When folks ask about Paragould’s best restaurants, the real question is: what kind of dining experience are you after? Whether you’re craving a quiet date night or a lively family meal, this town’s got you covered. From cozy spots with farm-to-table charm to bustling joints where the laughter’s as hearty as the portions, here are the places that truly deliver—no matter what you’re hungry for.
Slim Chickens
$ | (870) 790-2244 | WEBSITE
We don’t mean to alarm you, but if your kid doesn’t light up at the sight of fried pickles and fried okra, they might be from another planet. Better bring them to Slim Chickens to check their pulse. The Paragould favorite was recently updated, complete with a clean dining area, welcoming atmosphere, and the signature selection of sauces up front.
With everything from tender bites chicken to desserts in jars, the menu is a family’s delight, but if you’re looking to join the fun, go for the fried pickles, an excellent take on the classic Southern snack complete with crispy coating, tangy brine, and absolutely no disappointment.
Shadrachs Coffee
$ | (870) 919-7483 | WEBSITE
Finding a decent cup of coffee on the go can feel like a chore, especially when you’re rushing between errands or heading to work. Make it easy on yourself and pull into Shadrachs Coffee. From morning to afternoon, this locally owned spot serves up expertly roasted coffee that takes the flavor to the next level. The cozy interior features warm lighting, rustic wooden tables, and the rich aroma of freshly ground beans.
In other words, it’s the perfect place to grab a delicious dark and bold espresso or a standout mocha while enjoying quick and friendly service, including a speedy drive-thru for those in a hurry.
Sonic Drive-In
$ | (870) 573-3167 | WEBSITE
This classic drive-in chain on Highway 49 in Paragould has a carhop service setup that makes it perfect for hungry families after a long day of errands. Pull into your numbered stall, press the button to order your burgers and shakes (the Brownie Blast dessert is a popular choice), wait for the friendly carhop to bring your tray, and enjoy your meal right in your vehicle.
The nostalgic experience is fun for kids, plus portions are generous, prices are wallet-friendly, and the staff are experts at handling large orders and keeping the service speedy.
Grecian Steak House
$ | (870) 239-2822 | WEBSITE
Grecian Steak House is a long-standing restaurant in Paragould that has been a favorite among travelers for years. Needless to say, both you and your steak-loving companions are going to appreciate the classic experience here. It’s often not too busy, but the tables and floors could use more attention, so you might notice some cleanliness issues.
Considering Grecian Steak House’s menu focuses on hearty steaks with standout steak fries, a meal here is dinner and a trip back in time all in one—and that’s called tradition. Don’t leave without trying our favorite thing on the menu, the house salad: it still has that unique taste everyone praises. The server was polite and attentive, though the service can be slow and condiment portions are small.
The once-popular salad bar has been removed, which is disappointing, but the steak remains a highlight with its great flavor.
Batten’s Bakery LLC
$ | (870) 236-7810 | WEBSITE
Sure, Batten’s is the donut equivalent of a morning ritual these days, but their cozy bakery space in Paragould is still a great place to set up shop for the early hours and let your cravings go buck wild. There’s a small seating area that’s completely peaceful—which means fewer distractions—and lined with windows for watching snowfall while you chat.
As far as the food, there’s a solid enough menu with everything from Angel cream filled long Johns to breakfast sandwiches to top-notch coffee, as well as many delicious options.
Scooter’s Coffee
$ | (573) 979-4300 | WEBSITE
Scooter’s Coffee might have mixed reviews, but that doesn’t stop the regulars from lining up. This popular coffee shop in Paragould has a dog-friendly outdoor area stocked with water bowls, treats, and the occasional pup darting between chairs. Conveniently, the best things on the menu are what your morning rush would crave anyway: the praised coffee, the maple waffle sandwich, and those well-received muffins.
Don’t worry about Fido barking for attention—between the friendly chatter, coffee machine hum, and other pets, no one on the patio will mind.
Avocado’s Grill
$ | (870) 236-4677 | WEBSITE
This excellent Mexican restaurant works for families with kids simply because the place is always filled with them. There are long rows of sturdy tables where groups tear into crispy chips, then sop them up with standout enchiladas and fresh salsa. If your group is really big, there’s even a semi-private booth up front. The place stays lively and welcoming at night, meaning most major meltdowns will go undetected by neighboring tables.
