Down Home Eats: 5 Little Rock Dining Icons You Can't Miss
Everybody knows those hometown restaurants that just taste like home. In Little Rock, we count ourselves lucky to have such a diverse variety of delicious eateries that bring back memories with each bite. Here are some of our favorites that the city’s food scene.
1. Doe’s Eat Place – Try the Beef Tamales
Doe’s, a former hangout of President Bill Clinton and his staffers, is an unassuming steakhouse located in the heart of downtown. The no-frills eatery is famous for its perfectly cooked Porterhouse and housemade hot tamales served with chili on the side.
2. Franke’s – Pie Heaven
Don’t be surprised if most diners are on a first-name basis at Franke’s. The cafeteria-style eatery has been a mainstay on the Little Rock food scene, known for their variety of Southern favorites.
The Oyster Bar, a hole-in-the-wall Little Rock institution, is known for its delicious gumbo.
3. The Oyster Bar - Best Gumbo
The Oyster Bar has become a Little Rock mainstay after being open for more than 40 years. Some of the menu favorites include the legendary shrimp gumbo and their signature Cat-touffée.
4. Sims Bar-B-Que – Barbecue Legend
Allen and Amelia Sims opened the original Sims in 1937. Since then, the barbecue joint has made a name for itself with spectacular ribs and world-famous sauce. Be sure to grab a bottle for keeps.
Although Doe’s huge, juicy steaks have diners flocking in, the tamales have solidified this restaurant as a foodie destination.
5. Lassis Inn – Famous for Catfish
A recent inductee to the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, this little blue building has been serving up some of the state’s best catfish since 1905. Crowd favorites include the Big Bone Buffalo Plate and the catfish filets.
