Some restaurants really don’t need any introduction. They are established – their reputations precede them. But sometimes, it’s necessary to highlight some of the elements of these classics that get overlooked.
When it comes to the Arkansas culinary scene, the Capital Bar & Grill definitely qualifies as a classic. The restaurant, nestled in the Capital Hotel, dishes out “Southern Comfortable” cuisine every day. At the Capital Bar & Grill, you can find a range of modern takes on Arkansas staples, from fried chicken, meatloaf and more.
Heather Baker and DJ Williams
But did you know that the Capital Bar & Grill makes some of the best sandwiches in the state? That’s exactly what AY Publisher Heather Baker and KARK host DJ Williams set out to prove in the last Sandwich Bucket List visit.
Baker is already a pro at ordering sandwiches at the Capital Bar & Grill. In fact, she tells Williams exactly what she wants to eat. “This is where I come because I want pimento cheese,” Baker says.
“You’ve been talking about that pimento cheese sandwich,” Williams jokes. “They’ve got everything that you would need when it comes to a sandwich. The place is awesome.
The Debutante
But before they dig into their sandwiches, they get a tasty beverage to go with them. The bartender whips up a Midnight Manhattan, which contains Old Overholt Rye, black walnut and orange bitters, as well as activated charcoal, and the Debuntante.
The main event, though, is the sandwiches. The pimento cheese at Capital Bar & Grill is a staple for the Little Rock lunch crowd and contains house-made pimento cheese, combined with sharp cheddar cheese and spicy red bell peppers for an oozing, delicious bite.
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Just because the pimento cheese is the star doesn’t mean it’s the only sandwich that they make. They also prepared their signature roast beef sandwich and Cuban sandwich.
Once the sandwiches are prepared, Baker goes straight for the pimento cheese. “Look at this. That’s why you come here. I love it – I love the sandwich and I love the appetizer. It’s truly the best pimento cheese I’ve ever had,” Baker says.
Roast Beef Sandwich
Williams chooses the roast beef sandwich to start off. This sandwich features provolone cheese, caramelized onions, au jus and horseradish sauce.
“Arby’s usually says that they have the beef, but I don’t know, Capital Grill is coming strong with this roast beef,” he says.
Cuban sandwich
With all the sandwiches polished off, that’s the end of the Sandwich Bucket List tour. But Baker and Williams will be back for more tasty food soon. They will be starting the Pasta Bucket List tour next week.
The first restaurant will be Graffiti’s in Little Rock. “There are new owners, new food. It’s going to be delicious,” Baker says.
Check back next week to catch their visit!
The Capital Bar & Grill is open every day. From Monday through Thursday, it is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday, it is open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. The restaurant is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
READ MORE: Arkansas Food Hall of Fame
