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At least the pandemic pounds Arkansas collectively packed on are well earned. This year’s Readers Choice picks reveal that while plans and routines went sideways during the COVID-19 era, we didn’t miss many meals.
You’ll find plenty of tried-and-trues among our annual survey of readers’ favorites, restaurants whose time-tested formulas keep diners returning year after year. As Vino’s owner Henry Lee knows very well, when you have something that works, you don’t need to mess with it. Rhett Brinkley and Lindsey Millar tell the story of that Little Rock institution through an oral history.
Newer restaurants and food trucks get plenty of love in this list, too.
YGFBFKitchen Restaurant & Catering in Conway launched on wheels four years ago and has already expanded twice, settling into a brick-and-mortar and attracting fans from far and wide. Owner MaryAnn Strange established her chef bonafides by cooking meals so good her girlfriend passed the dishes off as their own, Stephanie Smittle reports.
Searcy has been showing out lately, too, beckoning us, Lindsey Millar writes, with Knightfire BBQ and Wild Sweet William’s Bakery scones that dance like sugarplums in our dreams.
BEST OF THE BUNCH
Best overall restaurant in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Cypress Social (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Ciao Baci, Petit & Keet, The Root Cafe, Trio’s Restaurant
Best overall restaurant around Arkansas
The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)
Finalists: Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), The Hive (Bentonville), MuleKick (Magnolia), Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff)
Best new restaurant in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Camp Taco
Finalists: Lili’s Mexican Street Food, Press Waffle Co., Rosie Pot & Kettle, White Water Tavern
Best new restaurant around Arkansas
The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)
Finalists: Best Cafe (Hot Springs), MuleKick @MAD (El Dorado), Pizzeria Ruby (Johnson), Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff)
Best chef in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Peter Brave (Brave New Restaurant)
Finalists: Brayan McFadden (Brood & Barley, North Little Rock), Jeffrey Owen (Ciao Baci), Capi Peck (Trio’s Restaurant), Scott Rains (Table 28)
Best chef around Arkansas
James Hale (The Grumpy Rabbit)
Finalists: Dianna Bratton (Taco Mama, Hot Springs), Joseph Coleman (Saracen Casino and Resort, Pine Bluff), Matthew McClure (The Hive, Bentonville), Rob Nelson (Tusk & Trotter)
Best server in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Mary Katherine Peek (Flying Saucer)
Finalists: Katherine Coling (Red Oak Steakhouse, Pine Bluff), Libby Corinne (Pizza D’ Action), Naya Taylor (Brood & Barley), Yassine Tebba (Ciao Baci)
BEST PANDEMIC-INFLUENCED DINING
To-go beer from a restaurant in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Flyway Brewing (North Little Rock)
Finalists: Brood & Barley (North Little Rock), Ciao Baci, Lost Forty Brewing, Mockingbird Bar & Tacos
To-go bottled wine from a restaurant in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Petit & Keet
Finalists: Ciao Baci, Crush Wine Bar, Trio’s Restaurant
Curbside in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Star of India
Finalists: @ the Corner, Mockingbird Bar & Taco, Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co., Trio’s Restaurant
To-go cocktail mix from a restaurant in Little Rock/North Little Rock
The Pantry
Finalists: Baja Grill, Brood & Barley, The Fold Botanas & Bar, Mockingbird Bar and Taco
BEST EARLY EATS
Bakery in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Community Bakery
Finalists: Boulevard Bread Co., Cinnamon Creme Bakery, Dempsey Bakery, Hillcrest Little Bakery
Bakery around Arkansas
Wild Sweet William’s Baking House (Searcy)
Finalists: Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. (Bentonville), PattiCakes Bakery (Conway), Serenity Farm Bread (Leslie), Ambrosia Bakery (Hot Springs)
Breakfast in Little Rock/North Little Rock
@ the Corner
Finalists: Hillcrest Little Bakery, Mugs Argenta, Red Door, The Root Cafe
Breakfast around Arkansas
Blue House Bakery & Cafe (Bryant)
Finalists: The Farmer’s Table Cafe (Fayetteville), Jaclyn’s Kitchen (Rogers), Ozark Cafe (Jasper)Sweet & Savory Cafe (Eureka Springs)
Brunch in Little Rock/North Little Rock
@ the Corner
Finalists: Four Quarter Bar, Lost Forty Brewing, Red Door, The Root Cafe
Brunch around Arkansas
The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)
Finalists: The Farmer’s Table Cafe (Fayetteville), Local Flavor (Eureka Springs), The Parsonage (Jonesboro), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)
Coffee in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Fidel & Co.
