Staying in Little Rock on business. Happen to come across this gem on Yelp and decide to check it out.
First thing I notice when I walk in: lounge chairs. Here I'm thinking, where's the bar, because I need a drink. I find the bar, sit down, and gaze upon the most beautiful site I have ever seen: beer taps, and many of them. The bartender then give me a beer menu and I get lost. It's like reading a book. Anyways, I order a German beer, because it sounds good.
Then I take a look at the food menu to see what they have to offer. It's not like Applebee's or Chili's. It's bar food, but gourmet. I read it over, decide to get the German plate (2 brats, sauerkraut, and German potato salad). One word sums up this meal: perfection. The beer paired well with the food, as that was my plan.
Towards the end of my visit, a musician started playing his guitar and singing. It was very nice to hear some local music rather than Muzak.
The beer can get pricey, as they are imported from all over the world, but they are worth it. For all you "watered-down beer" drinkers, you should probably stay away, real beer is all they serve.
The only thing that I would change about this place but can't, is the parking. Downtown Little Rock is a lot like most other downtowns. Scarce parking, with plenty to do.
Well worth the Yelp search. Will stop back if I'm ever around the area.
I didn't realize this was one of those 'breastaurants' until our waitress came walking towards us and was kind of taken aback. It lists itself as a gastropub, which doesn't really shout short skirts and barely covered tatas, so it's kind of confusing.
I'm all for gimmicks and restaurants that get by on their hot servers, but they usually don't have much to back it up (Hooters chicken just isn't that good, who's with me?)
This just doesn't seem like the type of place that has to hide behind a micro mini. Â
And here's the thing, I don't think it needs the butt barring cheer skirts and tanks. The beer selection is great, the wait staff was super nice and helpful, the decor is super  cool and the food was great. I had a smoked salmon sandwich that really only needed some lemon and the bf had a French dip sandy. Both were something we would order again, I love smoked salmon and don't think I've ever seen it on a bar menu that wasn't a breakfast item, so extra thumbs up for that.
Change the hoochie outfits into something cute to match the nice, pretty servers you have working for you and you'll earn my extra star.
Don't think I've ever seen so much beer in one place (especially for someone not all that big on beer). Ate at the bar, didn't visit the upper or lower floors at all. Get the pizza, it's delicious! Thin crust, put what you want on it. Pretty good salads too, especially for a bar. Â Might have to go back tomorrow just for the beer!
Review Source:It is sad somehow that a corporate chain had to rescue my mood from the downer state of mind and a funk in which an independent local bar had put me. Actually that statement is not really true and I was co-opting some obligatory drama in an attempt at making a review "riveting" and "engaging". Now back to the review..
Compared to other Flying Saucer locations where I have gone, this one didn't have all the canned and artificially attempted vibe of the other ones where I have been. I suppose if Little Rock has any faux hipster culture then this is the hangout. But then again, isn't all hipster culture faux? Meh. Yawn.
Nonetheless they have a good beer selection and the best part are the excellent deals you can get on a pint. I certainly don't consider Sam Adams to be a micro-brew but they generally make a good product and when I was here the Alpine Spring was the deal of the day. I sure would like it if they would carry more local beers which I have not tried. Abita Turbo-Dog is also tried and true and you can't find that on tap everywhere.
Service at the bar seemed a little bit slow to me. They tend to pay more attention to servers who are also selling food so here is an idea: Get the poor bartender who has to pour beers some help. I don't think he really needs it, but do whatever it takes. We are talking about pouring beer here. No back order of mixed drinks to a crowded place so c'mon!
After all, I DO tip well and I am not one of these schmucks who wears the bartender out asking for 15 samples of different beers before I decide. And if you are one of these high maintenance, inconsiderate patrons who does this crap when other people need to place an order, then you need a kick in the beer goozle! Knock it off! Â Your punishment should be that you are forced to drink some crap like InBev produced Budweiser for the rest of the night! NOTE: I don't actually know what part of the human body where the "beer goozle" is located but I think it floats around between the throat to the stomach to the groin.
