Selected restaurants

Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. 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/Southwestern

UPDATE!!! CANTINA LAREDO Midtowne Little Rock shopping center, 207 N. University Ave., Little Rock, (501) 280-0407 Several flavorful items (like the zesty Tacos de Picadillo, hearty Tortas - griddle-baked sandwiches - and unique Quesadillas al Cangrejo with lump crab, goat cheese and mango ginger salsa) are recent additions to the menu of this upscale Tex-Mex chain, where there’s always a lively atmosphere.

Lunch, dinner daily; brunch Sun. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations (eight or more people).

Moderate-expensive

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 no-nonsense sit-down locations, which excel at seafood (including a garlicky Catfish al Mojo de Ajo) and offer a fine weekend breakfast.

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.

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.

Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar.

Bargain.

THE FOLD 3501 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 916-9706 This new Riverdale hot-spot features upscale taco plates, ceviches and botanas (small plates) with a Southwestern kick - and prices to match.

Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar.

Moderate-expensive

LA CASA REAL 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road., Little Rock, (501) 219-4689 The Alvarez family has moved and renamed what used to be the Chenal Parkway branch of La Hacienda (see below), retaining the best menu items and adding some new favorites.

Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. 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 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; 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.

LOCAL LIME 17815 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 448-2226 The owners of nearby Big Orange use that formula for a superb Mexican/Southwestern menu focusing on fresh-ingredient taco plates and top-end margaritas.

Lunch, dinner Tue-Sun. Full bar.

Moderate-expensive.

Weekend, Pages 36 on 09/12/2013

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