These five historical restaurants in Little Rock have been around for a long time and offer a variety of tasty dishes that are sure to satisfy any appetite. They have also consistently received positive reviews and ratings from customers.
1. Doe’s Eat Place – This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious steaks, tamales, and other southern comfort food since 1941. The restaurant has been featured on national television shows and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
2. The Root Cafe – This farm-to-table restaurant focuses on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. The menu changes seasonally, and they offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The Root Cafe also has a cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating.
3. The Capital Bar and Grill – Located in the historic Capital Hotel, this restaurant offers classic American cuisine with a southern twist. The menu includes favorites like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and burgers. The Capital Bar and Grill is also known for its extensive cocktail menu.
4. Bruno’s Little Italy – This family-owned restaurant has been serving up authentic Italian cuisine since 1949. The menu includes classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmesan. Bruno’s is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service.
5. Lassis Inn – This hole-in-the-wall restaurant has been serving up authentic southern seafood since 1905. The menu includes catfish, shrimp, and other seafood dishes, as well as southern favorites like tamales and hot water cornbread. Lassis Inn is also known for its casual atmosphere and friendly service.
The Top 5 Historical Restaurants in Little Rock
Doe’s Eat Place
Address: 1023 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM; Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Closed on Sundays
Phone Number: (501) 376-1195
Doe’s Eat Place is a family-owned restaurant that was founded in 1941 in Greenville, Mississippi, and has since expanded to multiple locations, including Little Rock, Arkansas. One of the top historical restaurants in Little Rock, serves up classic southern cuisine with a focus on steaks and tamales. The interior of the Little Rock location is cozy and intimate with dim lighting and wood-paneled walls covered in photos of celebrities who have visited the restaurant over the years.
The signature dish at Doe’s Eat Place is the porterhouse steak, which is a 3-pound T-bone cut that is cooked to perfection and served on a sizzling platter. Another popular item on the menu is the hot tamales, which are made in-house and served with a spicy chili sauce. Other menu items include fried shrimp, catfish, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides like fried green tomatoes and macaroni and cheese.
One unique aspect of the restaurant is that it is cash-only, which adds to the old-school charm of the place. The staff is also known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor, making customers feel right at home.
Five Main Menu Items:
▣ Porterhouse Steak – a 3-pound T-bone cut cooked to perfection and served on a sizzling platter.
▣ Hot Tamales – in-house-made hot tamales served with a spicy chili sauce.
▣ Fried Shrimp – golden fried shrimp served with a side of cocktail sauce.
▣ Catfish – farm-raised catfish fillets that are breaded and fried to perfection.
▣ Doe’s Famous Chili – a hearty bowl of chili with ground beef and spices.
The service at Doe’s Eat Place is top-notch, with the waitstaff being attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, so customers can expect a relaxed dining experience.
Customer Review 1: “I had the porterhouse steak, and it was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and intimate. I’ll definitely be back!”
Customer Review 2: “The hot tamales were amazing! The chili sauce had the perfect amount of spice, and the tamales were cooked to perfection. The service was great, and the staff made us feel right at home.”
Customer Review 3: “I tried the fried shrimp, and they were perfectly cooked and delicious. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend Doe’s Eat Place to anyone looking for classic southern cuisine.”
Doe’s Eat Place in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a family-owned restaurant that serves up classic southern cuisine with a focus on steaks and tamales. The cozy and intimate atmosphere, friendly service, and signature dishes like the porterhouse steak and hot tamales make it a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking to experience traditional southern cuisine in a laid-back setting. Doe’s Eat Place is among the top historical restaurants in Little Rock.
The Root Cafe
Address: 1500 S. Main St., Little Rock, AR 72206
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Phone Number: (501) 414-0423
The Root Cafe is one of the top historical restaurants in Little Rock, and is a farm-to-table restaurant located in the SoMa (South Main) neighborhood. The restaurant focuses on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create dishes that showcase the best of Arkansas cuisine. The interior of the restaurant is bright and airy, with high ceilings, natural wood finishes, and plenty of natural light.
One unique aspect of The Root Cafe is their commitment to sustainability and community involvement. They source their ingredients from local farmers and vendors, and they also offer cooking classes and workshops to the community. They also have a pay-what-you-can program, where customers can donate money to help provide meals to those in need.
Five Main Menu Items:
▣ Root Breakfast Sandwich – made with local eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese on a house-made English muffin.
▣ Biscuits and Gravy – made with local sausage and served with house-made buttermilk biscuits.
