Come See Arkansas’ Legendary Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant

In the heart of Russellville, Arkansas, a tiny diner carries a big reputation.

The Old South Restaurant has been serving up Southern comfort with a wink and a smile, making locals swear it’s worth a pilgrimage: chicken fried steak, Possum Pie, garlic-drenched salads, and more. This isn’t just food; it’s a love letter to the community.

1. Rising from the Ashes

Disaster struck in June 2023 when a fire wiped out the 76-year-old building. Many would have hung up the apron, but not here.

Thanks to a town that refuses to let a beloved eatery vanish, owners Dale and Zachary Summit found a new home and reopened just four months later. Patrons didn’t just mourn the loss: they cheered the comeback, proving loyalty in a way that could power a small city.

2. Southern Hospitality, Full Plate

The new location doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It’s cozy, welcoming, and full of chatter. Servers greet regulars by name and treat newcomers like they’re long-lost cousins.

The kitchen pumps out the classics: golden fried chicken, steak smothered in gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and pies that might just deserve their own zip code. Breakfast runs all day, and the portions laugh in the face of calorie counting.

3. Why People Keep Coming Back

Locals whisper about the Possum Pie like it’s a state treasure. Made with layers of cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, this dessert alone justifies the trip.

But regulars know the real magic happens at breakfast. Fluffy biscuits swimming in pepper gravy alongside eggs cooked exactly how you want them create memories that linger long after the last bite.

4. A Local Legend Lives On

Step through those doors and feel decades of stories hanging in the air. Grandparents bring grandkids to the same booths where they once sat as children.

The Old South Restaurant isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving as a living museum of Arkansas culinary tradition. When the waitress calls you “honey” and refills your sweet tea without asking, you’ll understand why this place has earned its legendary status.