From gourmet to taco trucks
Little Rock is the right place for big eaters, and possibly even for that more elusive breed, “gourmet diners.” We informally declare this year the year of the delicious Mexican hole-in-the-wall, the taco truck and burrito stand, as they all grew both in number and in personal estimation as a cheap and tasty meal. Chains opened and remained delicious (Bonefish Grill, Cracker Barrel), some shuttered quickly. Some new places wowed us (Arthur’s), some expanded (Boulevard Bread Co.), some went out to pasture (Sir Loin’s Inn). You know what they say, though, “the more things change …”

Here’s a list of some of the area restaurants we’ve visited:

American

ACADIA A jewel of a restaurant in Hillcrest. Wonderful soups and fish dishes. Extensive wine list. On Mondays and Tuesdays get three courses for the fixed price of $22.50. It’s a bargain. 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 603-9630 D Mon.-Sat.

ANDINA CAFE AND ROASTERY Java is the main attraction, but a good selection of sandwiches and big salads and Italian sodas are available. Has moved to a smaller space inside the River Market. 400 President Clinton Ave. CC $$ 376-2326 BL Mon.-Sun.

ARKANSAS BURGER CO. Really good burgers, fries and shakes, plus salads and other entrees. 7410 Cantrell Road. Beer and wine. CC $$ 501-663-0600 LD Tue.-Sat.

ARTHUR’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE Restaurateur Jerry Barakat brings the classic New York steakhouse formula to Chenal Valley. The main event is prime beef, or even more expensive Australian wagyu beef. There’s a wide choice of seafood, too, both as appetizers or main courses. The wine list is long and interesting. 27 Rahling Circle. Full bar. CC $$$ 821-1848 D Mon.-Sat.

ATHLETIC CLUB What could be mundane fare gets delightful twists and embellishments here. Embassy Suites Hotel. 11301 Financial Centre Parkway. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 312-9000 LD daily.

AYDELOTTE’S Sleek restaurant in North Little Rock’s Lakewood stars with its wood-fired steaks and seafood dishes. Some of the entree prices may surprise you, but there is a solid, not-overly-pricy wine list. Good Sunday brunch. 5524 John F. Kennedy Blvd., NLR. Full bar. CC $$$ 975-5524. LD Tue.-Sun.

BEEF O’BRADY’S FAMILY SPORTS PUB The signature item is the wings, with a variety of sauces, plus burgers, specialty sandwiches, wraps, salads and fish dishes. 115 Audubon Drive, Maumelle. Beer and wine. CC $$ 803-3500 LD daily.

BEST IMPRESSIONS The menu combines Asian, Italian and French sensibilities in soups, salads and meaty fare. A departure from the tearoom of yore and run by Simply the Best Catering. Arkansas Arts Center. Beer and wine. CC $$ 907-5946 L Tue.-Sun.

BLACK ANGUS Charcoal-grilled burgers, hamburger steaks and steaks proper are the big draws at this local institution. 10907 N. Rodney Parham No alcohol. CC $ 228-7800 LD Mon.-Sat.

BOBBY’S COUNTRY COOKIN’ One of the better plate lunch spots in the area, with maybe the best fried chicken and pot roast around, a changing daily casserole and wonderful homemade pies. 301 N. Shackleford Road, Suite E1. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 224-9500 L Mon.-Fri.

BONEFISH GRILL This Florida-based chain offers the deep-sea version of the Outback experience in a dressier, film noirish setting with a convivial bar. A half-dozen or more types of fresh fish filets are offered daily, grilled (perfectly in our experience) over a wood fire. Key lime pie is the perfect sweet/tart finish. 11525 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$. 228-0356. D daily.

BOSCOS This River Market microbrewery does food well, too. Along with tried and true things like sandwiches, burgers, steaks and big salads, they have entrees like black bean and goat cheese tamales, open hearth pizza ovens and muffalettas. 500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar. CC $$ 907-1881 LD daily.

BOULEVARD BREAD CO. Fresh bread, fresh pastries, wide selection of cheeses, meats, side dishes — all superb. Good coffee, too. Multiple locations, headquartered: 1920 N. Grant St. CC $-$$$ 663-5951 BLD Mon.-Sat.; River Market Hall, wine, CC $-$$$ 374-1232, BLD Mon.-Sat.; College of Public Health, 401 W. Markham St. No alcohol CC $-$$$ 526-6661 BL Mon.-Fri.

BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT The food’s great, portions huge, prices reasonable. Diners can look into the open kitchen and watch the culinary geniuses at work slicing and dicing and sauteeing. It’s great fun, and the fish is special. 2300 Cottondale Lane. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 663-2677 L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat.

BUFFALO GRILL A great crispy-off-the-griddle cheeseburger and hand-cut fries star at this family-friendly stop. The original is back in full force in Riverdale with a spacious deck and lots of parking in the back. 1611 Rebsamen Park Road. 296-9535 $ LD. CC. Full bar, and 400 N. Bowman Road. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 224-0012 LD daily.

BURGE’S TURKEYS AND HAMS Famous for its smoked turkey and hams, but also a source for good fried catfish and homemade fried pies. 5620 R St. No alcohol. CC $$ 666-1660 LD Mon.-Sat.

BURGER MAMA’S More burger than you can possibly handle, washed down with tasty margaritas. 10721 Kanis Rd., 225-2495. Full bar. CC $ LD Daily.

CAFE 42 The Clinton Presidential Center’s restaurant has Sunday brunch ($18.95, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) that pushes all the right buttons in the style of a grand hotel, and it’s solid choice for weekday lunch as well. 1200 President Clinton Ave. (Clinton Library). Beer and wine. CC. $$ 537-0042 LD (closes at 5 p.m.) Mon.-Sat. BR Sun.

CAJUN’S WHARF The venerable seafood restaurant has a new look to go with great gumbo and oysters Bienville, and options such as fine steaks for the non-seafood eater. In the citified bar, you’ll find some of the best nightly entertainment in town. 2400 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 375-5351 D Mon.-Sat.

CAMP DAVID Inside the Holiday Inn Presidential Conference Center, Camp David particularly pleases with its breakfast and themed buffets each day of the week. Wonderful Sunday brunch. I-30 and 6th Street. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 975-2267 BLD daily.

CAPERS It’s never been better, with as good a wine list as any in the area, and a menu that covers a lot of ground — seafood, steaks, pasta — and does it all well. 14502 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 868-7600 LD Mon.-Sat.

CAPITAL HOTEL BAR Tasty, hearty soups, sandwiches and great salmon, in a classic setting. Full of business bigshots. 111 W. Markham St. Full bar. CC $$ 374-7474 LD Mon.-Sat.

CATFISH CITY AND BBQ GRILL Basic fried fish and sides, including green tomato pickle, and now with tasty ribs and sandwiches in beef, pork and sausage. 1817 S. University Ave. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 663-7224 LD Mon.-Sat.

CATFISH HOLE Downhome place for well-cooked catfish and tasty hushpuppies. 603 E. Spriggs, NLR. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 758-3516 D Tues.-Sat.

CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER Premium black Angus cheeseburgers, with five different sizes, ranging from the Classic (5.5 ounces) to the Pounder (20 ounces), and nine cheese options. For sides, milkshakes and golden-fried onion rings are the way to go. 11525 Cantrell Road. No alcohol. CC $$ 490-2433 LD daily.