▣ BLT – made with local bacon, lettuce, and tomato on house-made bread.
▣ Farm Plate – a rotating selection of local vegetables and grains served with house-made hummus and bread.
▣ Grass-Fed Beef Burger – made with local beef and served on a house-made bun with aioli and house-made pickles.
The service at The Root Cafe is friendly and welcoming, with a focus on making customers feel at home. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and the sourcing of the ingredients, and they are happy to answer any questions customers may have.
Customer Review 1: “I had the Root Breakfast Sandwich, and it was delicious! The house-made English muffin was a game-changer, and the bacon and cheese were perfectly cooked. The service was also fantastic – I felt right at home.”
Customer Review 2: “The Biscuits and Gravy were some of the best I’ve ever had. You can really taste the quality of the local sausage, and the biscuits were so fluffy and buttery. The staff was also super friendly and accommodating.”
Customer Review 3: “I tried the Farm Plate, and it was such a great way to sample some of the best local produce. The hummus was a nice touch, and the bread was clearly made with care. The Root Cafe is a great example of how farm-to-table dining can be accessible and affordable.”
The Root Cafe in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases the best of Arkansas cuisine using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The bright and airy interior, commitment to sustainability, and community involvement make it a unique and welcoming spot in the SoMa neighborhood. The Root Breakfast Sandwich, Biscuits and Gravy, and Farm Plate are some standout menu items, and the friendly service adds to the overall experience. The Root Cafe is one of the top historical restaurants in Little Rock.
The Capital Bar and Grill
Address: 111 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Phone Number: (501) 374-7474
The Capital Bar and Grill is one of the top historical restaurants in Little Rock, and it’s a classic American bistro located in the historic Capital Hotel in downtown Little Rock. The restaurant features a sophisticated and upscale atmosphere with marble floors, leather seating, and elegant lighting fixtures. The menu is focused on American cuisine with a Southern twist, highlighting local ingredients and flavors.
One unique aspect of The Capital Bar and Grill is its commitment to offering seasonal menus that showcase the best of Arkansas ingredients. The restaurant also has an extensive bar program, with a wide selection of craft cocktails, wine, and beer.
Five Main Menu Items:
▣ Fried Chicken and Waffles – crispy fried chicken served with fluffy waffles and maple syrup.
▣ Shrimp and Grits – local Gulf shrimp served with creamy grits and a flavorful tomato and bacon broth.
▣ Arkansas Burger – a juicy beef patty topped with bacon, pepper jack cheese, and house-made pickles, served with crispy fries.
▣ Grilled Ribeye – a 12-ounce ribeye steak grilled to perfection and served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
▣ Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese – a classic comfort food pairing made with house-made tomato soup and a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
The service at The Capital Bar and Grill is professional and attentive, with a focus on creating a refined and elegant dining experience. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and the bar program, and they are happy to make recommendations and answer any questions customers may have.
Customer Review 1: “The Fried Chicken and Waffles were amazing – the chicken was perfectly crispy and the waffles were so fluffy. The service was also fantastic – our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable.”
Customer Review 2: “The Shrimp and Grits were some of the best I’ve ever had. The shrimp were cooked to perfection, and the broth was full of flavor. The atmosphere at The Capital Bar and Grill is also top-notch – it’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion.”
Customer Review 3: “I loved the Arkansas Burger – the pickles really added a great tangy flavor. The fries were also perfectly crispy. The Capital Bar and Grill is a great spot for a business lunch or a night out with friends.”
The Capital Bar and Grill in Little Rock, Arkansas, is an upscale American bistro located in the historic Capital Hotel. The sophisticated atmosphere, commitment to seasonal menus, and extensive bar program make it a standout restaurant in downtown Little Rock. The Fried Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, and Arkansas Burger are some standout menu items, and the professional and attentive service adds to the overall experience. The Capital Bar and Grill is one of the top historical restaurants in Little Rock.
Bruno’s Little Italy
Address: 310 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm, Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm, Sunday: Closed
Phone Number: (501) 372-7866
Bruno’s Little Italy is one of the top historical restaurants in Little Rock. It is a cozy Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. The restaurant features a warm and inviting interior, with wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and dim lighting. The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends. The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes made with fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as homemade pasta, seafood, and pizza. Bruno’s Little Italy is known for its signature dish, the Spiedini alla Romana, which is a skewered breaded and grilled mozzarella cheese.
