An Arkansas restaurant shaped like a riverboat sits high on a riverbank, and it was never built to float. Inside, an all-you-can-eat buffet serves fried catfish, hushpuppies, crawfish, and peel-and-eat shrimp.
That setup sounds like a tall tale told at a family cookout, yet it’s completely real. Big windows look out over calm water and an arch bridge, so dinner comes with a view.
The doors open only a few days each week, which makes timing part of the plan. The place also pushed through a rough stretch that nearly closed it for good, and that comeback earns my respect.
Dessert brings a cheesecake treat called the Xango, wrapped up and fried like it skipped the rulebook. This boat isn’t going anywhere, but my diet plans just jumped overboard.
A Riverboat That Never Needed To Float
Plenty of restaurants borrow a theme, but Dondie’s White River Princess built an entire boat out of one. The building is shaped like a classic riverboat and perches on the bank of the White River.
Here’s the fun twist for trivia fans. It was never designed to float and has never been seaworthy, so nobody needs a life jacket.
From day one, the plan was a stationary restaurant with riverboat style. That choice gives it the charm of a paddle-wheeler without any of the seasickness. Honestly, that sounds like the best kind of cruise.
The building sits elevated above the water, which helps the whole thing feel like it’s docked for supper. Kids tend to spot the boat shape right away, and grown-ups aren’t far behind.
Arkansas has plenty of catfish joints, but very few look like they steamed in from another century. That shape alone makes it easy to find and hard to forget. It also turns a regular family dinner into a little adventure.
Snap a photo outside before heading in. Trust me, the boat deserves its close-up, and your camera roll will thank you later.
The Catfish Buffet Is The Main Event Here
Fried catfish leads the parade, and the supporting cast is huge. The all-you-can-eat buffet is what put this riverboat on the map.
Next to the catfish, you’ll typically find hushpuppies, chicken strips, crawfish, and peel-and-eat shrimp. Fried shrimp, onion rings, and corn nuggets usually join the lineup too.
Then come apple fritters, which feel like dessert sneaking onto the dinner side. A salad bar rounds things out for anyone wanting something crisp and green.
Rotating items can show up as well, including smoked ribs and fresh salads. That means two visits might not look exactly alike. Call it a delicious surprise system.
Pacing yourself is the real skill here. Start with a small plate, then circle back for the items that win your heart. Fried food is filling, and the buffet doesn’t rush you.
Picky eaters in the group usually have an easy time, too. Chicken strips and corn nuggets cover the kids, while seafood fans chase shrimp and crawfish. Everybody ends up fed, and nobody needs to argue over the menu.
That’s a rare win for any family outing.
Frog Legs And Gator Wait On The Other Menu
Not a buffet person? No problem, because an à la carte menu gives you a whole second way to eat.
Seafood fans can pick grilled shrimp, breaded oysters, or fried calamari. Feeling bold? Fried gator and frog legs are both on the list.
Those two dishes alone make for great dinner-table bragging rights. Plenty of folks have never tried either one. A riverboat on an Arkansas river feels like the right place to start.
Prefer something milder? A grilled catfish dinner offers the house favorite without the fryer. It’s a smart pick for anyone wanting lighter flavors.
Riverbend Chicken also shows up for folks who’d rather skip seafood entirely. A grilled chicken salad works nicely for a lighter evening, too.
History adds a fun layer here. Mike Scarter took over in the early 1990s and expanded the menu beyond the buffet. He added steaks, specialty seafood, appetizers, and pasta while keeping the catfish spread in place.
That move gave everyone at the table options. Your adventurous cousin gets gator, and your cautious aunt gets chicken. Peace is restored.
Grab A Window Seat For That River View
Big windows steal the show inside, and they earn every bit of that attention. Dining areas frame the calm White River and the arch bridge linking the east and west banks.
The dining room spans two floors, so there’s more than one angle to enjoy. Upstairs seats sit higher, which naturally gives a wider look across the water.
Asking for a window table is a smart move when you call ahead. It costs nothing to ask, and the scenery adds a lot to a simple plate of catfish.
