Bobby’s, Built to Last

Family-run fixture still delights in central Arkansas

When Bobby and Linda Brock opened Bobby’s Dairy Bar on Arch Street in Little Rock in 1958, they built it on simple values: good food, good service and happy customers.

The cafe has changed locations over the years, finally settling in North Little Rock. About 12 years ago Bobby Brock III and Tiffany assumed ownership. But its comfort food classics and loyal guests remain at the heart of the business.

Bobby’s opens with strong appetizers, including the enjoyable Fried Green Beans, Cheese Sticks, Onion Rings, Queso and Chips and Fried Pickles.

The Ham Super Salad was particularly good, featuring fresh lettuce, black olives, onions, bell peppers, bacon bits and a large amount of chopped, smoked ham. The salad, which I ordered with ranch dressing, provided an array of flavors with each forkful and was a great lighter meal option.

Daily specials are always a treat at Bobby’s Cafe. The special on this day was Hamburger Steak. I enjoyed the dish that included a freshly ground beef patty topped with rich, brown gravy and sliced onions. There are also daily vegetable options. I chose fried okra along with mashed potatoes and gravy. Other daily specials include Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken Fried Chicken, Beef Tips, Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwiches, Barbecue Chicken, Pork Loin and more.

Bobby’s Cafe’s signature menu item, the Bobby Burger, was created in response to a regular customer’s request for a bigger hamburger. Bobby’s dad created the legendary masterpiece, which fills a full dining plate of real estate. It features 1 pound of ground beef topped with bacon, a choice of pepper jack or American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise and pickles.

I loved the presentation and flavor of the Bobby Burger. I thought I was doing a decent job consuming a quarter of the creation, until I noticed a table of construction workers. Out of the eight-man crew, five of them completed their Bobby Burgers along with orders of fries and onion rings. They told me that they are regulars and love the Bobby Burger. I’ll order a regular hamburger next time and leave the Bobby Burger to the younger guests with more physically demanding jobs.

The Catfish Plate is offered daily and is especially popular on Thursday and Friday evenings when the restaurant is open until 7:30 p.m. The three pieces of golden brown USDA catfish are accompanied by hushpuppies, coleslaw and fries. Fresh catfish that is cooked right can’t be beat, and Bobby’s Cafe does it right.

Desserts are also available daily. I enjoyed a huge piece of Eclair Cake with layers of crushed chocolate graham crackers, vanilla pudding and a chocolate fudge frosting. No matter what day you visit, there are usually three or so delicious options.

Multiple customers told me that Bobby’s is known for breakfast, including three-egg omelets, pancakes and an extensive selection of other menu items. I trust the warm, friendly service of the veteran servers and a hot country-style breakfast at Bobby’s Cafe is a great way to start a day.