New Hunan
$ | (870) 236-3232 | WEBSITE
By this point, your little ones have probably had enough of being cooped up indoors. If you’re looking for a place where they can stretch their legs without causing a scene, head to New Hunan, where the dining room is composed of Earth’s natural play area: space. While you focus on tackling the buffet’s hot options and a couple of sweet-and-sour dishes, your aspiring gymnast can wander and explore to their heart’s content.
Bring an appetite, too—the kid-friendly choices are plentiful for a satisfying family meal.
Checkers
$ | (870) 215-0969 | WEBSITE
Let’s be honest, fast food runs with kids can feel like a tactical mission. Fast food runs with hungry kids after school, though, are like navigating a minefield. Make sure to swing by Checkers for a solution. The compact drive-through spot might not serve our absolute favorite burgers in town, but it does have prime positioning with those daily deals and menu specials.
Now you can enjoy your loaded fry burger in peace while your child devours that $5 meal deal with the enthusiasm only a kid who just aced a spelling test can muster.
Gladish’s BBQ
$ | (870) 205-4566 | WEBSITE
A great barbecue joint can be hard to find. Really hard. So the next time you’re craving smoked meat, skip the fancy spots and head to Gladish’s instead. This classic BBQ place in Paragould has reasonable prices, tender pork steaks, and a welcoming atmosphere that’ll satisfy any fan of slow-cooked flavor. Plus, it’s easy to order: you grab a tray and point at the brisket or smoked sausage before checking out the sides like cream cheese corn and hushpuppies.
You’ll find friendly owners who care about their food, but focus on the pork steak—it’s fork-tender and comes with delicious BBQ beans and okra.
Kimono Japanese Steak House
$$ | (870) 240-8887 | WEBSITE
If you think your wallet can handle a night out without flinching, try the sushi at Kimono Japanese Steak House. This Paragould favorite is a typical Japanese restaurant (don’t worry, you don’t have to fly to Tokyo to eat here) offering a delightful dining experience with generally good food, plus teppanyaki tables, teriyaki dishes, tempura, and more.
On top of the owner being a nice man your table can appreciate, you can also relax in the calm atmosphere complete with efficient service, cordial waitstaff, and the occasional lukewarm plate.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (870) 576-4628 | WEBSITE
This Louisiana-style chicken spot in Paragould is a solid choice for a quick, satisfying meal that involves fried chicken—both the classic and spicy varieties—and possibly too many biscuits. The chicken strips are one of my favorites, but I also love the sandwiches, which many find better than the competition. Popeyes even has friendly staff who provide helpful customer service.
There’s also the occasional mix-up with orders, especially between classic and spicy chicken, which can be frustrating, and cleanliness in the dining area could use improvement. Still, the food is hot and delicious, and despite these drawbacks, I’m willing to give it another chance.
George’s OMG
$ | (870) 205-1225 | WEBSITE
Open since 2022, George’s OMG is a Paragould hotspot where the fresh and delicious food is better than the atmosphere itself—a completely fine attribute considering your last meal was a gas station hot dog. This isn’t to say the atmosphere is bad, it’s just that the food itself is magical.
Generous portions (which are very durable to leftovers, might we add) surround a cute outdoor seating area with umbrellas and stringed lights where locals congregate to eat Chorizo Fries and grumble about the heat. It’s also pretty lively on the weekends, which means if little Timmy decides to have a complete meltdown, the group of friends eating Steak & Potato platters and enjoying house-made dressings won’t be too disturbed.
Carlos’s Street Tacos Downtown
$ | (870) 215-0414 | WEBSITE
If you’re passing through Paragould and craving authentic street food, Carlos’s Street Tacos Downtown is a must. The Hawaiian Nachos are obviously the star, but before you dive in, try their signature tacos. You and your friends can savor the perfectly seasoned fillings or the best guacamole in town. Plus, the cozy patio is tucked away from the main street, just far enough from the usual lunch rush in case you need to relax and enjoy your meal.