Eleven wing flavors, fried catfish, and Southern comfort food have helped Forte’s Wingz & Catfish build a loyal following in Beebe, Arkansas. The restaurant operates out of a simple strip mall storefront, but its menu gives customers plenty of reasons to stop.
The wings range from lemon pepper and garlic parmesan to XXX hot, while the catfish baskets come with Southern favorites like hush puppies. Corn nuggets, fried pickles, and combo meals add even more options.
Forte’s originally operated in nearby Searcy before moving to Beebe, bringing some of its longtime customers along. Food is cooked to order, and calling ahead can save time when the kitchen gets busy.
For first-time visitors, the biggest question might be whether to order wings or catfish. Fortunately, the menu has a way to try both.
A Strip Mall Door With a Big Reputation
Some of the best meals hide in the plainest places, and that was true for me in Beebe. Forte’s Wingz & Catfish sits at 1715 W Dewitt Henry Drive, Suite D, Beebe, Arkansas 72012, in the United States.
The suite letter matters, so keep an eye out for it. The restaurant shares a shopping strip with other businesses, and it is easy to drive right past if you are not paying attention.
Beebe is a friendly town in White County, northeast of Little Rock. Dewitt Henry Drive is one of the main roads through town, so getting there is simple.
Parking is easy, and I never had to circle the lot. If you plan to call ahead, the number is (501) 232-9522.
Once I found the door, I knew I was in the right spot. The smell of frying chicken drifted out to greet me before I even touched the handle.
That smell was a promise, and the wing menu waiting inside turned out to be longer than I expected.
Eleven Ways to Get Saucy
Choosing a wing flavor here felt like a pop quiz I was happy to take. The menu lists honey BBQ, lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, country fried, mild, hot, extra hot, XXX hot, spicy BBQ, teriyaki, and sweet and tangy.
I went with lemon pepper on my first visit. The wings came out crisp, well seasoned, and cooked just right.
On my next trip, I tried teriyaki and sweet and tangy side by side. Both had a glossy, sticky coat that clung to every bite without drowning the chicken.
The traditional bone-in wings are the real stars. They are fried correctly and sauced with a steady hand, not a heavy one.
Boneless wings are also popular if you prefer less mess. They make a great pick for kids or for eating in the car.
My advice is simple. Order two flavors so you can compare, and save the XXX hot for when you are feeling brave.
Speaking of brave, the next stop is a claim from someone who really knows wings.
The Buffalo Test From a New York Native
Buffalo wings were born in New York, so a New Yorker’s opinion carries some weight. Folks from up north who now live in Beebe say these traditional wings pass the test.
I ordered the hot wings with a side of bleu cheese to see for myself. The sauce had a tangy kick that built slowly instead of hitting all at once.
The skin stayed crispy under the sauce. That is harder to pull off than it sounds.
The bleu cheese was thick and creamy, and it cooled things down nicely. Ranch is available too, and the staff made sure I had plenty.
Plenty of regulars compare these wings to the big national chains. Many say Forte’s comes out on top for taste and size.
I will not start a wing war here. I will just say my plate was empty in record time.
Wings are only half the name on the sign, though. The other half has deep Arkansas roots.
Catfish With Hometown Roots
Arkansas helped launch the commercial catfish industry, so ordering catfish here felt like a small history lesson on a plate.
My fillets came out golden with a crisp, light batter. The fish inside was flaky and mild, with no greasy aftertaste.
Southern catfish is usually coated in a cornmeal and flour mix and fried until brown. That is exactly the style I tasted here.
Hush puppies sit right beside the fish, and they are not an afterthought. They are crunchy outside, soft inside, and gone too fast.
I also learned that freshness matters with catfish. On busy days and earlier hours, the fish tends to be at its best.
One regular ordered a catfish meal as a birthday treat for a family member. I understand why, because a good fish plate feels like a celebration.
If you cannot pick between wings and fish, there is good news. The combo baskets let you have both, and I will explain more soon.
Sides That Steal the Spotlight
Honestly, I came for the wings and left talking about the corn nuggets. These little golden bites are sweet, crunchy, and very hard to share.
The appetizer list is fun to explore. You will find fried pickle chips, jalapeño poppers, cheddar poppers, onion rings, and French fries.
