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 ★ 5.0 Rendi’s Mud Bugs Crawfish
Hot Springs
"Visit during peak crawfish season from March through June..."
Traditional Crawfish Boil
Seafood Gumbo
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.9 The Rib Cage BBQ
Hot Springs
"Arrive before 6 PM on weekends to ensure they haven't run..."
Smoked Pork Ribs
Beef Brisket Platter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.8 MeMe’s Twisted Potato
Little Rock
"Come hungry - the portions are generous enough to share, ..."
Loaded Twisted Potato with Pulled Pork
Buffalo Chicken Potato Bowl
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.7 Grill Pollo
Little Rock
"Come hungry and consider sharing dishes family-style - th..."
Pollo a la Brasa
Carne Asada Platter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.7 Bulgogi Korean BBQ
Conway
"Come with a group of 3-4 people to make the most of the t..."
Bulgogi Beef
Korean Fried Chicken
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.7 Gozen Japan House
Hot Springs
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the best value bento..."
Dragon Roll
Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.7 Fidel & Co
Little Rock
"Make reservations for weekend evenings, as this popular s..."
Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter
Braised Short Rib with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.7 Blue House Bakery & Cafe
Bryant
"Arrive before 10 AM for the best selection of fresh pastr..."
Cinnamon Rolls
Turkey Avocado Sandwich
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.7 The Burger Shack
Benton
"Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the lunch and dinner..."
Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe
Hand-Cut Fries
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.7 Cafe Kahlo
Hot Springs
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for shorter waits and as..."
Mole Poblano
Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
+1 more
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Upscale Dining ★ 4.7 Rober Cocktails And Culinary
Benton
"Make reservations for weekend evenings, and consider sitt..."
Pan-Seared Duck Breast
Craft Cocktail Selection
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.7 Little Italy Italian Bistro
Hot Springs
"Make a reservation for Friday or Saturday nights, as the ..."
Chicken Parmigiana
Fettuccine Alfredo
+1 more
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Hidden Gem ★ 4.6 The Goat Mediterranean Grill
Hot Springs
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for smaller crowds and f..."
Lamb Gyro Platter
Mediterranean Moussaka
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 Cafe Mi Amor
Hot Springs
"Visit on weekends when they often feature live mariachi m..."
Carnitas Plate
Homemade Tamales
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 Mama Vee’s
Hot Springs
"Arrive early on Sunday afternoons to avoid the post-churc..."
Fried Chicken with Sides
BBQ Ribs Platter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 Lindsey’s Hospitality House & Barbecue
North Little Rock
"Arrive early during lunch hours to ensure the best select..."
Smoked Brisket Platter
Baby Back Ribs
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 The Pantry Crest
Little Rock
"Arrive early for dinner service on weekends, as the resta..."
Southern Fried Chicken Platter
Slow-Cooked Pot Roast
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 Taj Mahal India Kitchen – Conway
Conway
"Call ahead on weekends as the kitchen sometimes runs out ..."
Chicken Tikka Masala
Lamb Biryani
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 Cross Creek Sandwich Shop
Conway
"Visit during weekday lunch hours to catch their daily sou..."
Cross Creek Club Sandwich
Beer-Battered Fish Po'boy
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 David’s Burgers
Hot Springs
"Order the fries extra crispy and don't skip the milkshake..."
David's Burger with Cheese
Hand-Cut French Fries
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 Lost Creek Grill
Hot Springs
"Visit during weeknight hours for the most relaxed dining ..."
BBQ Ribs
Blackened Catfish
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 The Bugler
Hot Springs
"Visit on Sunday afternoons when they serve their famous b..."
Slow-Smoked BBQ Ribs
Chicken and Dumplings
+1 more
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Cozy Atmosphere ★ 4.6 Milford Track
Little Rock
"Make reservations for weekend evenings, as the intimate d..."
Wood-Fired Ribeye with Herb Butter
Arkansas Trout with Brown Butter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.6 David’s Burgers
Conway
"Order the fries extra crispy for the perfect golden crunc..."
Classic Cheeseburger
Hand-Cut Fries
+1 more
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