As you stare at another night of reheated leftovers and wonder if Jonesboro’s dining scene has more to offer, it’s important that you know there are still plenty of restaurants worth leaving home for. If you’re looking for the best meals in town, here’s where to start.
Rays Donuts
$ | (770) 681-0103 | WEBSITE
Rays Donuts is the type of comforting and reliable spot everyone wants in their neighborhood. The donuts here – like cinnamon sugar twists, apple fritters, buttermilk, and classic plain glazed – are always very good. Order for a quick breakfast or to-go pickup.
China One
$ | (770) 506-1995 | WEBSITE
We’re not sure why more people don’t seem to know about this reliable spot in Jonesboro. Though we normally come here for a sit-down meal, they do a great job with takeout orders too. Focus on the classics – dishes like the fried lemon pepper wings, beef and broccoli, or the pork fried rice.
Hong Kong Cafe
$ | (770) 957-0688 | WEBSITE
Walk into Hong Kong Cafe and you’ll find a menu full of dishes that are worth trying. That’s because everything we’ve ordered here has been excellent. That said, there are a few standout items you really shouldn’t miss. In particular, we love the delicious sesame chicken, the wonderfully fresh vegetable lo mein, and the fantastic egg rolls – which have perfectly crispy wrappers with just the right amount of filling and a not-too-greasy finish.
Panda Express
$ | (770) 907-0816 | WEBSITE
If you’re stuck at home in Jonesboro and not on a tight budget, consider ordering from Panda Express. This place has a nice list of favorites (like mushroom chicken and Beijing beef), and a very good teriyaki chicken with super greens. Available for curbside pickup and delivery.
J And J Seafood
$ | (678) 489-2423 | WEBSITE
J And J Seafood is a popular spot in Jonesboro that (as the straightforward name suggests) specializes in fried seafood and chicken. You’ll find entrees like crispy fried fish and catfish nuggets, along with their fried chicken that comes with a nice crunch. Everything is freshly prepared, hot, and flavorful, and even if you normally go for fancier fare, you probably won’t mind the casual vibe. Much.
Don’t miss their cold lemonade drinks and the complimentary bread slices that come with meals—they’re the perfect simple touch.
Wings & Seafood Jonesboro
$ | (770) 603-2290 | WEBSITE
This is another spot serving fantastic wings and seafood, but Wings & Seafood Jonesboro is in Jonesboro. You’ll find a menu full of wing options, seafood dishes, tasty Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, and regular egg rolls. There’s even a standout mild sauce that customers praise as unexpectedly good. Long story short, that’s what you should try so you can experience the best they have to offer.
Taste Budz ATL
$ | (678) 489-2719 | WEBSITE
Taste Budz ATL’s menu is straightforward, so it might take you just a moment to decide what you want. But the food is reminiscent of classic Southern comfort, so a safe choice is focusing on the mac n cheese and salmon dishes. And here you can also enjoy the peaceful, spacious atmosphere, too.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (678) 479-5570 | WEBSITE
This is our go-to spot in Jonesboro for pizza cravings. Order the true pretzel crust with nacho cheese sauce, Extramostbestest cheese pizza, and addictive bacon puffs. If you have trouble choosing, just get the combo deal – you get two pizzas plus breadsticks for $12.99.
Jamaican Taste
$ | (770) 478-7676 | WEBSITE
We like dining at Jamaican Taste in Jonesboro because it offers a great selection of Jamaican dishes that always delivers on flavor. From the oxtail and jerk chicken to the beef patties and chicken curry, they’re always vibrant and delicious. The small order of chicken curry is a highlight, and adding a side of mac and cheese is an option. The service is top-notch and the portions are generous, though some customers feel the prices may be a bit steep.
Recently, they have introduced new vegetarian options, such as a stir-fry vegetables dish. However, some customers have expressed disappointment with the mac and cheese, finding it lacking in seasoning and not worth the price. Overall, Jamaican Taste continues to provide a consistently enjoyable dining experience with its delicious food and friendly service.
Atlanta Custom Cakes | JeanaMarie Cakery
$$ | (678) 508-8302 | WEBSITE
Beyond the stunning custom cakes everyone raves about, this Jonesboro bakery has some hidden gems you should definitely try. Specifically the engagement party cakes with their unique decorative details and the beautifully moist celebration cakes, but JeanaMarie also creates fantastic wedding cakes – make sure to request extra decorative elements.