CHEERS Both locations offer good burgers and sandwiches, vegetarian offerings and salads at lunch, and fish specials and good steaks in the evening. The Heights location is intimate and the wine list is emphasized. The Maumelle location is spacious inside and on the porch. 2010 N. Van Buren, 663-5937; 1901 Club Manor, Maumelle, 851-6200. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ LD Mon.-Sat.

CHEERS ON BROADWAY Monster burgers, large-cut fries and good salads in the business district. Capitol and Broadway. Beer and wine. $$ 372-5494 BL Mon.-Fri.

CHILI’S GRILL AND BAR You can put some Mexican flair into your meal or go for more of an all-American platter at this chain spot with a huge menu. Multiple locations, including 4000 McCain Blvd., NLR (753-3333) and 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road. Full bar. CC $$ 224-0455 LD daily.

CJ’S CAFETERIA A meat-and-three outpost with strong side dishes. The apple and sweet potato pies are homemade and go quickly. 824 W. Capitol Ave. No alcohol. $$ 372-8816 LD Mon.-Fri.

COAST CAFE A variety of salads, smoothies, sandwiches and pizzas, and there’s breakfast and coffee, too. 400 President Clinton Ave. (in the River Market). No alcohol. CC $-$$ 371-0164 BL Mon.-Sat.

COCK OF THE WALK Yes, the chicken and shrimp are great, but go for the unbeatable catfish. Plus, we say the slaw is the world’s best. 7051 Cock of the Walk Lane, Maumelle. Full bar. CC $$ 758-7182 LD daily.

COMMUNITY BAKERY This sunny downtown bakery is the place to linger over a latte, bagels and the New York Times. But a lunchtime dash for sandwiches is OK, too, though it’s often packed. Multiple LR locations, including 270 S. Shackleford, 224-1656, and the original at 1200 Main St. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 375-7105 BLD daily.

CORNERSTONE PUB Numerous beers and heavier drinks along with regular live music make this a fine stopping-off spot, but it succeeds on the food end as well with the usual pub selections and sandwiches. We like this version of the muffaletta, though it’s lighter than the soaked-with-olive-oil kind they love in N’awlins. 314 Main St., NLR. Full bar. CC $-$$ 374-1782 LD Mon.-Sat.

COTHAM’S Hamburgers as big as hubcaps, killer catfish, big sweet onion rings and spectacular Mississippi Mud dessert. Highway 161, Scott. No alcohol. CC $$ 961-9284 LD Tue.-Sat.

COTHAM’S IN THE CITY A Capitol neighborhood version of the famous Scott country store, with the same specialties — giant hubcap hamburgers, well-fried plate lunches and monumental desserts. 1401 W. 3rd St. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 370-9177 L Mon.-Fri.

CRAZEE’S COOL CAFE Good burgers, daily plate specials and bar food amid pool tables and TVs. 7626 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $-$$ 221-9696 LD Mon.-Sat.

CREGEEN’S IRISH PUB It’s a faithful replica, built in Ireland and reassembled on a North Little Rock street corner, that should make you sing “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” Draft pints, fine single-malt Irish whiskey are available along with a choice of food from American (chicken wings) and Irish (fried Irish camembert) pub favorites to burgers, Irish stew, fish and chips and even broiled salmon for the health-conscious. The full Irish breakfast is an all-day favorite (sorry, no blood pudding). 301 Main, NLR. Full bar. CC $-$$ 376-7468 LD.

CREW RESTAURANT AND BAR The owner/chef’s culinary background shows in thoughtful but not fussy entrees, including fish, lamb and duck, at one of the new restaurants in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center. Interesting appetizers include Chinese pork spring rolls and seared tuna with seaweed salad. 11525 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$ 223-3553 LD.

DAVE’S PLACE Downtown’s premier soup-and-sandwich stop at lunch, and a set dinner spot on Friday night to give a little creative outlet to chef supreme David Williams. Beef, chicken and fish are served with Continental flair. 210 Center St. CC $$ 372-3283 L Mon.-Fri. D Fri.

DAVID FAMILY KITCHEN Call it soul food or call it down-home country cooking, as the Davids do. Just be sure to call us for supper when you go. Neckbones, ribs, sturdy cornbread, mustard greens and the like. Desserts are exceptionally good. 2301 Broadway. No alcohol. CC 371-0141 BLD daily.

DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS A great variety of sandwiches, meal-sized salads and homemade soups, many of the items heart-smart. Great desserts, too. 11220 Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol. CC $$ 225-6893 BL daily.

DIXIE CAFE Abundant vegetable choices that are inexpensive, wholesome, satisfying and dependable, with meats and fresh rolls to match. Multiple locations, including 1301 Rebsamen Park Road. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 663-9336 LD daily.

DOE’S EAT PLACE A skid-row dive turned power brokers’ watering hole with huge steaks, great tamales and broiled shrimp, and killer burgers at lunch. 1023 W. Markham St. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 376-1195 LD Mon.-Sat.

DOUBLETREE PLAZA BAR & GRILL The lobby restaurant in the Doubletree is elegantly comfortable, but you’ll find no airs put on at heaping breakfast and lunch buffets. Markham and Broadway. Full bar. CC $$ 372-4371 BLD daily.

DOWNTOWN DELI A locally owned eatery, with bigger sandwiches and lower prices than most downtown chain competitors. Also huge, loaded baked potatoes, soups and salads. 323 Center St. No alcohol. CC $ 372-3696 BL Mon.-Fri.

EJ’S EATS AND DRINKS The friendly former Hillcrest neighborhood hoagie shop has moved downtown but still serves up generous sandwiches, homemade soups and salads. Vegetarians can craft any number of acceptable meals from the flexible menu. Now, they have burgers. 523 Center St. (corner of Center and Sixth). Full bar. CC $ 666-3700 LD Mon.-Fri.

FADED ROSE The Cajun-inspired menu seldom disappoints. Steaks and soaked salads are legendary. Multiple locations, including Bowman Curve, 224-3377, and the original at 1615 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 663-9734 LD daily.

FAT BOYS CAFE The Argenta eatery offers an array of creative hot dogs, bratwurst and hamburgers. For dessert, the must-have is called, simply enough, Turtle Thingy. It’s a warm and gooey brownie with ice cream topped with caramel and hot fudge, pecans and whipped cream. We’ll be coming back for it. Basic breakfast fare, for cheap, is also on the menu. 318 Main St., NLR. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 244-9599 BL Mon-Fri., L Sat.

FERNEAU Great seafood, among other things, is served at the Ice House Revival in Hillcrest. 2601 Kavanaugh. Full bar. CC $$$ 603-9208 L Tue.-Fri. D Tue.-Sat (Tue. and Wed. prix fixe).

FIRE FALL GRILL & BAR There’s something for everybody — chops and steaks, sea food, pasta, burgers — at a new place that has the potential to become very popular. 2513 McCain Blvd., NLR. 753-2455 $$-$$$ Full bar CC LD Daily. 

FLIGHT DECK A not-your-typical daily lunch special highlights this spot, which also features inventive sandwiches, salads and a popular burger. Central Flying Service at Adams Field. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 375-3245 BL Mon.-Sat.

FLYING FISH The fried seafood is fresh and crunchy and there are plenty of raw, boiled and grilled offerings, too. The hamburgers are a hit. It’s self-service; wander on through the screen door and you’ll find a slick team of cooks and servers doing a creditable job of serving big crowds. 511 President Clinton Ave. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 375-3474 LD daily.