Flying Saucer is generally a fun, interesting, and well positioned beer establishment for a chain but this one could stand to step up it's game just a notch or two. I would still go back again, because after all they do have a decent beer selection for the area.
Final note: More LOCAL beers! I have tried most everything else!
This was our first time to a Flying Saucer. Very large beer menu. Something for everyone. We had fun choosing different types of brews. The pretzels were delicious. Side salad was also good. The German Plate was very good- I would recommend it. If you love beer, this is a place not to miss.
Review Source:Great place for a beer! Â As far as selection goes, they are always stocked with a wall full of choice draughts! Â If you're feeling frisky, start a beer tour and see if you can get a plate up on the wall.
The food is average bar food....not amazing, but somehow tastes amzaing when you have seven beers sloshing around in your gut. Â Who knew?
It gets very crowded on the weekends and so expect to wait when ordering beer from the waitresses or from the bar. Â This is easily offset by ordering a couple extra pints each time.
The downstairs area is a hipster lair. Â Stay up top if you're not feeling that vibe. Â Get there early and you can claim one of the couches to be your perch for a debauched evening.
Walking distance from my hotel, HUGE beer selection! Â I had a pizza, it was excellent. Â
Seemed like the kind of place I would hang out, comfortable seating, they had a big projection screen with the football game on. Â Waitresses in skirts and tank tops, but not in poor taste. Â Predominately male customer base (at least while I was there). Â
I didn't check out the second floor or basement that other reviews mention, but I'm sure if I live close it would find myself here again.
Of all the Saucers I have been to, I think this is my least favorite.
This is the typical Flying Saucer vibe. There is an area out front with couches and tables. A long bar with the typical penny lined Saucer tap wall. Lots of plates line the walls as well. In the back, stairs work its way to a second floor. There is even a special section for the UFO Club members. Really smoky with lots of TV's and crowds. All fine and dandy, but pretty much resembles the other Saucer bars around the country.
Food is typical for the chain. I think it is the exact same menu as the Houston location. The service was hit and miss. The servers and bartenders did not really know the selection all that well (beyond the special different specials). Other than that, nothing bad.
Beer selection is above average. Â Though nothing special if you are familiar with the other locations. Â I did not notice a cask, which is a shame. Â Maybe I just missed it, or they don't have it on all the time? Â Some regional brands like Marshall and the only decent local Diamond Bear.
Overall, I do like the chain, though I have never been in love with it like say the Gingerman franchise. Â Given that, this is still a bit sub par for the coarse compared to other locations.
First and foremost, I love the Flying Saucer...all locations. Â For the record, I have been to the locations in Memphis, Cordova, Nashville, Kansas City, Addison and here in Little Rock. Â With that said, I am reviewing and comparing the Little Rock location to the other Flying Saucers.
Service -- The wait staff at the Little Rock Saucer are all very personable, but terribly slow...and sometimes inattentive, but hit and miss and better on some nights than on others. Â Comparatively speaking, the staffs at the Saucers in Nashville and Ft. Worth are SPOT ON and offering to get patrons a new beer the moment your glass runs dry (this equals more beer sales, btw). Â Having been a waiter, I completely empathize with the demands of the job; and, identify when service is all too often sluggish. Â It is all too often sluggish at the Saucer, but wasn't always this way. Â Honestly, I know long time patrons of the Saucer who won't go back simply because of service issues...issues than can and should be corrected. Â This is a shame!
PS -- the service at lunch is far, far better than the service at night and is always consistently attentive.
PPS -- Patrons can expedite the slow service by simply stepping up to the bar for a new beer. Â The staff behind the bar is much more attentive.
Selection -- the very best selection of beers in the entire state of Arkansas (or between the Flying Saucers in the DFW area, Memphis and Kansas City! Â The menu is nicely balanced amongst the various varieties of beers, too. Â If someone is not a fan of a hoppy beer, then they might try a lambic. Â They do have some liquors options as well.
