Eating out is just as much a part of entertainment as the activities and things to see and do in any community, and the Ozark Gateway region has plenty of places to fill up, dine in and enjoy the company of those around and the food that has a way of bringing people together.
Batesville is one of many places where visitors can find fare of many flavors.
Italian Grill
Have a taste for spaghetti and some of the biggest meatballs around? Look no farther than The Italian Grill at 2360 Harrison St., next door to TJ Maxx.
From pasta favorites like lasagna or chicken alfredo, diners can also find prime rib and shrimp dishes combined with roasted vegetables, salad and not to mention, garlic bread — something I can make a me.al of all by itself.
Italian Grill is open six days a week, so if you’re looking to enjoy lunch or dinner now, you’ll have to wait till Tuesday. Visit their Facebook page for more details: https://tinyurl.com/y8qph3ft.
109 Main
From burgers to brunch, 109 Main offers so much more in between, fitting a unique niche to downtown Batesville, incorporating the past into a very modern meal experience.
The restaurant offers diners a place to go for brunch, lunch or dinner for special occasions or any occasion.
Visit www.facebook.com/109MainBatesville to find your experience.
Colton’s
Colton’s Steakhouse and Grill at 1553 St. Louis Street offers more than just steaks, but they are their speciality.
Shrimp, catfish, salad and soups, and chicken prepared in any different ways — Southern fried to smothered and Hawaiian, Colton’s has a taste for everyone.
Might I recommend the loaded baked potato soup, perfect for when the fall weather gets cooler, and some of their hot yeast rolls with butter and honey.
Colton’s also offers a variety of speciality drinks and the peanuts come free when you dine in. Visit www.facebook.com/ColtonsBatesville to find out more.
Elizabeth’s
Elizabeth’s Restaurant at 231 E. Main offers lunch and dinner for those who need a quick lunch during work or on a break from perusing all of shops found downtown.
Elizabeth’s homemade rolls are big enough for two people and for the bread lover, they’ll have you coming back to enjoy them with the daily lunch specials, every day they’re open.
BIG’S
Brisket sandwiches, grilled pimento cheese, taco spuds and daily plate specials, BIG’S of Batesville at 101 E. Main has a variety of fare in which the diner is only limited by his or her imagination.
Be sure to try their homemade seasoned fries or pork rinds and one of their many drink selections. Did someone say an ice cold bottle of IBC cherry limeade?
The Pinto
The Pinto is a coffee and comida shop that serves breakfast and brunch.
At first sight, the eatery looks as if it has been around for decades since it fits in with the style of the other historic spots along Main Street; however, The Pinto is one of the newest restaurants, having been built only a few years ago.
Another one of Batesville’s unique spots for dining, The Pinto offers a variety of flare when you’re looking for “something different.”
From a s’more mocha coffee to a stuffed baked potato loaded with pork, The Pinto offers items both cold and hot for every palate.
Be sure to check www.facebook.com/thepintobatesville to keep up to date on all their offerings.
Fox Creek
Open seven days a week, Fox Creek BBQ offers many different styles of barbecue dishes as well as steak, shrimp, fish and salad options. Burgers and sandwiches of all kinds can also be found on the menu, including the delectable Reuben.
Fox Creek at 129 Lawrence St. is housed into the old depot and like many eateries in town, offers music and other entertainment on occasion.
Visit www.facebook.com/FoxCreekBBQ to find out more.
Dairy Queen
“Fan Food, Not Fast Food” can be found at 755 S. St. Louis Street, and for many people, it’s the place to go for comfort food.
From Dilly bars to bacon cheeseburgers, peanut butter parfaits and who can leave out, their creamy frozen Blizzards, Dairy Queen has a menu full of options for any appetite.
For me, it’s the $5 lunch that includes entree, fries, medium drink and mini sundae. What’s not to love? For many, it’s more than enough to get your tummy full.
Natalie’s
Natalie’s cafe is located at 3050 Harrison St. in the shopping center next to The Home Depot.
Offering daily lunch plate specials like meatloaf and corn casserole, sweet green beans and too many sides to name, Natalie’s offers a fresh cuisine and you’ll think you’ve stepped into the French Quarter district of New Orleans, making for a quick “getaway” right at home.
Be sure to visit https://tinyurl.com/y9bt2hmy to keep up on all their specials and operating hours.
Unique Nosh
Unique Nosh at 220 E. Main may serve frozen yogurt, but who says you have to finish your dinner before you can enjoy dessert?
At Unique Nosh, you can make a meal out of the eatery’s many frozen yogurt flavors and more than 40 toppings. Visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/UniqueNoshFroyo.
Be sure to also try their Italian ice, gelato, custard, gelati and macarons. There’s something “unique” for everyone,
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lacy, 34, spent most of her life in the hills of Lawrence County. Today, she lives in Cave City, the home of “World’s Sweetest Watermelons,” in what’s known as the Prince Matlock house. Its former owner helped create what’s known as the Cave Courts where the city’s cave lies above the Crystal River. He fashioned his home out of the same rocks and materials that are found among the cave’s property, and she feels blessed to now be its caretaker for many more years to come.