Skinny J's Argenta — Restaurant in North Little Rock

Love Skinny J's! Have eaten here several times and food is consistently fantastic. Service is good, beers are cold, and it's a great location. Only negative is, and it's a big one, the bands are WAAAAAAAAAAY TOO LOUD.

Went for dinner with friends on Tuesday night and they happened to have a band starting at 7:00 p.m. We arrived around 6:50 p.m. (not knowing about the band in advance), were seated immediately by a very nice hostess, were greeted quickly by a great waitress, and we were enjoying catching up with old friends we hadn't seen in a while. All was great. Then 10 minutes later, it started. The music was so loud that we literally could not hear each other speak. I don't mean we couldn't hear each other in our normal voices/volume. No, I mean we were literally yelling at the top of our lungs and could not hear one word each other was saying. At first we thought, okay it's too loud, but they'll get it sorted out and adjusted. Sadly, not. We would have left but had already ordered drinks and food. We were stuck. We had no other option but to sit there looking at each other. I guess we could have asked for extra napkins so we could write messages to each other, but what fun is that. On a side note, it is typically a loud place anyway. Even with no music the conversation level is a medium roar. But that's kind of what you expect in a place where you can catch up with friends and not have to keep your voices down.

I could understand if it was a Friday or Saturday night around 9:00 p.m. or later, but a Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. People dining at that time are typically couples or groups of friends who want to catch up and chat.

We're not old fogies who think anything over a low volume is too loud, but there is a time for that and week nights right after work and/or during dinner is not it. I hate to say it, but this is probably enough to keep us away if we try to go on a night they have a band. There are many other good options around that area where you can go and not have that problem. I would have given them 5 stars if it wasn't for this. Please fix this big...

So I came in for dinner, started with an Old Fashioned (terrible drink). Asked the bartender what’s the popular stuff, stated the place is known for their steaks. I asked on the appetizer side, she suggested the Reuben Egg Rolls so I went with that. Few minutes later my appetizer came out, great presentation and to my surprise were good! Not even on a second bite, here comes my dinner and I was like really… I just got my appetizer and the young lady looked at me like I dumbfounded! So the first picture that has a sauce and no mash which I turned back after the plate was at the bar table for over 5 mins (claimed it’s a type of butter upon asking), the second picture is without sauce. A true steak house -steaks come out from the grill and nothing else! This steak, claimed to be a Filet (more like a Sirloin), definitely didn’t feel like a Mignon, not even close. After a few bites, the salt overpowered my taste buds (heavy aftertaste I honestly think it’s the type of seasonings they use) and at this point I was done! Let’s add the Green Beans, Mash, and slice of bread were all terrible! Bartender didn’t ask me how was the food but she was kind to ask if I wanted to take anything.

In my professional opinion, this place caters more to the locals! I firmly believe this is the people from AR like and enjoy. To each their own! One and done for me!!! When I spoke to one of the ladies kindly asking on how they make their steaks, I was floored she mentioned A1 sauce lol. Definitely not a steakhouse!!! Place looks really nice and aligns with being more like a sports bar.

This is NOT a Valdi...

We were referred here by a local resident. The atmosphere is old time bar/ restaurant. A few TVs played sports but they weren’t obtrusive.

Our server Hannah was very helpful with the large number of menu choices. She was attentive, but not super speedy.

I chose the “Skinny Burger,” with mushrooms, grilled onions, and cheese with a side of onion rings.

Hanna didn’t ask how I wanted my burger cooked, and when it arrived, it was well done, and therefore kind of dry. :(

The onion rings were the premade kind and unremarkable in every way.

My companion ordered the fried green tomato sandwich and thought it was pretty good. I had a bite of it, and it did have an unusual, but pleasant taste. Her side of sweet potato fries were average at best.

We left at about 8:15 in the evening, and although the stated closing time was 9 PM, I felt rushed. The staff weresweeping the floors and placing chairs on all the tables as we were leaving. There were other people in the restaurant at that time, still finishing their meals!

And finally, I was very surprised to see a 12 1/2% food tax added to our bill! And it still is the tax on liquor was even higher, possibly 30%!!!

When I travel, I really like to seek out local establishments, but the quality of the food and the high tax rate we encountered would definitely keep me from...