Reviews

Featured on “Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels

Loca Luna Bistro was featured in the September 2002 Bon Appétit Magazine as one of the “Best Neighborhood Restaurants in America.”

Here are some samples of what others are saying about Loca Luna:

Great food, especially the Pork Osso Bucco! Fantastic Waitstaff & Great atmosphere. will return again & again….
Ceekay

I was just drooling over the menus on my laptop and told my wife “Shoot, I would go back to Little Rock just to go to this restaurant”. See ya soon!
Corky Smith, Dallas, TX

We can not say enough about Loca Luna! They were the perfect spot for our son’s rehearsal dinner. From the first planning meeting to final event the entire staff went out of their way to make this an unforgettable evening for our entire wedding party. The service was great and the food as always was divine Thanks to Mark, Greg and the entire staff!
Debbie Schwilling, Hot Springs, AR

My family and I ate at Loca luna yesterday and it was so delicious. I had the chicken salad sandwich, the best ever!
Janice Housley

To whom it may concern, I first visited Loca Luna in November of last year for the Womack / Parker wedding rehearsal dinner. I had heard good things about the place and was looking forward to it. Cutting right to it, Barry was exceptional! The food was great, the service was great and from that point on I have been in on several occasions including last thursday night, where Ben and Barry and the rest of the staff were just flat out…nice. Good people! I have NEVER taken the time to email anyone regarding a restaurant, but nowadays it’s getting harder and harder to find places where it’s just nice to be and know that you will be taken care of by a knowledgeable staff who takes pride in what they do. Thanks,
Matt Couch, Little Rock, AR

“My wife and I had our rehersal dinner at Loca Luna and everything from the food to the service was outstanding. We would highly recommend using Loca Luna for any events you have coming up.”
Mike Wallace, Little Rock

“On our dinner visit the service and food were flawless.”
“Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“Best cheese dip on the planet … We agree.”
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“Attractive and inviting as ever, lively LOCA LUNA has that comfy elegance-concrete floors, art worked walls and shadowed patio that allows it to go from power-lunch perfect to romantic dinner ready.”
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“Abernathy has a passion for creative southwest cooking,” recipes featured.
Gourmet Magazine

“A rising star.”
Southern Living

“Down home goes upscale, southern food with international twists.”
USA Today

“Excellent.” “Abernathy’s bistro soars . . . A taste sensation.” “There’s lot’s to love about Loca Luna.”
Arkansas Times

“The place to see and be seen.” “On recent visits . . . everything has been perfect.”
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“It has raised dining tradition to a new level.”
At Home In Arkansas

“Excellent.” “Loca Luna probably has the best two appetizers in Little Rock.” “There’s no way to describe the sheer depth of the menu at Loca Luna.” “Desserts are ready for prime time.”
Arkansas Business

“Abernathy revisits old recipes with new ingredients and European techniques.” “His dishes stood out at the recent salute to southern chefs.”
Memphis Commercial Appeal

“Abernathy is part of a new generation of chefs . . . producing lighter, more refined and definitely more imaginative cuisine.”
Sky Magazine

“Truly eclectic and innovative dishes.”
Culinary Review

In local restaurant poles, Loca Luna was a winner in the following:

“Best Overall Restaurant” ~ “Most Fun” ~ “Best Patio Dining” ~ “Best Business Lunch” ~ “Best Wine List” ~ “Best Cheese Dip” ~ “Best Plate Lunch” ~ “Best Martinis”

“Loca Luna offers a pleasant atmosphere with the soothing sounds of jazz and light rock. Most nights draw an attentive group of fortysomething regulars who savor the mellow mood. Past performers include Guido and Steve, a trumpet-and- guitar duo that performs here regularly, and Loca Luna’s own Mark Abernathy. The musicians may serve as a fine background accompaniment during dinner, but they definitely merit your full attention. Sit at the bar and listen to the tunes while you nurse a Newcastle or any of the other fine selections on tap. Luna also features a fairly robust wine list to keep even the choosiest wine connoisseur happy.”
AOL Cityguide

“The thrill is in the grill at Loca Luna, which means Crazy Moon. Grilled beef, chicken, and seafood along with pasta dishes make this a Little Rock favorite. Touches of Spanish, Italian, and American influence the food with interesting combinations of “gourmet plates” offered.”
10 Best.com Virtual City Guides

“Once you get past her striking looks, there’s nothing very intimidating about Luna; you find a sturdy, almost motherly, cast to the food and service. The (generally) young people who work here know how to look after you. And the booths and tables seem designed to accommodate longer-legged people. You can relax even if you have to wait a little while for your entree on a weekend evening.”
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“Nationally recognized, award-winning restaurant with an eclectic, upscale menu of American gourmet cuisine.”
Arkansas.com

“Loca Luna is out and out Southern casual. It makes smart use of its wood fired brick oven. Specialties include pastas, salads and gourmet pizzas. Good grilled vegetables.”
Topquarkia.com

“I heartily recommend Loca Luna.”
Jennifer Russell – Places To Go – Little Rock

“Called the “Electic American Bistro”, Loca Luna has developed a name for itself in Little Rock by serving the most fantastic fare. Mark Abernathy (if the name seems familiar its because he appears on the cooking portions of the local news very, very frequently), always has an incredible menu for you to choose from. The best part is that the restaurant doesn’t open until 5 pm on Saturday which leaves it open for incredible wedding receptions. This could truly be one of the best kept secrets in Little Rock. It is like being in the Caribbean with its open-air approach to dining and entertaining. With additional seating on the cobblestone patio, this would be a fantastic pick in the city for your wedding reception. There is also a banquet room with a private entrance for up to 50 guests for your rehearsal dinner.”
Arkansasweddingideas.com

“Grilled meats, seafood and pasta dishes that never stray far from country roots, be they Italian, Spanish or Arkie. “Gourmet plate lunches” are good, as is weekend brunch.”
Littlerockinfo.com

Loca Luna: Bold Bistro

3519 Old Cantrell Road
Little Rock, AR 72202

Phone: 501.663.4666
Fax: 501.664.4176

Email: markaber@comcast.net

Hours of Operation:

Lunch Mon-Fri 11:00-2:00

Dinner Tues-Thurs 5:00-9:00

Dinner Fri 5:00-10:00

Dinner Sat 5:30-10:00

Brunch Sat & Sun 10:00-2:00

Dinner Sunday 5:30-8:00

Closed Monday nights

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