I could bother to write an exhaustively detailed review here or sing its praises, but I won't. That's because it has been thoroughly reviewed in other places and frequently makes the best lists. Townies know it and know it's there. I'm really mentioning it here because it is the sort of place many newcomers might easily overlook.
Roast beef, mac and cheese, greens and a roll. Note: This is technically the "Lite Plate" portion, believe it or not. |
My wife, the Jenny, has many fond memories of eating at Franke's with her grandmother. I can't share those, but I can say that I always feel good about eating there. If you want a hot plate lunch with some tasty veggies and a roll, then it's the downtown place to go.
Because my eating habits are not always the healthiest, I almost always feel good about eating there because I can get some tasty servings of vegetables — a food group I often lack in my daily diet. One of my personal favorites is the greens. In true Southern style, they cook them with a hunk of pork, but it's not just pork fat like in most places. It's actual pork meat, and it seems to make all the difference. Good stuff. If you don't want to stuff yourself and you want to save a dollar or two, then just ask your server for the "Lite Plate." They'll give you a smaller portion of the entree. The last time I asked for a Lite Plate of roast beef though, they gave me too big slabs of it. Hey, I'm not complaining.
Ham, pinto beans and carrots |
I don't know for a fact that they know me on sight, but I'm beginning to feel like they do. Rumor has it that once you start working at Franke's you don't leave. The eatery has many veteran employees, and they know the food and clientele. At lunch, it's mostly downtown workers, many of whom give the appearance of being bankers.
When you patronize Franke's, you'll be helping to maintain a Southern tradition that sadly has taken it on the chin from the rise of fast food. The cafeteria used to define casual dining and it was an efficient way to serve lunch briskly. Obviously though, it does not allow for a drive-through and other such late 20th century innovations. Cafeterias were not exclusive to the South, but they were more fully embraced there. Clearly they continue to thrive at some universities and hospitals, but Franke's is a wonderful, still thriving example of the standalone commercial cafeteria. Franke's website details its own history more fully. I do need to mention though it has been around and in downtown for 88 years. For atmosphere, friendliness and down-home cooking, it can't be beat. Long Live Franke's!
Rating: Franke's — A+
Franke's, 400 Broadway Ave. Regions Center Building, 372-1919; also at 11121 N. Rodney Parham Ave., 225-4487.
I agree in the fact that Franke's is good, but its definately NOT a value for one's money. Almost $11 for a LIGHT PLATE and a tea. For the same amount, one could go to any of the other downtown eateries and get a lot more.
ReplyDeleteGranted, there is something to be said about veggies being served, but still. $11 at lunch is a little high.
Well, I thought the Lite Plate actually offered a fairly generous portion of meat, so the $11 was worth it. It may not be the cheapest lunch in town — McDonald's et cetera — but I thought it was worth the price. Your Mama's offers similar hot plate cuisine and it's only a little bit cheaper. It's definitely not the most expensive lunch downtown. To each his own, of course.
ReplyDeleteHi, Ben! Welcome to Little Rock. I am so happy to have found your blog. I can see from recent posts that you share my love of downtown Little Rock and of good food. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteLike your wife, I too have very fond childhood memories of eating at Franke's with my elderly relatives. Back then we usually went to the Franke's in McCain Mall. In case you don't already know this, it is important to remember that one can order ahead and pick up whole pies from Franke's. Great for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas ...
I have a blog about Little Rock myself, though I only manage to post occasionally. Yesterday was one of those occasions. I'd love for you to stop by. And I'll keep an eye on your space here as well.
Ash, Thanks very much. I only took a quick glance but I already can tell I'm going to enjoy your blog, too. Check it out, too, folks: http://littlerocklove.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteThe $7.99 Lite Plate's only $11 with tax if you also get another item, like say, pie. Then it's not only $11, it's also not exactly Lite. :)
ReplyDelete