by Debbie Robus

Created on: August 12, 2009

Little Rock, Arkansas, is home to a number of great dining options that offer a varied cuisine and a wide price range. While satisfying taste buds tops the list of criteria for a great dining experience, atmosphere runs a close second. And nowhere is an exceptional dining atmosphere more prevalent than in the Little Rock neighborhood known as "The Heights."

Bordered to the north by Cammack Village, and the south by Cantrell Boulevard, The Heights is one of Little Rock's older neighborhoods. This neighborhood houses some of the more affluent residents of Little Rock who have preserved and refurbished elegant homes that date to the 1800s and early 1900s. The Heights boasts a shopping area that is home to several interesting and eclectic boutiques and stores, such as Chroma Gallery, Cobblestone & Vine, Sauce Company, Faux Pas and Mary Healey's Fine Jewelry. The Little Rock Country Club is also located in The Heights.

Dining in The Heights is as much about the experience and the neighborhood as it is the food. Many diners walk down tree-lined sidewalks to reach their favorite restaurant, where waitstaff and chefs know them by name.

In The Heights proper, there are approximately one dozen dining options... offering American, Asian, Casual, Contemporary, Chinese, Eclectic, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, as well as pizza and ice cream.

* Ole for Arka-Tex *
One of the oldest, and most well-known restaurants is Browning's Mexican Grill (www.browningsmexican.com), located at 5805 Kavanaugh Boulevard has been open for business at this location since 1946. The hallmark of Browning's menu has always been the chips and cheese dip, created from an original recipe that blends yellow cheeses. Another long-time favorite is the Plato De Saltillo, a Tex-Mex plate that includes cheese and meat tacos and an enchilada for $9.95.

In recent years, Brownings has expanded to include menu offerings from Cordell's Delicatessen, so the menu has taken on what many refer to as an "Arka-Tex" flavor, as deli sandwiches and salads have found a home there. Meals at Browning's are reasonably priced, with many entrees/dinners ranging from $7 to $10. This is "knock-your-socks-off" Mexican cuisine, but rather a comforting neighborhood eatery with reasonable prices that banks on tradition and nostalgia to keep diners coming back for more.

Brownings offers a full bar, outdoor seating, carryout service and a kid's menu. This restaurant is rated as

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