Little Rock, Arkansas : The Guide to the Capital of Cool, Cheese Dip, and Civil Rights || Weezle (2025)
- WZL
- Nov 11
- 10 min read
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What are three facts about Little Rock, Arkansas?
Little Rock is home to over 200,000 people, the most populated city in the US. Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, was incorporated on November 7, 1831. It sits on the south bank of the Arkansas River near the center of the state. In its early days, Central Little Rock was inhabited by Native Americans.
What is Little Rock, Arkansas famous for?
Little Rock, Arkansas is famous for its role in the Civil Rights movement as the site of the desegregation of Central High School in 1957, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, and outdoor recreation along the Arkansas River. The city is also home to the Old State House, the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi, and a cultural hub known for attractions like the River Market District.
Why is Little Rock called Little Rock?
Benard de la Harpe, a Frenchman leading an exploration party up the Arkansas River on April 9, 1722, noted the first outcropping of the rock he had seen along the banks since leaving New Orleans. He reportedly called it 'la petite roche' or 'the little rock,' to distinguish it from a larger cliff across the river.
What are 5 fun facts about Arkansas?
Public diamond mine: The Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only state-run park in the U.S. where visitors can search for and keep their own diamonds. The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States, the 40.23-carat "Uncle Sam" diamond, was found there.
Walmart's origin: Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962.
First national river: The Buffalo National River was designated the first national river in the United States in 1972.
Major rice producer: Arkansas is a leading producer of rice, growing nearly half of the nation's rice crop on approximately one and a half million acres.
Origin of cheese dip: The first cheese dip was created in Arkansas, and the state hosts the annual World Cheese-Dip Championship.
Key Takeaway : Little Rock in 2025 is where Southern charm, indie grit, and a dash of haunted history collide. You’ll brunch on sweet potato hash, sip a craft cocktail in a hidden speakeasy, hike a mountain before noon, and catch a drag show or punk band by night. This is your up-to-date, no-BS, millennial-approved guide to eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and event-hopping in Arkansas’s capital—crafted for young adults who want the real deal, with a side of Southern sass.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
Hungry? The Top Places to Eat in Little Rock (2025 Edition)
Little Rock’s food scene is a glorious mashup of Southern comfort, global flavors, and pizza that’ll make you question your life choices (in a good way). Here’s where to fuel up:
American Food or Breakfast Spots
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
The Root Cafe | 1,100+ | 4.5–4.8 | Farm-to-table, sweet potato hash, biscuits & gravy, vegan options | |
At The Corner | 580+ | 4.5–4.9 | Modern diner, poutine breakfast, chicken & waffles | |
Big Bad Breakfast | 500+ | 4.0+ | Hearty plates, skillets, house-cured bacon | |
The Buttered Biscuit | 1,000+ | 4.7+ | Fluffy biscuits, creative Benedicts, coffee |
Key Finding: The Root Cafe is the breakfast GOAT, but At The Corner is where you go when you want to eat your feelings (and then some).
Asian Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co. | 1,000+ | 4.6+ | Hand-pulled noodles, pork dumplings, chili oil | |
Kemuri | 1,000+ | 4.7+ | Sushi, sashimi, robata grill, cocktails | |
A.W. Lin’s Asian Cuisine | 1,000+ | 4.4+ | Chinese, Japanese, Thai, sushi | |
Mr. Chen’s | 1,000+ | 4.5+ | Authentic Chinese, hot pot, Asian market | |
Mike’s Cafe | 500+ | 4.5+ | Vietnamese, pho, banh mi |
Middle Eastern Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Layla’s Gyros & Pizzeria | 1,000+ | 4.5+ | Gyros, shawarma, falafel, fusion pizza | |
Ali Baba Mediterranean | 500+ | 4.5+ | Lamb kebabs, shawarma, vegetarian platters | |
Kebab House | 500+ | 4.5+ | Turkish, mixed grill, fresh bread | |
Al Seraj Mediterranean | 500+ | 4.5+ | Buffet, salads, Middle Eastern classics |
Mexican Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Taqueria El Palenque | 1,000+ | 4.6+ | Street tacos, al pastor, aguas frescas | |
La Pasadita | 1,000+ | 4.5+ | Tacos, burritos, tortas | |
Heights Taco & Tamale Co. | 1,000+ | 4.4+ | Creative tacos, tamales, margaritas | |
La Hacienda | 1,000+ | 4.4+ | Tex-Mex, salsas, festive vibes | |
Baja Grill | 1,000+ | 4.5+ | Baja-style tacos, burritos, patio |
European / Best Pizza
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Vino’s Brewpub | 1,000+ | 4.3+ | NY-style pizza, house beer, punk vibes | |
Iriana’s Pizza | 1,000+ | 4.1+ | Hand-tossed, brick-oven, “Special” pizza | |
ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood-Oven Pizza | 1,000+ | 4.3+ | Neapolitan, creative salads, gelato | |
Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom | 1,000+ | 4.5+ | Neapolitan, unique toppings, cocktails | |
Bruno’s Little Italy | 1,000+ | 4.4+ | Classic Italian, house pasta, “Bruno’s Special” | |
Certified Pies | 500+ | 4.7+ | Hand-tossed, gluten-free/vegan, creative |
Thirsty? Top Places for Beer, Cocktails, and Coffee
Whether you want to sip a craft IPA, dance at a drag show, or caffeinate for your next riverwalk, Little Rock’s got you covered.
