Little Rock Foodie

Everyone eventually finds themselves out after dark looking to end a night of revelry with a good meal. While we respect our fast food and standard chain late-night restaurants, local dives and kitchens open late are a cut above. Unfortunately, COVID wreaked havoc on many of Little Rock’s local after-hours joints, but the following places have been able to navigate the changing times. While our parents may have said nothing good happens after midnight, this guide will help you find the very best Little Rock Late-Night Restaurants.  To be considered for this list, kitchens must stay open on the weekends until at least midnight. Did we miss your favorite late night Little Rock restaurant?  Let us know with an email. Four Quarter Bar   415 Main StreetNorth Little Rock, AR 72114 501-313-4704Visit Website Argenta’s premier dive bar serves up extremely well-done bar food.  It’s as close as you will find to gourmet food after midnight, as the kitchen is open until 1:30 AM every night.  The bar allows smoking but has a fantastic air filtration system and a patio for the non-smokers.  Everyone will be welcome at this bar, the bartenders are great, and you will find a great live band scene all year long.  We recommend the smoked meatloaf, smoked wings, or a midnight spam and egg sandwich.  Also, veggie lovers rejoice, as they serve a veggie burger and excellent veggie hash. Midtown Billiards   1316 Main StreetLittle Rock, AR 72202 501-372-9990 Midtown is a Little Rock institution, and has been since it opened in 1940.  Everyone will have a story of being at Midtown in SoMa.  The burger is arguably the best in town at any time of day, but when the kitchen is open until 4 AM, it tastes even better in the middle of the night.  This smoker-friendly dive bar is lined with pool tables and is worth visiting at least once.  Be sure to check out the traditional bottle toss game on Thursday evenings for a unique night of fun. Stickyz Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicken Shack   107 River Market AvenueLittle Rock, AR 72201 501-372-7707Visit Website When you need an amazing late-night meal in a funky dive bar in the heart of the River Market, head to Stickyz.  The kitchen is open until midnight on the weekends, and the boneless chicken fingers are worth every penny.  Choose from a dozen styles and pair them with one of a dozen house sauces.  There is a good appetizer menu with fried green tomatoes or tater tots, and cauliflower plant-based wings that are the best in town. A meal here makes for a lovely ending to a local concert or a nightly meal before settling in at one of the nearby downtown hotels. Dugan’s Pub   401 E. 3rd StreetLittle Rock, AR 72201 501-244-0542Visit Website Don Dugan’s namesake Irish Pub has been a long-time popular bar in the River Market.  The menu contains classic dishes like bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef.  Inventive appetizers such as Irish Poutine or duck wings are great shareables.  An extensive menu of pub burgers and sandwiches is also a great nightcap meal.  Whatever you choose, everything pairs nicely with a Jameson or draft Guinness beer at this lively local bar, where the kitchen stays open until Midnight on Friday and Saturday.   More From The Little Rock Foodie

Use this local guide to find the best Little Rock donuts.

