AMERICAN
ARKANSAS BURGER CO.
Really good burgers, fries and shakes, plus a great Greek salad, gyros and other entrées. Great iced tea! 7410 Cantrell Rd. 663-0600
BONEFISH GRILL
A half-dozen or more types of fresh fish filets are offered daily, grilled over a wood fire. Shrimp, mussels and scallops star on the appetizer list and there’s plenty of meat and chicken for those who resist seafood. The key lime pie is perfect.
CAPERS
It’s never been better, with as good a wine list as any in the area, and a menu that covers a lot of ground—seafood, steaks, pasta—and does it all well. 14502 Cantrell Rd. 868-7600
CAPI’S
Sophisticated yet friendly, the latest offering from the folks who created Trio’s, features easy to share small bites in larger than expected portions. Selections range from roasted potatoes and stuffed mushrooms to Tuna Tataki and crab cakes. Don’t skip one of the four fresh desserts offered each day. 11525 Cantrell Rd. 225-9600
CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER
Premium black Angus cheeseburgers, in five different sizes, ranging from the Classic (5.5 ounces) to the Pounder (20 ounces), and nine cheese options. For sides, milkshakes and golden-fried onion rings are the way to go. 11525 Cantrell Rd. 490-2433
CRAZEE’S COOL CAFÉ
Good burgers, daily plate specials and bar food amid pool tables and TVs. 7626 Cantrell Rd. 221-9696
CUPCAKES ON THE RIDGE
Offering a wide array of tempting, tasty cupcakes, designed to celebrate any occasion or to satisfy the smallest craving. 664-2253
IZZY’S
It’s bright, clean and casual, with a snappy service team serving up sandwiches and fries, fresh salads, pasta about a dozen ways, hand-rolled tamales and (dinner only) brick oven pizzas. Wholesome, all-American food prepared with care. 5601 Ranch Dr., just off Cantrell. 868-4311
OZARK COUNTRY RESTAURANT
Football-sized omelets filled with the same marvelous smoked meats and cheeses that are heaped on sandwiches at lunch. Great biscuits and gravy, bacon, home-style potatoes and a daily plate lunch special. 202 Keightley Dr., just off Cantrell. 663-7319
PANERA BREAD
This West Little Rock bakery/café, serves freshly-baked breads, bagels and pastries every morning. Choose from a full line of espresso beverages. But they’re much more than a bakery, they offer a full menu of sandwiches from their signature breads, hand-tossed salads and hearty soups. 11525 Cantrell Rd. 227-0222
PURPLE COW DINER
1950s fare—cheeseburgers, chili dogs, thick milk shakes—they even have a purple one. Lots of salads and hearty entrees if you’re hungry for something a little more substantial. 8026 Cantrell Rd. 221-3555
TRIO’S
One of Little Rock’s best restaurants employs favorite recipes from a bygone Little Rock hotel and experimental fusion cooking with choice ingredients. You can’t go wrong with custom sandwiches at lunch. The shrimp enchiladas and voodoo pasta at dinner and the monumentally rich list of tempting desserts will bring you back time and time again. 8201 Cantrell Rd. 221-3330
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
In addition to 45 different smoothies, the cafe also serves good wraps and sandwiches (many are spicy), salads, healthy drinks and “tortizzas.” Long line at lunch but it moves fast. 12911 Cantrell Rd. 224-1113
ASIAN
EASTERN FLAMES
An authentic Japanese restaurant, serving sushi, saki and choice items from the hibachi. 7710 Cantrell Rd. 227-7222
GINA’S CHINESE KITCHEN AND SUSHI BAR
A broad and strong sushi menu with a manageable and delectable selection of Chinese standards. 14524 Cantrell Rd. 868-7775
OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Fine-dining Japanese dishes and a well-stocked sushi bar. 5501 Ranch Dr., just off Cantrell. 868-3688
SAIGON CUISINE
Traditional Vietnamese entrées with Thai and Chinese selections. Be sure to try the authentic and delicious pho soups and an extra thumps up for the spring rolls. 6805 Cantrell Rd. 663-4000
BARBECUE
BARE BONES PIT BAR-B-Q
A carefully controlled gas oven, with wood chips added for flavor, guarantees moist and sweet pork—both pulled from the shoulder and back ribs. The side orders, particularly the baked potato salad, are excellent. 5501 Ranch Dr., just off Cantrell. 868-7427
EUROPEAN
TAZIKI’S GREEK FARE
This Little Rock offers a taste of the Mediterranean with its wide variety of gyros, which are made with 100 percent shaved lamb, and other Greek sandwiches. Plenty of Greek sides, including pasta, salads and Dolmades (grape leaves with seasoned rice) and more. Sit back and enjoy their long happy hour that lasts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 8200 Cantrell Rd. 227-8291
ITALIAN
DAMGOODE PIES
A somewhat different Italian/pizza place, largely because of the spicy garlic white sauce that’s offered as an alternative to the traditional red sauce. Good bread, too. Delivery available. 6706 Cantrell Rd. 664-2239
JIM’S RAZORBACK PIZZA
Great pizza served up in a family-friendly, sports-themed environment. Special Saturday and Sunday brunch served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Flat-screen TVs throughout and even a cage for shooting basketballs and playing ping pong. 16101 Cantrell Rd. 868-3250
GRAFFITI’S
The casually chic and ever-popular Italian-flavored bistro avoids the rut with daily specials and careful menu tinkering. 7811 Cantrell Rd. 224-9079
LARRY’S PIZZA
The buffet is the way to go—fresh, hot pizza, fully loaded with ingredients, brought hot to your table, all for a low price. 12911 Cantrell Rd. 224-8804
NYPD PIZZA
Plenty of tasty choices in the obvious New York police-like setting, but it’s fun. Only the pizza is cheesy, and personal pizzas come in impressive combinations. Baked ziti, salads and more are also available. 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., just off Cantrell 868-3911
OW Pizza Formerly part of the “Olde World” trio of restaurants, these two locations serve up good pizzas in a variety of ways, sandwiches, big salads and a various pastas and appetizer breads. 8201 Ranch Blvd., just off Cantrell. 868-1100
MEXICAN
BLUE COAST BURRITO
You will become a lover of fish tacos here, but there’re plenty of other fresh coastal Mex choices served up cafeteria style in “cool” surroundings. Don’t miss the Baja fruit tea. 14810 Cantrell Rd. 868-3770
CASA MANANA
Great guacamole and garlic beans, superlative chips and salsa (red and green) and a wide selection of seafood, plus outdoor dining. Breakfast served on the weekend. 6820 Cantrell Rd. 280-9888
LA PALAPA
Seafood is the focus at this Mexican restaurant, but the overly huge menu contains includes land-based items such as a great chile verde. Pan-fried fish topped with cheese and tomato-based sauce is a nightly special. 18321 Cantrell Rd. 868-8822