The Little Rock food scene is far from perfect, and, much like other towns, is constantly evolving and improving. But one thing I can say with confidence is that we have an abundance of really great Mexican food restaurants in the area. And, after 5+ years of living in these parts, I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s out there.
Many of you know how much I fawn over the food at El Palenque. The little eatery tucked into the corner of a retail strip off Rodney Parham does everything from chicken nachos to caldo to enchiladas very well. Don’t even get me started about my favorite item, the shrimp burrito.
I’ve only recently found La Pasadita, and nothing I’ve consumed from the drive-up taco stand on Cantrell has been anything less than great, including the burritos, tacos, and tortas. I could eat the refried beans until I got ill.
You’ve probably driven past El Torito a thousand times and never even realized it. The grocery store/taqueria, which is a stone’s throw from Whole Foods on Bowman, serves my favorite fajitas, a shrimp/beef mixture that comes out sizzling. The tacos are also superb, as are the house-made churros.
Need some more suggestions?
How about Taqueria Karina and Eliella Ristorante. Karina has the best tacos in town, as are the carnitas, and Eliella does a little of everything quite well.
Looking for a little more upscale option?
Local Lime, Heights Taco & Tamale Co., and Baja Grill all offer tasty signature items. Local Lime, without question, delivers the best margarita in Little Rock and the ceviche, green chile stew, and numerous offerings of salsa are all excellent. Baja Grill’s Cuban burrito topped with cheese sauce is worth a must-eat, as is their smoky chicken tortilla soup. As for Height Taco & Tamale Co., good luck finding better ribeye nachos, cheese dip, and tamales in the area.
Heading across the river to North Little Rock?
Pay a visit to both Las Delicias and Guadalajara. The former has a delicious pastor burrito that’s only $3,99 and the latter, among other items, serves a wonderful huevos rancheros for breakfast.
These are just a few of the Mexican food restaurants churning out great food in Little Rock. I still have many others to check out. Now, if we could just find a place that makes good breakfast tacos.
Maybe one day.