The mood inside leans warm, cozy, and casual. Think down-to-earth charm instead of fancy tablecloths and stiff manners. Jeans fit right in.
Watching a river while eating river fish just feels right. It’s the kind of pairing that makes dinner slow down a bit. Phones may even stay in pockets for a minute.
Sunset timing could make things extra pretty, depending on the season. Weekend evening hours line up nicely with that golden glow in summer. Plan accordingly, and keep your napkin handy, because dessert is still coming.
Save Room, Because The Xango Is No Joke
A deep-fried crepe stuffed with cheesecake sounds like something dreamed up at a state fair. At Dondie’s White River Princess, it’s called the Xango, and it comes topped with hot fudge and caramel.
That’s three desserts pretending to be one. Fried, creamy, and gooey all land in the same bite.
Not into crepes? The homemade pecan pie is a classic Southern finish. It feels right at home beside the river.
Hot fudge sundaes cover the ice cream crowd nicely. Creamy turtle cheesecake brings chocolate and caramel into the mix for anyone who can’t choose.
Desserts are ordered separately from the buffet, so plan your stomach space wisely. Maybe skip that third round of onion rings. Your future self will appreciate the sacrifice.
Sharing works great here, too. Order two desserts for the table and pass forks around. Everyone gets a taste, and nobody has to pick a single favorite.
Wash it all down with a cup of coffee. The tea selection is another solid pairing if you’d rather stay cool. Either way, you’ll leave very happy.
The Calendar Matters More Than You Think
Timing is everything with this riverboat. The doors open only three days a week, so a random Tuesday visit won’t work.
Friday and Saturday dinner runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday brings a lunch window from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, the dining room stays closed. Holiday hours can also shift, so double-check before making the trip.
Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts them. Calling ahead is a smart way to dodge a long line.
Waits are common, especially on busy weekend nights. Arriving early gives you a better shot at a quick seat and a good table.
Big group? Let them know your party size when you call. That helps the staff set up space and keeps everyone from standing around hungry.
Sunday lunch might be the sweet spot for families with little ones. Early bedtimes stay safe, and the river looks lovely in daylight. A full afternoon nap afterward is entirely optional, though highly likely.
Consider it part of the plan.
Families And Groups Get Plenty Of Room To Roam
Grandparents, toddlers, and everyone between can share a table here without much fuss. High chairs and a kids’ menu make little diners feel welcome.
Accessibility is covered, too. The entrance, parking lot, restrooms, and seating are all wheelchair accessible.
That matters a lot for multi-generation outings. Nobody gets left in the car or stuck at a tricky step.
Planning a birthday or reunion? A private dining room is available for bigger gatherings. It gives your crew space to be loud and happy.
Catering is offered as well. That could bring the riverboat’s flavors to a party somewhere else in Arkansas.
Free parking helps keep the evening simple. You’ll find spots in the lot and along the street nearby.
Takeout is another handy option for busy nights. Grab a box of catfish and eat it at home in your comfiest clothes.
Restrooms are on site, which every parent quietly checks first. With all these pieces in place, a group dinner feels doable instead of stressful. That alone deserves a round of sweet tea for everyone at the table.
Stretch Your Legs Along The Riverbank After Dinner
Full bellies love a slow stroll, and this spot makes that easy. Benches overlooking the river sit ready for guests who aren’t quite ready to leave.
Find Dondie’s White River Princess at 203 E Curran St, Des Arc, AR 72040. It sits right on the White River, so the water is never far.
A small park with a boat ramp is just a block away. It’s a nice place to walk off that second plate of hushpuppies.
Anglers and boaters might like that ramp for a reason beyond scenery. A day on the water could end with a catfish dinner on land. That’s a pretty perfect Arkansas plan.
The arch bridge makes a great backdrop for photos. Snap one from a bench and you’ve got a solid souvenir.
Des Arc is a small river town, which keeps the pace relaxed. There’s no rush once dinner wraps up.
So sit for a bit and watch the water roll by. The riverboat will still be there next weekend, waiting with hot catfish and a fresh pot of coffee.