How often do you get chip-faced? If you live in Arkansas, the answer probably sounds a little like this: “a lot….like a whole lot.” Did you know that cheese dip originated in Arkansas? This explains why it is somewhat of an obsession around here. It was invented at Mexico Chiquito in 1935 (thank the Lord). That would also explain why the World Cheese Dip Championship is held in Little Rock where thousands of cheese dip lovers come together to sing the praises of this cheesy concoction.
In other words, Arkansas is the King of Cheese Dip and we’re proud of it.
I am a cheese dip aficionado and addict (with no plans of recovery). Below is my personal list of the best cheese dips in Little Rock. My list is based on the taste and consistency of the cheese dip and also on the chips that come alongside the delicious treasure ‘o’ gold. The dip and chips are both based on a 10 point scale.
Big Orange
Dip – 9
Chips – 9
I salute you, Big Orange. Not only do you have some of the best burgers in town, but you also serve Grade A, delicious cheese dip. It is a yellow cheese dip with chunky ingredients like onions and tomatoes and a perfect seasoning. Your not-too-thin, not-too-thick chips are spot-on. Add a beer and a mushroom melt turkey burger, and you have one of the best meals in town!
Dizzy’s
Dip – 9
Chips – 9
Dear Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro, we are not worthy. Your spot on combination of pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream and seasoning makes for one of the most mouth-watering cheese dips around. The dish is topped with shredded cheese so each dip is extra cheesy. Their thin and salty chips couldn’t be better. If you haven’t tried their cheese dip, go now!
Buffalo Grill
Dip – 9
Chips – 7
Good ole B.Grill. I have been eating your cheese dip since I was in diapers. No Allsopp Park softball game or Riverdale soccer game was complete without a post-game Buffalo Grill cheese dip and burger. There is Buffalo Grill cheese dip in my blood stream at any point in time. The thick and savory dip includes the perfect seasoning combo and could be eaten with a spoon. If you are a round and thick chip lover, this is your place.
Cantina Laredo
Dip – 8
Chips – 8
Muy bien, amigos. I like your dip, I like your chips. I like the chunkiness and the not-too-Mexican flavor. Pair their dip with a mango margarita, and you’re golden!
Chuy’s
Dip – 8
Chips – 8
First of all, thank you for your bottomless, complementary cheese dip and salsa bar during Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 4-7pm). You da man. Your cheese dip is delicious and I approve of your chips. Well, done!
Cheers
Dip – 8
Chips – 7
I love you, Cheers! Your cheese dip is thick, just like its flavor. And your chips are multi-colored which makes them even better, duh. Thanks for being awesome.
Señor Tequila
Dip – 8
Chips – 7
Yours is a textbook example of delicious Mexican cheese dip. When in the mood for white queso, this is the place to go. Your chips and salsa are also addicting and my love handles thank you for that.
Mexico Chiquito
Dip – 7
Chips – 7
All hail Mexico Chiquito! Not only for your tasty cheese dip but for INVENTING it. Where would we be without you? We would be 10lbs lighter and 10 degrees unhappier. Thanks for being a trailblazer by randomly melting cheese and spices together in a bowl. Brilliant.
Canon Grill
Dip – 7
Chips – 6
Here is another tip top white cheese dip. It is a Tex-Mex style dip and is paired with thick, round chips. Their large chunks of tomatoes add color and freshness every time! I recommend ordering this with their massive nachos and a blue margarita that my friends and I nicknamed “The Blue Barracuda.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, there are several other restaurants that serve rock star cheese dips, namely, Loca Luna, Local Lime, The Fold, Dugan’s, Baja Grill and many more. I don’t think you can go wrong with anyone’s cheese dip and fortunately, more and more restaurants are adding it to their menus. Dixie Cafe even serves cheese dip now and it is delicious!
p.s. If you’re in the mood to make your own cheese dip, try this recipe. It is similar to a hypothetical combo of Cheers’ + Buffalo Grill’s cheese dips. Add more or less milk to suit your preference of thickness. Enjoy!
Homemade Cheese Dip Recipe
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 5 tablespoons flour
- Cook 1 minute than add:
- 1 heaping teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups milk
- 16 ounces Velveeta
I hope you enjoyed my take on Little Rock’s top cheese dips. I would love to know what your favorites are! Comment below or send me a message. Happy dipping!
