Arkansas

ARKANSAS’ BEST BURGER: Watermelons aren’t Cave City’s only claim to fame | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

1 year ago

November 14, 2024

ARKANSAS’ BEST BURGER: Watermelons aren’t Cave City’s only claim to fame | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

CAVE CITY — Mention Cave City and many Arkansans immediately think of the immensely popular watermelons grown here. But those big green-striped watermelons with the authentic Cave City watermelon seal are not the only claim to fame for this northeast Arkansas town.

Located in a historic rock building in downtown Cave City, Bailey’s Family Restaurant is drawing locals and visitors to try its home-style cooking, including its most famous offering — The Caveman Burger, which was recently named Arkansas’ Best Burger by the Arkansas Beef Council.

To check out this monster burger — the single has a 2-pound patty with a 9-inch bun — my sister and I headed to Cave City on a recent Saturday, arriving near the lunch peak. Most of the restaurant’s 20 or so tables were occupied with folks enjoying a variety of dishes from the extensive menu, including the daily specials, which included a brisket plate ($13.99), an open-faced roast beef plate ($11.99), a half-rack rib plate ($16.99) and vegetable beef soup ($6.99). Although the specials sounded very good, especially after having only yogurt for breakfast before our two-hour drive from Little Rock, I was there on a mission — to check out the state’s best burger.

When the waitress arrived to take our order, she smiled as she issued a warning about the Caveman’s unusual size. Unfazed, I told her I would take what I didn’t finish home in a box. My sister, a fried catfish aficionado, ordered a fried catfish dinner with plans to also sample my burger. For drinks, we each ordered sweet tea.

As we waited for our order, a waitress brought food to the customers at the table next to us.

Papa Bills two-piece fried catfish dinner comes with fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw, tartar sauch, onion, pickled tomatoes and pinto beans. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Sheila Yount)

“Oh my God,” one person said as a Caveman Burger order was delivered to their table, complete with a large steak knife planted in the middle of the sesame-seed bun. It is hard to imagine just how big they are until your order arrives.

I ordered mine with a single patty and American cheese ($24.99). You can also add bacon, and if you are really ravenous and/or brave, there is the double patty version ($31.99). I added an order of fries. My sister got the Papa Bill’s two-piece catfish dinner ($12.99), which came with fries, hush puppies, pinto beans, coleslaw, onions, pickled tomatoes and tartar sauce.

I asked for all the fixings and the waitress suggested I get them on the side so that the burger wouldn’t get too “mushy,” especially if there were leftovers for the trip home. My order was delivered on a platter with the giant burger on one side and a plate with mustard, mayonnaise, onions, dill pickles lettuce and tomato on the other. The handmade patty, made daily from fresh, not frozen, ground beef, was covered with what appeared to be at least four, maybe five, melted cheese slices.

I used the knife to cut the burger in half, and then cut each half into thirds. Each third was about the size of a regular burger. I could have easily cut the thirds into slider-size and fed three or more people.

Does anyone finish the Caveman in one sitting, I asked? Yes, there have been a few, including two young girls, ages 8 and 9, who managed, much to the restaurant staff’s amazement, to polish one off at the restaurant.

My burger was truly grilled to perfection — well done throughout but not overcooked. The combination of the moist burger, toasted bun and fresh fixings created the perfect traditional cheeseburger. While I am not opposed to trying burgers with exotic seasonings and toppings, just give me an old-fashioned burger like the Caveman, and I will be completely satisfied.

What about the catfish? My sister gave it a thumbs up, noting that it was among the best she has had. She especially enjoyed the side of pinto beans, which reminded both of us of those made by our mother. I sampled the fish, which was straight out of the fryer. The traditional cornmeal-based breading was just right — not too thick or too thin — while the fish was moist and flaky.

Shelly Bailey (left), Andi Bailey (center) and McKee Bailey proudly hold their Arkansas Best Burger poster. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Sheila Yount)

BEST BURGER CONTEST

Although the Caveman and the restaurant’s other dishes have been a hit for a while now, their popularity has gotten a big boost since the Arkansas Beef Council, which promotes research and market development for the beef industry, named the Caveman burger the state’s best burger last month.

It was the first year for the contest, which got more than 2,400 nominations for more than 410 different burgers, according to a news release from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Ten finalists were named.

“The Caveman burger received the highest score among the finalists from an anonymous panel of judges with evaluations based on the taste of the burger patty, appearance and presentation, proper cooking, and overall impression,” the news release said.

The Caveman burger is made with two pounds of ground beef and a nine-inch bun. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Sheila Yount)

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bailey’s Family Restaurant is owned by Andi Bailey and operated by her sister McKee and her parents, Scott and Shelly, who “work together alongside a staff that feels like part of the family,” according to the news release.

In addition to catfish and burgers, Bailey’s offers:

Granny Marlene’s Baskets of hand-battered chicken tenders, chicken fritters and butterfly shrimp served with fries, slaw and roll. ($9.99 to $11.99)

Papa Frank’s Burgers and Sandwiches, including regular-size burgers ($7.99 to $13.99), a patty melt ($9.99), grilled chicken sandwich ($8.99), fried bologna sandwich ($6.99) and several more.

