A Little Rock foodie institution is getting the recognition it deserves.
The iconic shotgun-style, robin’s egg blue restaurant off of I-30 was just crowned with a 2020 America’s Classics Award by the James Beard Foundation. Lassis Inn, owned by Elihue Washington Jr. and Maria Washington, is the second restaurant in Arkansas to win the award, joining the ranks of Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna.
Lassis Inn was founded in 1905 by Joe and Molassis Watson (the restaurant’s name is shorthand for Molassis). It began as a humble sandwich shop out of their home, and later Joe added catfish and buffalo ribs to the menu, much to the joy of their customers.
Beyond the delicious food, Lassis Inn would grow to become a meeting place for members of the community. In fact, Civil Rights leaders like Daisy Bates would meet at the restaurant during the ’50s and ’60s. Today, time seems to slow as you slide into one of the blue-painted booths and await your big bone buffalo plate.
The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards are given to locally owned restaurants with timeless appeal that are beloved regionally for quality food that reflects the character of its community. This year’s honorees join the ranks of more than 100 restaurants across the country that have received the award since the category was introduced in 1998. They will be celebrated at the annual James Beard Awards Gala on Monday, May 4, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
For more info, head to the James Beard Foundation’s website or get yourself over to Lassis Inn and try those buffalo ribs for yourself.
View this post on Instagram