The food menu is simple, but all of their food options are very good. Â The pretzels are a great late night snack and the Space Club is always a great go-to for me (personally). Â The Hungry Farmer is a great selection of meats and cheeses and customers can pick their own selections to enjoy. Â Also, the brauts are fantastic!
I strongly recommend the Saucer for lunch!!!
Atmosphere -- It is great to join a large group for beers at the Saucer (if you are expecting service to be slow). But, it is more than discouraging to step into the Saucer with a big group...looking forward to socializing and sharing the evening together, only to be drowned out by the guys doing "trivia night!" Â The man conducting trivia night doesn't just speak into a microphone, he YELLS!!! Â It absolutely ruined an evening catching up with old friends, until we moved to the Capital Bar to resume our evening. Â It was totally unnecessary. Â So, before venturing down to the Saucer, make sure it isn't on Trivia Night, unless you want to participate! Â Note: Â it is possible to retreat down to the basement if need be!
The bands that perform at the Saucer are usually quite good, quite enjoyable and not as loud and distracting as Mr Trivia. Â I do applaud the Saucer for supporting local bands and providing them a venue to present their music. Â KUDOS!!!
Bottom line, I love the Saucer for many, many reasons. Â But, in all fairness, this location could be so much better for many, many reasons as well. Â So, As a long time patron of the Saucer, having consumed my share of beer in this establishment, I can only give this place an A-OK.
Try one of every beer!
An edit for my tip;
Greg the Manager is an awesome fellow, talk about going the extra hundred miles. The combination of Chet the bartender and Greg we had another great experience and have found a new respect for beer. There are so many choices which vary from taste, texture, smoothness finish. I would have never known beer could be such an art.
Having been to a couple of the other FS's in other parts of the US I was reluctant to stop here, I am really glad I did and have become a regular with a new love for BEER.
Oh the food is pretty good here too.
I suggest Monday $3 pint night
Saucer fan here - been to a bunch of 'em, and was looking forward to what Little Rock had to offer. Â Holy smokes - I was at the bar for 20 minutes until the bartender finally deigned to serve me. Â I racked my brains wondering what was going on; maybe I wasn't being assertive enough so I tried speaking up more. Maybe I happened to be sitting on the imaginary line that was right on the other side of his section; maybe it was super busy for them...until he passed me over and continued serving other people who arrived after me. Â I didn't get it until I realized that I have a "permanent tan", shall we way. Â I really hesitate to come to this kind of conclusion, and want to give every benefit of a doubt before going there, but after exhausting the possibilities, it was kinda obvious.
I was going to tip anyway (my philosophy is I tip because it is based on who I am), but my sister, who was with me, was scandalized and said not to. So it wasn't just me. Â Very sad, and serves to reinforce other people's notions of the south. Â Can't wait to go back home to Dallas asap.
p.s. - the facility's layout was pretty nice; comfy benches and couches behind big windows up front, the beerhall-style tables inside, and a huge, endless basement with pool tables and even more couches. Very comfy/cozy.
I am a fan of the Saucer, and the fact that it seems to be trying to position itself to be the fancy beer emporium of the South. The Little Rock one is a little smaller than the one in Columbia, SC. The beer selection is just as large as the other location BUT they seemed to be out of almost everything I wanted. I tried to order 5 beers and the reply I got from the servers-I visited twice on the weekend.
Server wise to it was a mixed bag, they both seemed pretty laissez-faire about the whole thing. The first time there were two servers so I thought it might be because they're swamped. The second time though there was a small pack of them and not a lot of tables filled so it was odd that she would just come by every once in a while and not try to work for tips by being friendly or come by more frequently.
A little sad, but it's not going to affect the other Saucers that I go to.
One of the few places that seemed to be open on a Tuesday afternoon in downtown Little Rock. They have a great variety of beer on tap like the other locations including every major German hefeweizen tap. They have 3 dollar pints on Tuesday.  However they strictly enforce a 6 beer limit  (every day) even if it's in the course of 3+ hours.
