My husband and I prefer eating at local diners when possible. We just think it’s fun to get a feel for the local flavor and support small businesses. Occasionally, we stumble onto a real gem. That happened when we stopped at Jamie’s Restaurant in Harrison, Arkansas.
Located on the end of a strip center, Jamie’s had a cute exterior, but it didn’t give away the secret of what was inside. The waitstaff all wore black uniforms and delivered dishes that looked like they were coming out of a five-star restaurant kitchen.
As I was looking over the menu, I couldn’t help but overhear the couple at the next table, “oohing” and “aahing” over their lunch. So I turned around and asked what they had ordered. One of them had gotten chicken strips and French Fries. I couldn’t help but wonder what could be so special about that ordinary dish to make her rave like that. Her husband had gotten the Creole Blackened Catfish, and he, too, raved and said it was “excellent.”
Returning to all of the tempting options on the menu, I decided to try the Broiled Lemon Pepper Catfish ($9.99) It came with a small Strawberry Salad. My husband, Scott, ended up ordering the Hand Breaded Chicken Strips and French Fries. ($8.99) I rushed to get a picture before he dove into it.
Afterwards, I asked him how he liked them. He said, “They were fresh and moist, not overcooked. They were excellent,”and then added, “they exceeded my expectations.”
I could say the same for mine. The catfish fillet, served over a bed of rice, was moist and cooked to perfection. The salad looked amazing with fresh mixed greens, strawberries, orange segments, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. I asked for the dressing on the side. I don’t know exactly what it was but I would describe it as a strawberry vinaigrette. It was delicious and a little went a long way. I loved seeing the red stem of a baby chard leaf in there! So pretty!
They served their drinks in quart-sized Mason jars, and even the black straws kept with their black theme. Their menu had an amazing variety of old favorites, healthy options, and gourmet adventures. We felt the prices were very reasonable, especially with the high quality of the dishes. We couldn’t help but notice all of the beautiful presentations as meals were delivered to tables around us.
If you’re ever in the vicinity of Harrison, Arkansas, then you should definitely make a point of visiting Jamie’s Restaurant. Take it from Michelle and Scott – it is definitely worth the drive.
Jamie’s Restaurant Facebook Page
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It sure seems to be a nice down-home place to eat. Looked delicious!
It really was. We look forward to stopping there again soon.
Mmmm, wonder when I’ll be up that way again?!
Soon, I hope!
Well, I don’t expect I’ll ever get there, but what a surprise behind that rustic exterior!
Yes, it was a very pleasant surprise! One I wanted to help others discover.
This might sound funny, but it can be hard to find good chicken strips! So often they are dry or even hard. Finding a place that makes them moist and cooked-just-right is a treasure!
Well, there is some truth to that!