You know the feeling: Hunger strikes and you have to decide on where you're going to eat. Look no further than our Foodie Guide to find the most delicious meals throughout Central Arkansas!
DIANA BRATTON TACO MAMA
At Taco Mama in Hot Springs, Diana Bratton channels her Texas roots, creating fresh, mouthwatering dishes with local ingredients. “We make everything from scratch and cook with layers of flavors.” Nothing from Taco Mama comes from a can. Gems like house-pressed tortillas and scratch-made sauces highlight the lineup. “We use authentic basics of Mexican cuisine like garlic, chilis and chocolate.” Bratton recommends ordering the carnitas and cheese empanadas or checking out the housesmoked brisket. Her mantra rings true: “Flavor is everything.” For catering inquiries please email info@spillover.com.
MALVERN & SIDE TOWN | HOT SPRINGS TACOMAMA.NET
COPPER GRILL
Heard the buzz around Little Rock? It’s all about Copper Grill! This downtown gem dishes out deliciousness all week long, but their Saturday brunch is a must. Visualize a fluffy homemade waffle piled high with crispy buttermilk fried chicken, kissed with cinnamon butter and drizzled with their own blackberry syrup. Oh yeah, their Savory Chicken & Waffles is calling your name. Pair that with the $3 mimosas to make those weekend vibes even better.
Need a midweek pick-me-up after the 9-to-5? Copper Grill’s handcrafted cocktails and stocked bar are ready to rescue you during happy hour (4-7 p.m. weekdays). Whether you’re after something refreshing or a bit bolder, their patio is the perfect spot to unwind this summer. Plus, Saturdays are extra special with allday happy hour and brunch! So, whether you’re craving a killer brunch, a perfectly mixed drink or just a great atmosphere, Copper Grill on Third Street is where it’s at. Come on, treat yourself!
FRENCH QUARTER PASTA FOUR QUARTER BAR
Picture this: a generous bowl of Four Quarter Bar’s French Quarter Pasta, where perfectly cooked rotini swims in a luscious, house-made sauce. Each forkful bursts with the taste of the Gulf, thanks to tender crawfish and plump shrimp, mingling with the smoky undertones of shredded chicken. A secret blend of Cajun spices adds a gentle heat, awakening your palate. This isn’t just pasta; it’s a comforting, flavorful journey to the French Quarter, complete with crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of deliciousness. Craving satisfied.
415 MAIN ST., NORTH LITTLE ROCK FOURQUARTERBAR.COM
SAVORY CHICKEN & WAFFLE
PAYNE HARDING, CHEF CACHE RESTAURANT
Prepare yourself for a culinary journey at Cache, where sophisticated “Southern New American” cuisine meets exquisite technique! This isn’t just dining; it’s an experience meticulously crafted by Chef Payne and deeply inspired by both classical training and rich Cajun/Creole traditions.
Cache is renowned for its Friday Fried Chicken, a downtown legend served with double sides and cornbread — a truly elevated take on Southern comfort, based on a cherished family recipe. But the excitement truly ignites with Cache’s nightly dinner service. Everything is made fresh daily, presented beautifully. The star of the show for many is the fresh fish, flown in weekly. Imagine vibrant, cherry-red tuna from Hawaii, expertly prepared — perhaps with orzo, peppers and a delicate honey-soy glaze, a recent tantalizing special.
Beyond the beloved staples, the menu constantly evolves with two to three seasonal items introduced every few months alongside daily specials that push creative boundaries. Indulge in innovative dishes like a perfectly slow-cooked duck confit with a bright, fruity, citrusy sauce, or savor Cache’s popular shrimp and grits, infused with a delightful Cajun flair.
And for dessert? Prepare to be amazed. Cache boasts an incredible array of house-made sweet treats. Its creme brûlée features a perfect, crisp crust, while the warm bread pudding with cinnamon brioche croutons and bourbon caramel sauce is pure indulgence. Don’t miss the skillet cookie with ice cream, scratch-made key lime pie or the sweet biscuit with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Cache offers a truly unforgettable dining experience, proving that world-class cuisine thrives in Little Rock.
LAWRENCE PICKARD, CHEF MIDTOWN BILLIARDS
DEM DAM WINGZ
Imagine sinking your teeth into Midtown Billiards’ legendary Spam, Egg and Cheese sandwich. A generous slab of grilled Spam, tasting like a “giant chunk of bacon,” meets a perfectly cooked egg, all embraced by melted
Get ready for an explosion of taste at Dem Dam Wingz! Their “AllFlavor” sauce is a legendary concoction, blending all 32 of their unique flavors into one irresistible, tangy and sweet masterpiece. But don’t stop there — dive into their crispy fried ribs, a rarity that sets them apart from other chicken shops. And for the ultimate wing experience, savor their award-winning wings, so popular they sold out at Wingstock and earned them first place. Every bite promises a juicy, flavorful adventure you won’t soon forget!
DEM DAM WINGZ 1065 PIKE AVE | NORTH LITTLE ROCK