Their sausage plate was okay. If Usinger's sausage is the best in America then Americans only make decent sausage at best. Guess I'm spoiled in my many trips to Germany.
Holy smokes. Â There's smoking here. Â I was not prepared for that, but I guess I should have looked closer when reading about this place on Yelp.
The smoking section isn't really distinguishable from the non-smoking section, as the whole place reeks of cigarettes and left my clothes smelling pretty foul for the rest of the evening.
Any way, their beer selection is crazy and that's a pretty good thing if you're comfortable with second-hand smoke.
I always say this place can never get any better, but then it does! The Steak I had Saturday was OMG to DIE FOR! The beer was perfectly chilled, and the staff went the extra mile. Now, I know I always say this, but the personal touch is still there and the test to see if they will do anything for the customer is, yet again passed.
Still the "Central Perk" of Dallas! :)
Flying Saucer ~ love your beer, cheese soup, beer, pretzels, beer tasty sandwiches and your beer! Â They are located downtown making them an easy spot to hit when your in between bars or waiting on someone to get out of the Clinton Library...
They have some nice leather couches and chairs similar to the Flying Saucer in Austin, Tx. Â The service was not very good and we had to track down our server at least once. Did I mention they have great beer? Â They have an extensive offerings of beers from imports to micro brews and some local beers.
The Flying Saucer is a classic bar/gastropub institution on the main river-walk in Little Rock, Arkansas. As soon as you enter you notice the leather chairs and couches, the old world plates on the ceiling, and plenty of beer on the tables in front of comfortable drinkers. It was the perfect place to grab a quick drink and snack after a long day of driving (from Chicago) while we waited for my sister to arrive at the airport. Little did we know that we would make a repeat appearance the next day - partially by chance, partially because we were happy to go back.
The beer list is very impressive, with multiple pages of options in addition to numerous beers on tap. The food menu is as expected from a bar, with a distinct, home made german influence. Friday night we only had time for a round and two soft pretzels. If you're thinking ball-park pretzel, you're wrong. These are large, deliciously soft, fresh out of the oven pretzels served with a choice of sauces. We went with my favorite - melted cheese.
The following day we were in the neighborhood checking out the Clinton Presidential Library, just down the street from the Flying Saucer. Our quick lunch included all the classics of great bar food served with beer in front of large TVs showing football and seated in comfortable leather couches. We started with spinach/artichoke dip, chili cheese dip and salsa - and finished with chicken wings and bratwursts. The secret though is that they make the brats on the premises and they were unbelievable. If I had access to those brats tailgating during the football season I would be a few pounds heavier (and scaring my doctor).
The wings were uninspiring but fulfilled their standard mission. The spinach dip was surprisingly good without an obvious excess of cheese or oil and the chili cheese dip was amazing so long as you didn't worry about the nutritional value. I prefer my chili cheese a bit thicker and chunkier, but since it was served with tortilla chips it worked out.
All in all I can see why people join the U.F.O. club and make the Flying Saucer a central part of their entertainment routine. There's even a reward for drinking 300 different types of beer - you get your name on a plate and forever enshrined on the wall. The food is quite solid, especially the German focused fare. If the saucer was in Chicago you can bet I too would be there often for a drink and snack.
I am a Flying Saucer fan. Â I am a loyal UFO club member, and when I'm not in Massachusetts, I go to the Saucer in Austin, TX weekly, at the very least. Â So, on a road trip from Austin to Boston, I had to stop at the Saucer in Little Rock. Â
I ordered a local porter, I don't remember what it was but I got the feeling that there aren't too many local breweries in AR. Â That is fine, I'm not going to judge Flying Saucer on the quality of the beer I ordered. Â It wasn't my favorite porter ever but it was fine. Â
I am going to judge on the quality of the food. Â You'd think since this was a "chain" there would be some consistency to the food quality across locals, but this was not the case. Â Out of the three Saucers I've been to (Austin, Houston, Little Rock) the restaurant in Little Rock was the only disappointment.
