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.
Steak
ARTHUR’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE Village at Rahling Road, 27 Rahling Circle, Little Rock, (501) 821-1848 Superbly succulent prime beef is the star attraction at this prime price steakhouse, and proprietor Jerry Barakat has added a seafood component, Oceans at Arthur’s, next door.
Dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Expensive.
THE BUTCHER SHOP 10825 Hermitage Road, Little Rock, (501) 312-2748 Reasonable prices add flavor to the red-meat dining at this Little Rock institution, with an informal tone and a simple, almost fail proof business model: plenty of thick and pleasantly served steaks.
Dinner daily. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations (seven or more).
Moderate-expensive
DOE’S EAT PLACE 1023 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 376-1195 The down-scale steak joint continues to deliver on its basic premise of flavorful beef cuts big enough to feed a family, plus top-notch tamales and worthwhile seafood options.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat.
Full bar. Reservations (eight or more). Expensive.
THE FADED ROSE 1619 Rebsamen Road, Little Rock, (501) 663-9734 The good times roll for fans of Creole and Cajun dishes as well as steaks at this amiable Louisiana-oriented operation, a local favorite since the 1980s.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar.
Moderate.
UPDATE!!! RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE Riverfront Wyndham Hotel, 2 Riverfront Drive, North Little Rock, (501) 375-7825 Serving succulent and tender steaks in a tastefully appointed atmosphere, with a menu that extends more variety and larger portions at lower prices than many of its estimable competitors. The restaurant recently added a lunch buffet.
Dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Expensive.
SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM 500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 324-2999 Other capital city steakhouses may offer more cuts of beef, but Sonny’s three-week aging process and Sonny’s-style seasoning provide steaks with a welcome variety of flavor, worth every penny of the expense-account prices. Dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations (five or more). Expensive.
Weekend, Pages 28 on 01/02/2014