FLYING SAUCER Beer, with dozens on tap, is the big draw at this popular River Market venue, but the food’s good, too. Sandwiches, including a great Reuben, salads, quesadillas and the bratwurst are dependable. 323 President Clinton Ave. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 372-7468 LD Mon.-Sat.

FRANKE’S Plate lunch spot strong on salads and vegetables, and perfect fried chicken on Sundays. Locations in the Regions Bank Building, University Mall and at 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 225-4487 LD daily.

GRAMPA’S CATFISH HOUSE The newest location for a longtime local favorite for fried fish, hush puppies and good sides. (In NLR on Warden Road, 758-4654, beer, D Tue.-Sun.) 9219 Stagecoach Road. Beer. CC $-$$ 407-0000 LD 7 days.

GRUMPY’S Try the Wednesday night bonanza: large, fresh oysters on the half-shell and hefty shrimp for a quarter a pop. Rib special on Mondays. 1801 Green Mountain Drive. Full bar. CC $-$$ 225-9650 LD Mon.-Sat.

GYPSY’S GRILL AND BAR Led by one of the city’s leading owner/chef’s Gypsy’s has affordable fine-dining menu with an international flavor of its predecessor, Alouette’s. And it still has “the best lobster bisque in the world.” 11401 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 225-4152 D Tue.-Sat.

HEAVENLY HAM Fine hams, turkeys and other specialty meats served whole, by the pound or in sandwiches. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 225-2136 LD Mon.-Sat.

HOMER’S Great vegetables, huge yeast rolls and killer cobblers. Follow the mobs. 2001 E. Roosevelt Road. No alcohol. CC $$ 374-1400 BL Mon.-Fri.

HUNKA PIE Delicious homemade pie (try french apple, coconut cream or the key lime), with some tasty lunch items to boot (in the Rivermarket). CC $-$$ 371-0164 LD Mon.-Sat.

IMAGINE An interesting and diverse menu reflects a definite French influence. Locally produced seasonal ingredients are featured, and the wine list is impressive, completed by a comfortable and elegant atmosphere and professional and attentive service. 11525 Cantrell Road, Suite 917. Full bar. CC $$ 801-5530 L Tue.-Fri. D Mon.-Sat. B Sat.-Sun.

IZZY’S It’s bright, clean and casual, with snappy team service of all his standbys — sandwiches and fries, lots of fresh salads, pasta about a dozen ways, hand-rolled tamales and brick oven pizzas. 5601 Ranch Drive, off Highway 10. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 868-4311 LD Mon.-Sat.

JASON’S DELI A huge selection of sandwiches (wraps, subs, po’ boys and pitas), salads and spuds, as well as red beans and rice and chicken pot pie. Plus a large selection of heart-healthy and light dishes. 301 N. Shackleford Road. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 954-8700 LD daily.

JIMMY’S SERIOUS SANDWICHES Consistently fine sandwiches, side orders and desserts. Chicken salad’s among the best in town. Get there early for lunch. 5116 W. Markham St. No alcohol. CC $ 666-3354 L Mon.-Sat.

JULIE’S Quiet and pleasant spot with good prime rib, pasta and seafood dishes. 110 S. Shackleford Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 224-4501 LD daily.

JUST LIKE MOM’S Daily specials include mom’s goulash, lemon pepper chicken over rice and garlic roast beef, with generous sides of pinto beans, cornbread, potatoes. 3140 E. Kiehl Ave., NLR. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 833-0402 BLD Mon.-Sat.

KIERRE’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN Excellent home-cooking joint for huge helpings of meat loaf and chicken-fried steak, cooked-down vegetables and wonderful homemade pies and cakes. 6 Collins Industrial Place, NLR. No alcohol. CC $ 758-0903 BL Mon.-Sat.

LAUGHING MOON CAFE The former Sufficient Grounds features specialty coffees ,sandwiches, pizza , calzones and breakfast until 2 p.m. 722 N. Palm St. Beer and wine. CC $$ 663-1636 BLD Daily.

LOCA LUNA Grilled meats, seafood and pasta dishes that never stray far from country roots, whether Italian, Spanish or Arkie. “Gourmet plate lunches” are good, as is Sunday brunch. 3519 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 663-4666 B Sun. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

LULAV AND V LOUNGE A Mediterranean-California fusion eatery, and the delicious flavors are like none you’ll experience anywhere in the city. Good fish, veal, daring salads and much more. Plus, a hot bar to see and be seen. 220 A W. 6th St. Full Bar. CC $$-$$$ 374-5100 LD Tue.-Sun.

MAMA BEA’S BIG HAMBURGERS A hamburger, chili dog and buffalo wing place where the burgers get as big as 18 ounces. 5900 W. 12th St, 663-3031. No alcohol. CC $ LD Mon.-Sat.

MILFORD TRACK Healthy and tasty are the key words at this deli/grill, featuring hot entrees, soups, sandwiches, salads and killer desserts. 10809 Executive Center Drive, Searcy Building. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 223-2257 BL Mon.-Sat.

MIMI’S CAFE Breakfast is our meal of choice here at this upscale West Coast chain. Middle-America comfort-style entrees, from pot roast to pasta dishes. 11725 Chenal Parkway. Full bar. CC $$ 221-3883 BLD (breakfast served until 4 p.m.) daily.

OLD MILL BREAD AND FLOUR CO. CAFE The popular take-out bakery has an eat-in restaurant and friendly operators. It’s self-service, simple and good — 11 types of sandwiches built with a changing lineup of the bakery’s 40 different breads, along with soups, salads and cookies. Rock Creek Square, Markham and Bowman. CC $ 228-4677 BL Mon.-Sat.

OYSTER BAR Gumbo, red beans and rice (all you can eat on Mondays), peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters on the half shell. Decent po’ boys. 3003 W. Markham St. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 666-7100 LD Mon.-Sat.

OZARK COUNTRY RESTAURANT Football-sized omelets filled with the same marvelous smoked meats and cheeses that are heaped on sandwiches at lunch. Great biscuits and gravy, bacon, homestyle potatoes and a daily plate lunch special to boot. Now featuring Petit Jean Meats. 202 Keightley Drive. No alcohol. CC $ 663-7319 BL Tue.-Sun.

PURPLE COW DINER Cheeseburgers, chili dogs, thick milk shakes, including one made with purple ice cream. Multiple locations, 11602 Chenal Parkway. Beer, “adult” milkshakes. CC $-$$ 224-4433 BLD daily, and the original: 8026 Cantrell Road. Beer, “adult” milkshakes. CC $-$$ 221-3555 BLD daily.

RENO’S ARGENTA CAFE Louis France’s spot where Cornerstone Deli once operated (it’s shifted next door), with a vast selection of sandwiches, from Cuban pork to French dip to a muffaletta, plus gyros, wraps and specialty pizzas. 312 Main St., NLR. Full bar. CC. $$. 376-2900 LD Mon.-Sat.

RICK AND D’S FISHER’S CAFE New owners have taken over a traditional home to good plate lunches has great onion rings and homemade pies. 1919 E. Broadway, NLR. No alcohol. CC $ 374-5661 BLD Mon.-Fri.

RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE Steaks delivered fresh from Chicago twice a week are salted, peppered, seared in an infra-red oven and then buttered for a meat-eater’s dream chowdown. There’s more to like also: crab cakes and shrimp bisque and chops and chicken and lobster tail. 2 Riverfront Place, NLR. Full bar. CC $$$ 375-7285 BLD daily.

RUDY’S OYSTER BAR Good boiled shrimp and oysters on the half shell. Quesadillas and chili cheese dip are tasty and ultra-hearty. 2695 Pike Ave., NLR. Full bar. CC $-$$ 771-0808 D Mon.-Sat.

SADDLE CREEK WOODFIRED GRILL Upscale chain dining in Lakewood, with a menu full of appetizers, burgers, chicken, fish and other fare. It’s the smoke-kissed steaks, however, that make it a winner — even in Little Rock’s beef-heavy restaurant market. 2703 Lakewood Village, NLR. Full bar and wine list. CC $$ 812-0883 LD daily.

SATELLITE COFFEE CO. AND CAFE This Heights techno-pop coffee shop offers fresh breads and fruits all day. Sandwiches are trendy and good. Kavanaugh and University. CC $$-$$$ 663-6336 BL daily.

SCALLION’S Reliably good food, great desserts, pleasant atmosphere, able servers — a solid lunch spot. 5110 Kavanaugh. Full bar. CC $-$$ 666-6468 L Mon.-Sat.

SEASONS IN THE HEIGHTS A cool and quiet restaurant on the ground floor of a Heights office building serves good sandwiches and salads for weekday lunch and classier fare in the evening, when pasta, fish, steak and lemon chicken are among the top entrees. 1501 N. University. Beer and wine. CC $$ 537-2242 L Mon.-Fri. D Mon.-Sat.

SHORTY SMALL’S Land of big, juicy burgers, massive cheese logs, smoky barbecue platters and the signature onion loaf. (NLR: 4317 Warden Road. Full bar. CC $$ 753-8111 LD daily.) 1100 N. Rodney Parham Road. Full bar. CC $$ 224-3344 LD daily.

SO RESTAURANT BAR Call it a French brasserie with a sleek, but not fussy American finish — stone walls, handsome furniture and apron-clad waiters anxious to please. Good ingredients are prepared simply — everything from salads and sandwiches to a four-course prix fixe menu starring a buttery filet mounded with lump crab and choice fish. It is open as late as 2 a.m. on Thursday and Friday nights. The wine selection is broad and choice. I3610 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 663-1464 LD Mon.-Fri., BLD Sat.-Sun.

SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM Steaks, chicken and seafood in a wonderful setting in the River Market. Steak gets pricy, but the lump crab meat au gratin appetizer is outstanding. Give the turtle soup a try. 500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar. CC $$$ 324-2999 D Mon.-Sat.

SPECTATOR’S GRILL AND PUB Burgers, soups, salads and other bar food, plus live music on weekends. 1012 W. 34th St., NLR. Full bar. CC $-$$ ($2 cover) 791-0990 LD Mon.-Sat.

SPORTS PAGE Perhaps the largest, juiciest, most flavorful burger in town. Grilled turkey and hot cheese on sourdough gets praise, too. Now with lunch specials. 414 Louisiana St. Beer and wine. CC $ 372-9316. BL Mon.-Fri., open on occasional Fri. nights for music and night food service.

STARVING ARTIST CAFE You might catch a painter discussing his work, a writer with a new book, or a guitarist playing flamenco or finger-style at lunch or dinner while you munch on delicious shrimp crepes or sip on potato and leek soup like you’d find in New York. Dinner menu changes daily, and they have an intriguing wine list. 416 W. Seventh St. Wine and beer. CC. $$ 372-7976 L Mon.-Fri. D Thu.-Sat.

STICKY FINGERZ ROCK ’N’ ROLL CHICKEN SHACK Fingers any way you can imagine, plus sandwiches and burgers, and a fun setting for music and happy hour gatherings. 107 Commerce St. Full bar. CC $-$$ 372-7707 LD Mon.-Sat.

SUFFICIENT GROUNDS Great coffee, good bagels and pastries, and a limited lunch menu are at the downtown location, under different ownership than the Hillcrest spot. 1 Union Plaza. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 372-1009 BL Mon.-Fri

TERRI-LYNN’S BAR-B-Q AND DELI High-quality meats served on large sandwiches and good tamales served with chili or without (the better bargain). 10102 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 227-6371 LD Tue.-Sat.

THE BOX Cheeseburgers and french fries are greasy and wonderful and not like their fast-food cousins. 1623 Main St. Beer. No CC 372-8735 L Mon.-Fri.

THE HOP You half expect the Fonz to stroll by this old-fashioned dairy diner, where the shakes are thick, the cones tall and the burgers good and greasy. 7706 Cantrell Road. No alcohol. $-$$ 227-6505 LD Mon.-Sat.

TOWN PUMP Soup specials daily for lunch and a dependable burger, plus basic bar food. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. Beer. No CC $-$$ 663-9802 LD Mon.-Sat.

TRIO’S Still great after 20 years. You can’t go wrong with custom sandwiches, Peck Special Salad or chicken salad at lunch; the enchiladas and voodoo pasta at dinner, or the monumentally rich list of tempting desserts. 8201 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 221-3330. LD Mon.-Sat.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE Besides the 45 different smoothies on the menu, the cafe also serves wraps and sandwiches (many of them spicy), salads and “tortizzas.” Good food, healthy drinks, long line at lunch but it moves fast. Creekwood Plaza (Kanis and Bowman). No alcohol. CC $-$$ 221-6773 BLD daily.

VIEUX CARRE A pleasant new spot in Hillcrest with specialty salads, steak and seafood. The soup of the day is a good bet. At lunch, the menu includes an all-vegetable sandwich and a half-pound cheeseburger. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 663-1196 Full bar. CC $$-$$$ LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat., Br Sun.

VERMILLION WATER GRILLE Chef Michael Selig’s River Market District endeavor is an after-work hot spot as well as a fine dining restaurant — check out all the suits at lunch — that boasts of fresh fish selections. We’re big fans of the Mediterranean salad. Reservations accepted. 200 S. Commerce St. Full bar. CC $$$ 371-9600 L Mon.-Fri. D Mon.-Sat.

VICTORIAN GARDEN We’ve found the fare quite tasty and somewhat daring and different with its healthy, balanced entrees and crepes. 4801 North Hills Blvd., NLR. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 758-4299 L Tue.-Sat. D Thu.-Sat.

WEST END SMOKEHOUSE AND TAVERN Its primary focus is a sports bar with 50-plus TVs, but the dinner entrees (grilled chicken, steaks and such) are plentiful and the bar food is upper quality. 215 N. Shackleford. Full bar. CC $ 224-7665 LD Mon.-Sat.

WILLY D’S DUELING PIANO BAR Willy D’s serves up a decent dinner of pastas and salads as a lead-in to its nightly sing-along piano show. Go when you’re in a good mood. 322 President Clinton Ave. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 244-9550 D Tue.-Sat.

WINGSTOP It’s all about wings. The joint features eight flavors of chicken flappers for almost any palate, including mild, hot, Cajun and atomic, as well as specialty flavors like lemon pepper and teriyaki. 11321 West Markham St. Beer. CC $-$$ 224-9464 LD Mon.-Sun.

YOUR MAMA’S GOOD FOOD Now in more spacious quarters, but still offering simple and satisfying cafeteria food, with burgers and more hot off the grill. Tower Building, Fourth and Center. No alcohol. CC $ 372-1811 L Mon.-Fri.

