A breakfast burrito that rides the rails straight into legend…read more Some meals feed you. Others announce themselves--plant a flag in your memory and refuse to leave. Jesse James Foods, a train-car restaurant tucked into Batesville, Arkansas, does the latter with the confidence of a place that knows exactly who it is and what it's doing. I arrived from Austin with the quiet skepticism of someone who's eaten well and often. I left recalibrated. The stage is already set the moment you step inside: a railcar theme reborn as a diner, humming with the kind of honest energy that only comes from food made by people who care. And at the center of it all is Jesse himself--part conductor, part craftsman, wholly in command of his kitchen. I ordered two takeout breakfast burritos (mom in hospital) that could not have been more different in temperament yet equally accomplished in execution: the Ghost Aioli Ham Breakfast Burrito and the Sausage Breakfast Burrito. Let's talk about the ghost pepper first--because Jesse did. Knowing my Texas background and my respect (and caution) for ghost pepper heat, he paused. He explained. He offered a taste, not as a dare, but as an assurance. That confidence was earned. The ghost aioli, when paired with the ham, is a masterclass in restraint. The heat is real--but it's civilized. The richness of the ham tempers the ghost pepper's fire into something warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying rather than aggressive. It doesn't shout; it hums. Of the two burritos, it was the clear favorite--layered, bold, and balanced in a way that tells you this wasn't an accident. This was thought through. The sausage burrito, meanwhile, is comfort done right. Savory, grounded, and generous without being heavy. It's the kind of breakfast that steadies you for the day ahead. And then there's the detail that separates good from great: a proper crispy hash brown aside the burrito. Not limp. Not steamed into submission. Crispy. Structural. Intentional. It adds texture, contrast, and proof that Jesse understands breakfast at a fundamental level. Service matters, and here it shines. Jesse and his staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely proud of what they're serving--because they should be. There's no pretense here, just hospitality backed by skill. Jesse James Foods isn't just a stop. It's a destination. If you're anywhere near Batesville, you owe it to yourself to climb aboard. This is a must-try--and a reminder that some of the best food in America isn't found in big cities, but in railcars run by people who care enough to get every detail right. - M. Brown

Great place! Smokehouse burger was great. Great flavor and the bread didn't get in the way. The…read moreboudin burger was good but I'm from Louisiana and like spicier boudin. The hot chicken sandwich had good kick. On another note, this is a Christian business that is not ashamed. I loved it. Keep up the good work!

Was eating my salsa and cheese dip mixture and pulled out a small rubber band. Did not enjoy that…read more I was at my house and not in the restaurant. The place needs to be more observant and careful.

We arrived at El Palenque in Ash Flat at 2:45 in the afternoon. Lunch specials are available until…read more3:00. Chips, salsa, and drinks arrived immediately. After about 5 minutes I placed our orders. I had a simple bean tostada. I ordered a lunch special for my husband: I asked for the lunch special with the chile relleno, chicken taco, beans, and guacamole salad. The waiter asked, "do you want rice?" I said, "do you get rice with that lunch special? He replied, "no." I said, "then, no, just what comes with the special." My dish was perfect. However, my husband received a plate with the relleno, BEEF taco, rice, and beans---no guacamole salad. I asked if rice was supposed to come with the order. The waiter replied, "yes." My husband mentioned that he ordered a chicken taco, but it didn't seem to register on the waiter. When the bill arrived my husbands plate was 11.00, instead of the lunch special---6.50. I pointed out to the waiter that I ordered the lunch special. He took it over to another worker who mulled it over go a bit, then came to the table, gave me the same bill and said next time order by number. Ok, I'm not gonna make a scene, BUT, THE ERROR WAS NOT MINE. If employees cannot understand English, ok, but let me know. I will order by number, and use my limited Spanish. I paid for the waiters mistake, and I don't like it. Won't be back for awhile.

Drove over from Paragould with my in-laws specifically to tackle the 2 lb burger challenge. Full…read moredisclosure: we chickened out! But that didn't stop us from having a great meal. The food was excellent, and the staff were friendly, attentive, and went out of their way to make sure we had a good experience. We'll definitely be back -- maybe to actually finish that burger next time. Keep up the great work!

This is a nice family run business and they do a lot for Cave City. They care about their community…read moreand their customers. The food is yummy, but their salads pale in comparison the previous restaurant located here.

Great little restaurant with good tasting food! The service was fast and polite. Lots of…read moreattention and did not have to ask for any refills. Definitely would go back!

We had the chicken, cheese & rice and the fajita taco salad. Both were delicious. The staff were…read moretop notch and it was clean! Oh, and it was really inexpensive!

