our calorie-conscious friend mixed with her own diet soda. The standout was the sophisticated, refreshing and delicious Gin Harvest, made with Brandon’s gin, agave syrup, muddled basil and lime and a “splash” of soda. It was the kind of cocktail you dress up for (preferably in a summery sort of outfit, seersucker for men, cotton pique for women) and not one we’ve seen on any other drinks menu. The blueberry lemontini (Stolichnaya Blu Beri and lemonade, with dried blueberries in the bottom of the glass) was just the thing for the almost 22-year-old in our midst; the more mature Cosmopolitan (with Stoly, Cointreau, lime and cranberry juice) was a crisp, barely sweet and aesthetically lovely drink that wasn’t shy on the booze. One can also order an organic Cosmopolitan mixed with Prairie organic vodka and organic cranberry juice. Except at happy hour, drinks run $8.50 to $11 (a Rose Margarita made with rose-infused tequila, St. Germain Elderflower liquor, Monin Rose syrup and fresh lime juice, garnished with a “hibiscus salt” rim). The confetti dip — a sort of cheese dip filled with chopped vegetables and doused with a bit of jalepeno — served with very salty pita chips kept us from getting too unruly, and the bartender also brought us a plate of grilled vegetables for the carb-shunning member of our party along with a fresh glass of Stoly to replace the McCormick. Our six drinks and two appetizers ran about $57, thanks to happy hour prices of $5 for the mixed drinks. Wines are $3 and well drinks $2.50 at happy hour. Copper Grill is known for its excellent cooking, including burgers, sweet-potato fries, fish tacos, homemade macaroni and cheese and fancier fare. 300 E. Third. 375-3333. Full bar. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Happy hour: 3-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri. THE FOLD This converted garage in Riverdale advertises drinks and “botanas,” a Spanish word meaning snacks. With a build-your-own margarita menu, The Fold provides numerous combinations of tequila, mezcal, and mixers to fit nearly any taste and budget. Non-margarita fans aren’t ignored either, with several signature drinks highlighting the restaurant’s attention to quality, fresh ingredients. The “snack” side of the menu is a little pricy to fit the usual definition of the word, but there are plenty of tacos, salsas, and varieties of ceviche available to help soak up all that booze. The patio makes nice use of the restaurant’s limited space, with free wi-fi that stretches out to even the furthest tables. 3501 Old Cantrell. 916-9706. Full bar. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue.-Sat, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Tue.Thu., Sun., 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Fri.-Sat. Happy hour: 4-6 p.m. daily. 22
JUNE 27, 2013
ARKANSAS TIMES
BRIAN CHILSON
BAR GUIDE
MADURO
LOCAL LIME More than six months after the folks behind Big Orange and ZaZa opened their take on tacos, it can still be a challenge to find a table at Local Lime. But here’s a pro-tip: There’s almost always room at the bar. Which is nice since Local Lime’s marble-topped, U-shaped bar is one of the city’s best. It’s got comfy padded seats. The lighting is cool. There’s a steer skull mounted in the middle of the liquor shelves. Ah yes, the liquor shelves. They’re filled with perhaps the area’s best selections of tequila and mezcal (along with all the other basics). In keeping with that theme, there’s no better warm weather cocktail menu. Local Lime features nine variations of margarita, including a frozen margarita that’s billed as “Arkansas’s best frozen margarita.” Those who want to expand their cocktail horizons can try a Mexican Mule, a pineapple mojito made from muddled grilled pineapple or a Bloody Maria that features Reposado Tequila and Sangria along with more typical ingredients. 17815 Chenal Parkway. Full bar. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. Happy hour: 2-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. MADURO It’s only been a year and change since Maduro opened up on Main Street, but the cigar-friendly bar already has the feeling of an established favorite spot. It’s got the amenities of a swanky, upscale joint (fantastic booze selection, hip decor, overstuffed
leather chairs) yet it maintains a very relaxed and welcoming vibe. And, of course, you have to factor in that there just aren’t that many drinking establishments where one can fire up an Ashton Cabinet and not get a funny look. If you want to enjoy your smoke with a nice single malt scotch or rum, Maduro is at the top of the list of places in Central Arkansas. Early on a recent Saturday night, the place was populated by a good-sized crowd of cigar smokers sitting around those aforementioned comfy chairs. We sat at the bar and enjoyed our first taste of Espolon Reposado, a very tasty tequila. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable, offering some recommendations for rum. As for the cigars, well, we’re no experts, but judging from the selection and quality of liquor (the bar boasted more types of Laphroaig than we’ve seen anywhere else), the stogie options likely range from the good-but-affordable all the way up to true high-roller fare. Little Rock was obviously in need of a good cigar bar, and Maduro has stepped in to fill that need. 109 Main St. 374-3710. Full bar. 3-11 p.m. Mon.Thu., 3 p.m.-midnight Fri.-Sun. Happy hour: 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri. MONTEGO CAFE Helping to bring Main Street back to life with an island flair, Montego Cafe is an excellent combination of Caribbean food, deceptively strong rum drinks, and live music. Bar staples like pizza
or nachos can be “made Rasta” with a dose of Montego’s jerk seasoning, but it’s the jerk wings, fish tacos, and fried plantains that will make this a spot for good food. Mojitos and other sweet drinks comprise most of the menu, but the cafe also boasts a wide variety of beers for lovers of liquid bread. Even better are the happy hour drink specials, with $6 pitchers and discounted drinks available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily — with the occasional extension to accommodate the sporting events that might run later. 315 Main St. 372-1555. Full bar. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Tue., 11 a.m.-2 am. Wed.-Fri., 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Sat., 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Sun. Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. daily. ALSO 1620 SAVOY The fine dining restaurant 1620 got a new owner, a new name and a new look last year, adding a patio and a second bar, the Savoy Lounge. The dining room menu ranges from $8 appetizers to a $50 “cowboy-cut” 26 ounce-ribeye, set to live jazz Thursday through Sunday. There’s also a DJ on the patio Thursday through Sunday. Thursday night is Ladies’ Night, with drink and appetizer specials. 1620 Market St. 221-1620. 5-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat., bar stays open to midnight Fri.-Sat. Happy hour: 5-7 p.m. Mon.-Thu. NEXT BISTRO Popular with a younger, often quite loud crowd, Next isn’t anyone’s idea of a quiet neighborhood bar. The patio offers some respite from the noise, as well as a CONTINUED ON PAGE 22