Asian

ASIAN PALACE BUFFET Formerly Dragon Palace Buffet, this sister restaurant to China King Buffet features the delicious Mongolian grill, sushi, crab legs and Asian and American items. Bowman Station, Hermitage and Bowman. Beer and wine. CC $ 225-0095 LD daily.

BENIHANA — THE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE Enjoy the cooking show, make sure you get a little filet with your meal, and do plenty of dunking in that fabulous ginger sauce. Riverfront Hilton, NLR. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 374-8081 LD daily.

CHI’S CHINESE CUISINE A huge menu spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings, plus there’s authentic Hong Kong dim sum available daily until 3 p.m. Multiple LR locations, including 5110 W. Markham St., 604-7777, with delivery; a Chi’s Express at 17200 Chenal Parkway, 821-8000, and the original: 6 Shackleford Drive. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 221-7737 LD daily.

CHINA INN Massive Chinese buffet overflows with meaty and fresh dishes, augmented at dinner by boiled shrimp, oysters on the half shell and snow crab legs (all you want cheap). 2629 Lakewood Village Place, NLR. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 771-2288 LD daily.

CHINESE PAVILION HUNAN RESTAURANT A longtime favorite in Chinese restaurant polls, it’s one of the earliest Asian eateries on the north shore. 8000 Hwy. 107, NLR. Beer and wine. CC $$ 835-8723 LD Tue.-Sun.

CRAZY HIBACHI GRILL The folks that own Chi’s and Sekisui offer their best in a three-in-one: teppanyaki cooking, sushi bar and sit-down dining with a Mongolian grill. 2907 Lakewood Village, NLR. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 812-9888 LD daily.

DRAGON PALACE BUFFET Sister to China King Buffet, with the delicious Mongolian grill, sushi, crab legs, and Asian and American items. Bowman Station, Hermitage and Bowman. Beer and wine. CC $ 225-0095 LD daily.

FANTASTIC CHINA The food is delicious, the presentation beautiful, the menu distinctive, the service perfect, the decor bright. 1900 N. Grant St. Full bar. CC $ 663-8999 LD daily.

FORBIDDEN CITY The Park Plaza staple has fast and friendly service, offering up good lo mein at lunch (cheap at $6.50) and Cantonese and Hunan dishes. Markham and University. Full bar. CC $ 663-9099 LD daily.

FU LIN Quality in the made-to-order entrees is high, as is the quantity. 200 N. Bowman Road. Full bar. CC $$ 225-8989 LD daily.

HANAROO SUSHI BAR A former Austin, Texas, sushi chef has brought his off-beat and interesting creations to downtown Little Rock, along with a few regular Japanese offerings such as tempura and noodles. 205 W. Capitol Ave. Beer and wine. CC $$ 301-7900 L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat.

HUNAN BALCONY The owner of New Fun Ree has combined forces with the Dragon China folks to create a formidable offering. 2817 Cantrell Road. CC $-$$ 666-8889 LD daily.

HUNAN ORIENTAL CUISINE Old favorites such as orange beef or chicken and Hunan green beans are still prepared with care in very nice surroundings out west. 11610 Pleasant Ridge Drive. Full bar. CC $$ 223-9966 LD daily.

IGIBON It’s a complex place, where the food is almost always good and the ambiance and service never fail to please. The sushi is good, while the Bento box with tempura shrimp and California rolls and other delights stand out. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. Beer and wine. CC $-$$-$$$ 217-8888 LD Mon.-Sat.

KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI Though answering the need for more hibachis in Little Rock, Kobe stands taller in its sushi offerings than the grill. 11401 Financial Centre Parkway. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 225-5999 D daily.

LILLY’S DIM SUM THEN SOME Great Asian comfort food — fried or steamed dumplings and more in a variety of presentations. Thai ginger noodles, Thai Panang and pad Thai are some of the highlights. 11121 Rodney Parham Road. Beer and wine. CC $$ 716-2700 LD daily.

MT. FUJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT The dean of Little Rock sushi bars with a fabulous lunch special. 10301 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 227-6498 LD daily.

OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Veteran operator of several local Asian buffets has brought fine-dining Japanese dishes and a well-stocked sushi bar to way-out-West Little Rock, near Chenal off Highway 10. 5501 Ranch Drive, Suite 1. Full bar. CC $$ 868-3688 LD daily.

PEI WEI Sort of a miniature P.F. Chang’s, but a lot of fun and plenty good with all the Chang favorites we like, such as the crisp honey shrimp, dan dan noodles and pad Thai. You order from the cashier, get your own tea, silverware and fortune cookies, and they bring your piping hot food to your cozy table. Midtowne Little Rock, West Markham Street and University Avenue. Wine and beer. CC $-$$ 280-9423 LD daily.

P.F. CHANG’S Nuevo Chinese from the Brinker chain that has people waiting in line for hours; make a reservation, instead, to get seated immediately and enjoy some terrific flavors and presentations. 317 S. Shackleford Road. Full bar. CC $$ 225-4424 LD daily.

SAIGON CUISINE Traditional Vietnamese (the first to come in this area) with Thai and Chinese selections. Be sure to try to authentic pho soups and spring rolls. 6805 Cantrell Road. Beer and wine. CC $$ 663-4000 LD daily.

SEKISUI Fresh-tasting sushi, traditional Japanese, the fun hibachi style of Japanese, and an overwhelming assortment of entrees. Nice wine selection, sake, specialty drinks. 219 N. Shackleford. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 221-7070 LD daily.

SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE The chefs will dazzle you, as will the variety of tasty stir-fry combinations and the sushi bar. Usually crowded at night. 2815 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 666-7070 LD daily.

VAN LANG CUISINE Terrific Vietnamese cuisine, great prices, too. Massive menu, but it’s user-friendly for locals with full English descriptions and numbers for easy ordering. 3600 S. University Ave. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 570-7700 LD daily.

Barbecue

BARE BONES PIT BAR-B-Q A carefully controlled gas oven, with wood chips added for flavor, guarantees moist and sweet pork, both pulled from the shoulder and back ribs. The side orders, particularly the baked potato salad, are excellent. 5501 Ranch Drive, Suite 4. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 868-7427 LD daily.

CHIP’S BARBECUE Tasty, if a little pricey, barbecue piled high on sandwiches generously doused with tangy sauce. Pie is tall and tasty. 9801 W. Markham St. No alcohol. CC $$ 225-4346 LD Mon.-Sat.

CORKY’S RIBS & BBQ The pulled pork is extremely tender and juicy, and the sauce is sweet and tangy without a hint of heat. Maybe the best dry ribs in the area. Multiple locations, at 12005 Westhaven Drive, LR, 954-7427, and 2947 Lakewood Village Drive, 753-3737, NLR. Full bar CC $$-$$$ LD daily.

CROSS-EYED PIG Huge portions of marvelous barbecue, including amazingly tender pulled pork; lean-and-meaty, fall-off-the-bone tender ribs; and crusty-brown, juicy half-chickens. 6015 Chenonceau. No alcohol. CC $$ 227-7427 LD Mon.-Sat. 1701 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar. CC $$ 265-0000 L Mon.-Fri. D Tue.-Fri.

