By Mallory Burns
It’s no secret that Table 28 has made a name for itself in Little Rock as a fine dining must-visit. But I’m here to champion the casual accessibility of their daily happy hour—one of the best in Little Rock. Seven days a week, you’ll find an unbeatable menu that offers a wide selection of discounted appetizers as well as some well-priced drink offerings.
Let’s start with the libations: $5 classic cocktails made with quality spirits (think along the lines of a Rock Town Vodka Moscow Mule or an Old Granddad Old Fashioned), $5 pours of hand-selected wine, and $3 cans of cold, local beer. I’d like to propose that I could stop this article right here and you’d still be convinced to run into Table 28 at the next available chance, but I have good news for you: there are snacks.
Some of the fan favorites are offered for a few dollars less than you’ll find them at dinnertime —you’ll save about three dollars on Quail Lollies, Duck Wings, Roasted Local Mushrooms, etc. But if you’re jonesing for something comfortable, delicious, and easy-on-the-budget, you should follow my lead and ask your friendly bartender for an order of Deviled Eggs and some of the Fried Bologna Sliders, both offered exclusively during happy hour. Go ahead and grab a $3 can of Lost Forty Rockhound while you’re at it. Trust me on this one.
My eggs came out first and quickly, and I remain impressed by Table 28’s presentation and plating. Doused in hot sauce, topped with chicken skin cracklings, and daintily surrounded by microgreens, you’ll probably be tempted to whip your phone out to try to capture its beauty before you take a bite. (Don’t, though. Just enjoy the ambiance of the dimly-lit space because your food pics are no good in there.) If you’re not fully committed to hot sauce, ask for a lighter helping of it for this dish, as it was a bit too generous for my preference. The eggs themselves do a deviled egg justice and for just $4, they’re hard to pass up.
Shortly after I dove into my eggs, the sliders joined us. A thick slice of fried bologna, melted American cheese, shreds of iceberg, a dollop of spicy mustard, and a house-made potato chip are sandwiched between a good ol’ fashioned, slider-sized white bun. You’ll get two of them and a pile of well-seasoned chips for $6. The smile on your face comes free of charge. Every bite had just the right amount of each ingredient—impeccably portioned. I didn’t hesitate to finish the entire plate off and strongly considered a second order to take home with me to meet my loved ones. Wash it all down with the aforementioned cold beer and you’re looking at a full and satisfied belly for just over $14.
Don’t let the sweetbreads and tartare intimidate you from experiencing the best of what Table 28 has to offer: thoughtfully constructed dishes with something for every palate, a peaceful yet simultaneously energetic atmosphere, and a warm and welcoming staff. Stop by any day—yes, even Fridays and Saturdays—from 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m., grab a bar stool or a table, take advantage of some great deals, stay for dinner, and leave happy.
