Fort Smith's food scene boasts diversity, authenticity and bold flavors, with Sept. presenting a special opportunity to celebrate Hispanic-owned businesses that contribute to our city's uniqueness. From Nayarita-style seafood to traditional Salvadoran pupusas, from Peruvian dishes to vibrant paletas, Hispanic entrepreneurs bring rich traditions and warm hospitality to our tables.

 

Eating at these restaurants and food trucks is more than just having a meal; it feels like being welcomed into someone's home, where family recipes passed down through generations are shared and cherished. Meats are marinated and sliced fresh every morning. Horchata is stirred by hand, and popsicles are made in small batches from fresh ingredients. For visitors who love to "eat local," these places truly embody the spirit of Fort Smith's dining scene. Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to explore more, but trust us, you'll want to keep coming back all year long.

 

6 Hispanic-Owned Eateries We Love

 

Vargas Fruteria

 

📍 2100 Midland Blvd | Facebook

Known for its over-the-top sweet creations, Vargas Fruteria is the go-to spot for rolled ice cream, fruit cups piled high and decadent desserts.

 

🍴 Local diner recommendation: Try the mango chamoyada - sweet, tangy and spicy in every bite. Or the Fresas Divinas; it's truly divine when they pour that sweet cream over the top!

 

Las Americas & Las Americas Too (Barling)

Quesadillas, rice, meat, and plantains are shown along with the entrance and staff of Las Americas near Fort Smith, AR.

 

📍 1806 Zero Street, Fort Smith and Heritage Park | 7209 Chad Colley Blvd, Barling | Website

These family-run establishments specialize in authentic Mexican cuisine, from street tacos to hearty combo plates, and are renowned for their warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The ultimate American Dream story of hard work and family bonds, you can taste the passion in every bite!

 

🍴 Local diner tip: Don't miss the carne asada tacos, often called some of the best in the River Valley.

 

Delicias Hernandez Food Truck

 

📍 3923 N O Street | Website

This food truck packs big flavor into every bite, serving traditional Mexican dishes hot and fresh. The truck is connected to the market store and offers an authentic Mexican dining experience inside the store.

 

🍴 Local diner recommendation: Pupusas, roasted chicken and birria tacos. It's really tough to choose just one! Dine with a friend and create your own buffet.

 

Inka Su Mare (Peruvian Cuisine)

 

📍 1900 Phoenix Ave. | Facebook

Bringing a taste of Peru to Fort Smith, Inka Su Mare offers authentic dishes, including lomo saltado, ceviche and aji de gallina. It's a fresh addition to the city's international dining scene.

 

🍴 Local diner tip: Try the ceviche for a bright, citrusy flavor that feels like a trip to the Peruvian coast.

 

Rolando's Restaurante

Two plates of beautifully present south american food, a margarita, and a busy restaurant interior showing Rolando's Restaurante in Fort Smith, AR.

 

📍 917 North A Street | Website 

Rolando's blends Latin American flavors with a sophisticated touch. Located in a historic downtown building, the lively murals and creative dishes make it a favorite spot in Fort Smith. Authentic Ecuadorian food and décor provide a perfect setting for date nights, business meetings and a second-floor space for parties and gatherings.

 

🍴 Local diner tip: The pollo con cilantro is a hit, rich with fresh herbs and a zesty punch. Hand-stirred guacamole with orange chips and queso flamedo are must-tries when you dine in!

 

Mariscos El Nayarita Food Truck & Las Cazuelas del Nayarita

 

📍 Food truck: 5111 Rogers Ave | Restaurant: 4300 Rogers Ave Food Truck Facebook | Restaurant Facebook

Specializing in the seafood traditions of Nayarit, Mexico, this family business now features both a popular food truck and a sit-down restaurant. Pick up fresh, authentic seafood from the truck or dine at Las Cazuelas, where they elevate their menu with grilled octopus and other seafood delicacies native to their hometown.

 

🍴 Local diner recommendation: The shrimp aguachile is a must-try, tangy, spicy and perfectly fresh.

 

While those are some of our favorite spots, that's not all; there are many more Hispanic-owned businesses in every region of Fort Smith. Create a bucket list of authentic Latin flavors to try, or pick one each time you are in town for a festival or an extended fall weekend. 

 

Other Hispanic-Owned Restaurants in Fort Smith

  • El Olvido Restaurant
    📍 2101 Rogers Avenue | Website
    Authentic Mexican dishes served in a cozy sit-down setting.
     

A crowd watches live music while eating and drinking at La Huerta in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

  • La Huerta Grill
    📍 400 Garrison Avenue | 3501 Old Greenwood Road | 5605 Rogers Avenue
    A lively downtown spot known for classic Mexican American staples with three locations around town.
     

  • Miguel's Taqueria
    📍 1719 Rogers Avenue | Facebook
    Known for street tacos with fresh salsas and housemade tortillas.
     

  • El Metapaneco Restaurant
    📍 1002 N 10th St. | Facebook
    Salvadoran pupusas filled with cheese, beans or meats, served with curtido slaw.
     

  • Zapata's Mexican Bar and Grill
    📍 7308 Rogers Avenue | Website
    A lively place with bold plates and margaritas, in the heart of the hospital district.

Beans, rice, and birría taquitos from Birriería La Jefa in Fort Smith, AR.

  • Birriería La Jefa
    📍 822 Garrison Avenue | Facebook
    A casual eatery serving their signature flavorful birria meat and homestyle Mexican cooking.
     

  • Restaurante Salvadoreño Norita
    📍 2901 Midland Boulevard
    Traditional Salvadoran cuisine in a family-style restaurant.
     

  • Pupuseria La Patrona
    📍 1517 N. 11th Street | Facebook
    Another local favorite for pupusas and Salvadoran specialties.

Hispanic-Owned Food Trucks in Fort Smith

Tacos and quesadillas from Taqueria La Oaxaqueña food truck in Fort Smith, AR.

 

  • Taqueria La Oaxaqueña
    📍1020 N. Greenwood Street | Facebook
    Oaxacan-style tacos, tlayudas and authentic street food.
     

  • Yiyos Mexican Food Truck
    📍 3602 N O St. | Facebook
    Big plates with bold flavors and generous portions.
     

  • Pupuseria y Taqueria La Bendición
    📍 2416 N Albert Pike | Facebook
    Salvadoran pupusas alongside classic Mexican tacos. Pupuseria Bendicion
     

  • Lonchera Olocuilta
    📍 1121 Garrison Avenue | Facebook
    A go-to for authentic Salvadoran street food.
     

  • Latino's Market 2
    📍 1530 Midland Boulevard
    Market-style setup with Mexican groceries and hot food.
     

  • Los Dos Carnales Food Truck
    📍 3800 N O Street | Website
    Beloved for birria tacos and savory consommé.

Hispanic-Owned Paleterias & Bakeries

  • Delicias Michoacanas Paleteria
    📍 2304 Rogers Ave. | Facebook
    Handmade paletas, ice creams, and sweet treats for hot summer days.

Beautiful Mexican pastries adorn the shelves of Diaz Bakery & Tortilleria in Fort Smith.

  • Diaz Bakery & Tortilleria
    📍 3000 Grand Ave. | Discover Fort Smith Listing
    Fresh tortillas, breads and pastries baked daily.
     

  • La Guatemalteca Bakery
    📍 2310 Midland Boulevard | Website
    Fresh breads, traditional Guatemalan pastries, and handmade cakes that bring a sweet taste of Central America.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to go beyond the usual dining options and enjoy the spicy flavors that make Fort Smith special. Every visit supports local families and honors a culture that helps shape our city's identity.