Hipster, Dive, Historical, LGBTQ+ Locations
White Water Tavern
Legendary dive, live music, 10 taps, and a juke joint since 1941.
Midtown Billiards
Late-night burgers, pool, and a “unique” local institution.
Chaps
LGBTQ+ “leather cowboy” bar, games, and affordable drinks.
Club Sway
LGBTQ+ dance club, drag shows, themed parties.
Discovery Night Club
Saturday-night LGBTQ+ dance, drag, and a massive floor.
Triniti Nightclub
Multi-bar LGBTQ+ club, Friday night parties.
The Hillcrest Fountain
Retro, cozy, beer and wine, neighborhood favorite.
Esters
Plant-based pub, local beers, ping-pong, skeeball, inclusive crowd.
Best for Music
White Water Tavern
See above—iconic for indie, punk, and Americana.
Four Quarter Bar
Late-night, live music, “better than bar food.”
Stickyz Rock’n’Roll Chicken Shack
Weekly concerts, Southern comfort food, casual.
Rev Room
Concert venue, national/local acts, energetic crowds.
The Hall
Modern, large concert venue, national tours.
Dugan’s Pub
Irish pub, live music on weekends, hearty fare.
Willy D’s Rock & Roll Piano Bar
Dueling pianos, high-energy, audience singalongs.
Best for Dancing
Discovery Night Club
Saturday-night LGBTQ+ dance, drag, and a massive floor.
Club Sway
Themed dance parties, drag shows, inclusive crowd.
Triniti Nightclub
Multi-bar setups, Friday night dancing.
Club 27
Latin dance, salsa nights, classes, open dancing.
Latin Disco
Salsa, bachata, reggaeton, themed nights.
Best for Speakeasy, Brewery, or Hidden Bars
Barnaby’s Speakeasy (inside George’s)
Hidden, intimate, curated cocktails, semi-private rooms.
After 5 Speakeasy
Formal, intimate, wine, live music.
The Culture
Upscale, barrel-aged cocktails, bourbon, modern design.
Rock Town Distillery
Arkansas’s first legal distillery, craft spirits, tours, cocktails.
Vino’s Brew Pub
Oldest brewpub, house beer, pizza, punk edge.
Lost Forty Brewing
Award-winning beer, lively taproom, food menu.
Stone’s Throw Brewing
Neighborhood favorite, rotating beers, biergarten.
DONS Southern Social
New speakeasy, Southern cocktails, hidden location.
Best Sports Bar
Twin Peaks
Scratch-made food, 29° draft beer, wall-to-wall TVs.
Dugan’s Pub
See above—beer, sports, and hearty fare.
Four Quarter Bar
Doubles as a sports bar, loyal crowd, great food.
Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill
Taproom, wood-grilled fare, TVs, upscale yet casual.
Prospect Sports Bar & Grill
Great food, TVs, private booths, burgers.
