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.
Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Golden Raised Donuts
Hot Springs
"Visit early in the morning for the best selection, as pop..."
Classic Glazed Donuts
Boston Cream Filled
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Frontier Diner
Little Rock
"Visit during weekday mornings for the freshest breakfast ..."
Country Fried Steak with Gravy
Classic Cheeseburger and Fries
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Brood & Barley
North Little Rock
"Visit during happy hour on weekdays for discounted craft ..."
Bourbon Maple Chicken & Waffles
Artisan Burger with Truffle Fries
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 MorningSide Bagels
North Little Rock
"Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to snag the best selection..."
Everything Bagel with Lox
Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Star of India Restaurant
Little Rock
"Order the mango lassi to cool your palate between spicy d..."
Chicken Tikka Masala
Lamb Biryani
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Gary’s Slingblade Drive-in
Benton
"Visit during peak hours for the full carhop experience, b..."
Classic Cheeseburger with Hand-Cut Fries
Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 SQZBX Brewery & Pizza
Hot Springs
"Visit during happy hour for discounted pints of their hou..."
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza
IPA Bratwurst Pizza
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Big Bad Breakfast – Main Street
Little Rock
"Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to avoid the longest wait ..."
Chicken and Waffles
Shrimp and Grits
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Taqueria Los Mayas
Hot Springs
"Visit on weekends to try the pozole and menudo, which are..."
Carnitas Tacos
Barbacoa Burrito
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Blackberry Market
North Little Rock
"Visit on weekday afternoons for the quietest atmosphere a..."
Blackberry-glazed pork tenderloin
Market-fresh seasonal salad
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Verona Italian Restaurant
Benton
"Make a reservation for Thursday evenings when they featur..."
House-made Gnocchi Bolognese
Wood-fired Margherita Pizza
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Verona Italian Restaurant
Benton
"Make reservations for Friday and Saturday nights, as this..."
House-made Spinach Ricotta Ravioli
Wood-fired Margherita Pizza
+1 more
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