LITTLE ROCK — Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. Restaurant reviewers’ visits are anonymous and all expenses are paid by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Bargain means a meal (without beverage or dessert) is typically less than $12. Moderate is $12 to $25. Expensive is $25 and up. To read recent restaurant reviews in their entirety, visit arkansasonline.com/ restaurants.
Mexican/ Tex-Mex
CACTUS JACK’S
11414 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 227-7556; 4120 E. McCain Blvd. (McCain Crossing shopping center), North Little Rock, (501) 945-5888
Locations of the accommodating restaurant mini-chain on both sides of the river serve ample portions with potent cheese dip and salsa.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Bargain.
CANCUN
105 Gregory Place, Jacksonville, (501) 985-3300
This lively business attests to the drawing power of an attractive and very Mexican operation with a gracious Hispanic staff that serves an extensive menu of reliably standard fare.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Bargain.
CASA MANANA
6820 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 280-9888; 18321 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 868-8822; River Market, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 372-6637
The salsa and the guacamole are top-drawer at the nononsense sit-down locations, which excel at seafood (including a garlicky Catfish al Mojo de Ajo) and offer a fine weekend breakfast. The River Market branch is a wellstocked taqueria.
Lunch, dinner daily; breakfast Sun. Full bar. (River Market: Breakfast, lunch Mon-Sat. No alcohol.) Reservations Mon-Thu. Bargain.
CASA MEXICANA
6929 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 835-7876; 13120 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock, (501) 812-2074; 4091 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, (501) 833-2787
This easygoing eatery serves solid fare and swiftly; the Crystal Hill location has the most inviting patio.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Bargain.
EL PORTON
12111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 223-8588; 5507 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, (501) 223-8588; 5021 Warden Road, North Little Rock, (501) 753-4630
The menu offers a vast array of appetizers, soups and salads, burritos, vegetarian dinners, pork/beef/chicken dishes, enchiladas, grilled plates, seafood plates, fajitas and specialties, served hot, fresh and fast.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Bargain.
LA HACIENDA
3024 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 661-0600
The family-owned restaurant’s fast, fresh, efficiently served brand of authentic Mexican cooking has inspired a cult following. (The west Little Rock branch on Chenal Parkway has moved to the Market Place Shopping Center, 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, and changed its name to La Casa Real.)
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations (six or more people). Moderate.
LAS PALMAS
4154 E. McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 945-8010; 3824 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 945-8010; 10402 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, (501) 455-8500; 786 Elsinger Blvd., Conway, (501) 329-5010
This mini-chain offers a huge menu (don’t miss the top-notch tamales), swift and systematic service and low prices.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar at North Little Rock, Little Rock sites. Reservations vary by location. Bargain.
Weekend, Pages 40 on 09/20/2012