Little Rock Foodie

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Big Bad Breakfast Opening 2nd Little Rock Location

NEWS REPORT Downtown location comes six months after city’s first location opened By: The Little Rock Foodie | Dec 24th, 2022 Looking to build on the well-received opening of the first Big Bad Breakfast restaurant in Arkansas, a second location has been announced for downtown Little Rock.  The former Soul Fish café location at 308 Main Street will house the new operation led by owner Ben Brainard.  After opening the first highly anticipated location in West Little Rock in June 2022, Big Bad Breakfast has quickly established itself as one of the best breakfast restaurants in town.   The concept comes from the mind of James Beard award winning chef John Currence.  Hailing from New Orleans, Chef Currence has built a menu that captures his childhood memories of wonderful Southern breakfasts.  Big Bad Breakfast focuses on high quality ingredients in every classic breakfast item they serve.  With a small wait for a table on most days, it is easy to see that this focus on quality is a hit with diners. READ MORE:  Check out Big Bad Breakfast in 5 Weekday Brunches to Experience in Little Rock   While hopefully there are minimal delays, the new location is looking at an opening in Mid-April.  It will feature the same delicious menu items, and also the same seven days a week schedule of 7 AM to 2:30 PM. More From The Little Rock Foodie WHERE TO EAT

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Where to Experience High End Dining in Little Rock

Needing to celebrate a special date, new promotion, or anything else that requires a special evening of dining?  Look no further than this list of high-end dining options in Little Rock.  These special restaurants can accommodate any special night, and reservations are recommended at all of these fine establishments.  There is a fantastic selection of date night locations in Little Rock, but these restaurants can create a lasting special memory through a fine dining experience Are we missing your favorite restaurant?  Let us know with an email. One Eleven at The Capital   111 W. Markham St Little Rock, AR 72201 501.370.7011 Visit Website Every trip to One Eleven feels like it is a special occasion.  A striking white bar greets you as you walk into this upscale dining room located at the Capital Hotel.   The menu is meticulously crafted by Executive Chef Brad Izzard, and it doesn’t disappoint.  One Eleven features a large after-dinner drink and dessert menu that you will want to indulge in after dining on a meal of Sourdough crusted Chilean Sea Bass or Pan Seared Duck Breast.  For an elevated brunch weekend, the restaurant offers a weekend brunch that is a wonderful experience. Cache   425 President Clinton Ave Little Rock, AR 72201 501.850.0265 Visit Website A beautiful restaurant nestled on one of the premier corners in downtown Little Rock, this newly renovated restaurant is beautiful.  Chef Payne Harding executes an elevated menu of steaks, pasta, and appetizers that include candied bacon and beef carpaccio.  The main dining room features a gorgeous open kitchen.  The new Bayou VIP club is a speakeasy-style special area that caters to a guest’s every need.  It features its own dining area and special chef-tasting menus available only in the intimate setting. Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse   16100 Chenal Pkwy Little Rock, AR 72223 501.821.1838 Visit Website Arthur’s is one of the exceptional steakhouses in the area.  A truly high-end experience with a large menu that features dry-aged Prime steaks, Australian Wagyu steak, and certified Japanese Kobe beef.  If steak isn’t your craving, an extensive and equally impressive seafood menu is available.  The wine list, which features over 350 different selections, will satisfy any wine aficionado’s palate as well. Sonny Williams Steak Room   500 President Clinton Ave #1 Little Rock, AR 72201 501.324.2999 Visit Website This steakhouse has been a stalwart restaurant in the Little Rock fine dining scene.  For over 20 years, they have been serving thick cuts steaks and seafood in an intimate and refined setting.  Steaks are aged for at least 35 days and can be paired with a premium wine list.  The house-made dessert selections are always unique and delicious. So Restaurant Bar   3610 Kavanaugh Blvd Little Rock, AR 72205 501.663.1464 Visit Website This charming and intimate restaurant will have you wanting to enjoy a long evening with friends or family, all while savoring an elegant menu from Executive Chef Nicholas Copeland.  The menu is French-inspired with a Southern Flair, with dishes such as roasted beef marrow or Duck De Violette paired with a crème de violette & cognac reduction.  The real treats are the crafted weekly specials, which feature one-of-a-kind dishes that sometimes sell out in only one night.

