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.
Tex-Mex/
Modern Mex/
Southwestern
BAJA GRILL
5923 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 722-8920
A beloved Benton-based food truck gone brick-and-mortar offers an easygoing atmosphere and simple fare, including the don't-miss Cuban Burrito.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Bargain-moderate.
CANTINA LAREDO
Midtowne Little Rock shopping center, 207 N. University Ave., Little Rock, (501) 280-0407
Several flavorful items (including 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.
Lunch, dinner daily; brunch Sun. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations (eight or more people). Moderate-expensive
THE FOLD BOTANAS & BAR
3501 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 916-9706
This Riverdale hot-spot features upscale taco plates, ceviches and botanas (small plates) with a definite Southwestern kick -- and prices to match.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Moderate-expensive
HEIGHTS TACO & TAMALE CO.
5805 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 313-4848
Scott McGehee and his Yellow Rocket Concepts partners have brought back Ark-Mex, reminiscent of Browning's Mexican Grill, which occupied the newly remodeled building for more than four decades, including the "Plato 1947," which bears more than a passing resemblance to Browning's Saltillo Plate, but also innovative tacos, Southern-style tamales and a composite of five classic cheese dip recipes -- all made with fresh, and where possible, local, ingredients.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Moderate-expensive.
LOCAL LIME
17815 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 448-2226
The owners of nearby Big Orange have used that formula to create a superb Mexican/Southwestern menu focusing on fresh-ingredient taco plates and top-end margaritas.
Lunch, dinner Tue-Sun. Full bar. Moderate-expensive.
Latin
American
CAFE BOSSA NOVA
2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 614-6682
Owner-chef Rosalia Monroe's varied menu, strong on chicken, seafood and vegetarian items, will open the eyes of diners who stereotype Brazilian cuisine by envisioning hefty chunks of grilled meat. She also offers baked goods at her eponymous Rosalia's Family Bakery in the same curved strip center.
Lunch, dinner Tue-Sat; brunch Sun. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations (five or more people). Moderate.
Weekend on 10/08/2015