The fries are crinkle cut and well seasoned. That shape holds sauce better, which is a small but happy detail.
Fried pickle chips gave me a salty, tangy break between wings. The jalapeño poppers had a mild heat that would not scare most people.
Coleslaw is another favorite with regulars. It adds a cool crunch next to all the fried food.
One tip I picked up is to try the small catch with onion rings. It is a lighter fish meal with rings that come out crisp and golden.
Portion sizes on sides can vary a bit by visit. If you are hungry, adding an extra side is a smart move.
Comfort Food Made to Order
Patience pays off at this counter. Food is cooked to order, so it takes a few extra minutes, but it reaches you hot.
My chicken tenders came out steaming. They were juicy inside with a crunchy crust that cracked when I bit in.
The whole menu leans into hearty Southern comfort. It is the kind of food that fills you up after a long day at work.
A plate of tenders, fries, and sweet tea felt like a warm hug. Nothing about it was fussy, and that was the point.
Many folks working in the area stop in for lunch. They leave full and ready to finish the day.
Here is my practical tip. Call in your order ahead of time if you are in a rush, because to-go orders are often ready in about fifteen minutes.
Hot food is great, but the people serving it might be the best part. You will meet them next.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
A simple thank you goes a long way. When I headed for the door, the staff thanked me for coming in, and it made my day.
This is a family-owned business with a small-town feel. You will not find fancy tables or decorated walls, and nobody seems to mind.
The staff are known for being kind and quick. They were ready to help me choose a flavor when I could not decide.
The dining room is clean and simple. Many people prefer carryout, and the to-go trays are packed neatly.
I also loved the ice in my drink. It sounds silly, but good restaurant ice is a real treat.
Military discounts have been offered here, which is a nice touch. Ask at the counter in case it is still available.
Friendly service makes you want to return. But the story of how this place came to Beebe is worth knowing too.
From Searcy to Beebe
Long before I found it, this kitchen had already won fans in a nearby town. Forte’s once operated in Searcy, Arkansas, before settling in Beebe.
Searcy sits just up the road, also in White County. Some loyal customers followed the food from one town to the next.
That kind of loyalty says a lot. People do not drive extra miles for wings they could easily forget.
Even years ago, the restaurant drew crowds with deals like low-priced boneless wings. Those early customers often became regulars.
The owners have also replied to happy customers with friendly thank you notes. It shows they care about the folks who walk through the door.
Beebe locals have said their town needed more good places to eat. This spot helped fill that gap.
Knowing the history made my meal feel more personal. Next, I will share the money side, because value matters to every hungry wallet.
Combo Baskets and Fair Prices
My favorite order solved a tough problem. The catfish and wings combo let me enjoy both stars of the menu in one basket.
Combo plates come with your choice of sides. I picked fries and coleslaw for a nice mix of crunchy and cool.
Many regulars call the prices very affordable. Compared to big chain restaurants, you often get better wings for your money.
Portion sizes have been mixed for some diners. One visit can feel generous, while another feels small.
My tip is to look over your basket before you leave. If something seems off, kindly ask at the counter right away.
Calling ahead can also help, but read the combo options carefully. Being clear about your sides makes ordering easier for everyone.
Free dipping sauce cups have come with some to-go orders. That little extra made my carryout even better.
Good value is great, but timing can make or break your visit. That is my final secret.
The Timing Trick Regulars Swear By
Here is the mistake I promised to reveal. Showing up right before closing can lead to a less tasty meal.
Forte’s is open from 11 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It is closed on Tuesday and Sunday.
Regulars say the late rush can bring mixed results. Food may be recooked or rushed in the final half hour.
Lunch and early dinner are the sweet spots. That is when I had my crispiest wings and freshest catfish.
Arriving before the dinner rush also gives you more time to explore the sauce options without feeling hurried. A little planning can make the difference between a rushed stop and a relaxed, satisfying meal.
Plan around the odd schedule, especially that Tuesday closure. I almost made that mistake myself.
Wait times can also stretch when the kitchen gets busy. A quick call ahead saves you from standing around hungry.
After several visits, my verdict is clear. Saucy wings, golden catfish, and warm Southern service make this Beebe stop worth the trip.
Come early, bring an appetite, and try a new flavor each time. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will the staff.
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