While not known as a traditional pizza mecca, the Little Rock pizza is just as good as most places in the United States.  A huge variety of styles, matched with Southern cooking and creativity has led to a huge and diverse range of pizza options.  From New York, to Neapolitan, or from thick to cracker thin crust, you will find a new favorite pizza in Little Rock with this list. Are we missing your favorite pizza restaurant?  Let us know with an email. Deluca’s   Breckenridge Village Little Rock, ARVisit Website The arrival of the famed Deluca’s Pizza in Little Rock will be huge.  Owner Anthony Valinoti is targeting a Fall 2024 arrival that can’t get here soon enough, this restaurant will be full every night.   Everything from the dough, the quality ingredients, and the atmosphere is nearly perfect.  There are also some of the best pasta dishes and burgers in the state coming out of the kitchen here. The original store opened in Hot Springs in 2013, and has since received awards like a huge 8.7/10 from Dave Portnoy on the One Bite Pizza Reviews, multiple best of the south pizza awards, and a feature in the True South SEC Network show.  While it’s well worth the drive to Hot Springs, we can’t wait for the Little Rock location to arrive. Certified Pies   9807 W Markham StLittle Rock, AR 72205 501-442-5096Visit Website Little Rock’s only Black owned Pizza Shop has quickly become a star in the pizza and wing arena.  What started as a covid takeout-only restaurant became an official brick and mortar location in September of 2023.  The pizza here is full of creative options, vegan choices, and outstanding sauces.  The Sweet James pie with alfredo, crab meat, cheese, and Old Bay seasoning is one not to miss.  The wings are also heralded as some of the best in town, covered in locally made and delicious Truth Sauce. Vino’s   923 W 7th StLittle Rock, AR 72201 501-375-8466Visit Website Vino’s is one of the original local New York Pizza and Breweries in Little Rock.  Sip on a local brew while enjoying a local band in their back room.  Every pizza usually has a by-the-slice option during the day, including classic creations like the Muffuletta, complete with ham, pepperoni, and olive mix.   The calzones here are also some of the best in Central Arkansas. The Pizzeria   4910 Kavanaugh BlvdLittle Rock, AR 72207 501-551-1388Visit Website If you are looking for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, then look no further than The Pizzeria.  This fantastic local spot uses only the finest ingredients, especially the San Marzano tomatoes for their sauce.  No matter what pizza you order, make sure to add some Bonta sticks and Bonta sauce.  The garlic tomato sauce creation is exceptional.  The Pizzeria also boasts a great bar program for a late-night drink and an ever-changing dessert menu that rivals any restaurant in the area. Lost 40   501 Byrd StLittle Rock, AR 72202 501-319-7275Visit Website This East 6th Street brewery may not be a traditional pizza restaurant, but it would be an error to leave them off this list.  The pizza menu has grown to be one of the best in town, especially when paired with one of their award-winning beers.  Try unique pies like the White River with punchy flavors of ricotta lemon cream, goat cheese, and smoked garlic.  When enjoying the all-day Sunday Brunch, order the breakfast pizza with hash browns and a fried egg on top for a perfect weekend recovery. ALSO FEATURED IN:  A Guide to the Best Breweries in Little Rock Zaza   5600 Kavanaugh BlvdLittle Rock, AR 72207 501-661-9292Visit Website Creative and delicious wood-fired pizzas paired with huge salads are the draw at this hip Heights location.  Ingredients like house-made sausages, local meats, and goat cheese feature proudly across the menu.  A DIY salad bar is also perfect for a light side, or a delicious salad meal.  Another specialty is the amazing catering option, if you are looking to improve your standing as employee of the month. US Pizza   2710 Kavanaugh BlvdLittle Rock, AR 72205 501-663-2198Visit Website With eight locations in the Little Rock area, many having a drive-thru and great patio, US Pizza company can quickly cure pizza hunger.  Since 1972, this restaurant has been serving their large pizza, salad, and sandwich menu.  Stick to the non-traditional pies here, like Erika’s Spicy Four Cheese with Asparagus or the Mexican Chicken.  Also, make sure to order extra of the famous creamy Italian dressing to dip the crust.  Trust us, it is maybe the best dressing in Little Rock. Raduno   1318 S Main StLittle Rock, AR 72202 501-374-7476Visit Website SoMa’s date night pizza restaurant is always buzzing with a full crowd in a fun atmosphere.  Here you will find a well-curated pizza menu, with fresh daily made dough and creative ingredients like the squash blossom, featuring butternut squash, pancetta, and spicy honey.  The pizza menu is complemented with a full pasta menu, with the pasta and sauces being completely scratch-made. More From The Little Rock Foodie