Finalists: Boulevard Bread Co., Nexus Coffee and Creative, Mylo Coffee Co., River City Coffee
Coffee around Arkansas
Onyx Coffee Lab (Fayetteville)
Finalists: Arsaga’s (Fayetteville), Mountain Bird Coffee Company (Eureka Springs), Red Light Roastery Coffee House (Hot Springs)
BEST SINGLE DISHES
Barbecue in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Whole Hog Cafe
Finalists: Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, Count Porkula BBQ, HB’s Bar-B-Q, Sims Bar-B-Que
Barbecue around Arkansas
McClard’s Bar-B-Q (Hot Springs)
Finalists: Jones Bar-B-Q Diner (Marianna), KnightFire BBQ (Searcy), Smokin’ Buns (Jacksonville), Wright’s Barbecue (Johnson)
Burger in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Big Orange
Finalists: Brood & Barley, Ciao Baci, Cypress Social, Petit & Keet
Burger around Arkansas
The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)
Finalists: Best Cafe (Hot Springs), Big Orange (Rogers), Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), Hugo’s (Fayetteville)
Catfish in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Eat My Catfish
Finalists: Cypress Social (North Little Rock), Flying Fish, Lassis Inn, Soul Fish Cafe
Catfish around Arkansas
Dondie’s White River Princess (Des Arc)
Finalists: Brown’s Catfish (Russellville), Catfish Hole (Fayetteville), Eat My Catfish (Benton), Flying Fish (Bentonville)
Cheese dip in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Heights Taco & Tamale
Finalists: Baja Grill, Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro, La Hacienda, Local Lime
Cheese dip around Arkansas
Stoby’s Restaurant (Conway)
Finalists: Baja Grill (Benton), Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), Local Lime (Rogers), Taco Mama (Hot Springs)
Desserts in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Cheesecake on Point!
Finalists: Cypress Social, Table 28, Trio’s Restaurant, Petit & Keet
Desserts around Arkansas
Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets (Keo)
Finalists: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke), The Hive (Bentonville), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)
French fries in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Big Orange
Finalists: Brood & Barley, Doe’s Eat Place, Esters SOMA, Faded Rose
French fries around Arkansas
The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)
Finalists: Big Orange (Rogers), Hugo’s (Fayetteville), Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer (Rogers), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)
Fried chicken in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Finalists: Ceci’s Chicken N Waffles, Cotham’s in the City, Flyway Brewing, Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill
Fried chicken around Arkansas
YGFBFKitchen Restaurant (Conway)
Finalists: AQ Chicken House (Springdale), Campground Grill (Austin), Holly’s Country Cookin’ (Conway), Monte Ne Inn Chicken (Rogers)
Ice cream/cool treats in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Loblolly Creamery
Finalists: Kilwins, Le Pops, The Original ScoopDog (North Little Rock), The Purple Cow
Ice cream/cool treats around Arkansas
Andy’s Frozen Custard (Conway)
Finalists: Just Ice Cream (Benton), Mamoo’s Paradice Cream (Hot Springs), Scoops Ice Cream (Hot Springs), Trash Creamery (Bentonville)
Pie in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Community Bakery
Finalists: Blue Cake Company, Bobby’s Country Cookin’, Soul Fish Cafe, Trio’s Restaurant
Pie around Arkansas
Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets (Keo)
Finalists: Holly’s Country Cookin’ (Conway), Mud Street Cafe (Eureka Springs), Three Sams BBQ & Catering (Mabelvale), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)
Pizza in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Zaza Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza
Finalists: Damgoode Pies, Iriana’s, The Pizzeria, Vino’s Brewpub
Pizza around Arkansas
DeLuca’s Pizzeria (Hot Springs)
Finalists: MuleKick (Magnolia), Pizzeria Ruby (Johnson), SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint (Hot Springs), Valhalla Kitchen + Bar (Benton)
Salad in Little Rock/North Little Rock
ZaZa Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza
Finalists: Doe’s Eat Place, The Faded Rose, The Root Cafe, U.S. Pizza
Salad around Arkansas
ZaZa Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza (Conway)
Finalists: Cafe 1217 (Hot Springs), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), MuleKick @ MAD (El Dorado), Valhalla: Kitchen + Bar (Benton)
Brian ChilsonSandwich in Little Rock/North Little Rock
The Root Cafe
Finalists: Boulevard Bread Co., Cypress Social, Esters SOMA, Hillcrest Artisan Meats
Sandwich around Arkansas
The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)
Finalists: MuleKick @ MAD (El Dorado), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint (Hot Springs), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)
Soup in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Boulevard Bread Co.
