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.

Mexican

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

Both locations of the accommodating restaurant mini-chain serve ample portions with potent cheese dip and salsa.

Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. 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 no-nonsense 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 well-stocked 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 dishes 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 wide array of Mexican appetizers, soups and salads, meat and vegetarian entrees and specialties, served hot, fresh and fast.

Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Bargain.

LA HACIENDA

3024 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 661-0600

The Alvarez family owned restaurant's fast, fresh, efficiently served brand of authentic Mexican cooking has inspired a cult following.

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.

PONCHITOS MEXICAN GRILL

10901 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock,

(501) 246-5202

This extravagantly though generically decorated place -- locally owned, not chain -- serves a somewhat limited menu of very good food (a lot of it on sizzling skillets), nicely presented and in large portions.

Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Moderate.

TAQUERIA EL PALENQUE

9501 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock,

(501) 312-0045

Top-notch tacos and other authentic Mexican foods (don't miss the guacamole) come quickly out of the kitchen and in generous portions.

Lunch, dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Beer. Bargain.

TORTAS MEXICO

1000 W. 37th St., North Little Rock, (501) 771-1341

An impressive list of tortas, some fine specialty plates, huge portions and a clean, bright decor make this authentic Mexican place well worth the visit.

Late breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. No alcohol. Bargain.

Weekend on 04/02/2015

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