The Little Rock coffee scene is absolutely alive and well.  These amazing shops all do a fantastic job of giving customers an extra boost of caffeine any time of day.  Coffee snobs will enjoy the amazing selection of premium beans and multiple shops roasting their own blends.  If coffee isn’t your thing, all of these shops carry a variety of fantastic drinks and pastries in a relaxing environment. Are we missing your favorite coffee shop?  Let us know with an email. Fidel & Co.   500 Shall Ave. Ste B Little Rock, AR 72202   501.712.6891 Visit Website   Fidel Samour brought his namesake coffee shop to the East Village and created an anchor spot that has helped to lead to a revitalization of the neighborhood. This shop contains one of the most inviting pastry cases filled with specialties like salted caramel brownies, fresh bagels, and monkey bread muffins. The location houses the coffee roaster turning out the specialty roasted beans that can be purchased by the pound. Powered by a full complement of lattes, coffee, and seasonal drinks, the modern space is taken to another level when the garage door is opened to create a relaxing open-air environment.   Nexus Coffee and Creative   301 President Clinton Avenue Suite AB Little Rock, AR 72201   501.295.7515 Visit Website   What started as an idea on a napkin has flourished into one of the best local coffee shops in Little Rock. Nexus welcomes you with a huge space to spread out and enjoy your visit. There are meeting rooms, nooks to get work done, or open areas to relax and converse with company. They focus on roasting fresh beans on-site from ethically sourced locations around the world. Along with a full coffee and tea menu, the secret weapon is the in-house bakery, Nona bakes. The best danishes can be found here, along with a full assortment of fresh baked goods. Nexus offers all of its expert services for catering events in the area.   River City Coffee   2913 Kavanaugh Blvd Little Rock, AR 72205   501.661.1496 Visit Website   Quirky and quaint are perfect descriptions for this fun artsy coffee shop in Hillcrest. Enjoy a great cup of coffee while conversing with the friendly baristas who will make any creation you can think of. This shop boasts a massive selection of flavored syrups for full customization. Then sit back and enjoy tunes on the turntable and browse the local art that lines the walls. This little shop is also roasting a variety of blends of beans to try or take home.   Italian Coffee Corner   425 W Capital Ave. #19 Little Rock, AR 72201   501.400.8661 Visit Website   Tucked inside the Simmons Tower, this unassuming shop is slowly winning over the area’s caffeine-loving hearts, not just the lucky employees in the building. The drinks are beautifully done, balanced perfectly between coffee and sweet flavor. There is an extensive menu, and a great pastry case as well. All the drinks are extremely reasonably priced, many come with a small piece of chocolate, and on Fridays, you receive a free mini danish. It is worth seeking out, or try their Maumelle location if you are out west. Pettaway Coffee   406 E. 21st St. Little Rock, AR 72206   501.313.2612 Visit Website   The new kid on the coffee scene in Little Rock opened in June 2023, but is already one of the top choices for a caffeine fix.  The shop is located in the new upcoming Pettaway district and it has an amazing atmosphere.  The bright yellow tables and relaxing open-air vibe pair perfectly with the coffee selection.  New owners Jacob and Ashanti have teamed up to make a fantastic coffee/pastry duo.  The drinks like the Brown Sugar Bill are a perfect sweet cold brew blend, and cookies like the Hot Stuff Red Velvet cookie sandwich with cream cheese filling are always unique and delicious.  Seasonal menus keep the space fresh and exciting in this great coffee shop near downtown Little Rock  Dark Side Coffee   3515 John F Kennedy Blvd North Little Rock, AR 72116   501.400.8522 Visit Website   Embrace your dark side and visit the newer Star Wars themed Dark Side Lounge. You can also drive a bit farther down the road to their small drive-thru kiosk location. Either way, the full lineup of latte drinks is on the sweeter side, but the house roasted coffee still shines through. Three different blends are available to purchase. The express location opens early at five in the morning, and the lounge stays open until ten at night, meaning you can enjoy their drinks whenever the craving hits.   