Finalists: Baja Grill, Cafe Bossa Nova, Community Bakery, Mike’s Cafe
Soup around Arkansas
The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)
Finalists: Baja Grill (Benton), Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse (Eureka Springs), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), The Pho House (Hot Springs)
Steak in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse
Finalists: Cache, Doe’s Eat Place, Petit & Keet, Sonny Williams’ Steak Room
Steak around Arkansas
Mike’s Place (Conway)
Finalists: The Hive (Bentonville), Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff), Taylor’s Steakhouse (Dumas), The Vault (Hot Springs)
Sushi in Little Rock
Kemuri
Finalists: Ocean’s at Arthur’s, Mt. Fuji Japanese Restaurant, Rock N Roll Sushi, Sky Modern Japanese
Sushi Around Arkansas
Osaka Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (Hot Springs)
Finalists: Ai Sushi (Hot Springs), Blu Fish House (Bentonville), Meiji Japanese Cuisine (Fayetteville), Sushi House (Bentonville)
Tacos in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Heights Taco & Tamale
Finalists: Baja Grill, Camp Taco, The Fold Botanas & Bar, La Hacienda
Tacos around Arkansas
Baja Grill (Benton)
Finalists: Local Lime (Rogers), The Social Taco (Rogers), Torchy’s Tacos (Fayetteville), Taco Mama (Hot Springs)
Tortilla chips in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Heights Taco & Tamale Co.
Finalists: Baja Grill, Camp Taco, Casa Mañana, La Hacienda
Tortilla chips around Arkansas
Baja Grill (Benton)
Finalists: Local Lime (Rogers), Mamma Z Tortilla and Tamale Factory (Bentonville), Taco Mama (Hot Springs), Xuma Kitchens (Fayetteville)
Yogurt/smoothies in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Finalists: Argenta Nutrition, The Nutrition Place, TCBY
Yogurt/smoothies around Arkansas
Natural State Smoothies (Fayetteville)
Finalists: Grinds Coffee Co. (Cabot), The Healthy Spot (Greenbrier), Panther Nutrition of Cabot (Cabot)
BEST INTERNATIONAL
Chinese in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co.
Finalists: Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking, Fantastic China, Fu Lin, Mr. Hui’s
Chinese around the state
The Wok (Hot Springs)
Finalists: Jade China Restaurant (Conway), Lin’s Garden (Bentonville), Mong Dynasty (Fayetteville), Ying Chang Hmong & Chinese Hot Food
Indian in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Star of India
Finalists: Bawarchi Biryanis, The Indian Feast, Saffron Indian Cuisine, Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen
Indian around Arkansas
Saffron Indian Cuisine (Rogers)
Finalists: Curry Point (Bentonville), Flavors Indian Cuisine (Bentonville), Khana Indian Grill (Fayetteville), Pandiya’s South Indian Cuisine (Bentonville)
Italian in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Bruno’s Little Italy
Finalists: Graffiti’s Italian Restaurant, Raduno Brick Oven and Barroom, Ristorante Capeo (North Little Rock), Sauced Bar and Oven
Italian around Arkansas
Pasta Grill (Conway)
Finalists: Bocca Italian Eatery & Pizzeria (Fayetteville), Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking (Eureka Springs), Tavola Trattoria (Bentonville), Vetro 1925 (Fayetteville)
Japanese in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Kemuri
Finalists: Aji Ramen Bar, Benihana (North Little Rock), Rock N Roll Sushi, Sky Modern Japanese
Japanese around Arkansas
Umami Sushi Lounge & Grill Fusion (Conway)
Finalists: Sushi House (Bentonville), Meiji Japanese Cuisine (Fayetteville), Osaka Japanese Steakhouse and Bar (Hot Springs), Tokyo House Sushi & Ramen (Fayetteville)
Mexican in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Heights Taco & Tamale
Finalists: Baja Grill, Camp Taco, El Palenque, La Hacienda
Mexican around Arkansas
Baja Grill (Benton)
