Weekly theme listings reflect 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. To read recent restaurant reviews in their entirety, visit arkansasonline.com/restaurants.
Sandwiches
BOULEVARD BREAD CO.
1417 Main St., Little Rock, (501) 375-5100; 1920 N. Grant St., Little Rock, (501) 663-5951; Ottenheimer Market Hall, River Market, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 374-1232
Freshly baked breads and the generous use of fresh herbs help take panini and other sandwiches a couple of cuts above the ordinary; there are also first-rate soups and salads, plus a new breakfast and dinner menu in the Heights, where the new Boulevard Bistro has burst into the next-door storefront.
Main Street: breakfast, lunch only Mon-Sat. Heights: Breakfast, lunch Sun-Sat, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. River Market: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (5 p.m.) Mon-Sat, breakfast, lunch Sun, beer. Bargain-moderate.
DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS
11220 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 225-6893
The extensive menu at this clean, bright, family-friendly bistro features a variety of breakfast items, including several Benedicts, served into midafternoon alongside stylish sandwiches.
Breakfast, lunch daily. No alcohol. Reservations weekdays. Bargain.
EJ'S EATS & DRINKS
523 Center St., Little Rock, (501) 666-3700
This one-time big hit in a tiny storefront in Hillcrest has blossomed into a full-service eatery/bar downtown, now open seven days a week and offering nearly three dozen specialty sandwiches and wraps (plus a build-your-own option and half a dozen burgers) accompanied by house-made chips, plus appetizers, salads, soups and even a limited list of entrees.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat, brunch Sunday. Full bar. Moderate.
JIMMY'S SERIOUS SANDWICHES
5116 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 666-3354
Sandwich savant Jimmy Weisman takes seriously indeed his crusted creations, including the national-award-winning The Garden: fresh spinach spread, mushrooms, sunflower seeds and three kinds of melted cheese on pumpernickel.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Moderate.
OLD MILL BREAD AND FLOUR CO.
12111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 228-4677
Old Mill is a firmly established stop for the roving band of Ladies Who Lunch -- thanks to a sunny interior and the scrumptious breads baked for its small but superior sandwich selection.
Breakfast, lunch daily. No alcohol. Bargain.
PURPLE COW
8026 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 221-3555; 11602 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 224-4433
Best known for its burgers and ice cream (like purple shakes) and nostalgic soda-fountain feel, the family- friendly Purple Cow surprises with sophisticated salads, like the generous, zippy Santa Fe, and gourmet sandwiches like the bitey, balsamic-dressed Portabella Mushroom.
Lunch, dinner daily, brunch Sat-Sun. Beer, wine, limited liquor. Bargain-moderate.
Weekend on 05/14/2015