"Hey, Mom! What's for dinner?"
If that question makes you cringe, we have put together a list of locally-owned restaurants in North Little Rock, Maumelle, and Sherwood that will help your family save time and do good in your community by supporting local businesses!
We love to cook when we have time. And we've tried to make home-cooked meals work over the years. But the reality of life in the fast lane with kids is that what works, doesn't always. You have to have a backup plan for those days when it all hits the fan.
We've tried everything from cooking multiple meals on the weekend (half the crew refused to eat "leftovers") to chopping veggies in advance to make weeknight cooking easier (compost anyone?) only to end up throwing in the towel and getting takeout, again. And again.
New for 2022! Our Top 3 New Places to Try!
1. Fujiyama Express - 3700 JFK in North Little Rock (formerly La Casa Real)
If you enjoy Japanese hibachi and made-to-order sushi, this little corner restaurant is your new hangout! The interior has a fresh new upgrade but the menu is the real deal. OG's will remember this spot as the popular Honduran restaurant Rosalinda's (now in Levy). Then it became La Casa Real, RIP. Now you can have the best tempura in town, lightly battered in panko and fried to crisp perfection. One caveat is that you must eat them while they're hot. Try the steak or chicken hibachi and you will be back for more!
2. Pho 88 - 4011 East Kiehl Ave. in Sherwood (same shopping center as Casa Mexicana)
This is definitely on my list to try as soon as possible! The menu boasts a variety of Chinese food but it's the Vietnamese food that has my attention. They are open 7 days a week from 11 am-9 pm which is always a plus! Pho by any other name is a hot, delicious bowl of umami flavor with fresh vegetables, meat, and a side dish of garnishes including bean sprouts, sliced jalapenos, Thai basil, and lime. There is a vegetarian option and various seafood options too.
3. Good Eatin' - Southern Caterer based in Maumelle
Good Eatin' is not a sit-down restaurant but a catering company making folks happy in Maumelle, North Little Rock, and the Little Rock Metro. Owned and operated by cookbook author and social media host/cook Michelle Hill, Good Eatin' is more of a life goal than a destination. Order by Sunday for delivery or pick up on the following Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Pick up partners include Anchor Family Pharmacy in Maumelle and Arkitchen in Little Rock.
Michelle has the most creative charcuterie options (including seasonal boards like the Hocus PocusCuterie!) Grab a box lunch or surprise your family and friends with sweet or savory treats, these Southern delights include Michelle's own recipes for chicken salad, pimiento cheese, and more! Hot Tip: Order your ValentineCuterie now!
Try our Top 5 Local Restaurants in North Little Rock, Maumelle, and Sherwood that have easy options for ordering, pick-up, delivery, and catering portions available for larger families. When ordering catering, you may need to give advance notice so meal planning still matters but you'll save time by not having to prepare it yourself.
Golden Corral - Click Here to Order Online
5001 Warden Rd
North Little Rock, AR 72116
501-771-4605
What we love: Who says Mac-n-Cheese isn't a complete meal? Golden Corral's Mac-n-Cheese is my kids' hands-down favorite! Others include fried chicken, pizza, and pot roast! Their menu also features a wide variety of sides, desserts, pick-up or delivery options, and family meals! The dining room is now open or you can get dinner and dessert to go at surprisingly affordable prices!
Hot Tip: There's an app for that! And it makes it easy to order ahead for pick-up, delivery, and curbside orders.
Taziki's - Click here to order online
3929 McCain Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR 72116
501-218-8822 store | 501-765-2798 catering
What we love: What's not to love about Taziki's? They're one of our favorite ethnic restaurants and a North Little Rock staple conveniently located in McCain Mall! With a menu ranging from seafood to a variety of meats and appetizers, you can find something for every family member. They also have items that can be prepared gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan, upon request! We love getting a big appetizer platter to share along with gyros, and their soup is amazing!
Hot Tip: Portions are generous so we love to order a big plate for dinner and have leftovers for lunch the next day!
Lindsey's Hospitality House - Click here to order online
207 Curtis Sykes Dr.
North Little Rock, AR 72114
501-374-5707
What we love: If you love BBQ, you have to try Lindsey's Hospitality House! The Lindsey's are some of our favorite NLR people and they give so much back to the community that supports them. We love the flexibility of getting meat by the pound or ordering family platters. This is home-style Southern cooking that is tasty and budget-friendly! And, they have a banquet facility for special occasions, a catering truck for onsite events, and dine-in, take-out, and delivery options!
Hot Tip: Call ahead for the daily specials. Fans of true Southern cooking will want a double order of neckbones!
Chang's Thai Cuisine
9830 Hwy 107
Sherwood, AR 72120
501-835-4488
What we love: People drive for miles to get to Chang's Thai Cuisine for good reason. They are the freshest and the best when it comes to service and consistency. Family-owned and operated, they are the sweetest people! Our favorites are the Thai Beef Salad, Papaya Salad, Pad Thai, and Thai Hot and Sour Soup! If you are not a fan of spicy food you can choose your level of heat from 0-10. One of my girls always orders 0, while I stay in the 4-5 range. If you're daring, ask for "Thai hot". You have to try the appetizers and desserts too! Find their menu here on Facebook.
Hot Tip: Tom Yum Talay is a lemongrass soup with shrimp, mussel, fish, and calamari that is perfect on a chilly day!
Tortas Mexico - Click here to order online
1000 West 37th St.
North Little Rock, AR 72118
501-771-1341
What we love: Tortas are not your average sub sandwiches. Tortas Mexico specializes in authentic Mexican sandwiches and dishes that are hard to find at other local spots. Yes, they have tacos too, but this is our family's favorite place to get tortas, pozole, and menudo (only available Friday-Sunday)! If you have a Tex-Mex fan in your household, there have burritos, chimichangas, and chile rellenos. My son's favorite torta is the Hawaiiana (ham, cheese, and pineapple).
Hot Tip: If you're down for the real deal, you have to try the tacos de lengua or birria and the torta al pastor is to die for!
We hope you enjoy trying these locally-owned restaurants! Let us know your favorites especially if we haven't mentioned them here. We are always ready to try something new! And be sure to let these fine businesses know you heard about them here on Macaroni Kid North Little Rock!
