Best Local Favorite Restaurants in Little Rock, AR (2026)
These Little Rock restaurants have earned devoted followings among Arkansas locals who return again and again. Word-of-mouth favorites where regulars are greeted by name, the food is consistently excellent, and the atmosphere feels like home. When locals recommend a spot to visitors, these are the places they mention first.
Upscale Dining ★ 4.1 Eden
Hot Springs
"Make reservations well in advance for weekend dinner serv..."
Wood-fired Heritage Pork Chop
Pan-seared Arkansas Trout
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1 Mel’s Southern Diner
Hot Springs
"Arrive early on weekends to avoid the rush, and don't ski..."
Fried Chicken and Waffles
Country Fried Steak with Gravy
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1 Peppermill Cafe & Grill
Cabot
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for quicker service and ..."
Grilled Ribeye Steak
Blackened Catfish
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1 Taqueria Amigo Mexican Restaurant
Jacksonville
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the freshest tortill..."
Carne Asada Tacos
Chicken Enchiladas with Verde Sauce
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1 Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill
Little Rock
"Visit during happy hour on weekdays for discounted appeti..."
Wood-Fired Ribeye
Smoked Brisket Platter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Hot Springs
"Visit during happy hour on weekdays for discounted beer f..."
Beer-Battered Fish and Chips
Smoked Brisket Platter
+1 more
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Romantic Spot ★ 4.1 YaYa’s Euro Bistro
Little Rock
"Make reservations for weekend evenings, as the intimate s..."
Coq au Vin
Beef Bourguignon
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1
Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden
Hot Springs
"Arrive early on weekends to snag a spot on the outdoor pa..."
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza
Grateful Head Supreme with Local Sausage
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1 Taqueria Guadalajara
North Little Rock
"Visit on weekends when they often have fresh carnitas and..."
Carne Asada Tacos
Pozole Rojo
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1 Whole Hog Cafe
Bryant
"Arrive before the lunch rush to ensure the best selection..."
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Baby Back Ribs
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1 Shark’s Fish & Chicken
Conway
"Order the fish and chicken combo to get the best of both ..."
Fried Catfish Dinner
Buffalo Wings Platter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Blue Heaven
Benton
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for shorter wait times a..."
Southern Fried Chicken
BBQ Pork Ribs
+1 more
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