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
NEW! THE AFTERTHOUGHT BISTRO & BAR
2721 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 663-1196
Recently installed chef Michael Jones has built a lively, innovative dinner menu, Southern traditional with a twist, featuring a zippy Salmon Bruschetta appetizer, the Braised "Bedrock" Short Rib and Korean Seared Ahi Tuna, and also punched up what was already a consistently good Sunday brunch.
Dinner Mon-Sat, brunch Sun. Full bar. Moderate-expensive.
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 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 some years ago 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 items 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
Chef de cuisine Arturo Solis has kept the "classics" (they still serve the pimento cheese and the bar and grill's justly famous burger) and added some of his touches, including a first-rate pork chop.
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 Sun. (Maumelle). Call-ahead seating (six or more, Maumelle location). Full bar. Corkage fee. Moderate.
GADWALL'S GRILL
7311 North Hills Blvd., Sherwood, (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 chilies) is a 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.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. Reservations. Moderate.
SADDLE CREEK WOODFIRED GRILL
2703 Lakewood Village, North Little Rock, (501) 812-0883
A 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, brunch Sun. Full bar. Call-ahead seating. Bargain-moderate.
Weekend on 04/14/2016