In the midst of the pandemic, we’ve seen local businesses adapt in innovative ways. From curbside pickup and a bigger social media presence to entire outdoor tent cities and virtual wine dinners, restaurants have been especially keen to pivot their operations into out-of-the-box new offerings.
We’ve rounded up a few ways local restaurants are putting their best foot forward to safely serve the foods we love.
Argenta Outdoor Dining District
Downtown Little Rock isn’t the only entertainment district in central Arkansas anymore. The North Little Rock City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance for a new entertainment district in Argenta. The Argenta Outdoor Dining District is in effect seven days a week from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The district will allow restaurants and bars to socially distance more customers with outdoor dining and patrons will be able to carry and consume alcoholic beverages within the district. The Argenta Outdoor Dining District rules, map and list of participating locations will soon be available at ArgentaArtsDistrict.org and NorthLittleRock.org.
Flyway Brewing’s Tent City
In the mood for a socially distanced cold brew? Flyway’s got you. The brewery has turned their parking lot into what’s been appropriately deemed “tent city.” From 3-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday, flock to Flyway for their bevy of craft beers, creative foods and relaxed atmosphere.
North Bar + Newfangled Love Kitchen
We love a good switcharoo. Newfangled Love Kitchen will be rebranding into North Bar Natural (still serving the same delicious food you’ve come to love) in the coming weeks and will be swapping spaces with the North Bar. North Bar Natural will be going into the North Bar space and the North Bar will be going into the old Newfangled Love Kitchen’s larger space. North Bar is currently (and will permanently) serve 33% of guests at the old Newfangled Love Kitchen location. Yes, it’s a little confusing. But long story short — Newfangled Love Kitchen is now North Bar Natural and will live harmoniously along with North Bar on JFK.
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SoMa Outdoor Dining Room
A new initiative from the City of Little Rock has opened the doors for restaurants to temporarily expand their outdoor dining offerings during the coronavirus pandemic. This initiative paved the way for the new SoMa Outdoor Dining Room located in the parking lot at 1301 Main St. The space lets guests order food to-go from area restaurants and carry it to the tents to eat. The outdoor space will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. For the time being, alcohol isn’t included. Participating restaurants include:
- The Root
- Mockingbird Bar and Tacos
- Esters
- Community Bakery
- Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom
- Loblolly Creamery
- South on Main
And speaking of South on Main… The restaurant is officially up and running after closing during the pandemic to focus on minor improvements. One of the best additions? The new outdoor patio space.
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Heifer Restaurant Update
Leslie Case of Sauce(d) Bar & Oven will be taking over the Cafe@Heifer. The new space will be called Contigo and will follow in the footsteps of Cafe@Heifer with a focus on fresh, locally sourced food. There’s no timeline just yet for when the new restaurant will open, but keep an eye out on Cafe @ Heifer’s Facebook page for more details.
La Terraza Rum & Lounge
Longing for a night out, but also want to keep your distance from other diners? La Terraza is now offering a new pop-up extra private patio space upstairs. It’s available for small group private dining or couples by reservation only, and rental fees apply. Message La Terraza to secure your table.
The Fold: Botanas & Bar
If you’ve been missing that patio and those tacos like we have, then you’ll be thrilled with this bit of foodie news. The Fold is back and better than ever with their OG dining room, patio and a brand new parking lot veranda. To accommodate phase II restaurant guidelines, The Fold will be taking reservations for dine-in service through Open Table Tuesday-Friday from 3-9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For more info, head to their Facebook page.
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