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Things To Do in Little Rock
Located in the Reservoir neighborhood of Little Rock, Beacon Hill is surrounded by some of the city’s best restaurants and most exciting activities. To help you sift through all the options, our team has put together a list of our favorites.
Fun Things To Do In Little Rock
As you make the turn off Reservoir Road into the parking lot, the first thing you’ll notice on the shopping center is the word “PROFESSOR” announced boldly in big, bright yellow lettering. Underneath, there is a blue awning that reads, “BOWL.” Put them together and you get Professor Bowl, the ultimate bowling destination in Little Rock. Located just a stone’s throw away from Beacon Hill Apartments, Professor Bowl offers 36 pristine lanes for bowlers of all skill levels. They have a fantastic happy hour and a classic menu with pizza, burgers, wings, and much more. If you’re looking for more games, the downstairs level has a sprawling retro arcade with skee ball, Moto X3M, and pinball machines. Professor Bowl also hosts leagues throughout the week that include senior doubles, ladies night, and a youth league on Saturday nights.
Here’s a little-known Little Rock fact: the city boasts one of the largest pedestrian bridges in all of North America! The Big Dam Bridge is a massive 4,226 ft bridge that was built on top of the Murray Lock and Dam, a structure which diverts water to form Murray Lake on the Arkansas River. It also connects Cook’s Landing Park on the north end of the bridge to Murray Park on the south. The Big Dam Bridge was touted as a project that would boost the local economy and enhance the city’s overall commitment to health and fitness. Events such as the Big Dam Bridge 100, a 100+ mile race for cyclists, happen often as a way to celebrate one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Beacon Hill residents are only a short 15-minute drive (or 45-minute bike ride) from the south end of The Big Dam Bridge.
Best Places to Eat In Little Rock
1. The Pantry
Situated less than 10 minutes from Beacon Hill Apartments, The Pantry is a top, local favorite serving Czech and German cuisine. Opened by Czechoslovakian chef Thomas Bohm in 2009, the eatery has quickly grown in popularity due to the incredible flavors and now has two locations— the original in west Little Rock and the newest in the Hillcrest neighborhood. Bohm has stated that his goal in creating the restaurant was “to keep every single customer that came through the door, forever.” The menu is unlike anything you’re likely to find elsewhere in the city, with Czech dishes like Chicken Paprikash and Svickova (roast beef and bread dumplings), as well as German classics like Wiener Schnitzel and Homemade Bratwurst. For those who are feeling less adventurous, The Pantry also serves tried-and-true dishes like NY Strip, Fish & Frites, and Lasagna Al Forno. Whether you’re craving familiar tastes or eager to explore new flavors, The Pantry consistently delivers a 10/10 dining experience.
Doe’s Eat Place is a Little Rock institution that has been inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame thanks to their famous steaks, relaxed atmosphere, and down-home cooking. The restaurant was opened by George Eldridge in 1988, and reached celebrity status four years later when Bill Clinton and his campaign made the humble restaurant their central hub. Annie Lebowitz flew down to shoot candidate Clinton for Rolling Stone magazine and Doe’s was decided to be the backdrop. The rest is history. The vibe at Doe’s remains classic as ever. The restaurant sits inside of an old two-story building at the corner of Ringo and West Markham and still features bright, neon signs along the walls, black & white checkerboard flooring, and red & white gingham tablecloths. The menu is most famous for the massive T-bone, porterhouse, and sirloin steaks that are served family with classic southern sides like corn fritters, hush puppies, and slaw. This is one place that lives up to the hype.
3. Mt. Fuji
“First is best,” as the saying goes. This is truly the case when it comes to Mt. Fuji, Little Rock’s very first sushi restaurant. Originally opened in 1986 by Emiko and Bruce Biggin, Mt. Fuji quickly became known for its fresh Japanese cuisine. In 2022, after 26 years in operation, it was sold to brothers Aaron and Yusuke Jackson who grew up frequenting the restaurant. With the transfer came a move, a stunning renovation, and an update to the menu, all of which has brought new life to this well-loved eatery. The menu offers all the classic Japanese dishes— everything from teriyaki to katsu to ramen and back again. Of course, the sushi selection is top notch and fans will often rave about the Mt. Fuji special rolls like the “Monster Shrimp Roll,” the “Spicy Scallop Roll,” and other adventurous combinations that were dreamt up by Aaron, Yusuke, and the team. Best of all, Mt. Fuji is just a 5-minute drive from Beacon Hill Apartments. It’s easy to get to and even easier to enjoy.
4. Layla's Gyro
For some mysterious and miraculous reason, the country of Greece has had an impressive impact on our politics, philosophy, and way of living. Greek culture is known for big expressions of joy, strong family bonds, and of course, some of the tastiest cuisine this world has to offer. Layla’s Gyro in west Little Rock continues to build on the tradition with a menu that features both Greek and Middle Eastern flavors. Visitors will find well-known dishes like gyros, spanakopita, and baklava, alongside items like kebab, kibbeh, baba ghanoush, and other meals inspired by owner Moumen Hamwi’s hometown of Damascus, Syria. You’ll also find Greek-inspired calzones and pizzas that tastefully blend Italian and Greek flavors. Fans of Layla’s are vocal about their excitement for this mom & pop restaurant and find themselves returning again and again because of the food, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere. Try it for yourself and see why Little Rock loves Layla’s Gyro.
Rich history, family recipes, and over 75 years in business— this is what makes Bruno’s Little Italy so special. The restaurant has patiently earned its title as a Little Rock legend by consistently delivering some of the country’s finest Italian cuisine. Bruno’s was first opened in 1949 by Jimmy Bruno, a WWII veteran and culinary expert who was trained from a young age in his father’s restaurant and bakery. Today, Bruno’s children and grandchildren are still operating the restaurant using the same recipes and techniques that Jimmy set in place. Although the location has shifted a few times over the decades, the tastes and flavors have remained unchanged. Simply put, Bruno’s is a testament to taste and tradition. The menu features veal, spaghetti, hand-thrown Neapolitan pizza, and a lasagna that was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” All you need to do is let your heart (and belly) lead you, because there’s no way to go wrong at Bruno’s Little Italy.