Stepping into a restaurant with an expectation that the food will be delicious is one thing – but to be blown away with surprising tid bits, a fun and original motif and incredibly gracious staff is always a huge bonus. Such is Cotham’s in the City a Little Rock establishment that everyone should visit when they’re in the capital.
The Well-Known Unknown
Not many outside of the state of Arkansas have probably heard of this little restaurant, within a stone’s throw of the state capital building. But, Cotham’s is apparently a Little Rock institution that locals are quite familiar with.
Most notably, Bill Clinton, an Arkansas native, had the opportunity to visit the restaurant back before he was president, sort of putting the spot on the map so to speak, endorsing their (now famous) cheeseburgers at the time.
And he’s not the only former U.S. President who has graciously stepped inside the burger joint. President Bush also made his way into visit, presumably in the 1990s, to try some of their well-spoken of grub as well.
While it may seem like a big deal considering that two of our former country’s leaders had some of the same food we all can order any time we want – that’s not the most notable thing about Cotham’s.
Personally, the décor is what really sets this place apart from the rest. With a theme of political campaign signs abound, the style started off in the early days of the original restaurant’s location. A local city politician dropped off a sign for his campaign, and this began a slew of others following suit. Today, when you walk into Cotham’s you will see campaign signs dating back to the Clinton ’92 days, and ads that support both the left and right-wingers, so as to make it equal and fair to everyone.
The restaurant is humble in its outward appearance, and is family-friendly but I wouldn’t imagine they see a lot of kids. With the majority of their clientele being government officials, as they are located right next to Arkansas’ capital building. In fact, because they are so slammed at lunch with the government employees from around the corner, they have limited their hours to 11 AM – 2 PM.
The Menu
But let’s get to the food, since that’s what we’re all here for.
The food was delicious obviously, and their Hubcap Burger is what all the rage is about. A 1 pound all beef patty, the buns that are placed above and below it can’t even contain the entire thing.
Their fried green tomatoes, amazing.
Their corn fritters – incredible.
But for the first time in my life, maybe, I am going to say controversial about their menu: the dessert was the best part. Which of course is saying something, since they are known for their amazing burger (and yes, I need to reiterate, it was indeed delicious – and it took me a total of 3 days to eat the entire thing).
However…you cannot come into Cotham’s until you try their Mississippi Mud. This is not a pie. This is not simply cake. It is whatever heaven might taste like. With extra chocolate on it.
A dark chocolate cake, topped with chocolate frosting, atop a heap of vanilla ice cream, which is on top of a hunk of hot fudge. Do not order this unless you are prepared to eat the whole thing. I say this because, once you take one bite of it, you will not be able to stop eating it. It’s that addictive, and you’re brain will be on fire with delight. I can truly say that in 3 weeks of traveling across the country, this was by far and away the most delicious thing I ate, and without a doubt the best dessert I’ve had in years.
Why You Need to Visit
Staff? Incredibly kind and friendly. Everyone that works there is a delight and they add so much to the experience of Cotham’s.
All in all, this is a place you will definitely want to stop in and check out while in Little Rock. If for no other reason, it should give you some delight in knowing you’ve dined in the same place as 2 former U.S. Presidents – and moi.
Just make sure that when you stop in, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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