Brian Leach

Doe’s is pricey so we only go there for special occasions. The steaks are absolutely wonderful. My only wish for Doe’s is that they put a little more effort into the side dishes and the presentation – but I suppose that is part of their casual dining brand.

The steaks at Doe’s are like no other. They are huge and perfectly cooked every time. When I go out to eat I like to get something that I couldn’t have at home. My wife is a gourmet chef so meeting my criteria for a restaurant can be tough. Doe’s meets it because their steaks cannot be had anywhere else. It’s certainly worth it. Considering how big they are (2 lbs. and up) the per-pound price is on par with other steak eateries.

The building is great too – a brewery over 150 years old that is on the National Registry of Historic Places. My wife informs me that heels shouldn’t be worn – the stone floors have some tricky crevices and the stairs to the bar are a bit treacherous. But the bar is worth the trip too! The bartenders are the most knowledgeable I’ve seen in Fort Smith. Plenty of premium beers to choose from too.

Clearly, Doe’s is the place to beat in Fort Smith. Easily the best restaurant…

This restaurant has REALLY gone downhill over the last few years. Its either that or my expectations have drastically increased.

The wonderful old house where this eatery is located has fallen into disrepair. The floors are creaky, so creaky in fact that whenever a waiter walks by it feels as if an earthquake has just passed – and, no, I’m not exaggerating.

There are still some very nice pieces of furniture in the place – particularly and old buffet that my wife and I particularly love.

As for the food…its really not better that what you can get at Olive Garden. Of course the food costs more than Olive Garden… Now the Italian chain is one of my favorites but Bella Italia had a reputation as Fort Smith’s `best` – on par with its worthy competitor Taliano’s. After eating there I understand why I was able to get a reservation the day before Valentine’s Day when I couldn’t at Taliano’s – its because the restaurant is not what it once was.

I’ve read that this is the home of the longest toboggan run in the world and it takes 30-50 minutes to complete it! Sounds like a blast. The scenery seems to be remarkable and pristine. I’m putting this place on my “must visit” list when I finally get to Europe.