Arksansas Dairy-Free Dining Guide: Recommended Restaurants by City

Last Update in July 2023! The wonder state is a wild place that’s just waiting to be explored. Their abundant parks include mountains, caves, rivers and hot springs. After all, it’s home to the rugged Ozarks. But you’ll need some good food to fuel your adventures. That’s why we’ve created this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and ice cream shops in Arkansas that are friendly to dairy-free diners. It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!) that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.

We Update Continuously! You can ignore the original date on this post going forward. We update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure.

Dairy-Free Arkansas: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

Barbecue is big in Arkansas, so you won’t have too much trouble finding BBQ and smoked meats that are naturally dairy-free. It’s often served with a side of beans and watermelon. Arkansas is also the unofficial home of soybeans in the U.S., so don’t be surprised to see edamame on the menu.

But we’ve been on the hunt for a bigger taste of Arkansas without dairy. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city and then by the restaurant or shop name. For large chains with locations throughout the state, see the Major Restaurant & Grocery Chains section below. We have dedicated posts with dairy-free details for many of the big guys.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Benton

Pie Five – This build-your-own pizza chain offers dairy-free thin crust and gluten-free pizzas topped with dairy-free cheese alternatives and your selection of toppings. Use caution, as a few surprise items contain milk (like their regular and pan crusts, magic dust, sun-dried tomato puree, chicken sausage, and meatballs), but that still leaves a big selection for your custom pizza or salad.

Bentonville

Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
Crepes Paulette – They offer sweet and savory crepes, including a grilled cheese variety, and you can custom order additional dairy-free fillings. They also have some vegan soups and housemade granola.
Crisp & Green – You can enjoy their full menu of smoothies and acai bowls, and they offer a great allergen menu to help you custom order their savory bowls. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free guests, and even have some dairy-free grab ‘n go dessert treats.
Olly Makes Bakery – This is an organic, gluten-free bakery that likes to use copious amounts of butter, but they also bake a few vegan treats daily.
Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.
Sandi Sue’s Gluten Free Bakery – They’re located in the 8th street market, and offer dairy-free options for many of their baked goodies. That includes cinnamon rolls, pies, rolls, and more.
Snack Lab – They offer a healthy menu of grab and go meals, snacks, and grocery items with ample options for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and other special diet diners. Their food includes breakfast and lunch dishes, with a heavy focus on bowls, and a variety of hot and cold drinks and smoothies.
The Buttered Biscuit – Despite their dairy-rich name, this breakfast and lunch restaurant does their best to accommodate dairy-free diner requests. “We make sure any dairy allergy is noted and separate pans and utensils are used to prepare that meal. We do have some substitutes for select items like daiya cheese, almond and oat milk. We don’t use any filler for our eggs, so they are dairy free.” Their batch-made items, like biscuits and waffles, do contain dairy, so they aren’t able to offer those as options, but that still leaves some good homestyle choices. They have two locations in Bentonville.
The Pedaler’s Pub – They have a traditional menu, packed with pub fare, but also offer a vegan menu that includes pizzas, burgers, loaded fries, and more. Consequently, they can make many additional items off their main menu without dairy on request.

Bryant

David’s Burgers – Thank you to Traci for this recommendation! She has a daughter with a severe milk allergy, and says this is one of their go-to spots. “They are locally-owned, but have several locations in central Arkansas. While they do make cheeseburgers on the griddle, they have always been careful to scrape/wipe the area on which they prepare her burger. The fries are fresh-cut every day, and are the only thing in the fryer. Buns are also free of dairy, egg, sesame. It’s a favorite for sure!”

Cabot

David’s Burgers – Thank you to Traci for this recommendation! She has a daughter with a severe milk allergy, and says this is one of their go-to spots. “They are locally-owned, but have several locations in central Arkansas. While they do make cheeseburgers on the griddle, they have always been careful to scrape/wipe the area on which they prepare her burger. The fries are fresh-cut every day, and are the only thing in the fryer. Buns are also free of dairy, egg, sesame. It’s a favorite for sure!”