Finalists: Local Lime (Rogers), Table Mesa (Bentonville), Taco Mama (Hot Springs), Yeyo’s El Alma De Mexico (Bentonville)
Other international in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Layla’s Gyro
Finalists: Buenos Aires Grill and Cafe, Cafe Bossa Nova, La Terraza Rum & Lounge, Maryams Grill
Other international around Arkansas
Rolando’s Restaurante (Hot Springs)
Finalists: A Taste of Thai (Fayetteville), Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe (Bentonville), Tangiers (Fayetteville), WunderHaus (Conway)
Brian ChilsonBEST SPECIALTY DINING
Business lunch in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill
Finalists: Allsopp & Chapple, Doe’s Eat Place, The Faded Rose, Raduno Brick Oven and Barroom
Business lunch around Arkansas
Mike’s Place (Conway)
Finalists: Cafe 1217 (Hot Springs), The Parsonage (Jonesboro), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)
Dog friendly in Little Rock/North Little Rock
The Rail Yard
Finalists: Bark Bar, Dugan’s Pub, Flyway Brewing, The Root Cafe
Dog friendly around Arkansas
Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden (Hot Springs)
Finalists: Good Dog Cafe (Fayetteville), Nomad’s Southtown Kitchen + Bar (Fayetteville), Saddlebock Brewery (Springdale), Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe (Bentonville)
Fine dining in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Petit & Keet
Finalists: Allsopp & Chapple, Brave New Restaurant, Cache, Table 28
Fine dining around Arkansas
Red Apple Inn (Heber Springs)
Finalists: The Hive (Bentonville), The Preacher’s Son (Bentonville), Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff), Vetro 1925 (Fayetteville)
Fun in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Cypress Social
Finalists: Camp Taco, Flyway Brewing Co., Hill Station, Rock N Roll Sushi
Fun around Arkansas
JJ’s Grill (Fayetteville)
Finalists: The Hive (Bentonville), MuleKick @ MAD (El Dorado), SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint (Hot Springs), The Tower Bar at The Momentary (Bentonville)
Gluten free in Little Rock/North Little Rock
The Root Cafe
Finalists: Cafe Bossa Nova, Dempsey Bakery, La Terraza Rum & Lounge, Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill
Gluten free around Arkansas
Baja Grill (Benton)
Finalists: Cafe 1217 (Hot Springs), SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint (Hot Springs), Snack Lab (Bentonville), Tavola Trattoria (Bentonville)
Healthy in Little Rock/North Little Rock
The Root Cafe
Finalists: 42 Bar and Table, Esters SOMA, Layla’s, ZaZa Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza
Healthy around Arkansas
Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot)
Finalists: Bombadil’s Cafe (Eureka Springs), MELD kitchen+sandwich bar (Bentonville), Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, ZaZa Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza (Conway)
Home cookin’ in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Maddie’s Place
Finalists: Bobby’s Country Cookin, David Family Kitchen, House of Mental, Soul Fish Cafe
Home cookin’ around Arkansas
YGFBFKitchen Restaurant & Catering (Conway)
Finalists: Holly’s Country Cookin’ (Conway), Mama Dean’s Down Home Cookin (Jacksonville), Peggy Sue’s Place (Heber Springs), The Parsonage (Jonesboro)
Outdoor dining in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Cypress Social
Finalists: Baja Grill, Brave New Restaurant, Casa Mañana, Flyway Brewing
Outdoor dining around Arkansas
Rolando’s Restaurante (Hot Springs)
Finalists: Bike Rack Brewing Co. (Bentonville), MuleKick (Magnolia), Postmaster’s Grill (Camden), WunderHaus (Conway)
Place for kids in Little Rock/North Little Rock
All Aboard Restaurant & Grill
Finalists: Big Orange, Crazy Hibachi, The Rail Yard, The Root Cafe
Place for kids around Arkansas
