Did you know Arkansas is believed to be the birthplace of cheese dip? Little Rock lawyer and filmmaker Nick Rogers has done his research and believes it to be.
Cheese dip is served pretty much in every eatery around The Natural State. So if you’re out-and-about, be sure and check out some of these suggestions around the state that are known for their dip, courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism website:
- Mexico Chiquito, Little Rock: This Arkansas-based Tex-Mex chain is reportedly where cheese dip was invented! The cheese dip to try is based on American and Mexican cheeses and features a distinctive spice mix, including paprika, cumin and some others.
- Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro, Little Rock: The quirky, eclectic restaurant features the winner of the 2010 World Champion Cheese Dip Festival, the La Petite Rouche. It’s pretty amazing!
- Marlo’s Taco Shack, Fayetteville: A popular local hangout (one of my favorite college spots!), it offers an awesome cheese dip with super-cheap tacos, nachos and even taco burgers.
- Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant, West Memphis: Get your cheese dip fix at this family-owned operation, open since 1956. The “addictive” cheese dip is an original recipe that is still used today at the eatery.
- Stoby’s, Conway: You can’t go on a cheese dip tour and not stop here. This hot spot has delicious homemade yellow cheese dip, as well as spicy white cheese dip. It’s also really known for its breakfast grub, too. Yum!
- Papa Joe’s Country Store & Cafe, England: Southeast of Little Rock, check out this place that offers homemade salsa, cheese dip and chips made from family recipes handed down through generations. There is also a ton of other great dishes, in addition to homemade desserts like pies, cake and more, so you know you will be full when you leave this place!
- Juanita’s Mexican Cafe & Bar, Little Rock: This Little Rock staple serves up some delicious Mexican grub, including its award-winning cheese dip, which includes yellow dip made with three cheeses and mesa white cheese dip, a favorite from the old Blue Mesa Grill.
- Godsey’s Downtown Grill, Jonesboro: There are some delicious dips here! Choose from the Hog Wild Dip (Sausage, Godsey’s Pulled Pork, Bacon, Cream Cheese and spices blended together) or the classic Rotel Cheese Dip, which can be kicked up a notch with drunk chicken or spicy beef.
Look at the site’s full list here. This is in no way a comprehensive list! This is just the tip of the iceberg, so if you have recommendations, mention them in the comment box below!