DIXIE PIG Pig salad is tough to beat — loads of chopped pork atop crisp iceberg, doused with that wonderful vinegar-based sauce. The sandwiches are basic and the sweet, thick sauce is fine. 35th and Schaer streets, NLR. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 753-9650 LD Mon.-Sat.

FATBOY’S KILLER BAR-B-Q This Landmark community strip-center restaurant in the far southern reaches of Pulaski County features tender ribs and pork by a contest pitmaster. Skip the regular sauce and risk the hot variety; it’s far better. 3405 Atwood Road CC $ 888-4998 LD Tue.-Sun.

HB’S BAR B.Q. Great slabs of meat with fiery barbecue sauce, but ribs are served on Tuesday only. Other days, try the tasty pork sandwich on an onion roll. 6010 Lancaster. No alcohol. No CC $-$$ 565-1930 L Mon.-Fri.

HOG WILD CAFE Meaty, tender ribs are the highlight in this meat haven, where pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken, pork loin and sausage are all served. With four different sauces. 4629 E. McCain Blvd. Wine and beer. CC $$ 945-9000 LD Mon.-Sat.

JO-JO’S BAR-B-Q The delicious, smoky aroma of Jo-Jo’s standard ’cue, once a Levy standard, has shifted to Sherwood. 117 Country Club Road, Sherwood. CC $-$$ 834-9696. LD Mon.-Sat.

LINDSEY’S BARBECUE Serious barbecue eaters should go for the large sandwich. Well-known for the fried pies. 203 E. 14th St. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 374-5901 BLD Mon.-Sat.

MR. MASON’S PIT BAR-B-Q Beef, pork, sausage and chicken, all smoked to melting tenderness and doused with a choice of sauces. The crusty but tender backribs star. Side dishes are top quality. 915 W. Capitol Ave. CC $ 372-4227 LD Mon.-Sat.

PIG AND CHIK Well-smoked meat with a thick, sweet sauce, plus nachos, huge burgers, country vegetables and lots of other stuff. 7824 Highway 107, NLR. Beer. CC $$ 834-5456 LD Mon.-Sat.

SIMS BAR-B-QUE Good spare ribs, sandwiches, beef, half and whole chicken and an addictive vinegar-mustard-brown sugar sauce unique for this part of the country. Multiple locations: 1307 John Barrow; 4528 Camp Robinson Road, NLR; 7801 Geyer Springs, and the original at 716 W. 33rd St. Beer.  CC $-$$ 372-6868 LD Mon.-Sat.

SMOKE SHACK BAR-B-Q The beef and pork sandwiches are the best bet. Interstate 40 at Maumelle/Morgan exit (Exit 142), Maumelle. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 803-4935 LD Mon.-Sat.

SMOKEY JOE’S BAR-B-QUE A steady supplier of smoked meat in Ninerville for many a moon. 10308 Chicot Road. CC $-$$ 562-8012 LD Mon.-Sat.

WALKER’S BAR-B-QUE COMPANY Flavorful hickory-smoked sausage, pork, beef and chicken sandwiches and platters, with great fried pies. Also burgers, loaded potatoes, chili dogs and Doe’s tamales. U.S. Highway 165, Scott. Full bar. CC $-$$ 758-3145 LD Mon.-Sat.

WHITE PIG INN Go for the sliced rather than chopped meats at this working-class barbecue cafe. Side orders — from fries to potato salad to beans and slaw — are superb, as are the fried pies. 5231 E. Broadway, NLR. Beer. CC $-$$ 945-5551 BLD Mon.-Sat.

WHOLE HOG CAFE The pulled pork shoulder is a classic, the back ribs are worthy of their many blue ribbons, and there’s a six-pack of sauces for all tastes. A real find is the beef brisket, cooked the way Texans like it. 2516 Cantrell Road. Beer and wine. CC 664-5025 LD Mon.-Sat.

European/Ethnic

ASHLEY’S Fine dining in the Capital Hotel. 111 W. Markham St. in the Capital Hotel. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 374-7474 BLD Mon.-Fri. D Sat. BR, D Sun.

CAFE BOSSA NOVA A South American approach to sandwiches, salads and desserts, all quite good, as well as an array of refreshing South American teas and coffees. 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite 105. Beer and wine. CC $$ 614-6682 LD Tue.-Sun.

CIAO BACI The focus is on fine dining in this casually elegant Hillcrest bungalow, though tapas are also available, and many come for the comfortable lounge that serves specialty drinks until 2 a.m. nightly. 605 N. Beechwood St. Full bar. CC $$$ 603-0238 D Mon.-Sat.

GAUCHO’S GRILL A real flesh-fest dining experience, introducing the area to upscale South American cuisine. Stick with the chicken or red meat choices, pace yourself, and laugh when they suggest a rich dessert after partaking in this all-you-can-eat feast. 11 Shackleford Drive, 821-. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 954-8787 D Daily.

GEORGIA’S GYROS Good gyros, Greek salads and fragrant grilled pita bread highlight a large Mediterranean food selection, plus burgers and the like. Lively atmosphere and friendly folks. 2933 Lakewood Village Drive, NLR. Full bar. CC $-$$ 753-5090 LD Mon.-Sat.

JASMINE’S/SESAME’S The Asian fusion craze has hit Jerry Barakat’s restaurants in a physical way, as two of his restaurants have merged into one establishment, with both Asian specialties and deli delights. 27 Rahling Road. Full bar. CC $$$ 821-1838 LD daily.

LEO’S GREEK CASTLE Wonderful Mediterranean food — gyro sandwiches or platters, falafel and tabbouleh — plus dependable hamburgers, ham sandwiches, steak platters and BLTs. 2925 Kavanaugh Blvd. No alcohol. No CC $-$$ 666-7414 BLD Mon.-Sat.

MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE Gyros, falafel and souvlaki plates, as well as hummus, tabouleh, eggplant dip and other dishes — wonderful food at wonderful prices. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 372-1662 L Mon.-Sat.

RESTAURANT 1620 Steaks, chops, a broad choice of fresh seafood and meal-sized salads are just a few of the choices on a broad menu at this popular and upscale West Little Rock bistro. It’s a romantic, candlelit room, elegant without being fussy or overly formal. 1620 Market St. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 221-1620 D Daily.

STAR OF INDIA The best Indian restaurant in the region, with a unique buffet at lunch and some fabulous dishes at night (spicy curried dishes, tandoori chicken, lamb and veal, vegetarian). 301 N. Shackleford. Beer and wine. CC $$ 227-9900 LD daily.

TERRACE ON THE GREEN This Greek-Italian-Thai-and-whatever restaurant has a huge menu, and you can rely on each dish to be good, some to be excellent. Portions are ample. 2200 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 217-9393 L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat.

UNDERGROUND PUB Hearty, tasty British pub-style fare, including exceptional custom-made sausages, crunchy fish and chips and a decent Reuben. Inviting bar with an impressive draft beer and single-malt whiskey selection. 500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar. CC $-$$ 707-2537 LD Mon.-Sat.

Italian

AMERICAN PIE PIZZA Handmade pizza on perfect thin crust with varied toppings, and inexpensive. We liked the olive-oil-based margherita and supreme, plus there are salads, sandwiches and appetizers — all under $6. 9708 Maumelle Blvd., Maumelle, 758-8800; 4830 North Hills Blvd., NLR, 753-0081. Beer and wine. CC $ LD daily.

