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There’s something special about discovering that kind of place. The one locals love, bustling on game days, filling the air with the scent of charbroiled burgers as soon as you walk in, and feeling like you’re pulling up a chair at your best friend’s patio. On a recent Arkansas road trip, we found it. It’s called JTown’s Grill, and it’s everything we didn’t know we needed, and now we can’t stop talking (and thinking) about it.
If you’re in Jonesboro and haven’t tried JTown’s Grill, you’ve missed out. If you’re heading that way, consider this your sign to turn in!
Where Locals Lead, You Should Follow
Tucked near Arkansas State University, JTown’s Grill is a favorite spot for Red Wolves fans, visiting families, and anyone looking for a great meal in a casual, community-oriented setting. Whether you’re pre-gaming before a Centennial Bank Stadium game, heading to a show at the Fowler Center, hanging for the weekend or just passing through, this is the kind of place you plan your stop around.
Founded by Jeffrey Higgins, a local who saw the need for an authentic game day gathering spot, JTown’s has grown into more than just a restaurant. It functions as a community hub, a dining space alive with energy, laughter and the sound of clinking glasses and cheers. The night we visited, the restaurant was bustling with regulars and newcomers cheering on the LadyBacks softball team during their tournament run. It was a summer Sunday night, and the tables remained crowded. That says everything you need to know.
Bar Food, But Better
Don’t let the phrase “bar food” fool you. Yes, the menu is full of your game-day favorites from American cookbooks, like fried snacks, finger foods, and towering burgers. But each item has been elevated with added flavor and flair. We started with Coach Dave’s Sausage Platter, which I now crave weekly and need to figure out how to recreate at home. After a soggy day in the car, the smoky sausage, crunchy fire and ice housemade pickles, whole pepperoncini, cheese, crackers, and this addictive seasoning dust sprinkled on top were the perfect way to begin our meal.
We all had our own way of eating it. My mom stacked a mini sandwich, I went in pickle-first with the sausage, and my kid treated it like a cheese board, literally cheese and crackers. It was the kind of appetizer that sparks conversations and ends with empty trays. I know charcuterie gets a bad rap as a “grown-up lunchable,” but I’m telling you, this was not served on a fancy wooden board; it was in a bowl, ready to be devoured.
Burger Magic
Now, let’s talk about the burger. There are 14 burgers on the menu, each sounding like a masterpiece. I ordered the Southern Classic, a thick, juicy patty smothered in creamy, housemade pimento cheese, topped with a fried green tomato, tangy remoulade, and a scoop of chow chow that took me straight back to my grandfather’s summer garden. It was elbows-up, two-fisting with every bite.
Meanwhile, my mom ordered the catfish po’boy. I’m thankful we decided to share before taking the first bite because I’m pretty sure neither of us would have wanted to give up our choice.
We were in Delta territory, and that catfish was fried to a perfect golden brown, served on soft bread with crunchy slaw and zippy remoulade. Crispy, tangy, soulful, and every bite paid homage to Arkansas roots.
And don’t even get me started on the sides. Yes, the onion rings were everything you’d hope for – thin beer batter, crispy edges – but the house chips were the real MVP. Paired with their housemade ranch, they disappeared quickly. I had to guard my plate like a quarterback in the red zone. My crew couldn’t stop sneaking bites.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Even the kids’ menu, charmingly called “Ankle Biters,” delivered big. We upgraded to mac and cheese as a premium side (worth every penny), and our little guy devoured it so quickly, our server laughed and said, “Little man tore up that mac!” Truer words were never spoken. He was in heaven watching a ballgame on TV and eating mini corn dogs and mac.
With so many options, we’ve already started planning our return. The Sloppy Joe, the Freakin’ Chicken, and the Bombshell Reuben are all calling my name. I’ve got a list, and I plan to check it off, bite by bite.
Bonus Round: Breakfast!
Oh, and did I mention they serve breakfast? Yes, breakfast. I looked at the menu, and now I’m excited to come back for the Ribeye Sammie, the Trashy Burrito, the French Toaster Sammie, and the Chicken Fried Steak Burrito. (Anybody wanna go halves?!)
If you’re in town for an A-State event, do yourself a favor and make JTown’s Grill part of your morning routine. I can only imagine the joy of starting a day here, coffee in hand, surrounded by locals, ready to take on a day in Northeast Arkansas.
Why You Need to Go Now
JTown’s Grill isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a vibe. It’s a place where locals gather, students reconnect, families laugh, and travelers instantly feel at home. It’s a home for A-State fans, Razorbacks (except for that one day a year!), and any sports fan will love the chill environment where every day is a game day.
Great food, a welcoming atmosphere, fair prices and outstanding service that’s the promise of JTown’s Grill, and I’ll gladly return every time.
It’s time to head to Jonesboro and dine local style. Now you know – JTown’s Grill is where Arkansas eats.
JTown’s Grill
2610 E Johnson Ave. # A
Jonesboro, AR 72401
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