Since 1977, this basement burger institution has served generations of Fayetteville families in a subterranean den decorated with vintage thrift store finds and glowing neon signs. 🍔
Hugo’s was founded by Lamar Anderson and Elizabeth “Liz” Page, a young married couple who transformed world travel experiences into an eclectic menu featuring award-winning burgers, grasshopper crepes, and beer cheese soup.
Current owner Jason Piazza purchased the restaurant in 2005 after working his way up from server to general manager, inheriting a foolproof concept that he’s preserved with remarkable devotion.
From the legendary Bleu Moon Burger to creative sandwiches like Derek’s Special, every dish honors the original recipes that made this 25 ½ North Block Avenue location a Fayetteville treasure. ☕
How Hugo’s won Fayetteville’s hearts
When Lamar Anderson and Liz Page passed by a basement space off Fayetteville Square in 1977, they immediately felt connected to the nearly 100-year-old building that would become their restaurant.
The couple were foodies way ahead of their time, bringing dishes from world travels and making them accessible in Northwest Arkansas when no one else in the restaurant game was doing anything similar.
Their decision to create a 1970s era basement den with eclectic décor, gingham tablecloths, and limited lighting crafted an atmosphere so perfect it has remained virtually unchanged for nearly 50 years.
When Anderson passed away suddenly in 2005, his family allowed Jason Piazza to buy Hugo’s, recognizing that the general manager, who started as a University of Arkansas student employee, understood the legacy.
Piazza’s commitment to maintaining exactly what Lamar and Liz created—following their rules, keeping the same recipes, preserving the original vibe—has allowed Hugo’s to remain remarkably consistent.
The restaurant’s half-dozen employees who’ve worked there for over a decade create continuity that ensures every cheeseburger tastes exactly as it did 10 years ago, from the melted cheese to the heated bun.
Food Highlights
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Jalapeño Cheeseburger: Black Angus beef topped with melted pepperjack cheese, sliced jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise, and mustard.
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Bleu Moon Burger: One-third pound charbroiled Black Angus beef topped with melted bleu cheese, crisp lettuce, red onion, and creamy mayonnaise.
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Chili Burger: Charbroiled patty smothered in homemade chili, melted cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise.
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Guacamole Burger: One-third-pound beef topped with fresh guacamole, crisp lettuce, and creamy mayonnaise.
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Smoky Cheddar Burger: Charbroiled Black Angus with smoky cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mayonnaise, and mustard.
- Traditional Cheeseburger: One-third pound charbroiled beef with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mayonnaise, and mustard.
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Nature’s Burger: Multigrain patty with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mayonnaise, and mustard on a kaiser roll.
- Swiss Cheese & Bacon Burger: Charbroiled beef patty with melted Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, red onion, and mayonnaise.
Atmosphere
Step down the stairs into this subterranean basement den and experience the funky 1970s vibe that’s remained virtually unchanged since opening day.
The dim lighting from neon signs combined with hand-selected vintage décor creates an intimate atmosphere that echoes the taste of a college town in the Arkansas Ozarks.
Gingham tablecloths dress every table while the underground location off Historic Fayetteville Square gives Hugo’s the “Cheers” TV show vibes that make regulars and first-timers feel equally welcome. 🍺
The enviable whiskey, scotch, and bourbon collection alongside rotating craft beer taps and dedicated local brew selections create the perfect pub atmosphere for enjoying award-winning burgers.
Bottom Line
Visit Hugo’s for award-winning burgers unchanged since 1977, original recipes from founders who were foodies ahead of their time, subterranean basement atmosphere with authentic 1970s décor preserved perfectly, homemade French fries and grasshopper crepes alongside an extensive menu, and consistency maintained by owner Jason Piazza and staff with over a decade of experience.
Address:
25 ½ N Block Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
📞 (479) 521-7585
🕔 Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (Closed Sunday)