After a recent online discussion about the best Mexican restaurants in Little Rock, a thought-provoking comment sparked an idea: instead of just picking one restaurant, why not curate the perfect Mexican meal, dish by dish, from the diverse culinary landscape of Little Rock? This led to a delicious exploration across town, sampling signature offerings and hidden gems to assemble an ideal menu. Join me as we embark on this flavorful journey, highlighting some of the most craveable Mexican dishes Little Rock has to offer, with a special nod to the exceptional margaritas at Local Lime Little Rock.
Cocktails to Kick Off the Fiesta
Let’s start with the drinks, because no great Mexican meal is complete without the perfect libation.
Frozen Mojito at Heights Taco & Tamale Co.: The Heights Taco & Tamale Co. boasts a truly exceptional signature cocktail: the Frozen Mojito. It’s so good, it almost feels like cheating to include it in a “best of” list. Rumor has it you can elevate this already fantastic drink by requesting a rum floater, “Alexia-style.” As a bonus, ordering this mojito gets you a free HTT koozie – a little souvenir to remember your delightful drink.
Margarita (on the rocks) at Local Lime: Being from Texas, I consider myself a margarita aficionado. Years of Friday nights dedicated to sipping this classic cocktail have given me a discerning palate. And in Little Rock, Local Lime serves the undisputed best margarita. I’ve heard whispers of the meticulous effort and passion that went into perfecting this drink, and the team at Local Lime Little Rock truly nailed it. For margarita purists, ordering it “on the rocks” is the way to go, allowing the quality of the tequila and fresh lime flavors to shine through. This is a must-try when experiencing Local Lime Little Rock.
Appetizers: Setting the Stage for Flavor
With drinks in hand, it’s time to dive into the appetizers, the crucial first act of our Mexican food symphony.
Triple Dipper at Baja Grill: For an epic start to your Mexican feast, the Triple Dipper at Baja Grill is unparalleled. Available in two sizes, always opt for the large – you won’t regret it. This appetizer triumvirate features generous portions of queso, guacamole, and salsa, providing a perfect medley of textures and tastes to awaken your palate.
Baja Grill's Triple Dipper: A trio of queso, guacamole, and salsa, the perfect Mexican food appetizer in Little Rock.
Chips & Salsa at Local Lime: Continuing our Local Lime Little Rock experience, their Chips & Salsa are a must-order. With an impressive selection of six distinct salsas, choosing just three can be a delightful dilemma. My personal favorites are the Zucchini, Tres Chiles, and Chipotle, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. The crispy tortilla strips are the ideal vessels for scooping up these flavorful salsas. Just remember to pace yourself – as tempting as it is, leave room for the main courses to come!
Local Lime's Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with a selection of fresh and flavorful salsas at Local Lime in Little Rock.
Smokey Chicken Tortilla Soup at Baja Grill: As we transition to the heart of our meal, a cup of Smokey Chicken Tortilla Soup from Baja Grill makes for a fantastic appetizer course. Opt for a cup to leave room for the entrees. The chicken boasts a truly distinctive smokiness, beautifully complemented by the rich flavors of crema, crunchy tortilla strips, melted cheese, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup that perfectly bridges appetizers and main courses.
Baja Grill's Tortilla Soup: A flavorful cup of smokey chicken tortilla soup with tortilla strips and avocado from Baja Grill in Little Rock.
Entrees: The Main Event
Now for the main event – the entrees. This is where Little Rock’s Mexican food scene truly shines with variety and authentic flavors.
Tacos at Karina and Eliella: For taco aficionados, Karina and Eliella are essential stops. Both restaurants have mastered the art of the tiny taco, offering some of the best in Little Rock. At Karina, the al pastor tacos are a must-order – the marinated pork is incredibly flavorful and tender.
Shrimp Burrito at El Palenque: My love for the Shrimp Burrito at El Palenque is almost boundless. It’s become my go-to order, primarily because they use generously sized shrimp and include perfectly grilled onions. And let’s not forget the refried beans – is there anything more comforting and delicious than perfectly made refried beans? This burrito is a testament to simple ingredients executed exceptionally well.
Al Pastor Burrito at Las Delicias: Add Las Delicias in Levy to your Little Rock restaurant radar. This spot is a hidden gem, often overlooked but consistently delivers delicious food. My enduring love for al pastor might be a health hazard, but Las Delicias makes a truly exceptional al pastor burrito that’s worth every bite.
Al Pastor Burrito at Las Delicias: A savory Al Pastor Burrito from Las Delicias, a hidden gem Mexican restaurant in Little Rock.
Shrimp and Beef Fajitas at El Torito: Good fajitas can be surprisingly hard to find. However, El Torito delivers with their Shrimp and Beef Fajitas. Tender strips of beef and plump shrimp arrive sizzling hot and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for sharing and offers a satisfying and flavorful fajita experience.
Torta at La Pasadita: La Pasadita is a tiny drive-up restaurant that has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. Their torta is legendary – a massive sandwich the size of a briefcase. If you can finish more than half in one sitting, you’re a champion eater. Opt for the steak torta for a truly satisfying meal. And while I haven’t personally tried it, I’ve heard rave reviews about their horchata – another reason to visit La Pasadita.
Dessert: A Sweet Finale
To conclude our Mexican food journey, we need a sweet ending.
Churros at El Torito: For dessert, the churros at El Torito are the perfect choice. Fresh, sugary, cinnamon-coated sticks of fried dough – what’s not to love? The freshness is key, and El Torito consistently delivers warm, delicious churros to complete your meal.
This curated menu, featuring highlights from various Little Rock Mexican restaurants and of course, the fantastic margaritas and chips & salsa at Local Lime Little Rock, offers a taste of the diverse and delicious Mexican food scene in the city. So, next time you’re craving Mexican food in Little Rock, consider this as your guide to a truly exceptional dining experience.
