It’s a Father’s Day tradition to let your pops know he’s tops by serving up his favorite eats. David and Carter Johnson, the local father-son duo behind the foodie Instagram account Taste Buds, are always on the hunt for the next great dish. Here are their recommendations for your Father’s Day feast (with picks for all ages), no matter what flavors he favors.
For the Steak-Loving Dad: Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse
DJ: I think the steak from Arthur’s is likely the best steak in Arkansas. Arthur’s has a top-notch atmosphere and amazing service, and they even let you choose your own steak knife.
CJ: Whenever I go to Arthur’s, I drift toward the lobster mac and cheese, because I feel like it’s one of the best nonsteak items at the restaurant. It’s good for fathers and sons alike.
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For the Brunch-Loving Dad: The Root Cafe
DJ: For brunch, I like the mushroom benedict, named the “Mushroom Benny.” For lunch, I get the spicy banh mi sandwich. The SoMa location has a great covered patio, as well as a fun outdoor space.
CJ: I love the pancakes from The Root because they are soft and thick, plus the syrup tastes amazing on them. If you see the dulce de leche pancakes as a special, get them, because they might be the best brunch food I’ve ever tasted. Also, the new Breckenridge location has a cute outdoor sitting area and a warm atmosphere.
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For the Burger-Loving Dad: Brood & Barley
DJ: The Umami Bomb burger is definitely my favorite burger in the Little Rock area.
CJ: The Philly cheesesteak is one of Brood & Barley’s best sandwiches. If you were to ask any server the fan-favorite menu item, they would most likely say the Philly cheesesteak.
For the Pizza-Loving Dad: Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom
DJ: I love the funghi pizza from Raduno. It’s made with white sauce and features a variety of local mushrooms.
CJ: I am astonished by how well Raduno makes its fettuccine alfredo with shrimp. It is made with very high-quality alfredo sauce and the noodles are long and thick, rather than short and thin, which I enjoy.
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For the Seafood-Loving Dad: The Oyster Bar
DJ: I am obsessed with the gulf oysters, and there’s a bonus: If you go on Saturday from 3-5 p.m., you get half off oysters. Apart from that, I love the peel-and-eat Key West pink shrimp.
CJ: I enjoy the fried shrimp po’boy and definitely with the fried okra as a side.
For the Brew-Loving Dad: Moody Brews
DJ: Right at the heart of Pettaway Square, Moody Brews is an amazing spot to sit out on a nice patio on a nice day. I like to drink the Cuban pull, which includes amazing Fidel & Co. coffee beans.
CJ: Moody Brews is a very good father-son option because they offer nonalcoholic sodas. I personally like the blackberry lemonade soda.
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For the Rib-Loving Dad: Wright’s Barbecue
DJ: I like the three-meat platter with ribs, brisket and bacon burnt ends with mac and cheese and collard greens. This offers a variety of amazing barbecue, which I am all for.
CJ: I like how Wright’s has a kid’s meat plate because it’s perfect for a child or teenager to eat. I tend to order the kid’s chicken with a side of honey butter green beans, and the banana pudding is a must-have. It’s also a perfect place to watch a game because of the enormous TVs on their walls.
Follow Carter and David’s culinary adventures at @taste_buds_lr.
