Ellington

Description

It's an offshoot of the popular Little Rock eatery that has survived
for about two decades in the Heights by offering pretty much something
for everyone, from a burger and fries to a fairly fancy Pasta Orleans
entree.
In Maumelle, the dark-wood, sturdy tables - some of them free-
standing, some half-booths with pleasantly upholstered bench seating
on one side - are nicely spaced, so you don't feel like you're
impinging on your neighbors' conversations (or they on yours), and you
don't have to shout, even though there's a fairly high level of hubbub
on top of a music track.
On the dark earth-toned walls are metal lattices supporting for-sale
artworks; three televisions, two in the dining room, one in the bar
area, show basically the same sports programming. Chalk-board wine
lists (five reds, five whites) are positioned so at least one is
visible from practically any seat in the establishment (except the one
in which Intrepid Companion happened to be sitting during our dinner
visit).
There's a sizable patio that, doubtless due to the heat, was
significantly underpopulated during dinner and that no-one at all was
using during our brunch visit, even though the inside dining room was
full.
The two Cheerses share the same basic slightly New Orleans-accented
menu, though dinner specials may vary.