Conway

Arkansas Pineapple Whip ⭐️ – This is NOT Dole Whip. This local soft serve wagon has their own “whip” recipe, but don’t worry, it’s still dairy free. Beyond pineapple, their flavors rotate, with options like banana berry, mango, and cherry limeade. And yes, they swirl! They are open seasonally, but are only closed for a few months each year.
Blue Barn Bakery – This is a keto bakery with dairy-free options. They bake gluten-free and sugar-free, but do use almond flour as their base.
Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
David’s Burgers – Thank you to Traci for this recommendation! She has a daughter with a severe milk allergy, and says this is one of their go-to spots. “They are locally-owned, but have several locations in central Arkansas. While they do make cheeseburgers on the griddle, they have always been careful to scrape/wipe the area on which they prepare her burger. The fries are fresh-cut every day, and are the only thing in the fryer. Buns are also free of dairy, egg, sesame. It’s a favorite for sure!”

Fayetteville

Bliss Cupcake Cafe – This Arkansas bakery has a few locations, each offering a daily vegan cupcake variety. They also take orders – you can choose between vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream.
Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
Mamaka Bowls ⭐️ – If you’re concerned about shared pitchers, then head to this dairy-free smoothie and coffee shop. The blend and top and big assortment of smoothie bowls, smoothies, and coffee drinks, but have no dairy and no added sugar on the menu.
Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese – This might not be the “safest” place if you have cross-contamination concerns – cheese is in their name! But they offer vegan cheese, sourdough bread, and can even grill your sandwich in hemp oil. They also have a big range of veggies, from grilled zucchini to poblano peppers to artichokes, to complement your dairy-free grilled cheese. Sides include edamame hummus dip and salads that can be made dairy free.
Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
Natural State Smoothies – They offer an array of dairy-free smoothies and acai bowls, but also have a savory menu of bowls and salads with dairy-free options.
Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe ⭐️ – They are very friendly toward special diet guests. They offer vegan lentil chili, and all of their sandwiches and salads can be ordered dairy-free with the exclusion of cheese, ranch-based sauces, and Caesar dressing (other dressings are available). They even offer a whole selection of vegan vinaigrettes.
Smokin’ Oak – This wood-fired pizzeria and taproom chain offers vegan cheese and an eclectic selection of toppings.
Snack Lab – They offer a healthy menu of grab and go meals, snacks, and grocery items with ample options for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and other special diet diners. Their food includes breakfast and lunch dishes, with a heavy focus on bowls, and a variety of hot and cold drinks and smoothies. This is their second location.
The Farmer’s Table Cafe ⭐️ – Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan items are boldly labeled right on the menu at this homey establishment. They serve seasonal, locally-sourced breakfast & lunch dishes, with everything from pancakes and French toast to tacos, burritos, and build-your-own “cheese” burgers for dairy-free diners.
Yum Yo’s – They offer dairy-free Dole Whip, Italian ice, slushes, and can blend dairy-free fruit smoothies for you. They also have a topping wall with various dairy-free options.

Fort Smith

Bliss Cupcake Cafe – This Arkansas bakery has a few locations, each offering a daily vegan cupcake variety. They also take orders – you can choose between vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream.
CherryBerry Frozen Yogurt Bar – The flavors rotate at this Midwestern chain, but at any given time, you can usually find at least a few dairy-free flavors. They offer creamy vegan Silk almondmilk frozen yogurt in Chocolate and Vanilla. And they swirl numerous dairy-free sorbets, including Chocolate Fudge and a variety of fruity flavors. The staff has ingredient information, and can open new topping bags if cross-contamination is a concern.

Greenbrier

Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.

Harrison

Nature’s Wonders – This is a great local natural food store that offers a good selection of dairy alternatives.

Hot Springs

David’s Burgers – Thank you to Traci for this recommendation! She has a daughter with a severe milk allergy, and says this is one of their go-to spots. “They are locally-owned, but have several locations in central Arkansas. While they do make cheeseburgers on the griddle, they have always been careful to scrape/wipe the area on which they prepare her burger. The fries are fresh-cut every day, and are the only thing in the fryer. Buns are also free of dairy, egg, sesame. It’s a favorite for sure!”

Jonesboro

Bliss Cupcake Cafe – This Arkansas bakery has a few locations, each offering a daily vegan cupcake variety. They also take orders – you can choose between vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream.
Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
Uncle Maddio’s – This build-your-own pizza or salad chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative and has two crust options to choose from (including gluten-free). They also offer a plethora of toppings and a good handful of dairy-free sauce and dressing options.