The Purple Cow (Hot Springs)
Finalists: Big Orange (Rogers), MuleKick (Magnolia), Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer (Rogers), Stoby’s Restaurant (Conway)
Seafood in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Kemuri
Finalists: Brave New Restaurant, Brood & Barley, Lassis Inn, Petit & Keet
Seafood around Arkansas
Dondie’s White River Princess (Des Arc)
Finalists: Blu Fish House (Bentonville), Fred’s Fish House (Mountain Home), Leon’s Catfish and Shrimp (Pine Bluff), Powerhouse Seafood & Grill (Fayetteville)
Vegetarian/vegan in Little Rock/North Little Rock
The Root Cafe
Finalists: Brood & Barley, Esters SOMA, Maryams Grill, Star of India
Vegetarian/vegan around Arkansas
Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot)
Finalists: Baja Grill (Benton), Cafe 1217 (Hot Springs), Snack Lab (Bentonville), SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint (Hot Springs)
Brian ChilsonBEST TAKEAWAY/MOBILE DINING
Butcher in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Hogg’s Meat Market (North Little Rock)
Finalists: The Butcher Shop, Edwards Food Giant (Cantrell), Hillcrest Artisan Meats, Heights Corner Market
Butcher around Arkansas
Weldon’s Meat Market (Hot Springs)
Finalists: Butcher Boys Meat Market & Deli (Van Buren), Jim’s Meat Market (Bentonville), Richard’s Country Meat Market (Fayetteville), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)
Caterer in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Trio’s Restaurant
Finalist: Catering to You, Heritage Catering, The Root Cafe, RX Catering
Caterer around Arkansas
Two Sisters Catering (Sherwood)
Finalists: Carmelita Catering Co. (Bentonville), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), Wright’s Barbecue (Johnson), YGFBFKitchen Restaurant and Catering (Conway)
Deli/gourmet to-go in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys and Hams
Finalists: Boulevard Bread Co., Bray Gourmet, Gandolfo’s New York Deli, Hillcrest Artisan Meats
Deli/gourmet to-go around Arkansas
Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot)
Finalists: Breitweiser’s Meat Market (Benton), Weldon’s Meat Market (Hot Springs), Cafe 1217 (Hot Springs), Stone Mill Bread & Cafe (Springdale)
Food truck in Little Rock/North Little Rock
Delta Biscuit Co.
Finalists: Cajun Trouxth, Cheesecake On Point!, El Sur, Lili’s Mexican Street Food
Food truck around Arkansas
La Casa De Mi Abuelita Maw Maw’s House (Redfield)
Finalists: Ozark Mountain Bagel (Fayetteville), Rock ’N’ Roll Hibachi (Hot Springs), Yeyo’s Food Truck (Bentonville), Ying Chang Hmong & Chinese Hot Food (Fayetteville)
BEST BY REGION
Overall restaurant in Benton/Bryant
Baja Grill (Benton)
Finalists: Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), Eat My Catfish (Benton), Valhalla: Kitchen + Bar (Benton), Verona Italian Restaurant (Benton)
Overall restaurant in Rogers/Bentonville
The Preacher’s Son (Bentonville)
Finalists: The Hive (Bentonville), Local Lime (Rogers), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville), Wright’s Barbecue (Bentonville)
Overall restaurant in Conway
Mike’s Place
Finalists: Holly’s Country Cookin’, Pasta Grill, WunderHaus, YGFBFKitchen Restaurant
Overall restaurant in Eureka Springs
Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking
Finalists: Bombadil’s Cafe, Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave, Le Stick Nouveau, Local Flavor
Overall restaurant in Fayetteville/Springdale/Johnson
The Farmer’s Table Cafe (Fayetteville)
Finalists: Bocca Italian Eatery & Pizzeria (Fayetteville), Hugo’s (Fayetteville), Rolando’s Restaurante (Fayetteville), Wright’s Barbecue (Johnson)
Overall Restaurant in Hot Springs
DeLuca’s Pizzeria
Finalists: Cafe 1217, Rolando’s Restaurante, SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint, The Vault