Best Coffee
Coffee Shop | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
The Root Cafe | 663+ | 4.8 | Farm-to-table, locally roasted coffee, community hub | |
Mylo Coffee Co. | 263+ | 4.7 | House-roasted, pastries, European bakery | |
Nexus Coffee & Creative | 190+ | 4.7 | Specialty coffee, coworking, events | |
Fidel & Co. | 115+ | 4.8 | Third-wave, minimalist, pour-overs | |
Hillcrest Little Bakery | 84+ | 4.7 | Pastries, breakfast, strong coffee | |
Dark Side Coffee Company | 51+ | 4.8 | Creative drinks, local art |
Sleepy? Where to Crash in Little Rock
From luxury towers to quirky B&Bs, Little Rock has a bed for every budget and vibe.
Luxury Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Amenities | Website |
The Capital Hotel | 890+ | 5 | $300–$500 | Historic, luxury, fine dining, event space | |
The Burgundy Hotel | 1,200+ | 4.7 | $180–$350+ | Boutique, spa tubs, Table 28, pool | |
Little Rock Marriott | 1,500+ | 4 | $180–$300 | Downtown, event space, fitness, dining |
Historical Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Website |
The Capital Hotel | 890+ | 5 | $300–$500 | |
The Empress of Little Rock | 67+ | 4.9 | $229+ |
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Website |
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | 293+ | 9.0/10 | $85+ | |
Comfort Inn & Suites Presidential | 1,200+ | 4.5 | $100–$150 | |
Holiday Inn Little Rock-Presidential-Downtown | 1,000+ | 4.0 | $110–$160 | |
Hilton Garden Inn West Little Rock | 900+ | 9.2/10 | $120+ | |
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites | 500+ | 3.5 | $57+ |
Best Boutique or Bed and Breakfast Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Website |
The Burgundy Hotel | 1,200+ | 4.7 | $180–$350+ | |
The Empress of Little Rock | 67+ | 4.9 | $229+ | |
Rosemont B&B Cottages | 389+ | 4.6 | $150+ |
Best Trade Show or Conference Hotels
Hotel | Reviews | Stars | Price | Website |
Little Rock Marriott | 1,500+ | 4 | $180–$300 | |
DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock | 1,000+ | 4.0 | $150–$220 | |
Hilton Garden Inn Little Rock Downtown | 800+ | 4.5 | $140+ | |
Embassy Suites Little Rock | 1,000+ | 4.0 | $160–$220 | |
The Burgundy Hotel | 1,200+ | 4.7 | $180–$350+ |
BE ACTIVE: Where to Get Your Sweat (or Chill) On
Little Rock is basically a giant outdoor gym with a side of adrenaline. Here’s how to get moving:
Best Gyms & Fitness Studios
Jolly Bodies Fitness Studio
Science-backed group fitness, 10,000 sq ft, joyful community, first 5 classes free.
Genesis Health Clubs (Midtown)
Full-service, group classes, pool, sauna, racquetball.
Clubhaus Fitness
Boutique, yoga, barre, DEKA, small group training.
Gemini Fitness
Aerial, pole, lyra, hammock, queer-led, body-positive.
WorkHarder Gym, Little Rock Athletic Club, 10 Fitness, HOTWORX, Barefoot Studio
No-nonsense, CrossFit, yoga, 24/7, infrared, and more.
Best Golf Courses
Rebsamen Golf Course
18 holes, river views, accessible for all levels.
Burns Park Golf Courses
Tournament & Championship, elevation changes, island green.
The Greens at North Hills
Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design, water hazards, rolling hills.
Eagle Hill Golf & Athletic Club, Pleasant Valley Country Club
Well-maintained, championship-level, local favorites.
Best Hikes & Trails
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
22+ miles, East/West Summit Trails, panoramic views, Monument Trails for mountain biking.
Arkansas River Trail
21+ miles, connects Clinton Library to Two Rivers Park, Big Dam Bridge.
Allsopp Park, Boyle Park, Rock Creek Trail, Rattlesnake Ridge, Ouachita National Forest
Shaded trails, creeks, urban greenways, rugged adventures.
Best Parks, Lakes, and Rivers
Murray Park
Soccer, volleyball, dog park, river access.
Maumelle Park
Campsites, river views, fishing, boating.
Lake Maumelle
Bass fishing, birdwatching, hiking.
William E. Clark Presidential Park Wetlands, Emerald Park, Fourche Creek, Little Maumelle River
Wildlife, kayaking, urban nature escapes.
Best Fitness Coaches
Jake Snowden (Club Fit)
HIIT, body composition, 20 years experience.
fit30.com/personaltraining](https://www.clubfit30.com/personaltraining)
Russell Hill (Club Fit)
Medical/orthopedic focus, ACSM, NSCA CSCS.