Little Rock

Big Orange – This local burger chain is friendly toward special diet requests. They offer four types of patties (including a vegan one), have vegan whole wheat buns and dairy-free, gluten-free buns (from Dempsey Bakery), and they blend vegan shakes with soy ice cream and top them with coconut whip! Their menu includes additional dairy-free options, too.
Blue Sage Vegan Bistro ⭐️ – As the name implies this is a 100% dairy-free and vegan establishment. They serve a short menu of comfort food, including burgers, grilled “cheese,” and fries.
Boulevard Bread Company – Most of their daily breads are dairy-free and vegan, and they make a good selection of sandwiches and salads.
Cinnaholic ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan bakery that focuses on cinnamon rolls, with choose your own icing and decadent toppings.
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ – Thank you to Elisha for this recommendation. “Our server was very nice. I told him that I was allergic to Dairy and he made sure the stuff I was getting didn’t have any of it. And he even brought out some bread that I could eat. They had to make it fresh which made it even better.”
David’s Burgers – Thank you to Traci for this recommendation! She has a daughter with a severe milk allergy, and says this is one of their go-to spots. “They are locally-owned, but have several locations in central Arkansas. While they do make cheeseburgers on the griddle, they have always been careful to scrape/wipe the area on which they prepare her burger. The fries are fresh-cut every day, and are the only thing in the fryer. Buns are also free of dairy, egg, sesame. It’s a favorite for sure!”
Dempsey Bakery – Several readers have written in to profess their love for this gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free bakery. They are not completely dairy-free, but they bake many items without milk. This includes cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, breads, and more. They also have a good selection of egg-free and vegan items. And yes, they do bake custom cakes, including wedding cakes.
Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee – Thanks to Olivia for recommending this local coffeehouse. This shop offers oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for your coffee drinks. Their lattes, mochas, hot chocolate, and smoothies can all be made dairy-free, but skip the chai (it’s made with milk powder). They use Pink House Alchemy for house syrups but also have Torani syrups and sauces. For food, they have vegan and gluten-free muffins, and offer toasts with a variety of vegan toppings, including dairy-free cream cheese! Their staff is helpful with customizing, too.
Izzy’s – This health-oriented diner offers a vegan menu with an impressive selection of salads, tamales, and other entrees. They can also make several more omnivorous dishes without dairy.
Jess’s Chicken – This quick serve was created by the owners of David’s Burgers, a local restaurant chain. It was also recommended to us by Traci, a reader whose daughter has a severe milk allergy. “The fried nuggets and chicken breast are dairy and egg free! The fries are the same as David’s. They do also have chicken salad there and some sauces that contain dairy, but we are able to all eat safely, and it’s delicious!”
Jimmy’s Serious Sandwiches – Their innovative sandwich and salad menu includes both dairy-free and vegan options.
Loblolly Creamery ⭐️ – This ice cream shop was recommended by reader Cynthia. It’s located in a unique stretch of town, and the staff churns out delicious artisan ice cream with many vegan options. They also offer gluten-free, vegan waffle cones, vegan shakes, and several dairy-free toppings, which are labeled right on the menu. In fact, they note top allergens next to each ice cream flavor.
Local Lime – An Instagram follower recommended this Mexican spot. They offer a couple vegan salad bowls on the menu, and have a few additional tacos and plates that can be easily ordered dairy-free.
Meme’s Twisted Potato ⭐️ – This all-vegan burger joint has a short but comforting menu. It includes sandwiches, cauli-wings, salads, juices, and of course, their famous twisted potatoes on a stick.
Pie Five – This build-your-own pizza chain offers dairy-free thin crust and gluten-free pizzas topped with dairy-free cheese alternatives and your selection of toppings. Use caution, as a few surprise items contain milk (like their regular and pan crusts, magic dust, sun-dried tomato puree, chicken sausage, and meatballs), but that still leaves a big selection for your custom pizza or salad.
Raduno | Brick Oven & Barroom – They offer dairy-free cheese for their pizzas and even have a vegan pizza on the menu, complete with dairy-free mozza and parmesan.
Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
The Root Cafe – Burgers, brats, sandwiches, and salads are all housemade with locally-sourced ingredients at this farm fresh restaurant. They offer ample vegan options, source Dempsey gluten-free buns as an option, and cater to dairy-free diners with even more options on request. They also offer farm fresh groceries for pick up or delivery.