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The Tap Room at Lost 40 Brewing // Lost 40 Brewing

A Guide to the Best Breweries in Little Rock

These amazing breweries have lasted through any boom and bust cycle of craft brewing.  Each is putting their own twist on recipes from IPAs, and stouts, to rare Belgian styles.  Each of these Little Rock breweries has created a welcoming atmosphere for anyone looking to move past traditional lagers or wanting to expand their beer taste buds.  Are we missing your favorite brewery?  Let us know with an email. Lost 40   501 Byrd St Little Rock, AR 72202 501-319-7275 Visit Website This East Village Staple always has over 10 brews on tap that you will want to try for yourself.  Look out for seasonals like the Teeny Tiny Umbrella Pineapple Ale or the Currant Mood Currant and Cherry Ale.  The year-round brews include an unbelievable Honey Bock and Rockhound IPA.  While sipping on a drink, make sure to order a pizza, which is bordering on some of the best in town.  Along with a growing assortment of experimental and unique beers, the trophy is expanding as well.  The team here consistently wins medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, putting Little Rock on the map of great beer cities. Flyway Brewing   314 Maple St North Little Rock, AR 72114 501-812-3192 Visit Website Named after the Mississippi Flyway bird migratory route, don’t hesitate to make your way into the Argenta district to sample the draft beer and amazing food menu.  A flight of beers will be needed to sample the 12 selections available.  The Lord God stout series is a popular choice among the regulars, along with their year-round ales and Bluewing Berry Wheat.  A large menu of elevated bar food compliments the beer perfectly.  Guy Fieri raved about the scratch made pretzels on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.  Giant sliders or shareable gumbo fries are other outstanding options. Vino’s Brewpub   923 W 7th St. Little Rock, AR 72201 501-375-8466 Visit Website A full rotation of IPAs, Pilsners, and Stouts are always on tap at the oldest brewpub in Little Rock.  Established in 1990, this funky brewpub and music venue has a charm that locals love.  You will find no frills other than great beer, great pizza, and a fun music venue.  While enjoying a Six Bridges Cream Ale, you will want to try what may be the best calzones in town.  The New York style pizza also does not disappoint. Stone’s Throw Brewing   402 E 9th St. Little Rock, AR 72202 3015 W Markham Little Rock, AR 72205 501-244-9154 Visit Website Four homebrewing friends turned their expertly crafted beers into not one, but two local area nano brewery locations.  The Shamus Oatmeal Stout or the Dirty Seven IPA are year-round winners to enjoy, but the unique beers like a Cascadian Dark Ale and Chipotle Porter bring fans coming back for new seasonals.  A tidy menu offers something for everyone, while the Stifft Station location also hosts local food trucks as well. Diamond Bear   600 N Broadway St North Little Rock, AR 72114 501-708-2739 Visit Website Beer drinkers around Little Rock have become more discerning over the years, and Diamond Bear keeps delivering consistently outstanding beers.  The award-winning Victory Pale Ale, Pig Trail Porter, and Little Red Strawberry Lager have practically become institutions of the local beer scene.  A trip to the brewery tap room will offer a great selection of BBQ and sandwiches, along with appetizers like the fried cheese curds that you don’t want to miss. Brood & Barley   411 North Main St North Little Rock, AR 72114 501-400-8967 Visit Website This new restaurant debuted in 2020 and has become a local favorite for not only its food, but the exclusive beers poured from its classic copper tap system.  This sister restaurant from the owners of Flyway Brewing is a perfect pairing of high-end food and beer.  Classics like a Double English Brown Ale or a slow-poured Proper Pils will delight even the pickiest of beer drinkers.  Chef Brayan McFadden arrived from Philadelphia to head the kitchen, and it has resulted in a legit Philly Cheesesteak, along with east coast influences like buffalo steamed mussels.

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6 Sushi Restaurants You Need to Try in Little Rock

