Staff Picks: Favorite Burgers in Little Rock

With our staff growing over the past few weeks, we figured it was time to band together and bring you a new monthly series. In Staff Picks, each of us tells of our favorite foods around town. First up and in no particular order, here are our Favorite Burgers in Little Rock.
Becca Bona
1. Petit Jean Bacon and Avocado Burger at Big Orange
2. Cheeseburger at Midtown Billiards
3. Cheeseburger at The Root Cafe
Commentary: I think Midtown makes my all-time favorite burger, but I dislike smelling like an ashtray upon leaving my usually good time there. The Root and Big Orange are always a favorite, with an awesome atmosphere to boot, plus I feel they both offer
excellent patties.
Greg Henderson
1. White Truffle And Pecorino Turkey Burger at Big Orange
2. Black and Blue Burger (or any Friday Special) at Hillcrest Artisan Meats
3. Double with Cheese at David’s Burgers
Commentary: The truffle burger was my very first Big Orange burger and I find myself coming back to it all the time. The Friday-only burgers at H.A.M are something special, catch the Black and Blue if you ever see it. Then sometimes when you just need a sloppy, greasy burger, a stop at David’s fills that need for me every time.
Saira Khan
1. Mushroom Melt at Big Orange
2. Volcano Burger at Thirst N’ Howl
3. Cheeseburger at Hibernia Irish Tavern
Commentary: My burger go-tos are all about comfort. And there’s something undeniably comforting about caramelized onions, jalapenos, and hearty Angus beef–my picks each score in a big way!


Kevin Shalin
1. Umami Burger (seasonal) at Ciao Baci
2. Single with cheese and mushrooms at David’s Burgers
3. Hickory Smoke Turkey Burger at Big Orange
Commentary: My favorite burger in Little Rock (Ciao Baci) isn’t even on a set menu, which sucks, but at least I have David’s Burgers right down the street to satisfy my burger cravings. You can’t go wrong with David’s classic cheeseburger with mushrooms.
Daniel Walker
1. White Truffle Pecorino Burger at Big Orange
2. Cheeseburger at The Root
3. Double Cheeseburger at The Box
Commentary: It’s kind of a joke for me, but I often claim that the white truffle pecorino burger at Big Orange is the reason I moved to Arkansas. A few years ago, I was visiting Little Rock, trying to determine if it was a good place for us to move to and relocate our family. After sinking my teeth into that burger I remember thinking, “I can definitely live here.”
Jacob Ellerbee
1. Petit Jean Bacon & Avocado Burger at Big Orange
2. Veggie Burger (classic-style) at Big Orange
3. Leo Burger at Leo’s Greek Castle
Commentary: If the hummus or gyros platter aren’t your thing, you’ll be in for a real treat with one of Leo’s gourmet burgers. The towering Leo Burger is a great choice, which is a 1/2 lb. burger stacked with American cheese, mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. The patty is always juicy and cooked to perfection.
Chef Ken Dempsey
1. Double Cheeseburger (with pepper Jack, grilled mushrooms and onions) at David’s Burgers
2. Triple hubcap cheeseburger at Cotham’s Merchantile in Scott
3. Moo Pig Cheeseburger at la casa Ken
Commentary: The Moo Pig Cheeseburger is 50% house-ground chuck and 50% house-ground pecan wood smoked bacon. Sorry, this one’s at my house, but you’re more than welcome to join me next time!