10 Arkansas Truck Stop Cafés Serving Hearty Meals Around the Clock

Hungry travelers and long-haul truckers know that good food on the road can be hard to find. Across Arkansas, truck stop cafés serve as beacons of home-cooked comfort any time of day or night.

Sizzling breakfast platters and mouthwatering chicken-fried steaks await at these 10 roadside eateries, dishing up hearty meals that keep wheels turning and spirits high.

1. Workman’s Travel Center – Ozark, AR

Locals swear by the massive country breakfasts served 24/7 at this I-40 staple. Fluffy pancakes larger than your plate arrive alongside eggs cooked exactly how you want them.

Truck drivers regularly detour just to grab the famous chicken fried steak smothered in pepper gravy. Many regulars have been stopping here for decades.

2. JJ’s Restaurant – Benton, AR

Stepping into JJ’s feels like walking into your grandmother’s kitchen. Homemade pies cool on the counter while friendly staff greet everyone by name.

Road-weary travelers rave about the juicy burgers and hand-cut fries available at any hour. Family recipes passed down through generations give the comfort food here its distinctive, can’t-be-replicated taste.

3. Magnolia Travel Center – Magnolia, AR

Southern hospitality shines brightly at this bustling travel center near the Louisiana border. Truckers plan their routes around meal stops here, especially for the legendary breakfast buffet.

Hand-breaded catfish on Fridays draws crowds from miles around. Nobody leaves hungry after sampling the selection of soul food sides like black-eyed peas and collard greens.

4. Hilltop Travel Center & Restaurant – Alma, AR

Perched overlooking I-40, Hilltop lives up to its name with panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley. Hungry drivers flock here for the jumbo-sized portions that fuel long hauls.

Meatloaf Mondays have achieved legendary status among the trucking community. Fresh-baked rolls accompany every meal, often still warm from the oven when they reach your table.

5. Big Red Travel Plaza – White Hall, AR

Hungry motorists driving along Highway 65 can spot the iconic red sign from a mile away. Family-owned since 1978, Big Red maintains its reputation for consistently delicious diner classics.

Morning regulars swear the coffee is strong enough to resurrect the dead. Breakfast is served around the clock, featuring biscuits so flaky and buttery they practically melt before reaching your mouth.

6. Connie’s Café – Bull Shoals, AR

Tucked away near Bull Shoals Lake, Connie herself still flips pancakes most mornings at this beloved roadside gem. Walls adorned with local fishing photos create a homey atmosphere for travelers.

Regulars drive hours for the cinnamon rolls as big as your head. Generous portions of country ham and red-eye gravy satisfy even the hungriest fishermen and truckers passing through.

7. Crossroads Café – Winthrop, AR

Small town charm overflows at this unassuming café where three highways converge in southwest Arkansas. Handwritten specials change daily, though the smiles from staff never do.

Hunters and truckers alike praise the venison sausage gravy served over fresh buttermilk biscuits. Open 24/7, the café becomes the heart of the community during late-night hours when few other places welcome weary travelers.

8. South Park Restaurant – Clarksville, AR

Savory aromas greet you before the door even opens at this family-owned establishment just off I-40. Generations of truckers have stopped here since the 1960s for consistent quality and generous portions.

Homemade chicken and dumplings remain the signature dish that keeps drivers coming back. Servers remember regular customers’ orders and have them ready before they even sit down.

9. Delta Café – Jonesboro, AR

Farm-fresh ingredients make all the difference at this northeastern Arkansas institution where local produce stars in every dish. Farmers and truckers mingle at communal tables, sharing stories over steaming plates.

Seasonal specials showcase whatever’s growing nearby. Slices of impossibly tall meringue pies tempt from the rotating display case, with coconut cream being the perennial favorite among road warriors.

10. Truckers’ Haven Diner – Fort Smith, AR

Aptly named, this 24-hour establishment welcomes road warriors with parking large enough for any rig. Maps and memorabilia from across America decorate walls where decades of truckers have left their mark.

Famous for the “Highway Challenge” – a 1-pound burger with all the fixings that’s free if finished in 20 minutes. Coffee cups never reach empty before being refilled by attentive staff who treat every customer like family.