West Helena Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in West Helena

April 14, 2018 Yuk Petri

Helena–West Helena is the county seat of and the largest city within Phillips County, Arkansas, United States. The current city was consolidated, effective January 1, 2006, from the two Arkansas cities of Helena and West Helena. Helena is sited on lowlands between the Mississippi River and the eastern side of Crowley's Ridge. West Helena is located on the western side of Crowley's Ridge, a geographic anomaly in the typically flat Arkansas Delta. The Helena Bridge, one of Arkansas' four Mississippi River bridges, carries U.S. Route 49 across to Mississippi. The combined population of the two cities was 15,012 at the 2000 census and at the 2010 census, the official population was 12,282.
Things to do in West Helena

1. The Bistro Bar & Grill

213 Plaza, West Helena, AR 72390-2445 Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner +1 870-572-9707
Excellent
63%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Reviewed By ramcclain - Memphis, TN USA

I have been to the Bistro twice lately, and both times excellent. Service is outstanding, and food is very fresh and tasty. Have been for lunch both times. The last time, I ordered the chicken strips, and they were fabulous. Obviously hand breaded, perfectly cooked, and great fries and onion rings as well. On another occasion, I had the Philly Cheesestake, also great. Portions are very generous, and prices very reasonable. Also now has a bar. We will be a frequent customer, and highly recommend.

2. Bailee Mae's

209 Rightor St, Helena, AR 72342-3330 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 19 reviews

Bailee Mae's

Reviewed By clogmar - United Kingdom

We stopped in Helena to visit the Blues Museum, but before doing so we wanted to grab some food. At first we could not find anywhere and thought we were going to be disappointed. Then, we turned a corner and found Bailee Mae's. It is quite tucked away, so we almost missed it!
We were welcomed warmly and enjoyed great eggs, salad and coffee. Would definitely recommend a visit to anyone going to Helena.

3. Westrock Coffee Company

421 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342-3301 Cafe +1 501-975-1514
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Westrock Coffee Company

Reviewed By Kathleen Q

Anyone travelling to Helena during the end of September and beginning of October is in luck! This temporary coffee shop has a wonderfully mellow ambiance, comfortable seating, local artwork on the walls, and a simple yet satisfying selection of coffee and espresso drinks. Beans are roasted in Arkansas, and they are also for sale at the counter. Currently, this is the only actual coffee shop in Helena, which makes it difficult to give it a low rating, but so far the service has been friendly and the coffee delicious. Wi-fi is hopefully coming soon, which will really be a boon to downtown Helena.

4. Otis & Henry's Bar and Grill

777 Isle of Capri Pkwy, Lula, MS 38644-9701 Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, Pub Dinner, Drinks +1 662-363-4410
Excellent
37%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
27%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 11 reviews

Otis & Henry's Bar and Grill

Otis & Henry's Bar and Grill combines the comfort of a neighborhood bar and grill with delicious favorites you'd cook at home. Whet your appetite with our house specialty entrees or a delicious appetizer. Then pick from a list of delicious sandwiches, steak, ribs, chicken and more. Otis & Henry's offers great food at great prices.

Reviewed By prefecal - Portland, Oregon

The fried shrimp were good sized, nicely salted, tasty and remained crispy until cold. The fried green tomatoes with prawns was very good, but the prawns could have been seared. The thin crawfish sauce melded nicely to the dish. The pan bread that comes at...MoreHi there! We appreciate your generous and detailed review about your visit with us! We're so glad you enjoyed your meal, especially our fried green tomatoes and pan bread, we love those too. Please come back and see us again anytime!

5. El Rio Lindo

641 Oakland Ave, West Helena, AR 72342-1503 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Mexican, Southwestern Lunch, Dinner +1 870-338-4320
Excellent
28%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 25 reviews

El Rio Lindo

Reviewed By Toots0509 - Little Rock, Arkansas

We enjoyed our meal at this busy restaurant. I believe they were short staffed but the ones working really hustled and got us served in a timely manner. Just plain, good Mexican food and we enjoyed it very much. Would go back again if in the area. They do serve alcohol.

6. Southbound Tavern

233 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342-3503 (Formerly Southbound Pizza) Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible American, Bar, Pub Dinner, Drinks, Lunch +1 870-228-5009
Excellent
59%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Southbound Tavern

Under new ownership!!! located in Downtown Helena, The Tavern is locally owned and operated with a doctorate in southern hospitality and masters in good food. At The Tavern, we cover it all! Specializing in good food and great times! Whether you are looking to kick back with friends, listen to music, watch the game on the big screen, or just enjoy the food, we have what you are looking for!

Reviewed By Jaxfore

So we were in town for the King Biscuit and we happened into this place and glad we did? We had very fresh hot pizza and ice cold microbrew. All of the food coming out of the kitchen looked really good!

7. The Buffet

777 Isle of Capri Pkwy, Lula, MS 38644-9701 Lunch, Dinner +1 662-363-4600
Excellent
51%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
37%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 8 reviews

Reviewed By scorpio1030 - East Saint Louis, Illinois

The buffet was nice and clean. The workers were very friendly and made the buffet visit enjoyable. They made sure that my husband and I were comfortable. When we had family dinner the workers were exceptional due to it being a busy night because of graduations.

The food was great and I'd eat there again!

8. August Moon Restaurant

108 Garland Ave, West Helena, AR 72390-2440 American
Excellent
68%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Reviewed By Vanghus - California

So I've been on vacation for five days now driving across Alabama the "food state" or so I had read and I end up in Arkansas thinking that I am not interested in eating any more southern food because it's not at all what I have imagined. I went to culinary school and learned to cook quintessential "southern food", I watch movies and see "home cookin", Ive talked to guests at the shop who say "I miss my comfort food" and that's what I expected I would have eaten this whole week and was about to give up.
We went in and it was pretty much what we expected from a southern restaurant, regular people eating lunch before heading back to work. Except this place had a twist southern food and Chinese food. Under one roof. I was instantly worried that my experience would be the same as the rest but when my mashed potatoes and fried okra arrived with my dumplings on the side with a golden cornbread muffin, I thought, "this is what I've been looking for, now I just might be able to relate to "comfort food" stories" and I was right. From the service to the sweet tea to the friendly fond farewell I felt like I was in the south and hat I belonged there. Even though my wife and I stick out everywhere we go except San Francisco and New Orleans.
If you are in the area don't listen to anyone else or the hype surrounding much more touted restaurants in the area this is the place to go for lunch in he Helena twin cities area.

9. Downtown Bar & Grill

520B Walnut, Helena, AR 72342-3230 American +1 870-714-2940
Excellent
40%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 5 reviews

Downtown Bar & Grill

Reviewed By Evangelist Jaco... C - Helena, Arkansas, USA

We were looking for a place to eat breakfast, but they don't serve breakfast so we order lunch instead, my husband had fish, shrimp, fries and coleslaw and it was good. We also love the fact that there is a pool table. A place in town with a pool table and food this is awesome and definitely worth our time.

10. Old Town Buffet

838 N Sebastian, West Helena, AR 72390-1821 Chinese, Japanese, American +1 870-572-9408
Excellent
51%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 6 reviews

Reviewed By Kathleen Q

In its previous life, this restaurant was a decent Chinese buffet. Under new management and ownership, however, it has really taken a turn for the better. In addition to new personnel, Old Town has new equipment and an upgraded menu. They now include some sushi (!!!) in their buffet offering, and the food is always hot. For those looking for some southern comfort food, they even have fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and the like.

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