While known for its design services, Riverdale’s restaurants are among the finest in the city. There’s fresh seafood, creative salads and freshly baked breads, Cajun-Creole staples, award-winning barbecue, Mexican, Italian and more.
AMERICAN
BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT
The food’s great, portions large and prices reasonable. Diners can look into the open kitchen and watch the culinary geniuses at work slicing, dicing and sauteeing. Dine outside when weather permits at a table overlooking the Arkansas River. 2300 Cottondale Lane. 663-2677
BUFFALO GRILL
Great, crispy-off-the-griddle cheeseburgers, hand-cut steaks and homemade fries star at this family-friendly stop. Enjoy a cold refreshment and entrée while sitting outside on the patio. 1611 Rebsamen Park Rd. 296-9535
CAJUN’S WHARF
The venerable seafood restaurant has a modern look to go with great gumbo and oysters Bienville, and other options including fine steaks. All served with some of the best nightly entertainment in town. Outside dining available. 2400 Cantrell Rd. 375-5351
DIXIE CAFE
A great place for the whole family. Abundant, inexpensive vegetable choices that are wholesome and satisfying, with meats and fresh rolls to match. 1301 Rebsamen Park Rd. 663-9336
FADED ROSE
The Cajun-inspired menu never disappoints. Steaks and soaked salads are legendary. Outside dining available 1619 Rebsamen Park Rd. 663-9734
LOCA LUNA
Grilled meats, seafood and pasta dishes that never stray far from its country roots, whether Italian, Spanish or Arkie. “Gourmet plate lunches” are good, as is Sunday brunch. Outside dining available. Voted one of the best neighborhood restaurants in America. 3519 Old Cantrell Rd. 663-4666
MADDIE’S PLACE
A broad selection of familiar Cajun-Creole staples—all well prepared and reasonably priced. Among the highlights: po’ boys made on the same bread, and with the same care, as most of New Orleans’ most revered joints, gooey bread pudding and chicken-andouille gumbo with a lusciously dark roux. 1615 Rebsamen Park Rd. 660-4040
RED DOOR
The Red Door features modern American cuisine. Their small plate servings are just the right amount of delicious when paired with any one of the fine wines served here. The full-size entrees like chicken fried prime rib, grouper and barbeque shrimp and grits are sure to please. 3701 Old Cantrell Rd. 666-8482
THE UNION
Enjoy tasty tapas and cocktails in this restaurant’s friendly, casual Riverdale setting. 3421 Cantrell Rd. 661-8311
TOWN PUMP
Daily soup specials at lunch and a dependable burger, plus basic bar food. 1321 Rebsamen Park Rd. 663-9802
ASIAN
SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
The chefs will dazzle you, as will the variety of tasty stir-fry combinations and the sushi bar. 2815 Cantrell Rd. 666-7070
BARBECUE
CROSS-EYED PIG
Huge portions of marvelous barbecue, including amazingly tender pulled-pork; lean-and-meaty, fall-off-the-bone ribs; and crusty-brown, juicy half-chickens. 1701 Rebsamen Park Rd. 265-0000
WHOLE HOG CAFE
The pulled-pork shoulder is a classic, the back ribs are worthy of their many blue ribbons, all served with a six-pack of sauces for all tastes. The beef brisket is fine and cooked the way Texans like it. World and state barbecue cook-off champion. 2516 Cantrell Rd. 664-5025
ITALIAN
PIZZA CAFÉ
Thin, crunchy pizza with just a dab of tomato sauce but plenty of chunks of good stuff, and topped off with gooey cheese. Draft beer—frosty and generous—is appealing on the open-air deck. 1517 Rebsamen Park Rd. 664-6133
MEXICAN
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. 3024 Cantrell Rd. 661-0600