Like a lot of Arkansans, my wife and I headed to the shores of the Florida panhandle a few weeks ago for some fun at the beach. The road to paradise takes us down U.S. Highway 65 through the Arkansas Delta towns of Dumas, McGehee and Lake Village.
Not only is Lake Village (Chicot County) home to beautiful Lake Chicot and the state park on its shores, but the city is also home to one of the best soul food restaurants in the region — Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales and Pies. And nine times out of 10, we stop at Rhoda’s for some of her famous tamales to take on the road.
Located at 714 St. Mary’s Street in Lake Village, Rhoda’s doesn’t look like much on the outside, but once you step inside and smell the savory flavors coming from the back, you’ll understand why this place is no ordinary eatery.
About 60 years ago, Rhoda Adams started making and selling pies as a way to raise money for her church. Soon afterward, she began making her family’s secret recipe tamales and selling them out of her car along Highway 65. Her food became an instant hit, and people from the area began seeking out Rhoda and her delicious homemade pies and tamales.
Eventually family and friends persuaded Rhoda to open a standalone restaurant to serve her pies, tamales and other soul food fare such as fried catfish, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, pinto beans and cornbread.
Ms. Rhoda is usually at the restaurant greeting customers at a table in the front of the dining room. Today, her daughter does most of the cooking, but Ms. Rhoda still does a lot of the directing (and taste testing). Ms. Rhoda’s husband, James, and her son-in-law also help with the family business.
Both Ms. Rhoda and her daughter, Dorothy, are sweet ladies who will be glad to tell you all kinds of interesting stories while you wait on your food, which is cooked to order. And not only are they great cooks, but from my few interactions with them, they are great salespeople. It's tough to leave the restaurant without Ms. Rhoda or her daughter persuading you to try more items on their menu. And if you give in, I promise you won’t be disappointed. I’ve had many things on the menu and they have all been awesome.
As such, Rhoda’s has been featured in many newspapers, magazines and online blogs. In February 2017, Rhoda’s was inducted into the Division of Arkansas’ Heritage Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
A bit of warning for those who only carry credit or debit cards, Rhoda’s is a cash only business. It's open every day except Sunday. But before you set out on your soul food pilgrimage to Lake Village, check the hours, as they vary from day to day. You can do so by calling the restaurant at (870) 265-3108. You can dine or take-out at Rhoda’s. Just keep in mind that the dining room only has three tables, so chances are, you’ll be getting the food to go.
I can honestly say, having traveled all over the Natural State and eating at some of the finest establishments our state has to offer, Rhoda’s Hot and Tamales and Pies is not just an Arkansas treasure, but a national one as well. The tamales are the best I've tasted, and the cheeseburger and pecan pie I had on my last trip was absolutely wonderful!
As you may have noticed from reading my column on a regular basis, I find Lake Village and the Arkansas Delta to be a fascinating place. There’s a lot of scenic places, historical sites and stories and authentic restaurants with food you just can’t get at a chain restaurant. Trust me, if you are anywhere in the vicinity of Lake Village, do your tastebuds a favor and check out Ms. Rhoda’s.
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