Appetizers such as battered mushrooms ($5.99), cheese curds ($5.99), fried pickles ($5.99), chips and queso ($5.99) and chips and salsa ($3.99)

Bailey’s also offers daily lunch specials such as those mentioned above, and a list of desserts far too long to name here, including the restaurant’s bestseller, strawberry delight, and in season, the city’s famous watermelon. We bought a piece of triple-chocolate cheesecake and an order of strawberry delight, which was made with vanilla cake, whipped cream and strawberries, to go. After returning home, we enjoyed those desserts, as well as our leftovers, and agreed that our trip to Cave City and Bailey’s was certainly worth the drive.

Bailey’s Family Restaurant in Cave City. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Sheila Yount)

The Caveman burger can easily feed more than one person. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Sheila Yount)

The triple chocolate cheesecake is a chocolate-lover’s delight. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Sheila Yount)

Bailey’s Family Restaurant

Where: 207 S. Main St.
Cave City
(870) 916-2195
facebook.com/baileyscountrycookin/
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Arkansas

Arkansas Court of Appeals | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

11 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas Court of Appeals | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

The Arkansas Court of Appeals released opinions Wednesday. The court’s ruling and the names of the cases are reprinted here. The full opinions and other court proceedings, including per curiam decisions, orders and submissions, can be found on the internet at arcourts.gov.

PROCEEDINGS OF Jan. 7, 2026

CHIEF JUDGE N. MARK KLAPPENBACH

CR-23-821. Kenneth Steward v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Gladwin and Brown, JJ., agree.

JUDGE ROBERT J. GLADWIN

CR-25-24. Bryce Anderson v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Virden and Harrison, JJ., agree.

JUDGE CASEY R. TUCKER

CV-24-537. Flywheel Energy Production, LLC v. Van Buren County, Arkansas; and Van Buren County Judge Dale James, in His Official Capacity as Van Buren County Judge, from Van Buren County Circuit Court. Reversed and dismissed. Abramson and Harrison, JJ., agree.

JUDGE WENDY SCHOLTENS WOOD

CV-24-209. LRS South, LLC v. Benton County Solid Waste Management District and the Benton County Solid Waste Management District Board, from Benton County Circuit Court. Reversed and remanded. Hixson and Murphy, JJ., agree.

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Arkansas

Arkansas adds transfer DB, signs Texas lineman for 2026 class

Published

24 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas adds transfer DB, signs Texas lineman for 2026 class

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its offseason roster work by adding a transfer defensive back and securing a future offensive line piece from Texas, addressing both immediate depth and long-term development.

The Razorbacks announced the signing of Georgia State defensive back Tyler Scott, a transfer with multiple years of eligibility remaining, while also landing Carey Clayton, an offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll High School, as part of the 2026 recruiting class.

Scott joins the Hogs after spending the 2025 season at Georgia State, where he appeared in two games and recorded four tackles. He arrives in Fayetteville with three years of eligibility remaining, giving Arkansas flexibility in how he’s developed and used in the secondary.

Before his time at Georgia State, Scott spent two seasons at Auburn. One of those seasons was cut short due to an ACL injury, limiting his opportunity to contribute on the field.

The Razorbacks now provide him with a chance to reset and compete in a defensive back room that continues to evolve.

At 6 feet tall, Scott adds experience to a secondary that has seen significant turnover through the transfer portal. His addition gives the Hogs another option at defensive back as the staff works through spring and fall evaluations.

Clayton strengthens 2026 offensive line class

Arkansas also added a future piece up front with the commitment of Carey Clayton, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll, one of Texas’ most consistent high school programs.

Clayton helped Southlake Carroll complete an undefeated regular season last fall and reach the state semifinals. He enters college football as a consensus three-star prospect, ranked among the top offensive line recruits in Texas.

In addition to Arkansas, Clayton held offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, UAB and UTEP. He ultimately chose the Razorbacks, becoming the 16th commitment in the Hogs’ 2026 recruiting class.

Clayton is ranked around No. 251 nationally and No. 141 in Texas. While not among the highest-rated prospects in the class, his high school experience and physical development make him a long-term project for Arkansas’ offensive line.

Hogs continue roster building

The additions of Scott and Clayton reflect the Hogs’ continued focus on roster balance. Scott becomes the 23rd transfer portal addition this offseason, reinforcing a secondary that has emphasized competition and depth.

Clayton’s commitment adds to a growing 2026 class that prioritizes size and developmental upside, particularly along the offensive line.

Arkansas has steadily worked to build future depth in the trenches while supplementing current needs through the portal.

While neither move is designed to generate immediate headlines, both fit into a broader plan aimed at improving roster stability.

Scott offers experience and flexibility in the defensive backfield, while Clayton provides a long-term option at a position that often requires patience.

As the Razorbacks move through the offseason, these additions help establish depth at key positions and give the coaching staff more options heading into the coming seasons.

Key takeaways

Arkansas added Georgia State transfer defensive back Tyler Scott, who brings experience and remaining eligibility to the secondary.
The Razorbacks signed 2026 Texas offensive lineman Carey Clayton, adding size and long-term depth up front.
The Hogs continue balancing immediate roster needs with long-term development through recruiting and the portal.

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Arkansas

Questions for Hester on prison, kowtowing to Sarah | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Questions for Hester on prison, kowtowing to Sarah | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

John Brummett

jbrummett@arkansasonline.com

John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.

He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.

In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.

He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.

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