Mylo Coffee Co.   2715 Kavanaugh Blvd Little Rock, AR 72205   501.747.1880 Visit Website   Mylo Coffee Co., born from a farmer’s market vendor into a Hillcrest icon, stays true to its roots even today. Supporting local farmers, they believe in small batch baking and genuine care in handcrafted coffees. You will find amazing pastries, cookies, and cakes here that will generally sell out, so be early. A small daily menu is also available, along with rotating seasonal favorites. The space is brightly lit with large windows looking onto Kavanaugh Boulevard, and the shop stays open late for extra work or a late-night shot of espresso.   Mugs Cafe   5719 Kavanaugh Blvd Little Rock, AR 72207   501.503.5958 Visit Website   Mugs Café’s arrival to the Heights neighborhood is a testament to the popularity of this local shop. While they already anchor the Argenta district, they have brought the same energy to their second location. A full breakfast and lunch menu can be had here. Add on a single origin coffee or one of their handcrafted seasonal drinks. This location also features a great outdoor patio to enjoy the fresh air.    Guillermo’s   10700 N Rodney Parham Rd A2 Little Rock, AR 72212   501.228.4448 Visit Website   Created in 2008, Guillermo’s has been a

In its simplest form, the mixture of black tea, milk, and those beautiful caramelized tapioca pearls has been gaining popularity in the United States since the 1990s.  After landing here from Taiwan, millions of combinations of boba tea have been created to the delight of many.  Over the course of the last few years, a few locations offering boba tea have started to pop up in the area.  These 5 boba tea shops in Little Rock are sure to satisfy any craving for this sweet drink. Are we missing your favorite boba tea shop?  Let us know with an email. Cha Cha Boba Tea Shoppe   404 E Third StLittle Rock, AR 72201 501-747-1275Visit Website Since its opening in 2022, Cha Cha has quickly established itself as the top spot for boba tea in Little Rock.  This small space nestled into the parking garage shops on Third St has an impressive menu.  Beyond the popular milk teas like the Dirty Brown Sugar or Blue Mountain Coffee, they boast a full yakult (sweet yogurt drink) menu, fruit smoothies, and assorted fruit teas.  The staff could not be any friendlier, and will make sure you enjoy any drink that you try.  Cha Cha also has fantastic hours, so when the boba craving hits on Sunday evening, you can still order a drink or conveniently order ahead online. Tea Capital  1501 Main Street, Suite GLittle Rock, AR 72202 501-943-8481Visit Website The newest boba tea shop has opened in SoMa and has created a growing and passionate fanbase. Along with classic boba drinks, they have some unique boba drinks such as the match red bean or strawberry cheesecake boba tea.  They also serve a large menu of loose leaf teas and specialty coffees.  The open restaurant is great for hanging out or using a table as a work space.  The menu of small bites and sandwiches is also hugely popular, like the much raved about banh mi.   Three Fold   11525 Cantrell Road Suite 101Little Rock, AR 72212 501-500-2005Visit Website While Three Fold is known for its signature Chinese dishes, the craft boba tea menu is equally as impressive.  All of the craft teas are house-brewed and made to order for a wonderful quality drink every time.  In the summer months, opt for the Lychee Jasmine Custard Tea, featuring a scoop of vanilla custard.  All of their teas are bottled to take home as well, and any of their boba bubbles or jellies can be added to a bottle. Mr. Hui’s   11525 Cantrell Road Suite 401Little Rock, AR 72212 501-478-6666Visit Website Mr. Hui’s located in the Pleasant Ridge Shopping center is a sneaky great location to find boba tea.  Another location known for its expansive Chinese menu, the milk teas are fantastic and inexpensive.  They carry classic tapioca or taro milk tea options, but specialty items like the iced tapioca cappuccino or grass jelly milk tea are worthy options to order. Bobalicious   4131 John F Kennedy Blvd Suite DNorth Little Rock, AR 72116 501-442-1279Visit Website Boba tea enthusiasts on the north side of town should make their way to this shop that opened in late 2021.  Try one of their signature drinks like the Pina Colada (pineapple, coconut), or opt for a caffeine-free Mojito flavored drink.  The drinks can all be customized with a variety of jellies and foam options, allowing patrons to experiment to find the perfect combination.  This location also carries a large slush and fruit tea menu as well.943 More From The Little Rock Foodie

