The Central Arkansas food scene can often slant towards Little Rock, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t places with bold flavors and great atmosphere on the other side of the river. North Little Rock harbors some establishments guaranteed to satisfy any appetite. In honor of North Little Rock’s first ever restaurant month, coming up in January, we rounded up some of our favorites from the north. Ristorante Capeo Perhaps you’ve got a serious craving for Italian tonight. Make plans to check out Ristorante Capeo, which has been a mainstay in Argenta for over a decade. Stationed at the corner of Fifth and Main Streets, the dimmed lights and elegant ambiance make the eatery a perfect place for a romantic dinner. Plus, it doubles as a great place to catch a fast lunch, as they now offer wood fired pizzas and calzones to fit within your busy schedule.
Dinner is traditional Italian fare, and Chef Eric Isaac won’t leave you disappointed. Plus, you absolutely cannot leave without trying the Tiramisu, which is made in-house – it’s to die for.
Catch lunch Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner Monday – Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. American Pie Pizza If you’ve got a hankering for cheese and pepperoni, American Pie Pizza bakes some of the best thin-crust creations you can find. The two locations on 4830 North Hills Boulevard and 9709 Maumelle Blvd have been serving the area since the early 2000s, and the family-owned and operated business is a great place to take kids.
From cheesy bread sticks to salads and sandwiches, pizza isn’t the only option at “The Pie.” Opt for a classic Supreme or try something new like the beloved Taco Pizza. If beer and wine are your thing, don’t fret, as the restaurant offers a good selection to whet your appetite.
Catch a bite on Sunday – Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Thursday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Arkansas Ale House/Diamond Bear Head over to the Arkansas Ale House on 600 North Broadway St. to fill those beer cravings. Many Central Arkansas residents are familiar with the Diamond Bear brand, which used to be located in downtown Little Rock. In the summer of 2014, however, the brewery opened new doors in North Little Rock, expanding their brewing operation and offering food to loyal fans. The pub style atmosphere offers up great food choices to pair with beer – pretzels, brats, soups, sandwiches and appetizers.
The Alehouse is a great place for an enjoyable lunch or to gather with your coworkers after hours. There aren’t many Central Arkansas eateries that offer cheese curds, plus, you can get your wing fix here, as well.
Catch the Alehouse from Tuesday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the bar open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Mugs Cafe
Mugs Cafe
Mugs Cafe When you set foot in Argenta, you can’t pass up Mugs Café. Located on 515 Main St., the coffee shop is more than just a great place to grab a pour over or cappuccino. The breakfast and lunch options are killer. You can’t pass up the Breakfast Tacos or French Toast. Lunch is a great time to stop by, as well. The burger is a pretty solid option, but it’s hard to skip the Chipotle Chicken Wrap or French Dip.
Mugs is a great place to meet friends, host a business meeting , or catch up on your emails. Owner Michael Carpenter explains it best: “Good food. Great coffee. Without the pretense. Where everyone knows your name.”
Stop by Mugs on Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. BJ’s Market Café When you are in need of good, Southern food you have to stop by BJ’s Market Café. This hidden gem resides at 45 N Plaza, the restaurant serves daily specials often accompanied by cornbread and something fried and frequently serves up some of the best breakfast around.
Don’t be apprehensive when you find the store-front, your taste buds will thank you for the true, home cooking. At BJ’s, you’re going to want to try breakfast as the menu spans the gamut from omelets to pancakes and eggs. Don’t forget the biscuits and gravy.
Visit BJ’s Monday – Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ira’s Park Hill Grill North Little Rock’s Park Hill neighborhood has a certain quaint charm about it. Ira’s Park Hill Grill, almost hidden in a shopping center on 3812 J.F.K. Blvd., fits right in. The space is small but bright, feels a bit like a bistro, and is ultimately a great place to meet friends over lunch or dinner.
Dinner is slightly upscale with a nice range of options from steak to curry, while lunch is a little more laid back. Ira Mittelman says, “It’s time to come see what everyone is talking about. From appetizers like Poblano Peppers Cheesecake to Duck with Grand Marnier Sauce and of course a wide variety of house made desserts, you will fall in love with Ira’s Park Hill Grill.”
Visit Ira’s Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Catch Brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Good Food by Ferneau
Fried Chicken – Good Food by Ferneau
Good Food by Ferneau If you’re trying to watch your waistline, give Good Food by Ferneau a try. The eatery is located at 521 Main St. and run by Chef Donnie Ferneau, who has had many successful food ventures in the past.
His aim at Good Food, however, is a bit different. He says, “We’re going more with quality over quantity. We don’t have a giant menu for that reason, we are at the mercy at our farmers for what we can get.”
Thanks to Ferneau’s method of utilizing local produce, he’s able to offer great, seasonal selections. Dinner is more extensive than lunch, and from 5 to 7 p.m. there’s a shortened happy hour food menu for those getting off work in need of a good drink.
Head to Ferneau’s Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant Get your taco fix at Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant. Located on 4154 East McCain Blvd., this local chain offers some great fuel for your cheese dip cravings. In fact, the white cheese dip is so creamy, you probably won’t be satisfied with a small order.
You can expect familiar options, from a variety of nachos and burritos to sizzling fajitas. Las Palmas is a great place for families with kids, as they offer something for everyone. Their bar boasts of a pretty stout, yet solid frozen or on the rocks Margarita, among a nice draft beer list.
Catch the restaurant for lunch or dinner from Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Rosalinda Restaurante Hondureno For some serious authentic Honduran fare, you have to visit Rosalinda Restaurante Hondureno. Tucked away on 900 W. 35th St., the place can be easily missed when driving by. Don’t let the hole-in-the-wall aesthetic scare you away or you’ll be missing out.
The Latin American eatery puts out some of the best authentic dishes, locally. If you like plantains and a different taco than the typical Tex-Mex version, hit the eatery up. Be sure you’re ready to try some flavorful dishes, and come hungry.
Stop in from Sunday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Steak at Skinny J’s
Skinny J’s
Skinny J’s
Argenta newcomer brings a huge menu that is sure to satisfy most any craving. From steaks to seafood to pasta, Skinny J’s has it all.
The Jonesboro based eatery describes itself as “not your average steak & burger joint,” the menu is incredibly varied. Beyond burgers and steaks, the list is long, including: pasta, seafood, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and even oysters – which you can have every which way from raw on the half shell to breaded and fried with accompanying buffalo sauce.
Skinny J’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. Riverfront Steakhouse If you’re in need of a good steak, head to the Riverfront Steakhouse in the Wyndham on 2 Riverfront Dr. The Riverfront Steakhouse is known for creating dishes with full flavor and cooked to perfection. Any meat lover would be in heaven among the menu’s full offerings.
The restaurant is a perfect place to celebrate an anniversary or to just have a great night out. The wine menu is extensive and promises to please even the pickiest of drinkers.
Stop in Monday – Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 5 to 1 p.m. Whole Hog Café Last but not least, you have to visit the Whole Hog Café in North Little Rock at least once. Located on 5107 Warden Road, there’s something deliciously tender about the food coming through the restaurant’s doors. This is nothing like the other Whole Hog Cafes in the franchise.
The team claims that their food happens to be “a hobby that got out of hand,” and your taste buds will agree. The smoked meats are delectable, plus it’s fun to determine your favorite barbecue sauce – though they’re all great. Also, you can’t beat the potato salad, so don’t skip it.
Visit the barbecue joint from Monday – Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
