There's no better season to dine outside in Little Rock than spring. There is an almost endless number of local patios to explore, but these seven are some of the most iconic.
Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe
The River Market is home to many of Little Rock's best restaurants and several fantastic patios, but Bueno Aires can't be missed. The Bruzatori family has been serving up delicious cuisine from their native Argentina since 2017, and we can't imagine downtown without them. Their subterranean patio is the perfect place to sip a mojito and snack on a few empanadas while escaping the hustle and bustle of downtown Little Rock.
Petit & Keet
With its large, covered patio and numerous roll-up windows, Petit & Keet was built with outdoor dining in mind. Their patio (complete with a cozy fire pit!) is best enjoyed while sipping on their ever-changing lineup of seasonal cocktails. From the signature crab cakes to the always-perfect Chef's Burger, there's no denying that food just tastes better on the patio.
Cache
Is there a better corner in all of Little Rock to turn into a patio? We don't think so! With dynamic downtown Little Rock at your fingertips, diners on Cache's patios are treated to some of the best people watching in town. Couple that with the restaurant's outstanding menu and extensive wine list, and you've everything you need for lunch, a dinner, or even just a whole afternoon out on the patio.
The Rail Yard
It's no secret that southerners love barbecue, and the Rail Yard is the perfect spot to satisfy your 'cue cravings. And, sure, their "patio" may technically be a "yard," but we're not ones to nitpick. With ample yard games and typically a visiting food truck or two, it's easy to see why it's become a local favorite.
La Terrazza Rum & Lounge
With its multiple terraces, La Terrazza's Hillcrest patio might also be Little Rock's most complex patio, but that just means that there's even more seating available to soak up the city's beautiful spring weather (…and all that rum!) With its famous Venezuelan-inspired cuisine and perfectly proportioned drinks, you'll likely become a regular there, too.
Hill Station
This is another spot where the definition of "patio" is open to interpretation. In fact, though we've never measured, there might be more outdoor dining space than indoors! It's got everything a good patio needs: ample food, cold drinks, a giant TV, and more than enough room for your four-legged friends.
Brave New Restaurant
Is there a more iconic patio view than looking out over the Arkansas River from Brave New Restaurant? If there is, we haven't found it. Chef Peter Brave is known for his inventive cuisine, and locals will tell you that seafood is his specialty (we're big fans of the walleye). We recommend reservations to ensure you get a spot on the patio (it's popular for a reason), but we promise it's worth it.
These are just a handful of Little Rock's best patios. You can find even more spots for outdoor dining here.