The Purple Cow - Cantrell on Little Rock Appetite.com

Whimsy may not be on The Purple Cow menu, but it's a daily special at the popular Little Rock chain of retro-style diners. From the purple leather banquette and counter stool seating, to the extensive collection of purple cow-themed artifacts (most donated by fans), to the signature scoop of purple vanilla ice cream, Purple Cow patrons are invited to check formalities at the door and pull up a seat to the lighter side.

The Purple Cow is "for the young of all ages," according to Todd Gold, President. While both Little Rock locations are solid favorites with soccer moms and the rest of the mini-van set, kids are not required to appreciate the extensive menu and what Gold calls "outrageous customer service."

The menu features a mix of classic diner fare like hefty burgers and paper-lined baskets of crispy fries, Southern favorites like the "Palm Beach" (grilled pimiento cheese sandwich), and gourmet offerings like the Grilled Portobello. For those with wills of steel, there are fabulous, fresh salads. And a full weekend brunch. Either way, be sure to leave room for dessert, because that's where taste buds really get to play, with an old-fashioned, drugstore style ice cream counter, where frozen treats are scooped and mixed by hand. The result is a taste and texture that machines and mixes can't duplicate. And yes, the counter personnel are really called "soda jerks."

Purple Cow soda jerks dip Yarnell's ice cream exclusively, the basis for such treats as the Drugstore Sundae, the Carmel Cashew Coffee Sundae, and an array of malts and shakes, delivered with the frosty cold stainless tumbler they were blended in.

For a grown-up treat, stir in a shot of a favorite cordial. The Purple Cow is fully licensed, offering beer, wine, bloody marys and mimosas. From CEOs to soccer moms, this Little Rock favorite serves up the meals - and memories - that make everyone smile.