Mike M.
Yelp
Five stars because there is no option for 10. Monte Ne Inn Chicken is nowhere near the beaten track. The location is well out of the way even for Northwest Arkansas. The building looks like it may have been there for 100 years (it is closer to 50). The restaurant itself feels old, the walls hold all sorts of farm equipment, the fixtures are warn and feel "old cheap". The kind cheap from the mid-1900's that lacked luxury but was built to last indefinitely. As for the food, I am partial to "in-your-face" flavors and am partial to Louisiana fried chicken.
And yet...I would hold Monte Ne Inn Chicken up against any Michelin star winner (no matter how many stars) or any other award winning restaurant. It is for this reason that Monte Ne Inn Chicken itself has a pile of awards that seems to continue to grow.
Despite being outside my flavor profile preference, I could taste the mastery of their culinary craft in every bite. I say again to highlight the point...mastery! With the chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and bread on the table, my family all picked their favorite dish. No two people picked the same dish and everyone agreed with each others take. Through and through, dish to dish, this meal was phenomenal. The chicken is no doubt the highlight though, cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection the secret recipe leaves you with the impression that this is how chicken was meant to be cooked.
The staff is stand up on your chair and applaud worthy. They are fast, focused, and yet still manage to be cordial and welcoming. It was impressive, from sitting to exiting every detail of our experience was guided by the Monte Ne Inn Chicken staff. Some would say it was clockwork, but it would not be mere clockwork here, it would be master chronometer certified.
Let's be honest, it's doubtful anyone would just happen upon Monte Ne Inn Chicken. Most likely, someone recommended it anyone walking through their door. Thus, I feel comfortable summarizing by saying, whoever recommended this place to you isn't lying. They're telling the truth. It is that good.
For me, I took my family there with some skepticism, I left with a core memory. 10 out of 5, can't wait until my next visit.