While Little Rock may not be near any major bodies of water, the town can still source amazing sushi.  The chefs across town are creating some amazing rolls, nigiri, and sashimi.  These are the essential sushi restaurants in Little Rock to try for your next sushi dinner. Are we missing your favorite restaurant?  Let us know with an email. Kemuri   2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.Little Rock, AR 72205 501.660.4100Visit Website Enjoy some of the best sushi in Little Rock at either of the two Kemuri locations.  Start by ordering your favorite robata (think shareable plates) dishes and a drink before looking at the extensive sushi menu.  The Crazy Monkey roll is a crowd favorite, as it is flame kissed tableside and served warm at the table.  A well-done lunch menu and a sneaky good brunch menu also reside here.  The sushirritos and poke bowls are lunch options you don’t want to miss. Sushi Café   5823 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 7220711211 Cantrell Rd #120, Little Rock, AR 72212 501.954.7866Visit Website A long time stalwart in the high-end sushi scene of Little Rock.  Sushi Café is there when you are looking for a fun and memorable night out in their two chic locations.  The hibachi grill is a cut above, while the two-page sushi menu will fulfill your every flavor wish.  A favorite is the sweet Blue Dragon Roll, with coconut shrimp and cream cheese on the inside of the roll, topped with a slice of kiwi. Mt. Fuji   10301 N Rodney Parham RdLittle Rock, AR 72227 501.227.6498Visit Website Opened in 1986, Mt Fuji Japanese restaurant is a solid no frills option for sushi.  There is a standard menu of classic rolls, along with specialties like the mango topped Jamaican Roll.  A great selection of different platters and shareable dishes for great value reside here. Sekisui   14524 Cantrell Rd #110Little Rock, AR 72223 501.221.7070Visit Website Tucked near the end of a strip mall on a busy avenue in West Little Rock, Sekisui is worth driving to for some quality sushi rolls.  There are over 50 different options on their specialty roll menu, including baked, fried, or flame kissed options.  Anyone can find a new favorite roll, with options that include nearly every fish, lobster, and filet mignon.  While the menu can be overwhelming, the sushi coming out of the restaurant is consistently well done. Wasabi   101 Main StLittle Rock, AR 72201 501.374.0777Visit Website One of the only options for downtown Little Rock sushi, Wasabi has been a long-time staple for the work week lunch crowd.  Situated on a busy corner, this is great for a quick bite while enjoying the River Market area.  There is a smaller menu of nigiri, sashimi, and sushi that will satisfy any quick sushi craving. Kiyen’s Kamikaito   521 Main StreetNorth Little Rock, AR 72114 501.891.6172 Argenta’s top pick for Sushi is the sneaky great Kiyen’s Kamikaito.  This renovated grocery store space is well lit and opened up to enjoy watching the sushi chefs build your rolls in the open kitchen.  The eel-topped Dancing Dragon roll is fantastic.  For something non-traditional, opt for the stuffed jalapeno roll called the Spicy Monkey Ball.  Afterward, a small boba tea and ice cream finish the meal perfectly.

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5 Weekday Brunches to Experience in Little Rock

Sometimes, we want the weekend to extend to Monday.  Other times we want to get the weekend started early.  Who’s to say we can’t have mimosas on a Wednesday?  Whatever the situation, there are many options for a weekday brunch in Little Rock.  While this isn’t a comprehensive list of amazing breakfast options Little Rock has to offer, this will satisfy any weekday brunch craving you will have! Are we missing your favorite restaurant?  Let us know with an email. @ the Corner   201 E Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72201 501.400.8458 Visit Website This modern and charming diner is the perfect place to enjoy specialty mimosas and people-watch on a bustling downtown street.  While you miss the chef’s special weekend menu, you also avoid a line around the corner during the week.  The weekday menu is a wonderfully curated selection featuring organic, local, and fresh ingredients throughout.  The brunch poutine is a delicious nod to the chef’s Canadian roots, and the house made cinnamon rolls are always fantastic. Hillcrest Little Bakery   203 N Van Buren St Little Rock, AR 72205 501.747.4960 Visit Website The owners here renovated a nondescript home into a quaint and bright bakery serving huge amounts of food from a tiny and efficient kitchen.  Biscuits are the star of the show on the menu, and they are huge, fluffy, and buttery.  They can be served with a variety of biscuit and gravy dishes, or used in their biscuit sandwiches.  No matter what you choose, save room for their cheesecakes, which are made from a family recipe and worth enjoying on a weekday brunch date. Red Door   3701 Cantrell Rd Little Rock, AR 72202 501.666.8482 Visit Website This Midtown restaurant generally comes with a line on the weekends, so you can avoid it with a great weekday brunch.  Start with a bacon-infused bloody mary before looking over the impressive menu.  The croissant French toast is a hit, along with their multiple benedict options to satisfy any craving.  Multiple covered patio options allow for a long and relaxing outdoor brunch as well. Delicious Temptations   11220 N Rodney Parham Rd #8 Little Rock, AR 72212 501.225.6893 Visit Website You will find classic Southern diner cooking when you arrive at Delicious Temptations.  This strip center location boasts a large menu of all of the breakfast classics.  There are no frills other than well executed food at an amazing value.  It is no wonder the restaurant has lasted for over 40 years.  The DT omelette filled with crab meat is a great weekday brunch option to make it through any work week. Big Bad Breakfast   101 S Bowman Rd Little Rock, AR 72211 501.406.0195 Visit Website This small regional chain from 2009 James Beard award winner John Currence landed in Little Rock in mid-2022 and instantly became a breakfast favorite.  The menu is full of New Orleans influence, with elevated classics like the creole omelet or “redneck’ benny.  The seasonal menu always has items that are missed when no longer available.  While there is usually a small wait during the week to get a table, it is always worth visitng.

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