Discover: West Little Rock

Date: August 31, 2017 | Photography: Matt Johnson |

Combine a thriving retail and dining community with an outdoorsy appeal, and what do you have? West Little Rock. Whether you’re a shopping enthusiast, nature explorer, or just looking for a place to chow down, check out our lineup of places to visit in the area.

Food blogger Kevin Shalin of “The Mighty Rib” (themightyrib.com) is back with At Home for another round of restaurant picks. This time, we put West Little Rock on this self-proclaimed food-lover’s plate, and asked him to share a few of his favorite places to dine.

BEST PLACES FOR DATE NIGHT

Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse
Table 28
Petit & Keet

BEST BURGERS

Big Orange’s “Mushroom Melt”
An all-natural beef burger with Havarti cheese, white American cheese, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onion, and aïoli

David’s Burgers “Single”
A classic single patty dressed the way you like it

The Pantry’s “Nuremburger”
A brat patty, sauerkraut, and bacon, finished off with wholegrain mustard

TOP 5 FAVORITE OVERALL RESTAURANTS

The Pantry
Table 28
Local Lime
YaYa’s Euro Bistro
Oceans at Arthur’s

5 TOO-GOOD-TO-RESIST APPETIZERS

Chips & Salsa at Local Lime
Quail Lollipops at Table 28
Vegetable Samosa at Star of India
Baba Ghanouj at The Terrace
Bacon-Wrapped Dates at the Pantry

HIDDEN-GEM LUNCH SPOTS

Milford Track
Located at the back of an office building serving a full deli-grill style menu
Open Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
10809 Executive Center Drive, Plaza 2

Arkansas Heart Hospital
The on-site café features a traditional Ramen noodle bar
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
1701 Shackleford Road

Al Seraj Mediterranean
Mediterranean cuisine available for take out or delivery only
Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
11400 N Rodney Parham Road

Kebab House
Serving up authentic Greek and Turkish specialties
Open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
11321 W Markham Street #4

Lazy Pete’s Fish and Shrimp
Southern-style seafood available for dine-in, carry-out, or catering
Open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
200 North Bowman Road #9

GET OUTDOORS

Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Hosting visitors and tourists daily due to its renowned hiking trails, this park gives outdoor enthusiasts a place to take in the sights as well as enjoy activities on its front lawn and in the picnic area. Frisbee, volleyball, and soccer are just a few of the sports sure to be spotted while visiting the grounds. What’s more, just a short drive up the road, guests can also enjoy fishing and sail boating on Central Arkansas’ main water supply, Lake Maumelle. With a host of trails ranging in difficulty, two of which lead to the summit of Pinnacle Mountain, take a hike, ride a bike, and get outdoors to see the beauty of Arkansas. Open daily, 6:30 a.m. – one hour after sunset; Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Little Rock, (501) 868-5806, arkansasstateparks.com/pinnaclemountain

Two Rivers Park
Not far from the heart of the city lies 1,000 acres primed for various outdoor activities, including walking, biking, horseback riding and more. The tract is situated at the junction of the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers, which also gives the opportunity to take in gorgeous views. Plus, with a cycling and pedestrian bridge decked out in colored LED lights, Two Rivers Park Bridge has continued the ever-growing popularity of cycling in Central Arkansas by connecting the stretch from the Big Dam Bridge to trails near Pinnacle Mountain. Two Rivers Park, 6900 Two Rivers Road, Little Rock, (501) 371-4770, arkansasrivertrail.org/points-of-interest/parks/two-rivers-park

SHOP, EAT, REPEAT

The Promenade at Chenal provides West Little Rock with an open-air, high-end shopping experience in the Chenal Valley neighborhood. With dozens of stores, visitors can enjoy a full day of shopping and cap off a successful spree at one of numerous restaurants [three of which made the list of Kevin’s favorites!]. For added entertainment, the newly branded AMC IMAX theater offers a state of the art experience for movie-goers. Pose for a picture in front of the popular “Love” sculpture or let your little tyke enjoy a ride on a choo-choo train through the parking lot. See their website for a full calendar of events, coupons, and more. The Promenade at Chenal, Little Rock, chenalshopping.com

Pleasant Ridge Town Center is a one-stop-shop for all your needs and wants with stores ranging from women’s fashion, home décor, and beauty to grocery, restaurants, and more. Conveniently located off Cantrell Road, this walkable shopping district is a premier destination. Visit pleasantridgetowncenter.com for a full list of stores and hours.