Lowell

Eat to Evolve – They offer meal plans and meal delivery, but also have some brick and mortar locations where you can pick up. Everything they make is gluten-free, and they focus on paleo and primal diets. Most of their meals are dairy-free, but not all. You can pick a dairy-free meal plan or order by the entrée.

Maumelle

David’s Burgers – Thank you to Traci for this recommendation! She has a daughter with a severe milk allergy, and says this is one of their go-to spots. “They are locally-owned, but have several locations in central Arkansas. While they do make cheeseburgers on the griddle, they have always been careful to scrape/wipe the area on which they prepare her burger. The fries are fresh-cut every day, and are the only thing in the fryer. Buns are also free of dairy, egg, sesame. It’s a favorite for sure!”

Rogers

Artisan Wood Fired Kitchen – They have vegan cheese that they make in house with “nutritional yeast, cashews and a few other ingredients.” They also have vegan sausage for plant-based pizzas, and most pizzas can be ordered dairy free.
Big Orange – This local burger chain is friendly toward special diet requests. They offer four types of patties (including a vegan one), have vegan whole wheat buns and dairy-free, gluten-free buns (from Dempsey Bakery), and they blend vegan shakes with soy ice cream and top them with coconut whip! Their menu includes additional dairy-free options, too.
Bliss Cupcake Cafe – This Arkansas bakery has a few locations, each offering a daily vegan cupcake variety. They also take orders – you can choose between vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream.
Half Baked Cookie Co. – They offer dairy-free, gluten-free keto cookies and deliver both locally and nationally.
Local Lime – An Instagram follower recommended this Mexican spot. They offer a couple vegan salad bowls on the menu, and have a few additional tacos and plates that can be easily ordered dairy-free.
MidiCi Pizza – Their signature Neapolitan dough is light, thin, soft, and chewy, with a high crust, and it’s dairy-free. It’s made purely with a special Neapolitan flour, water, sea salt, and yeast. They also offer dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan sausage, and have several custom order salad options.
Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe ⭐️ – They are very friendly toward special diet guests. They offer vegan lentil chili, and all of their sandwiches and salads can be ordered dairy-free with the exclusion of cheese, ranch-based sauces, and Caesar dressing (other dressings are available). They even offer a whole selection of vegan vinaigrettes.
Yum Yo’s – They offer dairy-free Dole Whip, Italian ice, slushes, and can blend dairy-free fruit smoothies for you. They also have a topping wall with various dairy-free options.

Sherwood

Arkansas Pineapple Whip ⭐️ – This is NOT Dole Whip. This local soft serve wagon has their own “whip” recipe, but don’t worry, it’s still dairy free. Beyond pineapple, their flavors rotate, with options like banana berry, mango, and cherry limeade. And yes, they swirl! They are open seasonally, but are only closed for a few months each year.

Springdale

Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
The Buttered Biscuit – Despite their dairy-rich name, this breakfast and lunch restaurant does their best to accommodate dairy-free diner requests. “We make sure any dairy allergy is noted and separate pans and utensils are used to prepare that meal. We do have some substitutes for select items like daiya cheese, almond and oat milk. We don’t use any filler for our eggs, so they are dairy free.” Their batch-made items, like biscuits and waffles, do contain dairy, so they aren’t able to offer those as options, but that still leaves some good homestyle choices. They have two locations in Bentonville.

Photo from Dempsey Bakery in Little Rock, Arkansas

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout Arkansas

Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.

Blaze Pizza – See our Blaze Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Chipotle Mexican Grill – See our Chipotle Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt – See our Menchie’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Moe’s Southwest Grill – See our Moe’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Pieology Pizzeria – See our Pieology Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Purple Cow – Their diner-style menu isn’t littered with dairy-free options, but they do offer soy ice cream and soy milkshakes. They also have vegan burgers, and can grill up a range of dairy-free burgers and sandwiches on request.
Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in Arkansas

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in Arkansas. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!

We haven’t learned of any yet, but will add them as we find them!

Photo from Snack Lab in Fayetteville, Arkansas

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

Arkansas: Beyond Barbecue for Dairy-Free Restaurant Customers