Our group of four has eaten a LOT of good catfish in our 60+ years, and all agreed this is one of…read morethe best. Perfectly fried fish, the hush puppies are melt in your mouth delicious, and the service was fast, friendly and attentive. We are rarely in this part of the state but will definitely return if our travels bring us this way!

It is obvious when you first park. Then walking up the stone stairs I was 12 again and walking into…read moreFirst Baptist Disputanta, VA. I was curious and looked it up since our 14 July visit. Local business records from the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce still associate the "First Church, United Pentecostal Church International" name with the exact address. I happen to believe that once an earthly place has been sanctified and trusted to be holy, it remains so. Interestingly, the Ward family that runs the place feel the same way. I have had fancier meals, I have eaten my share and more of catfish. It has been a long time since a total experience of being better fed in body and soul. The food is very well prepared, ours came out quick, hot and plentiful. We both chose the "small un" meal, four full fillets, a bunch of sides, coleslaw, hush puppies, potato (I subbed in onion rings). We left some behind and still took home a piece of fish and some hush puppies. Aside from the food, the experience for me was deeper. There is a truth to being a "girl dad", they get in your heart in a way that nothing else can. While my child, Cheyeane left this world behind in 2013, from time to time since, I encounter her soul. This was the case with the delightful young crew on duty 14 July. One who said she was shy, radiated a bright charming warmth that perfectly mirrored Cheyeane's ability to bring forward a smile from the grumpiest of souls. And each of the four young women my wife and I engaged with brought youthful joy and energy. This building is indeed still a church even if the joyful noise of choirs past are now just the sounds of a busy kitchen and families enjoying each other. We had good meals, a better experience for a fair price. We didn't leave a tip, we made an offering. Bless this holy place and all who dwell.

Another trip to Batesville and another fun night out at The River!! I ordered a Half Rack of Ribs…read moreand they were well seasoned and fell off the bones good. I got baked beans and mac n cheese as my sides and they were both good. The mac n cheese was not hot but that is alright, as everything else was good! The service was great as we had one waitress for a large party and she did a phenomenal job.

Food was mediocre and the service was terrible. It took us over an hour to get our food and mine…read morewas cold. We were the only ones in there except for the bar and it took us that long?! Never going back!

Exceptional food, we were staying at the Hampton Inn nearby and wanted some quick hibachi without…read morethe sit down experience portion. Order some takeout from here, ready within 10 minutes and it was sooo good. Definitely a spot to try again when we are back in Batesville.

Small restaurant, clean. Front counter Clerk was not welcoming but curt. Menu was simple and…read morereasonable. Not willing to make any substitutions like rice for noodles. Portions were large, vegetables well done. Shrimp and scallops were cooked correctly, not rubbery. Not a rice person but enjoyed theirs. Rice was gummy and flavorful. Overall pleased and would return.

I was passing thru Newport this past week a couple times and was hoping to find something special…read morefor ya, but due to meetings both days I was passing thru, everything would be closed by the time I got into town. I passed PB&J's Cafe the first time thru and thought, I bet that place is a gem. Not sure why, I just had a suspicion it was gonna be worth a future trip. On day 2 I was running behind again and was gonna arrive 10 min before they closed. I refuse to do that to a place, but I just had to try it out. So I did the courteous thing & called ahead that way I could just grab it to go. Ran in and paid and picked up my bag of food. Nice, clean, little joint. Looked like brand new tables and chairs and nice decor. Got out to the vehicle after pick up and just could not wait to see if this was gonna be as good as my suspicions had gotten my hopes up to be. This picture doesn't do it justice, but here it is! I always test a burger joint out by ordering the DBCB on my first visit. This puts em all on an equal playing field to make something simple into something special. Plain & simple....we have a new member of my Arkansas Top 10 and my NEA Top 5! It is exactly what a burger should be! Hand patted thick patties, juicy, and tasty. Hit em up! They had the sweetest ladies in there just working their tails off. Treat em like you wanted to be treated, and TIP EM WELL! They close at 2pm each day, so if you are gonna be late like me, call ahead. They get there very early each day to serve it up for their community, so don't make em stay late.

PB&J's in Newport is hands-down our family's go-to spot--we're here every Friday for breakfast and…read moreswing by for lunch several times a week. From the moment you walk in, the service is next-level; the staff treats you like you're part of the family, remembering your usual order and always greeting you with a genuine smile. The food is just as outstanding as the hospitality: classic Southern cooking done right, with every plate hitting the table hot, fresh, and full of flavor. Nothing fancy, just consistently excellent comfort food that never disappoints. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the food comes out lightning-fast even when they're packed. If you're in Newport and craving real Southern goodness with service that makes you feel at home, PB&J's is the place. Can't recommend it enough!