After much anticipation, the pizzeria that originated in Hot Springs finally opened its Little Rock location in fall of 2024. Since then it has become one of the most popular pizza places in our area. The signature leopard shaped lamps add a chic but homey ambiance, paralleling the luxurious meal that awaits customers. My favorite things to order here are the Franky’s Flatbush pizza (just regular cheese) and, wait for it, their burger! I know what you’re thinking: “Ava Kate, why would you order a burger at a pizza restaurant?” This is an excellent question, but it is delicious and my personal favorite. It is the perfect size and has the best ratio of burger to bun. I 10/10 recommend Deluca’s for any pizza (or burger) connoisseurs or just anybody who wants to have their world rocked by fabulous food.

Waldo’s Chicken & Beer is the perfect place for fans of sports and chicken (hence the name). They offer a plethora of sauces and meal combos that allow you to almost completely personalize your meal experience. The layout of the restaurant gives customers the option to be waited on or to order their meals at the front and pick a seat around the restaurant. Even with this unique layout, they did not let it impact their television accessibility. Large TVs are dispersed around the dining room that are almost always playing sports. Additionally, they offer outside seating complete with bistro lights and, if you can imagine, more TVs. Some could argue that so many TVs creates an overwhelming environment, but I like it because there are so many options. One second I could be watching a peaceful golf tournament, and the next I’m captivated by a tied basketball game. Waldo’s is the best choice if you want to catch that big game or if you just want a quick bite. 

Mt. Fuji is not a new establishment in our community. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1986, but two brothers purchased it in 2022. They grew up surrounded by the restaurant industry as their mother had worked as a server at Mt. Fuji for over a decade. I obviously was not around in the 80s to compare the food from then to now, but I can confidently say that their current menu is *chef’s kiss*. I’m not the most cultured when it comes to sushi, but their California roll is probably the best I’ve had, so that with a side of fried rice is just to die for. The renovated interior also does not fail to disappoint. Whether you’re an OG customer or you just want to try a new local restaurant, Mt. Fuji is guaranteed to please.

The Root, The Root, The Root! I have been a fan of this restaurant since I first tried their SOMA location, and their Breckenridge location did not disappoint! The cozy, warm, hippie feeling from their original building was definitely carried over through their murals, dim lighting, oldies music, and mismatched chairs. One of my favorite things about The Root is their use of local products. Everything on the menu is made using meats, eggs, vegetables, and other ingredients that come straight from Arkansas farmers and producers, who also supply goods and foods that the restaurant sells to customers! My go-to is the curry chicken salad sandwich which is both amazingly filling and flavorful. When we finished our meal, we ordered a serving of their bread pudding and their carrot cake. I was apprehensive about the bread pudding, but it was absolutely perfect. Every factor of the experience was pleasant: the welcoming wait staff, the food, the comfortable vibe. I would recommend The Root Cafe to anyone and everyone who wants to listen.

Think about where you were two years ago. Maybe you dressed differently or had different friends, but one thing is for sure: you had no worries about a tornado ripping through Little Rock. The same can be said for Eat My Catfish. The Northwest Arkansas-based restaurant opened in Breckenridge Village in 2016 but was severely damaged by the tornado in 2023. Since then they have taken advantage of the fresh slate by renovating and rejuvenating the building. I’ve never been a huge seafood fan, but Eat My Catfish is consistently good and always a fan favorite. Their menu is swimming with fresh Southern staples that serve nostalgia in the form of crispy fried goodness. Ranging from fried green tomatoes and pickles to Louisiana style crawfish, Eat My Catfish is a perfect pitstop for anyone craving some good old southern seafood.