Bruno’s Little Italy has a unique feature that allows customers to dine in the restaurant’s outdoor courtyard area, which is beautifully decorated with greenery and twinkling lights. The restaurant also features a full bar with an extensive wine list and a selection of craft cocktails.
Five Main Menu Items:
▣ Spiedini alla Romana – Skewered breaded and grilled mozzarella cheese served with a side of marinara sauce
▣ Fettuccine Alfredo – Homemade fettuccine pasta served with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce
▣ Linguine alle Vongole – Linguine pasta served with fresh clams in a white wine sauce
▣ Chicken Parmigiana – Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with a side of spaghetti
▣ Margherita Pizza – Classic pizza topped with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil
The service at Bruno’s Little Italy is top-notch, with attentive and friendly servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and offer excellent recommendations. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and private parties.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Spiedini alla Romana and it was amazing! The mozzarella cheese was perfectly grilled and melted in my mouth. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and romantic. Highly recommend!”
“I came to Bruno’s Little Italy with a group of friends and we had a great time! The Linguine alle Vongole was my favorite dish, and the outdoor courtyard was a beautiful setting for our dinner. The staff was accommodating and attentive to our needs.”
“I ordered the Chicken Parmigiana and it was delicious! The chicken was tender and juicy, and the marinara sauce was rich and flavorful. The portion size was generous, and the service was excellent. I will definitely be coming back!”
Bruno’s Little Italy is a fantastic Italian restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas, that serves delicious and authentic Italian dishes. The restaurant’s signature dish, Spiedini alla Romana, is a must-try, and the outdoor courtyard is a beautiful place to enjoy a meal. The service is attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Bruno’s Little Italy is one of the top historical restaurants in Little Rock.
Lassis Inn
Address: 518 East 27th Street, Little Rock, AR 72206
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 7pm, Sunday – Monday: Closed
Phone Number: (501) 372-8714
Lassis Inn is one of the top historical restaurants in Little Rock. It is a hidden gem of a seafood restaurant located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The restaurant is located in a small shack-like building that has been around for over 100 years.
The interior is small and cozy, with a few tables and chairs and a long counter where customers can place their orders. Lassis Inn is known for its signature dish, the buffalo fish, which is a local delicacy that is unique to the Arkansas River. The buffalo fish is battered and deep-fried to perfection, served with a side of hushpuppies and tartar sauce.
Lassis Inn is unique in that it is one of the few restaurants in the area that serves buffalo fish. The restaurant also has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals.
Five Main Menu Items:
▣ Fried Buffalo Fish – Battered and deep-fried buffalo fish served with hushpuppies and tartar sauce
▣ Fried Catfish – Cornmeal-battered catfish served with hushpuppies and tartar sauce
▣ Fried Shrimp – Battered and deep-fried shrimp served with hushpuppies and cocktail sauce
▣ Fried Oysters – Lightly breaded and fried oysters served with hushpuppies and cocktail sauce
▣ Crawfish Etouffee – A traditional Louisiana-style dish made with crawfish, rice, and a rich tomato-based sauce
The service at Lassis Inn is casual but friendly. Customers place their orders at the counter, and the food is brought out to their tables. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.
Customer Reviews:
“I came to Lassis Inn for the first time and was blown away by the buffalo fish! It was crispy and flavorful, and the hushpuppies were delicious. The service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was laid-back and casual.”
“Lassis Inn is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The fried catfish was amazing, and the hushpuppies were some of the best I’ve ever had. The restaurant has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the staff was welcoming and accommodating.”
“I tried the crawfish etouffee and it was amazing! The crawfish were tender and the sauce was rich and flavorful. The restaurant itself is small and cozy, with a casual atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.”
Lassis Inn is a fantastic seafood restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas, that serves up delicious and unique dishes, such as the buffalo fish. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it a favorite spot for locals. The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating, and the food is simply amazing. Lassis Inn is one of the top historical restaurants in Little Rock. Highly recommend giving this hidden gem a try!
It is undeniable that this city is full of great dining experiences and these five historical restaurants in Little Rock embody the essence of the city. Whether one is looking for classic southern cooking, exotic flavors, live music, or just a place to grab a beer, these five restaurants are the perfect place to start. Each restaurant offers a unique experience that is steeped in local history, culture, and flavor. It is truly remarkable to experience the roles these historic restaurants in Little Rock have played in its history and the stories they each tell.
The next time you are in Little Rock, be sure to add one of these five eating establishments to your list of must-see attractions. Visit these historical restaurants in Little Rock and expand your understanding of it’s past, present, and future.
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