Inside The Arkansas Meat And Three Where Lunch Still Feels Like A Home Cooked Sunday Meal

If you’ve ever wished Monday lunch could taste like Grandma’s Sunday spread, Cotham’s in the City is your happy place.

Tucked a short stroll from the Arkansas State Capitol, this Little Rock favorite serves big flavors with even bigger hospitality. The line moves fast, the plates land hot, and that first bite of homestyle goodness makes time slow down.

Come hungry, leave smiling, and maybe plan tomorrow’s order before you reach the parking lot.

The Legendary Hubcap Burger

Order the Hubcap Burger and you’ll understand why locals grin when the bun hits the table. This one-pound bruiser is juicy, stacked, and entirely lunchable if you bring your appetite. It’s a nod to the original country location and still the star of the city menu.

Ask for classic toppings or go full tilt with cheese and fixings. Share it if you must, but bragging rights favor solo victories. The fries are hand-cut and crisp.

Pro tip: request extra napkins before the first bite. You’ll need them.

Meat-And-Three Mastery At Lunch

At Cotham’s, lunch is a streamlined ritual. You pick a meat, choose your three sides, and the kitchen sends comfort cruising to your table. The daily rotation covers fried chicken, hamburger steak, and chicken fried steak, with sides like fried okra, green beans, and mashed potatoes.

Everything lands hot, seasoned, and built to satisfy. It’s a throwback format with modern efficiency. Portion sizes are generous without being chaotic.

Arrive early during weekday lunch to dodge the rush. Doors open at 11 AM, and they close at 2 PM, Monday through Friday.

Iconic Roots Near The Capitol

The story stretches from the famed country store in Scott to this downtown hub, a quick walk from the Arkansas State Capitol. The legacy survived changes and kept its friendly spirit intact. Many guests swing by after meetings, which explains the midday suit-and-boots mix.

Walls speak with memorabilia and local pride. It’s casual, never fussy, and welcoming to travelers and regulars alike. You feel like a neighbor by the second visit.

Parking is straightforward, and the location is easy to find. Plan a Capitol photo stop before or after lunch for fun.

Sides That Steal The Show

Do not sleep on the sides. Fried okra arrives crisp and seasoned, mashed potatoes carry proper gravy, and green beans taste like they simmered with love and a secret. Fried green tomatoes show off a crunchy coat and bright tang.

Balance a hearty meat with a fresh coleslaw or go full comfort with mac and cheese. Rotating vegetables keep things interesting. Each bite supports the main act without showing off.

Mix textures to build your plate. Ask the staff what’s freshest that day. They’ll steer you right.

Sweet Finishes Worth The Fork

Save room for dessert. House-made fried pies often appear with a cloud of whipped cream, and the Mississippi mud cake brings that fudgy, fork-stopping moment. It’s the kind of sweet that makes lunch feel like a little celebration.

Portions are shareable, though no one will judge if you keep it to yourself. If you lean fruity, aim for the seasonal pie options. Chocolate loyalists know what to do.

Grab dessert to-go if time is tight. It travels well and pairs perfectly with an afternoon coffee back at the office.

Tips For Beating The Lunch Rush

Timing is everything here. The sweet spot is just before noon or after 1 PM on weekdays. Lines move quickly, but popular specials sell out, so earlier arrivals have the best shot.

Check hours before you go. They serve Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM and close weekends. If you’re driving in, plan for easy parking and a short walk.

Prices land in the 10 to 20 dollar range, which is friendly for the quality and portions. Bring a friend. Splitting plates is half the fun.

Local Love And Famous Fans

Part of the charm is the mix of regulars and first-timers who swap nods across tables. The Hubcap Burger’s reputation stretches well beyond Arkansas, with stories of famous patrons and long-time devotees. Proximity to the Capitol brings a fun cross-section of guests.

“Cotham’s is a local legend with good reason,” one verified reviewer shared, praising the hubcap and fried catfish. Another wrote, “Definitely a must visit while in Little Rock. Food is hot and right off the grill.”

That community spirit keeps the dining room buzzing. It’s equal parts lunch stop and neighborhood hangout, with staff who remember faces and favorites.

What To Order First Time

If it’s your debut, start classic: Hubcap Burger with fries or the fried chicken plate with two sides. Catfish is a strong alternate, especially as a sandwich. Sides pick? Fried okra, mashed potatoes with gravy, and coleslaw make a balanced trio.

Ask your server about the day’s special. Staff recommendations are spot on and honest. Portion control jokes aside, you will leave full.

One more nudge from a reviewer: “Hubcap Cheeseburger was flavorful and loaded with toppings. The French fries tasted fresh and made in-house.” Consider that your sign.