Everyone needs to treat themselves to a sweet treat or freshly baked bread from time to time.  This Little Rock baked goods guide will help anyone scout out the best in bread makers, cake decorators, or pastry purveyors.  Step into one of these locations for the sights and smells of classic bakeries, and be prepared to make some tough decisions. Did we miss your favorite bakery or Little Rock baked goods?  Let us know with an email. Cinnamon Crème Bakery   17200 Chenal ParkwayLittle Rock, AR 72223 501.821.0002Visit Website The top of the class is Cinnamon Crème Bakery in West Little Rock.  The cinnamon rolls are the best cinnamon rolls a person may ever taste.  Being there when a fresh batch comes out is as close as one can get to winning the lottery.  Walking into this classic no-frills bakery is like entering a candy store for a small child.  The cakes, loaves of bread, cookies, and massive donuts are all absolute winners.  Make sure to order in advance on major holidays.  This ensures you get your order before they inevitably sell out. The Bagel Shop   1501 S. Main StreetLittle Rock, AR 72202 Visit Website Proprietors Myles and Trevor have fixed a long time hole in the Little Rock food scene.  Finally, a legitimate bagel shop has arrived.  The new kids on the block will be opening a permanent SoMa location in the Summer of 2022.  What started as pop-up shops around town quickly blossomed into a massive following of bagel lovers.  The new location will feature a full menu and pastries.  While the bagels are the best in town, but do not sleep on the cookies.  The citrusdoodle is a fun refreshing take on a classic, while the chocolate chip cookie is masterfully crafted to be dunked into your favorite milk. Fidel & Co   500 Shall Ave. Ste BLittle Rock, AR 72202 501.712.6891Visit Website This coffee shop also houses one of the finest pastry cases in the city.  A full offering of cookies, monkey bread muffins, and shortbreads sit alongside weekly and seasonal gems.  Large slices of cakes such as the banana chiffon or apple crumble cake make wonderful weekly debuts but arrive early to guarantee a slice before they are gone again.  All of the pastries work with their outstanding house-roasted coffee and open air environment, making for a relaxing and delicious trip. READ MORE: 9 Essential Coffee Shops in Little Rock The Croissanterie   14710 Cantrell Road A5 Little Rock. AR 72223 501.412.4244 Visit Website The award-winning chef duo of Wendy Schay and Jill McDonald are creating some of the finest pastries in their West Little Rock location.  The croissants are perfection.  They are the perfect blend of flaky, decadent, and masterfully baked.  Make sure to arrive early before the case of assorted pastries sells out.  The Shoppe also boasts a full breakfast and lunch menu, with every item coming from the kitchen being scratch-made in house.   Blue Cake Company   315 N. Bowman Rd. #14 Little Rock, AR 722116800 Cantrell Rd.  Little Rock, AR 72207 501.868.7771Visit Website Blue Cake specializes in custom-order cakes, but that’s not all that is appealing here.  The chocolate brownie is one of the best in town.  All of the wonderful pies are available in mini single servings, meaning a pie flight can easily be created.  The petit fours and macarons are also scratch-made and outstanding, with nearly a dozen varieties of each to sample. Nona Bakes at Nexus Coffee & Creative   301 President Clinton Avenue Suite ABLittle Rock, AR 72201 501.295.7515Visit Website While the coffee is some of the best in town, Nona Bakes inside of Nexus Coffee is in the top tier of baked goods makers as well.  If a danish is your pastry of choice there is no other place to go, as Nona Bakes tops them all.  The scones are another delicious option with coffee, as well as the assorted cupcakes, cookies, and massive brownies that rotate daily.   Boulevard Bread Co.   1920 N. Grant StLittle Rock, AR 72207 501.663.5951Visit Website If you are looking to upgrade your daily bread game, look no further than Boulevard Bread.  This restaurant and bakery boast a selection of seven breads baked fresh daily.  Boulevard is the place to buy fresh ciabatta, sourdoughs, or one of their rotating daily sweet pan breads.  The chocolate brioche is also a wonderful weekend option.  Beyond that, the cookies, pies, and giant cakes are all very popular and available for pre-order. Dempsey Bakery   323 S. Cross St.Little Rock, AR 72201 501.375.2257Visit Website If anyone is sensitive to gluten, or has any sort of allergy, then Dempsey bakery is a must visit.  Started in 2011, Dempsey bakery is proudly 100% gluten, wheat, soy, and nut free.  They can also accommodate a variety of other allergy requests.  Even with these special baking techniques, this bakery is not short on flavor.  Make sure to order a cupcake while you decide which flavor of macaron to take home and enjoy later. Community Bakery   1200 Main StreetLittle Rock, AR 72202 501.375.6418Visit Website Community Bakery has been around since 1947, and they know what works well for this bakery.  Walking the large case to select the perfect pastry is always a tough decision.  The doughnuts are consistently delicious here.   The talented team specializes in cake decorating, offering custom orders for any occasion.  We love to order the DIY cookie kit to try your hand at frosting their wonderful sugar cookies More From The Little Rock Foodie