Selected restaurants
Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. Reviewers’ visits are anonymous and all expenses are paid by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Bargain means a meal (without beverage or dessert) is typically less than $12. Moderate is $12 to $25. Expensive is $25 and up.
Mexican
CACTUS JACK’S
4120 E. McCain Blvd. (McCain Crossing shopping center), North Little Rock, (501) 9455888
This accommodating spot serves ample portions with potent cheese dip and salsa. Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Bargain.
CANCUN
1524 W. Main St., Jacksonville, (501) 985-3300
A gracious staff serves an extensive menu of reliably standard food at this lively business in a former Mexico Chiquito location.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar.
Reservations. Bargain. CASA MANANA
6820 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 280-9888; 18321 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 868-8822; River Market, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 372-6637 The salsa and the guacamole are top-drawer at the no-nonsense sit-down locations, which excel at seafood (including a garlicky Catfish al Mojo de Ajo) and offer a fine weekend breakfast. The River Market branch is a well-stocked taqueria. Lunch, dinner daily; breakfast Sun. Full bar. (River Market: Breakfast, lunch Mon-Sat. No alcohol.) Reservations MonThu. Bargain.
CASA MEXICANA
6929 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 835-7876; 13120 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock, (501) 812-2074; 4091 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, (501) 833-2787 This easygoing eatery serves solid food swiftly; the Crystal Hill location has the most inviting patio.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Bargain.
EL PORTON
12111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 223-8588; 5507 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, (501) 223-8588; 5021 Warden Road, North Little Rock, (501) 7534630
The menu offers a wide array of Mexican appetizers, soups and salads, meat and vegetarian entrees and specialties, served hot, fresh and fast. Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Bargain.
LAS PALMAS
4154 E. McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 945-8010; 10402 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, (501) 455-8500; 786 Elsinger Blvd., Conway, (501) 329-5010
This mini-chain offers a huge menu (don’t miss the top-notch tamales), swift and systematic
service and low prices. Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar at North Little Rock, Little Rock sites; limited alcohol in Conway. Reservations vary by location. Bargain.
TAQUERIA EL PALENQUE
9501 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 312-0045 Excellent tacos and other authentic Mexican foods (don’t miss the guacamole) come quickly out of the kitchen and in generous portions. Lunch, dinner Tue.-Sun. Beer. Bargain.
TORTAS MEXICO
1000 W. 37th St., North Little Rock, (501) 771-1341 An impressive list of tortas, some fine specialty plates, huge portions and a clean, bright decor make this authentic Mexican place well worth the visit. Late breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. No alcohol. Bargain.