The small town of Lonoke is now home to the Grumpy Rabbit, thanks to the vision of owners Gina Cox and Jim Wiertelak. The two spearheaded a massive renovation of a historical downtown building, then brought in James Beard award-nominated chef James Hale to oversee the kitchen.
Hale’s menu is simple, straightforward, and above all else, well-executed. Start off with an order of tater tots that come smashed flat and fried right. The Board is another meal-starter best split amongst tablemates and includes bacon-egg salad, savory cheesecake, grilled bologna, crostini, and grilled sausage with toasted fennel-onion confit. The reuben sandwich with housemade sauerkraut and the Grumpy burger are both must-orders during lunchtime.
There is also a full brunch menu with plates like a Grumpy benedict, sweet cream pancakes, corned beef hash, and “swamp” grits—it comes loaded with crawfish, redfish, and shrimp stewed with tomatoes, and pays homage to Hale’s ties to New Orleans.
For dinner, the grilled, 14-ounce ribeye is a nice option, as is the filet, while the blackened redfish is a slightly lighter alternative for those looking to save a little space for dessert—which is a wise idea, as the carrot cake and chocolate sheet cake are winners. Grab a few forks and polish off the slabs of decadent cake, each with a thick layer of icing that will leave you scraping your plate.
The Grumpy Rabbit works as both a special occasion restaurant or one where family and friends can spend a relaxed evening with warm, down-home service. Whatever the case, the addition of the restaurant has brought a level of excitement to the Lonoke food community like never before.
Can’t Miss
APPETIZER: Tater tots and the Board to share with a group
SANDWICH: The reuben, piled high with housemade sauerkraut, or the Grumpy burger
MAIN: Swamp grits loaded with Gulf seafood
DESSERT: Carrot cake