BENE VITA Simple pastas star, but artfully constructed bruschetta, several veal dishes and lovely fish are also alluring. Close quarters and wood surfaces create a noisy, convivial setting. 3701 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 501-666-8482 LD L Mon.-Fri. D Daily.

BRUNO’S LITTLE ITALY This more-than-half-century-old establishment balances continuity with innovation in delicious traditional and original fare. The pizza remains outstanding. Service is impeccable. 315 N. Bowman Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 224-4700 D Mon.-Sat.

CAFE PREGO Dependable entrees of pasta, pork and the like, plus great sauces, fresh mixed greens and delicious dressings, crisp-crunchy-cold gazpacho and tempting desserts in a comfy bistro setting. 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 663-5355 L Mon.-Fri. D Mon.-Sat.

CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE Large portions are the rule here, though the menu is not, as the name might suggest, exclusively Italian. Steaks, soups and seafood are good choices. 3 Statehouse Plaza. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 906-4000 BLD daily.

CARINO’S COUNTRY ITALIAN A homey chain joint, from the same people who brought you Macaroni Grill, offering irresistible Italian bread and affordable, tasty, substantial lunches and dinners. Multiple locations: 11600 Pleasant Ridge Road, 225-3434; 4221 Warden Road, NLR, 758-8226. Full bar. CC $$ LD daily.

CIAO Don’t forget about this casual yet elegant bistro tucked into a downtown storefront. The fine pasta and seafood dishes, ambiance and overall charm combine to make it a relaxing, enjoyable, affordable choice. 405 W. Seventh St. Beer and wine. CC $$ 372-0238 L Mon.-Sat. D Thu.-Fri.

DAMGOODE PIES A somewhat different Italian/pizza place, largely because of a spicy garlic white sauce that’s offered as an alternative to the traditional red sauce. Good bread, too. Delivery available. 6706 Cantrell Road and 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd. Beer and wine. CC 664-2239 LD daily (Pick-up and deliver only location at 10720 Rodney Parham Road).

D’CARLO PIZZERIA RISTORANTE Solid Italian standards and a few daring originals are served in a pleasant atmosphere by even more pleasant people. 12325 Stagecoach Road. Beer and wine. CC $$ 407-0400 LD Mon.-Sat.

GADWALL’S PIZZA Next door to Gadwall’s Grill and its big ol’ burgers, and those folks bring the same zest to their pizzas, with plenty of toppings on just-right cracker-thin crust, at nice prices. They’ve got a great soaked salad, too. 7311 North Hills Blvd., Sherwood. Beer and wine. CC $ 834-5200 LD daily.

GRADY’S PIZZAS AND SUBS Pizza features a pleasing blend of cheeses rather than straight mozzarella. The grinder is a classic, the chef’s salad huge and tasty. 6801 W. 12th St., Suite C. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 663-1918 LD Mon.-Sat.

GRAFFITI’S The casually chic and ever-popular Italian-flavored bistro avoids the rut with daily specials and careful menu tinkering. 7811 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 224-9079 D Mon.-Sat.

GUSANO’S They make the tomatoey Chicago-style deep-dish pizza the way it’s done in the Windy City. It takes a little longer to come out of the oven, but it’s worth the wait. 313 President Clinton Ave. Full bar. CC $-$$ 374-1441 LD daily.

IRIANA’S Unbelievably generous thick-crust pizza with unmatched zest. Good salads, too; grinders are great, particularly the Italian sausage. 201 E. Markham St., first level. Beer and wine. CC. $-$$. 374-3656. LD daily.

ITALIAN COUPLE Michael and Yuli Waters offer Northern Italian, family-style cooking. Mostly pasta dishes, with some meat and seafood. Good desserts. 1900 W. 3rd St. Wine and beer, some Italian liqueurs. CC. $$-$$$ 372-4448. L Tue.-Fri. D Tue.-Sat.

LARRY’S PIZZA The buffet is the way to go — fresh, hot pizza, fully loaded with ingredients, brought hot to your table, all for a low price. An always-filled lunch spot at 11th and Center streets downtown on weekdays, and the original at 10312 Chicot Road. No alcohol. CC $ 565-6006 LD Mon.-Sat.

LUIGI’S PIZZARIA Excellent thin-crust pizza; whopping, well-spiced calzones; ample hoagies; and pasta with tomatoey, sweet marinara sauce. 8310 Chicot Road. Beer and wine. No CC $$ 562-9863 LD Mon.-Sat.

NYPD PIZZA Plenty of tasty choices in the obvious New York police-like setting, but it’s fun. Only the pizza is cheesy. Even the personal pizzas come in impressive combinations, and baked ziti, salads and more also are available. 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., Suite 1. Beer and wine. CC $$ 868-3911 LD daily.

OW Pizza Formerly part of the “Olde World” trio of restaurants, these two locations serve up good pizzas in a variety of ways, sandwiches, big salads and now offering various pastas and appetizer breads. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 1706 W. Markham St., 374-5504 LD Mon.-Sat.; 8201 Ranch Blvd., 868-1100 LD daily.

PIZZA CAFE Thin, crunchy pizza with just a dab of tomato sauce but plenty of chunks of stuff, topped with gooey cheese. Draft beer is appealing on the open-air deck — frosty and generous. 1517 Rebsamen Park Road. Beer and wine. CC $$ 664-6133 LD daily.

THE PIZZA COMPANY Pizza buffet doesn’t skimp on the ingredients. 2703 T.P. White Drive, Jacksonville. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 982-8299 LD daily.

PIZZA D’ACTION Some of the best pizza in town, a marriage of thin, crispy crust with a hefty ingredient load. Also, good appetizers and salads, pasta, sandwiches and killer plate lunches. 2919 W. Markham St. Full bar. CC $$ 666-5403 LD daily.

RISTORANTE CAPEO Familiar pasta dishes will comfort most diners, but let the chef, who works in an open kitchen, entertain you with some more exotic stuff, too, like crispy veal sweetbreads. They make their own mozzarella fresh daily. 425 Main St., NLR. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 376-3463 D Mon.-Sat.

ROCKY’S PUB A little taste of Philly, right in North Little Rock, with authentic cheesesteak sandwiches, hoagies, salads and the like. But you’d be remiss not to try the Italian specialties whipped up at night, such as the proscuitto piselli verdi. 6909 JFK Blvd., NLR. Full bar. $$ CC 833-1077 LD Mon.-Sat.

SHOTGUN DAN’S Hearty pizza and sandwiches with a decent salad bar. Multiple locations: 4020 E. Broadway, NLR, 945-0606; 4203 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, 835-0606; and 10923 W. Markham St., 224-9519. Beer and wine. CC $$ 224-9519 LD daily.

U.S. PIZZA Crispy thin-crust pizzas, frosty beers and heaping salads drowned in creamy dressing. Multiple locations: 4001 McCain Park, NLR, 753-2900; 3324 Pike Ave., NLR, 758-5997; 650 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, 851-0880; 8403 Highway 107, Sherwood, 835-5673; 9300 N. Rodney Parham, 224-6300; 2814 Kavanaugh, 663-2198, and 5524 Kavanaugh. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 664-7071 LD daily.

VALENTINE’S A delicious Northern Italian restaurant located in Dickey-Stephens Park, with a view out the third-base line. Flavorful steaks, fresh seafood and creamy pastas. For dessert: the Chocolate Bomb. 400 W. Broadway, NLR. Full bar. CC $$ 324-2255 D Tues.-Sat and Mon. when the Travs are in town.

