Cheese dip is serious business in Little Rock.
We make it, crave it, debate it, defend our favorites and argue about whether it should be yellow or white, spicy or mild, perfectly smooth or filled with peppers and tomatoes.
Around here, cheese dip isn’t limited to Mexican restaurants, either. You’ll find it at burger joints, breweries, pizza places, neighborhood restaurants and even a few of the fancier spots around town.
Arkansas lays claim to being the birthplace of cheese dip, and Central Arkansas is still the center of the obsession. You can read more about where cheese dip was invented and why Arkansas claims it here.
As for this post, I have personally tried every cheese dip on the list. I couldn’t just write about them from memory, now could I?
So, after a great deal of very important research, here are some of the best places to find cheese dip in Little Rock.
Where to Find the Best Cheese Dip in Little Rock
Mexico Chiquito
Let’s start with the OG.
Mexico Chiquito is widely credited with introducing the cheese dip we know and love all the way back in 1935. It is an Arkansas institution and an important part of the state’s cheese dip story.
Currently there is a drive-through Mexico Chiquito in Little Rock and it still serves some of the best cheese dip in the area. This is a yellow cheese version with lots of spices. It is not too spicy, but definitely not bland, and has lots of great cumin flavor.
Some people claim that it is made with real American cheese. (Wait, is there such a thing?)
All I know is that this cheese dip is perfectly melty and just the right consistency. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, but many people have tried to copy it. This is the version I see the most often as the closest duplicate.
Mexico Chiquito cheese dip is one of my favorites to this day.
NEWS! Mexico Chiquito has announced plans for a new sit-down restaurant in Cabot. I’ll update this post when an opening date is confirmed!
One quick personal story: My husband’s family used to live in Jacksonville, Arkansas and learned to love cheese dip during their time in the area. After they moved to Florida they had no way to fulfill their cravings. We were living in Little Rock and every time we made the drive to visit them our car would be laden with coolers filled with gallon jugs of cheese dip. Yes, gallons. A party would ensue upon our arrival, not to celebrate us, but to celebrate the arrival of the Mexico Chiquito cheese dip.
Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro
The cheese dip at Dizzy’s is my number one. You’ve got to try it. Seriously. If I am having a craving this is the cheese dip that I want. I’m not the only one who loves Dizzy’s cheese dip…they have won awards for the stuff.
Dizzy’s is a fun downtown bistro with colorful decor and a warm atmosphere. They serve salads and sandwiches and pasta dishes and great soups. Hint: try the tomato basil soup.
Everything is good, but you must start your meal with the cheese dip!
Their dip has a perfectly creamy, texture.
A server told me once that they mix some of their Alfredo sauce into their cheese dip concoction. I have no idea whether or not this is true.
All I know is that Dizzy’s cheese dip is amazing. The portion is large so come prepared to share. It is served with tricolor chips which are strong enough for you to really dig into the dip. Positively addicting!
Heights Taco and Tamale
Or maybe Heights Taco and Tamale has the best cheese dip in Little Rock?!
The Heights Taco and Tamale people say that their cheese dip is inspired by five of the most famous original cheese dips in the city. This one is a winner! It is a yellow cheese dip with just the perfect amount of spice.
When locals name their favorite cheese dips this one is consistently on the list.
Why, yes, locals do regularly name their favorite cheese dip around here. Don’t they do that where you live?
Heights Taco and Tamale is a fun and noisy restaurant that serves slightly upscale and delicious Mexican food. The decor is happily instagrammable, and they have some delectable cocktails to go with your cheese dip and meal.
Try the frozen mojito. But be careful! Those suckers taste like a delight but pack a punch.
Cheers in the Heights
Cheers in the Heights is one of my favorite restaurants in Little Rock. It is a great little neighborhood place. They have excellent salads and sandwiches and pastas and many of the dishes have a bit of a cajun spin.
I love their outdoor patio. It is the perfect place for an al fresco lunch on a nice day.
Their cheese dip is super creamy and smooth, with a teeny bit of heat. It is served with tri-color chips.
Cheers has a great dinner menu as well as some of my favorite salads in the city. Hello, chopped salmon salad!
Izzy’s
IIzzy’s is a longtime West Little Rock favorite that is always good and always consistent. They serve great salads, pasta, pizza, tamales, and sandwiches.
This is a place where you can bring a vegetarian and a meat lover and they can both leave happy.
Izzy’s has a large menu which I think causes their cheese dip to get overlooked. It shouldn’t be overlooked.
Their yellow cheese dip has chunks of tomato and lots of cilantro flavor. Their homemade salsa also has chunky tomatoes and lots of cilantro. I don’t know for sure but it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that they mix some of their salsa into their cheese dip.
If you are going to get the cheese dip at Izzy’s you really, really need to get a tamale to go with it. They have some of the best tamales (both meat and veggie) in town and with the cheese dip on top they really can’t be beat!
Local Lime
Is it a white cheese dip or a yellow? The cheese dip at Local Lime is the perfect combination of both. It has a great texture and just the right amount of spice.
Local Lime is a busy and noisy hangout in the Promenade on Chenal Parkway in West Little Rock.
They have great tacos, but I love their enchiladas, especially the Dixon Chicken Enchiladas, although I will warn you that these are spicy!
An added bonus is that Local Lime serves the best frozen margarita in town.
Big Orange
Cheese dip with your upscale burger? Yes, please.
Big Orange is a popular burger joint with a variety of burgers. My favorite is the hickory smoke burger. They also have an excellent veggie burger and some addicting homemade potato chips.
The cheese dip at Big Orange is pretty traditional. Not too bland, not too spicy, but just right.
It is a bonus that Big Orange has a great patio at their location in the Promenade. You can enjoy your cheese dip while watching the world go by.
Buffalo Grill
Cheese dip with your old-fashioned burger? Yes, please.
Buffalo Grill is one of the best old-fashioned burger places in town. I love their location in a slightly shabby building on Rebsamen near the river. They have a covered outdoor patio which is perfect for times when the weather is cooperating. The burgers are delicious as are the fries.
The cheese dip at Buffalo Grill is an a good, basic cheese dip served with thick chips. Sometimes a good greasy burger with cheese dip as a starter is all you need in life.
Tacos 4 Life
Tacos 4 Life is a fast food restaurant which started with one location in Conway, Arkansas. They now have restaurants all over Arkansas and are spreading quickly across the south.
We don’t usually include chains in our restaurant lists, but Tacos 4 Life is special. Not only are they committed to fresh and delicious food, but every taco, bowl, salad, quesadilla or nachos purchased helps provide a meal to a child in need.
Oh, and their cheese dip is really good.
It is well seasoned and served with warm chips which are also sprinkled with spices. I’m a little bit addicted to their cilantro rice as well.
We hope this list helps you find your next favorite cheese dip in Little Rock. Of course, cheese dip preferences are highly personal around here, and we know everyone has a favorite!
While you’re eating your way around the city, check out our list of the best sandwiches in Little Rock. Or if you want something heartier our list of the best burgers in Little Rock.