The queso. Â Probably a bad idea to order tex mex out of Texas, but I like the queso at the Austin saucer and I assumed the recipe would be the same. Â Definitely wasn't. Â This was the same story for our entrees. Â Overall just disappointing. Â However, if I were in Little Rock again I'd give it another chance--but skip the food and go for the beer.
Hello Flying Saucer(Little Rock)! I am glad I got to meet you! You are indeed a worthy sister to the other Saucers I have visited!
First-excellent beer selection and some nice brews from local breweries(yes Boulevard and Diamond Bear,I am talking to you!). Second, the food was delicious-even the people we took who didn't"t drink enjoyed the visit because of this. Third, cool little area you decided to settle into-down there by the river. Very cool vibe!
The waitstaff was spot on and very friendly.
The only complaint? Parking is very limited and confusing.
If you find yourself in Little Rock and hungry or thirsty you could certainly do worse than flying down to the Saucer!
The Saucer...I miss you on many levels...
During my two-year stint down in Little Rock, I found myself constantly gravitating toward The Flying Saucer. Â It just always felt like a great handshake every time...
The Flying Saucer is located right downtown in Little Rock, and it's hard to miss. Â A large, 2-level restaurant, the Saucer is where you come to find the beer you can't find. Â The restaurant offers a great selection of tables inside, as well as an enclosed patio with tables and couches as you come in. Â The bar is GIGANTIC, and there are a SHITLOAD of beer on tap, and just as many in bottles.
...and of course, to top it off, waitresses in Catholic schoolgirl skirts. Â Nice.
The food is good, the service is good, and the beer is plentiful.
Expect a cover on busier nights, but it's worth it. Â You can easily spend your whole evening here, enjoying the company of your friends and the company of your beer.
Love it.
This was my first taste of downtown Little Rock. I was pleasantly surprised.
I love me some good beer! This is the 3rd Flying Saucer I've been to since moving to the south. This one was probably my favorite too. Â They had an excellent selection as usual. I had a couple of really good beers that my local Saucer doesn't have on tap.
We went on a Friday night so the place was busy which was cool for people watching. We had no problem finding a seat (party of 6). I don't know why there was a cover, but it was only $3 so whatever.
Our waitress was on top of it and did a great job. There was a guy playing guitar and singing. He was pretty good.
Definitely a must for any beer lover. I believe they had a full bar at this saucer as well. Cheers.
Atmosphere at the Saucer is like any other in the Flying Saucer franchise - saucers on the walls, beer bottles lining the walls, etc. Nothing special here. Crowd is very young late at night, so try to enjoy your beers during the day or at supper.
Several hundred beers to choose from but the draughts are sometimes "off" in taste. I've had this numerous times and complained, but they swear the tap lines are cleaned weekly. The bottled beers taste fine, so it's not the glassware. Arkansas beers have a strong presence on tap which is good for the local spirit, but unfortunately some of the Diamand Bear beers are marginal and they do not carry a single beer from Bosco's (whose brewpub is one block away).
Staff is significantly undertrained when it comes to beer knowledge. It's either funny or condescending when they try to describe a beer to you. They also serve you another "similar" beer if your requested beer is kicked. I ordered a Whitebread and they brought me John Courage. Hmm.
Food is standard pub fare, though the cheese dip is a guaranteed source for digestive problems later (I've confirmed this with several locals who go there and figured this out independently of me).
One of the best places in Little Rock for beer but don't have high expectations.
There is a certain pretentious nature to many NY beer bars....maybe it comes with the territory when you are serving $10 pints. Â It was quite a relief to walk in to this laid back scene after a work day lasting the better part of 15 hours. Â The wings were great, the beer was ice cold and the bartender could appropriately match options for styles I enjoyed. Â (Ex: Â I love the Ayinger Celebrator, they only have it in a bottle; she suggested a Spaten Optimator and it was fantastically close to what I sought originally).
