Summer is only one month away and since the end of spring break, all everyone is worried about is getting that sought-after “spring break bod." The gyms have been packed, girls are going on ridiculous diets and it just feels like everyone is working towards their goal but you. Well don’t you worry, because I am not reaching my goal either and I couldn’t be happier. My relationship with food has always been my main priority, so here is a list of ten restaurants in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the home of The Hogs, that are undoubtedly better tasting than a good body feels.

1. Arsaga’s

This coffee/breakfast stop is a main brunch staple to the city, famous for their crepes and their cheese fries. My favorite dish is the “Brezinski” which has a little bit of everything from eggs to herbed potatoes with garlic aioli sauce that will automatically make you believe in love. Their coffee is actually so good that they made a separate location on the University of Arkansas campus that only serves their coffee products.

2. Hammontree’s

Right across the street from Arsaga’s, this grilled cheese sandwich shop is a paradise of its own. I love it so much that all my birthday dinners since being in college have been there. Their sandwiches are given funny names such as “Jack to the Future” which has three different kinds of jack cheese, and “The Scarlet Cheddar” that is loaded with multiple kinds of cheddar cheese. I like to vary my orders when I go, and it usually takes me about 20 minutes to decide what to get since they all are so delicious.

3. McAlister’s Deli

Okay, yes I know this is a chain restaurant and not just local to Fayetteville, but hear me out. It’s the best damn chain restaurant known to mankind. Their sweet tea has the ability to cure even the worst break up, and if you order it enough they make you a “Tea Club Member” which is the highest award I have been given to date. When I go I usually cycle through the same five dishes but always add their mac & cheese as my side.

4. Deluxe Burger

I had heard nothing but great things about Deluxe for years and finally got a chance to go just last week. I think I took about 150 pictures of my plate before even eating it. They have the best fried pickles I have ever had, and trust me I’ve had my fair share of fried pickles. The atmosphere is very hip and local, and their burgers are the best in Northwest Arkansas.

5. Travolla Trattoria

Technically this isn’t in Fayetteville, but it’s worth the 20 minute drive to Bentonville, Arkansas. It’s a little on the pricey side so I suggest saving this Italian bistro for an anniversary or birthday, or you can do what I did and save it for when your mom comes to town so she can pay for it. They have the best caesar salad that I have ever had in my life, and I went through a phase in middle school where they were all I ordered so I should know. Their cheese ravioli put my Sunday night Chef Boyardee to shame, and my mom and I were raving about this place for at least a week after eating there.

6. Sassy’s BBQ

Every southern town needs a good barbeque place, and Sassy’s is exactly that for Fayetteville. They do all of the classic BBQ staples just right, the sauce is addicting, the fries are amazing, and the fried pickles are so on point it’s ridiculous. Not to mention they have cute t-shirts that I contemplate getting every time I’m in there. I’ve been to multiple birthday dinners here and it’s a great atmosphere for a good time with friends.

7. Farmer’s Table

This restaurant is all organic and locally grown, and it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. It’s another good place to visit for brunch on the weekends with outside seating that wraps around the small house the restaurant is in. Not only is their breakfast one of the best in the town, their lunch is just as good. They always have an amazing soup of the day, and I would go here every weekend if I could, aka had the money.

8. Geraldi’s

This small Italian bistro has portions that are bigger than your head, and it’s where you go when you want true Italian food. You are guaranteed to have leftovers for the next week, but if you’re anything like me, leftovers are, like Drake once said, “my right hand, my go to.” I am the queen of reheating meals for the whole week, and Geraldi’s has been the main supplier of this addiction since I moved to Fayetteville.

9. Mexico Viejo

If you talk to any college kid at the U of A, chances are that they have been to Mexico Viejo and probably get the “Stephen Special,” made of rice, cheese dip and fajita chicken. It also comes with a side of tortillas and it is a staple in any college kid's diet. This place is so close to campus that anytime you walk in it’s guaranteed that you’ll see someone you know. My friends and I sometimes have Sunday night “family dinners” at Viejo, and every time I walk out full and happy.

10. Eureka Pizza

I take my pizza selections seriously since I’ve never been the person that likes multiple pizza restaurants, I like one and that’s it. Try and get me to eat somewhere else and I will complain the entire time no doubt. Eureka Pizza is my person, we understand each other on a deep, emotional level. Their slogan is “We’re Local & Better,” which could not be more true. They have the fastest delivery in the town and by far the best pizza. I live in an apartment right off of campus and Eureka can make it to me in 15 minutes.

Now go eat and be happy!