Arkansas Times | The Neighborhood Dining Guide | September 2025 by Arkansas Times

The Neighborhood Dining Guide

Sometimes we choose where to eat based on location. Just mention any part of town and tons of restaurants come to mind. Here’s a tidy list of standouts in Central Arkansas and beyond, including favorites in Heights/Hillcrest/Riverdale, Downtown/ SoMa, Argenta, Hot Springs and Pine Bluff.

HEIGHTS/HILLCREST/RIVERDALE BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT

After 35 years in the business, Brave New Restaurant has continued to be an institution in Little Rock, offering beautiful river views, remarkable service and fantastic cuisine while providing customers with an upscale yet familial dining experience. As one of the original farm-to-table restaurants in the city, Brave New uses the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, including a constant rotation of adventurous and flavorful specials while continuing to feature longtime favorites. Without question, Brave New will keep you coming back for more! Brave New is now doing brunch every third Saturday! 2300 Cottondale Lane, 501-663-2677

THE FADED ROSE

Ed David, a New Orleans native, his wife, Laurie, and their son, Zac, have been serving great New Orleans cuisine since 1982 in a casual and friendly atmosphere. They are widely known for their steaks and Creole and Cajun dishes. They blend their own spices, cut their own steaks and make their own sauces, right down to the house-made mayo. They have gladly served Arkansans and guests from around the world for over 40 years and invite you to come try The Rose tonight. 1619 Rebsamen Park Road, 501663-9734

The Neighborhood Dining Guide

MUCHO LOCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Mucho Loco, where the flavor is real! Located in the heart of Little Rock, Mucho Loco isn’t just another Mexican restaurant, it’s an experience. Here, the flavors are bold, the vibes are lively, and every dish is made with authentic Mexican patience. Open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 5705 Kavanaugh Blvd., 501-246-3872

DOWNTOWN/SOMA

CACHE

This one-of-a-kind fine-dining venue is set in the heart of the River Market district and is perfect for corporate events, private dinners or simply for people who love to have memorable meals. Well-presented plates of lobster, steak, chops and duck in a sleek setting, with a slightly more casual lunch of pizza, sandwiches, fish and the like. 425 President Clinton Ave., 501-285–8381

COPPER GRILL

Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner, a gourmet experience or the perfect business lunch, Copper Grill is the choice urban restaurant for Little Rock’s food enthusiasts. It’s where you can let go and relax in the comfortable dining room, enjoy a glass of wine at the lively bar or share a spread of appetizers outside on the street-side patio. Check out our daily happy hour specials Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m., and Saturdays enjoy brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and all day happy hour. 300 E. Third, 501-375-3333

BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT

COPPER GRILL CACHE

The Neighborhood Dining Guide

SEPTEMBER

DOE’S EAT PLACE

What has become a Little Rock landmark of national renown, Doe’s Eat Place has its origins in the unlikeliest of models, a no-frills diner deep in the Delta. But then, nothing about Doe’s is quite what one would expect from a world-class steakhouse — except fabulous steaks, that is. 1023 W. Markham St., 501-376-1195

MIDTOWN BILLIARDS

Celebrating 85 years! This late-night favorite has been operating since 1940, serving hamburgers, brats, turkey, spam and egg, grilled cheese and BLTs. Midtown’s hamburger has been voted “Best Hamburger in Arkansas.” The Burger Challenge is back by appointment on Sundays, because you need the Good Lord’s help to eat it! Happy Hour is 3-8 p.m., and Tuesday is live trivia. Karaoke is every other Saturday! 1316 Main St., 501372-9990

NORTH LITTLE ROCK/ARGENTA FOUR QUARTER BAR

This Argenta favorite doesn’t serve your average bar food. The menu features locally sourced pork, handmade sauces and famous hand-pattied burgers along with weekly specials that you won’t find anywhere else. Even better, the kitchen is open until 1:30 a.m. every night. Four Quarter also offers a great selection of rotating craft beers on draft. With great live music, a hidden patio, shuffleboard and dominoes, Four Quarter Bar has it all. 415 Main St., North Little Rock,

Once the menu is set, let us come in and bring your resturant to life. With over 20 years in the construction business, we know that every second counts. Even if it’s just a small renovation, let us put the icing on your place. Call us today!

MUCHO LOCO

DOE’S EAT PLACE

THE FADED ROSE

HOT SPRINGS

SQZBOX

Hand-tossed house made pizzas, subs and salads. Brewery on-site, sells beer to go (on Sunday!) Gluten free and vegan options abound. Craft cocktail menu, gorgeous patio. Delivery available through our website using third-party delivery. sqzbx.com, 236 Ouachita Ave., Hot Springs, 501-609-0609

PINE BLUFF

SARACEN RESTAURANTS

Though the Saracen Casino Resort upped the stakes for gaming in Arkansas, they’ve had an equally impressive impact on Arkansas’s culinary landscape, as is evident in the property’s best-in-state offerings. At the Red Oak Steakhouse, you’ll dine in a venue recognized as the state’s best for four years running. Expect to enjoy Kobe beef from the South’s only restaurant licensed by the Japanese Beef Council, or choose primegrade beef, bison and seafood alongside a carefully curated menu in the property’s flagship restaurant. Red Oak’s signature cuisine is presented in a class of its own, with Saracen’s focus on offering the best steaks in the South, carefully managed from pasture to plate, and a wine list celebrated by Wine Spectator. Legend’s is a must-try, with a constantly updated menu offering the best of what you can expect in casual dining. Or try The Post, serving more catfish than any restaurant in the state. Saracen Casino Resort, 1 Saracen Resort Drive, Pine Bluff, 870-686-9001

LAKEVIEW

GASTON’S RESTAURANT

Gaston’s wants to make sure you experience everything in Lakeview, including their award-winning restaurant. The restaurant sits on the White River, with amazing views and a quiet atmosphere you are sure to love. The chef, Rick Gollinger, has weekly specials that start on Thursday nights and last the entire weekend. Also, there is a buffet on Sundays that you do not want to miss. Due to limited seating, Gaston’s Restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 1777 River Road, Lakeview, 870-431-5203

Mark your calendars for Sept. 5-12.