The only thing stopping this from being 5 stars is the allowance of douschebaggery. Â Bumbling drunk comes in and promptly blurts out "nice tits" to the bartender who serves him. Â Radiating my best antisocial vibe and staring at the commercial on TV like it had a plot of course he starts spitting vulgar language and flat out letting me know what he'd like to go do in his hotel room. Â I couldn't even call them sexual innuendos, they were clear statements. Â Manager hears this, bartender hears this and while I am perfectly content telling him off for about the first 5 minutes on my own anything past that is an issue they should address instead of mouthing "are you okay?" and avoiding the situation. Â He should have never been served in the first place, and for that minus 1 star.
Wow! Â yeah!!
I had a mixed cold dish of smoked salmon and various cheese. Â Soooo good!! Unfortunately I couldn't order any beer because I had to drive right after; but next time I won't miss.
The only thing I really didn't like is their indoor smoking section. Â Even the restaurant has a smoking section at the front entry, but it doesn't stop the smoke flowing into the main dining area.
My father, brother, and I ate here on our mini-trip to visit Little Rock (I'll be living in LR as off Sept. 2008). It was my first restaurant in Little Rock.
The place is big and has an enormous selection of beer (draft and bottled) for you to choose from. I didn't try any beers, but will most likely be back when I'm settled in, since its only about a 5 minute drive from my place.
I had the veggie "big" slice. It was very very good. The sauce was a pesto white sauce and it had artichokes, onions, and green olives. My father even ate a slice (its comes with about 4 slices) and loved it. He got the turkey sandwich with fries and my brother got the BLT with potato salads. They both said the food was pretty good for a pub food. The portions for the sandwich was a great size and they gave you a lot of fries on the side.
They don't have sweet tea (which I'm use to having in the South) even though I thought AR was considered the South, but I guess not. The wait staff was nice, but they seem a bit stand-offish at times. I guess since we weren't business men, our waitress didn't spend much time trying to talk to us or anything. Our food didn't take long at all and got to us at a reasonable time and temp.
We parked right next door to the restaurant and it was $2 for an hour. There was numerous street parallel parking, but they were taken. The area is really cute. Its in the "River Market" area of Little Rock, so there was a lot of others cute pubs and restaurants around.
I'll most likely review this place again after I spend time trying out the beers and try the food one more time.
The Flying Saucer is much like Taco Mac in Atlanta, they have hundreds of beers on tap and in bottles.
The best part about this place is that they have the large (750mL) bottles of Lindemann's Framboise (and other varieties) for just $14! That's a STEAL, given the places in Atlanta that actually serve it sell it for $8-11 for a 12oz bottle. Â
This fact alone gives Flying Saucer 5 stars. I wish there was one in Atlanta.
The Flying Saucer also has events throughout the week such as trivia contests and live music. If you are in Little Rock.... GO!
I'll give it three stars because it is spacious and has an extensive beer selection. Personally, I don't care for the atmosphere. Flying Saucer is to bars what a  mainstream rock station is to radio.
Bright spots: Monday night is pint night and Tuesday night is trivia. They also serve food late. Little Rock is in dire need of restaurants that stay open past the 10:00 hour. If you find yourself in the Rivermarket area in need of bar food or an uncommon imported beer, Flying Saucer is the place.
I don't live in Little Rock anymore, but I lived there for a while and always enjoyed going to this place.
It's always busy at night which can be annoying, but this is because it's cool. Â Great beer selection. Â Decent food. Â Cool atmosphere. Â It's probably my favorite place in the rivermarket.
If you love beer you'll really like this place.
Cheap beer, and a LOT of it. Â The waitresses dress up in little kilt like outfits which is really fun, and they have a very good buffalo chicken wrap that goes well with one of their berry flavored brews. Â They have a certain night (unfortunately I wasn't there for that) where you get to take home a souvenir glass. Â
One of the classiest dive-type bar in the Rivermarket. Â
Come as you are.
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