Selected restaurants

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.

American

ALLEY OOPS

11900 Kanis Road, Suite D-10, Little Rock,

(501) 221-9400

This easygoing and cheery establishment offers mostly sandwiches and salads with some standout specialties, including the cheese-and-bacon-smothered Chicken Oops and a well-seasoned Sirloin Strip.

Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Bargain-moderate.

THE BOX

1023 W. Seventh St., Little Rock, (501) 372-8735

Owner Kelly Joiner, who had to close his legendary 17th Street burger joint to make room for a chain drugstore, has brought back some of the decor, the original grill, the staff, and the moist, juicy, flavorful, near-perfectly spiced burgers (!).

Lunch weekdays. Beer. Bargain-moderate.

BUFFALO GRILL

1611 Rebsamen Park Road, Little Rock, (501) 296-9535

Reliably good burgers and other family-friendly fare have been the main contributing factors to the original Riverdale location's more than 30 years of satisfied customers.

Lunch-dinner daily. Full bar. Bargain-moderate.

CAPITAL BAR & GRILL

Capital Hotel, 111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 374-7474

Now that the hotel has reopened its "formal" restaurant, now called One Eleven at the Capital, the popular bar and grill can get back to what it's best at: haute and semi-haute cuisine with an Arkansas accent.

Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Moderate-expensive.

CHEERS IN THE HEIGHTS

2010 Van Buren St., Little Rock, (501) 663-5937

CHEERS IN MAUMELLE

1901 Club Manor Drive, Maumelle, (501) 851-6200

The enduring Heights neighborhood restaurant pays as much attention to the appetizers and side dishes as it does the excellent entrees, many with a New Orleans flair; its Maumelle sibling is big, bustling and welcoming.

Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat, brunch Sunday (Maumelle). Call-ahead seating (six or more, Maumelle location). Full bar. Corkage fee. Moderate.

GADWALL'S GRILL

7311 North Hills Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 834-1840

Heavenly home-cut fries, including sweet-potato fries, are a magnet for faithful patrons of this homey joint where the white chili (made with chicken breast, Great Northern beans and green chiles) is another wonder.

Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Bargain.

IZZY'S PLACE

5601 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, (501) 868-4311

Top-flight tamales, soups, salads, burgers, pastas, pizzas and milkshakes served at aim-to-please prices by a cheerful staff at this casual eatery just off Cantrell Road in far west Little Rock.

Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. Reservations. Moderate.

SADDLE CREEK WOODFIRED GRILL

2703 Lakewood Village, North Little Rock,

(501) 812-0883

A broad menu of chicken, ribs, seafood, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, pizza and salads awaits diners at this Montana-fashioned restaurant where the charm falls somewhere between elegant lodge and hunter chic.

Lunch Sun, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.

SHORTY SMALL'S

11100 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock,

(501) 224-3344

The original shack-styled location of what has become a troubled chain still offers substantial dinner platters, sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, ribs, steaks and fried appetizers, served by a staff dedicated to making sure you enjoy your meal.

Lunch, dinner daily, Sunday brunch. Full bar. Call-ahead seating. Bargain-moderate.

Weekend on 03/12/2015

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