog-friendly bar and grill where everyone can relax and be themselves. Come for the fun – outdoor and indoor games like baggo, darts and board games, and stay for the food – burgers, wings, salads and more. The Porch serves wine, beer and cocktails as well. Two food trucks are coming this summer: Elizabeth’s for that Mexican food craving and Sweet Toothe soul food.

Rice Box Hibachi and Poke Bowl

Owner: Jiahui Huo

320 South Main St.

(870) 580-0010

riceboxjonesboro.com

For local foodies who haven’t tried a poke bowl, Rice Box is definitely the place to go. There are several signature poke bowls, but owner Huo says the “pick your own” is the hands-down favorite, as diners can chose ingredients to suit their taste, like spicy salmon, masago (fish eggs) or eel sauce. Rice Box also serves hibachi, milk tea boba and has a kid’s menu. Rice Box will be happy to cater any upcoming event with their Asian fusion-style food. For dessert, try one of the new ice cream treats shaped like fruit.

Scoops

Owner: Eric Roberts

324 South Main St.

(870) 897-6087

Downtown Jonesboro’s only real deal, hand-dipped ice cream shop serves Blue Bell and Prairie Farms ice cream. In addition to the usual chocolate and vanilla with a variety of toppings, patrons will find flavors not available in the grocery store, like Jonesboro favorite Blue Monster, a mix of cookies and cream or Banana Fudge. Flavors rotate weekly, so check back often to see what’s new. Carry out only with outdoor seating available, open 1-8 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Shadrach’s Coffee

Owner: Larry Billing

501 Union Street Ave.

(870) 926-4835

Jonesboro’s coffee aficionados can now get their caffeine fix from one of Jonesboro’s popular local coffee shops at its hip location in the old bank building on Union Street. This location has comfortable indoor seating that’s perfect for catching up with friends and the same friendly service for which Shadrach’s is known. Get a punch card for frequent visits or pick up a bag of coffee to brew at home.  

Skinny J’s

Owner: James Best

205 South Main St.

(870) 275-6264

skinnyjs.com

Skinny J’s may be known for its award-winning hand-cut steaks, but the restaurant offers so much more. Bring the whole family for Southern-American style pastas, wraps, burgers, chicken and fish, and dine in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. With daily specials, Saturday and Sunday brunch, trivia nights and live entertainment on the weekend, what more could diners ask for?  

Something Art Cafe

Owner: Youssef Sheroubi

211 South Main St.

(870) 206-2715

Something Art Cafe offers a unique entertainment and dining experience that provides a public space to explore interests in art and music. Something Art serves coffees and energy refreshers, pastries and main courses that match the energy of the event. Check Facebook for the entertainment schedule and more. Open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and available for private events.

The Cotton Club

Owner: Tave Baker

201 South Main St.

(870) 203-6141

The Cotton Club is Downtown’s newest steakhouse with its own take on elevated Southern dishes like the popular shrimp and grits and craft cocktails. People rave about the fried green tomatoes and blackened catfish, as well as the gimlet cocktail. Check Facebook for special events like a Mother’s Day brunch or for the weekend’s live entertainment schedule.

The Parsonage

Owners: Chef John and Ramey Myers

305 South Main St.

(870) 203-6116

When diners are in the mood for brunch, head over to a beloved local favorite. The Parsonage is a family-owned restaurant conceptualized by Chef John and nurtured by Ramey. Serving classically prepared food with a Southern twist, The Parsonage is open Wednesday through Friday for breakfast, daily for lunch and weekend brunches. Don’t miss the cinnamon rolls with Onyx coffee or the Friday Fish Special. Located in a lovely historic building, The Parsonage is also available for evening or weekend events or to cater an event; call for more information.

The Rec Room 

Owners: Brian and Sarah Nobles 

223 South Main St.

(870) 520-6006

The Rec Room is a popular spot for all-day breakfast or lunch. Their dedicated patrons return for their specialty coffees, breakfast items such as the Smoked Salmon Scrambler and Pulled Pork Benny, and its lunch menu featuring a variety of sandwiches, wraps and salads. Check The Rec Room’s Facebook page for live music schedules and more. Open Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Viet Kitchen

322 South Main St.

(870) 203-6868

Viet Kitchen desires to bring the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine to Jonesboro, showcasing the vibrant flavors across Vietnamese cooking from the bustling street markets to family gatherings. Every dish is a fusion of tradition with their new beginning in America, and every customer is served as a family member. Try the banh mi sandwich, which includes layers of flavor stacked to perfection, the Godzilla Pho or the Beef Lo Mein.