Arkansans love to eat, regarding dining out in Arkansas, it is home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, diners, and mom-and-pop eateries in the state. If you are wondering where those places are, the  Arkansas Food Hall of Fame has just released the finalists for 2024.

According to the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, all restaurants had to be in operation for 25 years or more and be locally owned and operated. Finalists are nominated in five categories, Food-Themed Event, Proprietor of the Year, Gone But Not Forgotten, People's Choice, and Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.

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There were 14 finalists and the honorees will be inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame Winners' Ceremony on Monday, September 30.

Let's reveal five of those finalists.

Big Banjo Pizza - Pine Bluff, Arkansas

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Popular for its all-you-eat-pizza-buffet and in-house specialties like the Taco Pizza. Big Banjo Pizza is a family-owned restaurant celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

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Big Banjo Pizza is located at 4208 West 28th Street.

Brave New Restaurant - Little Rock, Arkansas

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This locally-owned upscale restaurant has been open since 1991, serves various incredible in-house dishes in a casual setting, and offers spectacular views of the Arkansas River while you dine or you can dine indoors.

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Brave New Restaurant is located at 2300 Cottondale Lane, Suite #105.

Dairyette - Mount Ida, Arkansas

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This family-owned diner brings back childhood memories of growing up in a small town, since 1958 this roadside diner has been serving ice cream, home-spun milkshakes, and the tastiest burgers in the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World.

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Dairyette is located at 717 Highway 270 East.

Herman’s Ribhouse - Fayetteville, Arkansas

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This local fan favorite has been around since 1964, locals love this restaurant for their mouth-watering barbeque, lip-smackin' ribs, and the juiciest steaks in the Natural State. If there is an Arkansas Razorbacks game in town many fans flock here before or after the game. Herman's is celebrating their 60th anniversary in business this year.

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Herman's Ribhouse is located at 2901 North College Avenue.

Hugo's - Fayetteville, Arkansas

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If you have ever been to the heart of Razorback Country you have probably heard of Hugo's which opened in 1977 in a basement in the downtown square. Local folks and visitors come from miles away for its famous burgers and Grasshopper Crepes filled with mint ice cream.

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Hugo's is located at 25 1/2 North Block Avenue.

The Finalists

For the complete list of the 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Finalists go to the AY "About You" website.

Go here to purchase tickets to attend the 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Ceremony on Sept. 30.

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