Argenta

from Visitor Guide to Central Arkansas

by Arkansas Times

River Market District

Argenta derives its name from the Latin word for “silver” and that’s the perfect name to describe this bright and shining neighborhood, gleaming on the north shore of the Arkansas River. The city’s historic district, Argenta has reinvented itself to be the entertainment hub of Central Arkansas with a quaint, pedestrian-friendly arts district, a thriving performing arts scene, delicious cuisine and some of the best craft beer and nightlife in Central Arkansas. Whether you seek food, music, sports or just a neat hangout, Argenta is the place to be.

BRIAN CHILSON

Dickey-Stephens Park

SEE & DO

The stunning Argenta Plaza, an urban gathering space featuring concerts, water features and a cool vibe, anchors the neighborhood. Argenta Art Walk, held every third Friday of the month, is an after-hours event at Thea Foundation, Barry Thomas Fine Art Studio and other venues.

This arts district especially stands out in the performing arts, with beat poets and other masters of the spoken word performing at the House of Art, and improv and sketch comedy acts at the Joint Theater and Coffeehouse. National touring acts in all genres regularly play Simmons Bank Arena nearby, while on any given weekend live music spills forth from a number of bars in the neighborhood, including Cregeen’s Irish Pub, Skinny J’s and Four Quarter Bar, which is known for its inventive pub fare.

Other unique features of the area include the growing murals collection through the neighborhood and the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, home to the USS Razorback submarine, which you can tour. During baseball season, take in a Travelers game at the gorgeous Dickey-Stephens Park. With the river and Little Rock skyline framing the outfield wall, it’s one of the prettiest spots in all of Arkansas.

SHOP

Galaxy Furniture has some of the best vintage furniture in the area, especially for the midcentury modernstyle office. To further relish a bygone era, Argenta Drug Co. is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy west of the Mississippi River, beloved for its old neon marquee, 1950s wallpaper, candies and various knick-knacks. Other unique shops, boutiques and galleries can be found throughout Argenta.

BRIAN CHILSON

Brood & Barley

BRIAN CHILSON

EAT & DRINK

Kamikaito serves up tasty sushi and noodle bowls. Mugs Cafe makes a great breakfast, and its lunch menu’s prosciutto and fig sandwich is highly recommended.

For pub-crawlers, the fare at Reno’s

Argenta Cafe, Diamond Bear’s Arkansas Ale House, Flyway Brewing, Skinny

J’s and Four Quarter Bar will keep you sustained. Argenta was recently designated an entertainment district, meaning patrons can take their beverage in hand from place to place — watch for the signs that show you the boundaries of the district.

For finer dining, visit the casually elegant Ristorante Capeo offering authentic Italian dishes like ragu Bolognese and spaghetti carbonara. Don’t skip the house limoncello with dessert. Check out Brood & Barley for fresh, creative fare and fantastic cocktails. Make reservations at Riverfront Steakhouse or visit Benihana (both located at the Wyndham Riverfront hotel) before taking in a show at nearby Simmons Bank Arena. n  218 Beautifully Decorated Guest Rooms and 12 Luxurious Suites  14,000 Sq Ft of Meeting Space  Fitness Center  Free Wireless High Speed Internet  Outdoor Pool  Complimentary Breakfast  Free Airport Shuttle  Business Center  Free On Site Parking