VILLA ITALIAN RESTAURANT Hearty, inexpensive, classic southern Italian dishes. Rock Creek Square, West Markham and Bowman Road. Full bar. CC $$ 219-2244 LD daily.

VINO’S Great rock ’n’ roll club also is a fantastic pizzeria with huge calzones and always improving home-brewed beers. 923 W. Seventh St. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 375-8466 LD daily.

ZAFFINO’S BY NORI A high-quality Italian dining experience. Pastas, entrees (don’t miss the veal marsala) and salads are all outstanding, and the desserts don’t miss, either. 2001 E. Kiehl Ave., NLR. Beer and wine. CC $$-$$$ 834-7530 D Tue.-Sat.

Mexican

BROWNING’S MEXICAN GRILL For a blast-from-the-past approach to Tex-Mex, this is it. You definitely won’t leave hungry. 5805 Kavanaugh Blvd. 72207 Full bar. CC $-$$ 501-663-9956 LD Tue.-Sat.

CANON GRILL Creative appetizers come in huge quantities, and the varied main-course menu rarely disappoints, though it’s not as spicy as competitors’. 2811 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar. CC $$ 664-2068 LD Mon.-Sat.

CASA MANANA Great guacamole and garlic beans, superlative chips and salsa (red and green) and a broad selection of fresh seafood, plus a deck out back. Small stand in the River Market (400 President Clinton Ave., 372-6637). 6820 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$ 280-9888 LD daily. B Sat.-Sun.

CASA MEXICANA Familiar Tex-Mex style items all shine, in ample portions, and the steak-centered dishes are uniformly excellent. 6929 JFK Blvd., NLR. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 835-7876 LD daily.

COTIJA’S A massive menu of tasty lunch and dinner specials, with white cheese dip and sweet red and fiery-hot green salsas, and friendly service. Try the brochets (combo meat-seafood cooked ka-bob style and eaten with tortillas). 406 S. Louisiana. 244-0733. LD Mon.-Sat. $$. (closes at 5 p.m.).

EL CHICO Hearty, standard Mex served in huge portions. 8409 Interstate 30, 562-3762, and 1315 Breckenridge Drive, 224-2550. Full bar. CC $$ 224-2550 LD daily.

EL DORADO More creative fare found here than at most of the locally owned restaurants, including a great chili verde and, occasionally, carnitas. Portions are huge, the cheese dip is tasty, the margaritas are great. 5820 Asher Ave. Full bar. CC $$ 562-1025 LD daily.

EL PORTON Very good Mex for the price and a wide-ranging menu of dinner plates, some tasty cheese dip, and great service as well. 12111 W. Markham St. Full bar. CC $$ 223-8588 LD daily.

FLYING BURRITO A trendy-looking walk-up-and-order spot in the River Market district for tacos, burritos and the like, with various styles of tortillas and add-ons. The bar looks impressive, too. 300 President Clinton Ave. Full bar. CC. 372-7272. LD daily.

JUANITA’S Menu includes a variety of combination entree choices — enchiladas, tacos, flautas, shrimp burritos and such — plus creative salads and other dishes. And of course the “Blue Mesa” cheese dip. 1300 Main St. Full bar. CC $$ 372-1228 LD Mon.-Sat.

LA CASITAS DEL VALLE An accommodating, Mexican eatery on restaurant row in Riverdale. With tasty enchiladas, and enmoladas and a margarita to rival any in town. When the restaurant opened, the menu was in Spanish only; it’s since been made gringo-friendly. 1616 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar. CC $$ 664-0046 LD Mon.-Fri. D Sat.-Sun.

LA HACIENDA Creative, fresh-tasting entrees and traditional favorites, all painstakingly prepared in a festive atmosphere. Great taco salad, nachos, and maybe the best fajitas around. Multiple locations throughout Central Arkansas. 3024 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $-$$ 661-0600 LD daily.

LA PALAPA Casa Manana’s owners created this seafood-focus Mexican offering, and the menu is overly huge but containing some gems (including land-based items such as a great chile verde), plus a nightly pan-fried fish special topped with cheese and tomato-based sauce. 18321 Highway 10. Full bar. CC $$ 868-8822 BLD daily.

LA REGIONAL A full-service grocery store catering to SWLR’s Latino community, it’s the small grill tucked away in the back corner that should excite lovers of adventurous cuisine. The menu offers a whirlwind trip through Latin America, with delicacies from all across the Spanish-speaking world (try the El Salvadorian papusas, they’re great). Bring your Spanish/English dictionary, however. 7414 Baseline Road. No alcohol. CC. $-$$ 565-4440 BLD daily.

LAS DELICIAS SUPER MERCADO Y TAQUERIA A very plain spot, with a cluster of tables in a back corner, but the food is authentic, generous and cheap. Your surefire pick is the big $3.75 burrito, stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, avocado and a choice of meats from chicken, steak and pork to tongue and other delights. Tacos cost $1.10. The chunky guacamole, avocado extended hardly at all by vegetables, is another bargain. 3401 Pike Ave., NLR. 812-4876. LD $ No CC (checks accepted). Beer.

LAS PALMAS Another of the local growing “authentic” Mexican chains with a massive menu of choices and locations that include Otter Creek Shopping Center, 455-8500 and 4154 McCain Blvd., NLR, 945-8010. Full bar. CC $-$$ LD daily.

MI RANCHITO This growing Arkansas-owned chain offers great variety and super-sized meals with solid Tex-Mex, with the typical white cheese dip, only spicier, and more flavor to the regular entree fare. 1520 Market St. Full bar. CC $-$$ 217-8963

ON THE BORDER Great Tex-Mex food, with guacamole made to order, and a menu that offers some specialty chicken, shrimp and fish dishes. The salsa is so good they sell it separately. We also heartily recommend the Mercedes margarita. 11721 Chenal Parkway. Full bar. $$ 217-9275 LD daily.

PONCHO’S VILLA It serves all the familiar Tex-Mex plates that Nancy Johnson has been serving up for going on three decades, most of them at restaurants on Broadway in North Little Rock. We recommend the stuffed and fried jalapenos. Plate lunches, hamburgers and highly touted fried shrimp are among other choices on a broad, cheap menu. 123 S. Jeff Davis, Jacksonville. No alcohol. No CC $ 241-0656. LD Mon.-Sat.

RUMBA The broad menu that includes tacos and enchiladas, tapas, Cuban-style sandwiches, and, at night, entrees like citrus marinated grouper topped with grilled mangos, and marinated carved top sirloin. Specialty drinks are available also. 300 President Clinton Ave. 823-0090 Full bar CC $$-$$$ LD Mon.-Sat.   

SENOR TEQUILA Authentic dishes with great service and prices, and maybe the best margarita in town. Multiple locations: 4304 Camp Robinson Road, NLR, 791-3888; 9847 Maumelle Blvd., Maumelle, 758-4432, and 10300 N. Rodney Parham Road, 224-5505 Full bar. CC $$ 224-5505 LD daily.

TAQUERIA KARINA AND CAFE A real Mexican neighborhood cantina from the owners, to freshly baked pan dulce, to Mexican-bottled Cokes, to first-rate guacamole, to inexpensive tacos, burritos, quesadillas and a broad selection of Mexican-style seafood. 5309 W. 65th St. Beer CC 562-3951 LD Thu.-Tue.