Jeff McDaniel
Bootcamp, media contributor, 20+ years.
Macey Lavender
Women’s transformation, postpartum recovery.
Arkansas Fitness & Athletics, D1 Training, Matthew (ISSA), William (NESTA, NSCA)
Group strength, athletic training, personalized coaching.
Other Outdoor Activities
Rock Town River Outfitters
Bike/kayak rentals, guided tours, Arkansas River.
Disc Golf at War Memorial Park
18 holes, historic park, pop-up events.
Cycling, mountain biking, group rides, 5K fun runs, fishing, stargazing, and more.
Go 2 Event: Top Event Locations for Concerts, Art, Plays, History & More
Little Rock’s event scene is as eclectic as its weather. Here’s where to get your culture fix:
Best Zoos or Animals
Little Rock Zoo
700+ animals, centennial events, GloWILD lantern festival (Nov–Jan), baby chimpanzee, conservation programs.
Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
Interactive wildlife exhibits, Arkansas Game & Fish.
Best Sporting Events or Local Sports Teams
Arkansas Travelers (Minor League Baseball)
Dickey-Stephens Park, themed nights, fireworks.
War Memorial Stadium
Razorbacks games, high school championships, SCAC Football Championship.
Little Rock Trojans (UALR)
Division I basketball, Jack Stephens Center.
Rugby, kickball, disc golf, cycling, pickleball, and more.
Best Plays or Music Venues
Robinson Center
Broadway, Arkansas Symphony, major concerts.
Simmons Bank Arena
Jonas Brothers, Alabama, Riley Green, TSO, Harlem Globetrotters.
River Market District: Rev Room, Stickyz, The Hall, White Water Tavern, Dugan’s Pub, Willy D’s, Midtown Billiards, Aloft WXYZ Bar.
Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, Wildwood Park for the Arts.
Best Art Events or Locations
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA)
14,000 works, free admission, concert series, community programs.
Hearne Fine Art Gallery, Gallery 26, Galleries at Library Square, Esse Purse Museum.
Public Art: Riverfront Park, Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, “LOVE” sculpture, iCREATE 2025.
Annual Art Walk, Canal Convergence, SoMa, East Village, Hillcrest, Argenta murals and markets.
History of the Town & What to Be Proud Of
La Petite Roche Monument
The “Little Rock” that named the city, Arkansas Riverfront.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Civil Rights Movement, Little Rock Nine, guided tours, “Testament” monument.
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Oval Office replica, archives, river views.
Old State House Museum, Historic Arkansas Museum, Riverfront Park, Big Dam Bridge.
Cheese Dip Capital of the World
Dizzy’s, World Cheese Dip Championship, local pride.
Neighborhoods: SoMa, Hillcrest, The Heights, Argenta—historic, walkable, full of local shops and street life.
Annual events: Little Rock Pride, SoMa Mardi Gras, World Cheese Dip Championship.
Community Shoutouts & Local Legends
Top Real Estate Agent: Jon Underhill Real Estate (Donna Carlson, Kelly Wei, Ashley East), Ray Ellen, Trey Clifton, Brandy Harp, Kristen Kennon, Randy Sumbles, Diana L. Dominguez, Amber L. Wood, Buffie C. Howard—Little Rock’s most trusted and reviewed agents.
Best Coach: Jake Snowden (Club Fit), Jeff McDaniel, Macey Lavender, Amy Laser, Brad at SparkFit—HIIT, transformation, and holistic wellness.
Local Music Artist: Evanescence (Amy Lee), Pallbearer, Big Piph, Kari Faux, Rodney Block, Amasa Hines, Joshua Asante, Knox Hamilton, Adam Faucett, The Big Damn Horns.
Unique Businesses: Community Bakery, Loblolly Creamery, The Root Cafe, Moody Brews, Box Turtle, South Main Creative, Esse Purse Museum, Rock Town Distillery, Green Corner Store, Gallery 26, Sims BBQ, Layla’s Mediterranean, Mike’s Cafe, Leo’s Greek Castle.
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Key Finding: Little Rock is the rare city where you can hike a mountain, eat world-class cheese dip, catch a drag show, and sip a craft cocktail in a hidden bar—all in one day. The only thing missing is you.
Disclaimer Redux:
This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io!
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