Eat Local for $10 and Under in Rock City

Don’t let prices keep you from supporting your local eateries. We’ve rounded up a few star dishes that dapple our favorite menus so that next time you’re out you can eat, save, and do it all again.
Faded Rose – An institution in Little Rock, if you like creole and food from NOLA, you have to stop by. As solid a menu offering as ever is their Muffuletta, which comes in at $8.25 for a quarter portion. If a quarter sounds skimpy, don’t fret, you’ll have plenty of Italian cold cuts, cheeses and olive spread to fill you up.
Rebel Kettle – The kitchen at Rock City’s newest brewery has undergone a few changes, and if you haven’t been in lately you need to rectify that. Most of the menu comes in under $10, but you’ll want to keep your eye out for the House Made Bou(Damn, Son!) and sliders, as well as the rotating specials.
The Fold: Botanas & Bar – I try to order different things when I frequent a local eatery, but almost every time I go to the Fold, I end up choosing the Fried Avocado sandwich, which is $10 straight up. It’s creamy, crispy, and highly satisfying and – for all you vegheads – meat free. The eatery has a very affordable menu, however, so you couldn’t go wrong ordering a Quesadilla ($8.50), the Veggie Burrito ($10), or even the Cheese and Jalapeño tamales ($10).
Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co. – Since opening, the restaurant has kept quality at the forefront of their dishes. Have your pick of protein – chicken, pork, or veggie, and do it your way: The Noodle Bowl is $7.79, Dumplings are $8.69, and the Steamed Buns are $7.49.


At The Corner – To be honest, I’m not sure where else you can get Poutine in Rock City. (Plus, Executive Chef Kamiya Merrick also happens to be from Canada.) Think delectable gravy atop house cut fries and sprinkled with cheese curds and you can’t go wrong. Get a small for a mere $5 or go all in with the large at $10. Of course there are other quality dishes on the menu that come in well under $10, but this has been a mainstay of theirs since opening, so give it a try.
Four Quarter Bar – If you like smoked meats, you need to head to Argenta. The late-night venue offers some of the best in town, and their Pulled Pork Sandwich, which comes with in-house Apple Wood Smoked Pork, is only $9.95. You can also get it in Porkaletta form – or served Muffuletta style – for the same price.
Vino’s Brew Pub – Let’s talk about the best calzone in Little Rock. Think cheesy goodness, a crispy shell, and an eventual full belly. You can get it at Vino’s for well-under $10. Pick your topping: Plain Cheese ($6.95), Sausage ($7.45), Spinach ($7.45), and my personal favorite Pepperoni and Mushroom ($7.95). Basically go crazy – they’ll even personalize it for you.
Ciao Baci – Don’t forget about this romantic eatery. Chef Jeff Owen has worked hard to provide quality at an affordable price. Right now you absolutely have to try their Smoked Cauliflower Carbonara. For a mere $10 this pasta is smokey, creamy, and yet still on the lighter side. Vegetarian or not this dish is five stars.
South on Main – Don’t be turned off by labels like upscale. South on Main is also comfortable and completely navigable. For the best lunch of your life, check out the $9 Hot Chicken Sandwich, an ode to Nashville. Also, the SOMA eatery offers a noteworthy Smoked Duck lunch entree at $10, which is a pretty great deal. Keep up with the local favorite on social media to take advantage of their many daily specials.

Baja Grill – Have you been keeping up with the Hillcrest staple? The menu has undergone subtle changes over the past six months, resulting in expanded Mexi-Cali offerings. For instance, their $10 (newish) Blackened Shrimp Burrito is smoky and mouthwateringly good. Also, don’t forget the triple dipper, which is slightly over at $10.75, but so, so worth it.
kBird – Tops in Hillcrest and even Rock City at large, kBird’s menu is constantly changing. You can bet, however, that you’ll be able to find a dinner entree for $10 regularly, including the beloved Green Papaya Salad and Red Curry with Vegetables. Be sure and eat in, as the hole-in-the-wall atmosphere is something to marvel at all its own.
Flyway Brewing – You’ve heard us rave about the brews and sliders, but just as good if not better, are the nachos – specifically the Smoked Trout. At $10 you’re getting a great deal – hello, delectable fish, Monterey jack and roasted poblano cornfetti – plus, you’ll be full by the time you clean your plate. Be sure and keep up with the brewery on Facebook as they post weekend specials that make crossing the river worthwhile.

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