They say breakfast is the most important meal, and as a travel enthusiast, I wholeheartedly agree, especially when exploring new places. While I might sometimes skip breakfast at home, it’s a non-negotiable when I’m on the road. A good breakfast fuels your adventures and offers a taste of local cuisine. During our “Great American Road Trip” last summer, my boyfriend and I discovered just that in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was our first stop after leaving Kentucky, and Little Rock, a city we hadn’t explored before, offered a delightful breakfast surprise.
Initially, Little Rock was planned as a brief overnight stop due to its proximity to our starting point. However, we quickly realized it held more charm than we anticipated, making it a perfect destination for a future weekend getaway. We checked into the Holiday Inn Little Rock Presidential Downtown, a highly recommended hotel for its central location near attractions like the Clinton Presidential Library and exceptionally friendly staff. While the hotel offered free parking, we opted to explore local breakfast options instead of the hotel buffet.
Seeking an authentic Little Rock breakfast experience, we turned to Yelp and discovered At the Corner, a charming diner reputed to serve the best breakfast in Little Rock.
At the Corner Diner: A Local Favorite
Located at the intersection of Markham Street and Scott Street in downtown Little Rock, At the Corner is a family-owned diner that perfectly embodies the local culinary scene I always seek out while traveling. Choosing local eateries is a priority for me, making At the Corner an ideal choice for our Little Rock breakfast.
We drove to At the Corner from our hotel, conveniently positioning ourselves for our onward journey after breakfast. Metered street parking is available nearby at $1.00 per hour. For those staying downtown, it’s also an easily walkable 15-minute stroll from the Holiday Inn Presidential and other downtown hotels, placing it conveniently near Little Rock’s main tourist spots.
At the Corner Diner Exterior in Little Rock Arkansas
Upon arrival, we found the diner lively but welcoming. We were promptly greeted and invited to choose our seating. Menus were provided, and we were instructed to order at the counter when ready, adding to the diner’s casual and friendly atmosphere.
For my breakfast, I chose the Cowboy Breakfast, a hearty plate featuring biscuits, creamy house-made sausage gravy, crispy fried chicken, and a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg, priced at $13. My boyfriend, drawn by their reputation, ordered the famous pancakes, adorned with fresh berries and accompanied by bacon for $11. The menu also boasted other tempting options like the Summer Dutchman, a breakfast burrito packed with sausage, egg, avocado, potatoes, peppers, and onions, and the intriguing Corner Poutine, showcasing the diner’s creative twists on breakfast classics.
Indulging in Little Rock’s Best Breakfast?
Our anticipation grew as we waited briefly for our food. Soon, our waitress arrived with plates piled high with breakfast delights. The aroma alone was enticing – we couldn’t wait to dive in!
Delicious Cowboy Breakfast and Pancakes at At the Corner Diner, Little Rock AR
As a devoted fan of biscuits and gravy, a dish I consider a staple of Southern comfort food, At the Corner’s rendition truly impressed me. The biscuits were wonderfully fluffy, and the sausage gravy was rich and flavorful, perfectly seasoned with sausage and black pepper. The addition of crispy fried chicken tenders was inspired – dipping them in the gravy created a savory and satisfying combination.
The pancakes were equally exceptional. My boyfriend declared them possibly the best he had ever tasted! They were incredibly fluffy and soft inside with a delicate crisp on the edges, striking a perfect balance of sweetness that wasn’t overwhelming – exactly my preference in pancakes.
Our consensus? At the Corner Diner undoubtedly offers one of the best breakfast experiences in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Planning Your Visit to At The Corner
At the Corner is conveniently located at 201 East Markham Street, at the corner of Markham and Scott in Downtown Little Rock.
The diner welcomes guests from Tuesday to Friday, 7 AM to 2 PM, and on Saturday for brunch from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Please note it is closed on Mondays.
Expect to spend around $10-$15 per person for a meal. Dine-in is available, and takeout orders can be placed by calling 1-501-400-8458.
For those with dietary needs, At the Corner caters to various preferences with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delightful breakfast.
Explore Little Rock After Breakfast
After a satisfying breakfast at At the Corner, you’re perfectly positioned to explore Little Rock’s attractions. The diner is just across from Little Rock’s vibrant River Market and a short distance from several museums, including the Museum of Discovery, the Historic Arkansas Museum, and the renowned Clinton Presidential Library & Museum.
For a midday snack or lunch, consider visiting the Middle Eastern Cuisine stall in the River Market for a delicious gyro. We enjoyed a stroll through the market after our breakfast, and my boyfriend couldn’t resist trying a gyro, which turned out to be fantastic.
While Little Rock doesn’t currently offer free guided walking tours, a helpful self-guided tour itinerary is available online, providing a great way to discover downtown Little Rock at your own pace.
My visit to Little Rock, highlighted by the exceptional breakfast at At the Corner, has definitely left me wanting to return and delve deeper into everything this city has to offer.
So, does At the Corner serve the absolute best breakfast in Little Rock? While it was the only breakfast spot we tried, making a definitive claim challenging, I can confidently say that our experience was outstanding. The food was delicious, the service was warm and efficient, and the location is ideal for exploring the heart of Little Rock.
