Little Rock's Unique Restaurants

Little Rock has more than it's share of Outbacks, Applebees and Olive Gardens for people looking for the a reliable, cookie cutter dining experience, but to really experience the diverse tastes, sights and sounds that make Little Rock unique, you have to get away from the interstate and dive head first into local restaurants that have become Little Rock legends.

Cotham's in the City, at 1401 West 3^rd Street, just in the shadow of the state capital, is a Little Rock Landmark as famous for their long lines as they are for their hubcab hamburgers and handmade onion rings. For a true taste of the south, indulge in fried catfish, fried green tomatoes or a rich Mississippi Mud dessert. There is a Cotham's West on Cantrell Road, but the original experience is worth the trek downtown.

Regionally renowned for its live music, Juanita's is also known in and around Little Rock as the best place for Tex-Mex food. The dining room and cantina is small and dark, but the Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas can't be beat. Juanita's also features an extensive selection of wines, beer, spirits and mixed drinks. "Marlboro Magazine" voted Juanita's one of the top ten places in American to have a margarita.

Vino's on West 7^th is as well-known locally for their great music, too, but the live shows tend toward alternative and punk and the evening crowd is decidedly younger and heavily pierced. It's worth wading through the smoke and loud music for the beer and pizza, though. Vino's is Little Rock's original microbrewery with a wide selection of handcrafted ales and lagers. If pizza isn't your thing, Vinos' also has calzones, sandwiches and salads, but the pizza is the star of the show.