NVS Soul Food
$ | (678) 519-2281 | WEBSITE
NVS Soul Food is a family-friendly soul food spot. You’ll find things like catfish nuggets, grits, biscuits, fried chicken, and collard greens. This is a must-know spot for comfort food lovers in the neighborhood, and perfect for a weekend brunch.
McDonald’s
$ | (770) 477-9293 | WEBSITE
You might know this McDonald’s as the Jonesboro fast-food spot that stays open 24 hours and always has hot fries. But it also has some very solid breakfast options. Get the Steak Egg Cheese McMuffin with fresh McHashbrowns and you’ll be good to go. And you get friendly, professional service even when the drive-thru lines get a little long.
Georgia Potato Factory
$ | (770) 681-0031 | WEBSITE
Georgia Potato Factory specializes in loaded potatoes and it’s fantastic. You can expect options like the veggie loaded Russell potato with sour cream and butter, the classic sweet potato with brown sugar, butter, and pecans, and the chicken broccoli and cheese potato with its incredible flavor.
The atmosphere here is a bit dated, so the decor might feel nostalgic rather than modern, but it’s 100% worth it for the fast, professional service and delicious, satisfying food that arrives hot and ready.
Zaxbys Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings
$ | (678) 610-7676 | WEBSITE
There are a few locations of this reliably good chicken spot in Jonesboro, and chances are there’s one near you right now. But when we’re in the area and want chicken fingers or wings, it’s our first choice in the neighborhood. Order chicken fingers or buffalo wings, and plan on having a decent meal for around $12.
SweetWater Brewing Company
$ | (404) 684-8810 | WEBSITE
Let’s be honest – SweetWater Brewing Company doesn’t have mind-blowing airport food. It does have perfectly decent food, friendly service, and everything runs about $12. And if you’re stuck at the end of the terminal with a tight connection or a traveler’s budget, this spot gets the job done.
On point Nutrition
$ | (770) 282-4234 | WEBSITE
On Point Nutrition is just a great healthy spot. Order any of their protein shakes and some snacks, like the protein waffles or energizing teas. They also have some great services (like full-body scans) that are normally available during the week before 5 p.m. So make sure you ask about them before you stop by or get your order to go.
BASS AND TREBLE CAFE
$ | WEBSITE
This is where you get soul food in Jonesboro. Bass And Treble Cafe has great finger-licking lamb chops – in fact it’s worth getting a second order of these just so you have some to eat for lunch the next day. Their bursting-with-flavor greens and mac is another must order, and they have a very good soul-hugging jerk wings, which you should make sure to try with their thick, moist rum cake.
Marco’s Pizza
$ | (770) 626-3788 | WEBSITE
Marco’s Pizza is affordable, and while it’s not the best we’ve had, their pizza is pretty good. Their veggie options are satisfying and they have solid fruit toppings like pineapple, too. Plus, you get BOGO Tuesday deals for carryout and delivery, and email specials and coupons for pickup.
Wings to Go
$ | (678) 545-6631 | WEBSITE
Wings to Go in Jonesboro has some stand-out wing options. We’re fans of the mild lemon pepper wings, honey mild wings, and hot wings, all cooked crispy on the outside and tender inside. The fries served alongside are crispy, seasoned just right, and perfect for dipping in leftover sauce. This spot has been serving amazing wings for 20 years, making it a reliable choice for takeout or casual dining.
Located on Old National Hwy, it attracts steady traffic due to nearby clubs and bars, creating a lively atmosphere. While the fried mushrooms lacked taste and were too hard, the friendly staff, with Kevin standing out, provide great service. Despite some recent mentions of unprofessional behavior, like staff taking selfies while on duty, the restaurant remains a popular place for wing lovers.
Los Girasoles Mexican Restaurant
$ | (770) 991-1080 | WEBSITE
The Mexican menu at Los Girasoles is straightforward, but what’s on it is excellent – particularly the Chiles Toreados, the tacos with handmade tortillas, and the guacamole made with fresh avocados. But keep an eye out for their dish of the week – it’s a special that rotates, and is always delicious. You’ll find it on their chalkboard.