Little Rock has a quietly great burger culture—part Southern comfort, part backyard cookout, part chef‑driven creativity.
From riverfront spots to neighborhood joints, these are the places locals name when the craving for a proper burger kicks in.
1. Big Orange
Big Orange (with locations in West Little Rock and Midtown) is almost always in the conversation for “best burger in Little Rock.” It’s bright, modern, and feels like a cross between a burger bar and a casual restaurant.
The menu goes hard on variety: classic cheeseburgers, spicy southwestern builds, blue cheese and bacon combos, mushroom‑Swiss, and more. Patties are hand‑formed, cooked to order, and come on lightly toasted buns that don’t fall apart on you.
Locals love the hickory‑smoked and bacon‑heavy options, plus the over‑the‑top milkshakes (including boozy versions), sweet potato fries, and house‑made aiolis. You can also swap in turkey or veggie patties without feeling like you’re “settling.”
2. Cotham’s in the City
The original Cotham’s in Scott was legendary, and Cotham’s in the City carries that old‑school Arkansas burger energy into downtown. Decor leans rustic with political memorabilia and small‑town café vibes.
Their famous Hubcap Burger is exactly what it sounds like: huge, thin patties that hang over the side of the bun, with simple toppings—American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions. It’s not about complicated sauces or exotic cheeses; it’s about that straight‑up griddled‑beef flavor and a ton of it.
Locals order it with onion rings or crinkle‑cut fries and sweet tea, often sharing if they’re not ravenous. It’s a Little Rock classic for a reason.
3. David’s Burgers
A local mini‑chain that feels like a retro burger joint got a fresh coat of paint. Red‑and‑white decor, open grill, and the smell of sizzling beef in the air the second you walk in.
David’s is all about fresh, never‑frozen beef, hand‑cut fries, and friendly, throwback service. Burgers are smashed on the griddle for crispy edges, topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and whatever extras you want. The fries are cut in‑house throughout the day and come in big, shareable portions.
What locals love is the consistency: no matter which location you hit, you know you’re getting a hot, juicy, classic burger that tastes like someone actually cares.
4. Midtown Billiards
Midtown looks like a late‑night dive bar—and it absolutely is—but it’s also widely considered one of the city’s best burger spots, especially if you’re eating after dark. Think pool tables, loud music, and a decidedly un‑fussy vibe.
The burgers are big, messy, and deeply satisfying: thick patties with serious char from the flat top, American or cheddar cheese, plus all the classic toppings. The bun is soft but substantial enough to handle the juice and melted cheese.
Locals swear the burger just tastes better after midnight, especially with a beer in hand. It’s the opposite of precious and exactly what you want when you’re hungry and a little worn out.
5. The Box
The Box is a tiny, old‑school burger shack with a drive‑through and a rabid local following. It’s the kind of place you might miss if you’re not looking for it, but people who know, know.
Burgers here are smash‑style, with thin, seared patties, melty cheese, and a perfect amount of lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The charm is in the simplicity and seasoning—there’s something about the way they salt and grill the beef that makes it craveable.
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