White truffle, fig jam, and pecorino cheese aren’t typical burger toppings, but they’re all part of the menu at Big Orange in Little Rock, Arkansas. This Midtown restaurant also serves a Carolina Reaper burger for anyone who prefers serious heat.
The menu goes beyond burgers. You’ll find Arkansas-style cheese dip, truffle fries, waffle-cut sweet potato fries, and hand-spun shakes with flavors ranging from Oreo to dulce de leche.
Located on North University Avenue, Big Orange also offers gluten-free buns, salads, and an upstairs seating area. Between the unusual burger combinations and creative sides, there’s plenty here that sets it apart from an ordinary burger joint.
A Bright Midtown Spot on University Avenue
Big Orange is the full name, and the Midtown location sits at 207 N University Ave, Suite 100, in Little Rock, Arkansas. It’s a modern hamburger restaurant known for creative burgers, salads, and hand-spun shakes.
The building has a bright, contemporary feel that matches its cheerful name. Its spot on University Avenue makes it easy to reach from many parts of the city.
Big Orange has become a familiar name around central Arkansas. The Midtown restaurant holds a 4.5-star rating on Google from more than 2,700 reviews, which is a lot of opinions for one burger joint.
That number says something about staying power. A place doesn’t collect that many ratings unless people keep showing up over time.
The restaurant is also open seven days a week. Google lists hours from late morning into the evening every day, which makes planning simple for both lunch and dinner crowds.
I like a restaurant that doesn’t make you memorize a complicated schedule. You can decide on a Sunday or a Tuesday and still have options.
Of course, a good location only matters if the food delivers, and the burger list here is where things get creative.
The White Truffle Burger Brings a Fancy Twist
Truffle usually shows up on menus at upscale restaurants. At Big Orange, it lands on a burger, and that choice sums up the kitchen’s playful attitude.
The White Truffle Burger is one of the menu items people mention by name. It takes a familiar sandwich and adds an ingredient most of us connect with special occasions.
I find this idea appealing because it makes something fancy feel approachable. You don’t need a reservation or a dress code to try truffle here.
The burger list goes well beyond this one choice, too. Diners have named options like the Delta Blue, the Umami burger, the Farmers burger, and a bacon avocado burger.
Each name hints at a different direction. Some lean toward bold toppings, while others stay closer to a classic cheeseburger.
One practical note is worth knowing before you order. Patties are cooked medium well by default, so speak up if you want yours cooked differently.
That small tip can make a big difference for picky eaters. And if truffle feels too mild, there’s a burger on the menu built for people who want serious heat.
Heat Seekers Meet the Reaper Burger
Some people order a burger for comfort. Others want a challenge, and the Reaper burger is aimed squarely at that second group.
The name points to the Carolina Reaper, a pepper famous for its extreme heat. Diners mention this burger often enough that it clearly gets attention.
The spicy sauce connected to it has its own reputation. One diner shared that staff kindly offered a taste of the sauce first, since a friend wasn’t sure he could handle the spice.
That’s a smart move if you’re curious but cautious. Asking for a sample can save you from committing to a whole burger you can’t finish.
I respect a menu that includes a dare like this. It adds a little excitement without forcing anyone to take part.
If you’re dining with a group, this burger can turn into a fun talking point. One brave person orders it, and everyone else watches to see how it goes.
Not everyone wants that kind of adventure, though. Thankfully, the menu offers lighter choices, including a turkey burger and salads that get plenty of love on their own.
Lighter Plates That Still Feel Like a Treat
Not every visit has to end with a big, heavy burger. Big Orange keeps a turkey burger and a selection of salads on the menu for anyone wanting something a bit lighter.
The turkey burger comes up regularly when diners share their favorite orders. It gives you the burger experience with a different kind of patty.
Salads also have a loyal place here. The BLT Wedge Salad with grilled chicken has drawn praise, combining classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato flavors with a protein boost.
Keep in mind that salad options can change. One diner mentioned a Southwest salad that was rotated off the menu, so check the current lineup before getting attached.
I like that the kitchen refreshes things from time to time. It keeps the menu from feeling stale for people who visit often.
Portions on salads can be generous, too. One diner mentioned boxing up leftovers for later.
That’s handy if you want a second meal out of one order. Of course, many people save room for what comes next, because the sides at Big Orange have a fan club of their own.
Truffle Fries and Sweet Potato Waffles Lead the Sides
Fries might be the quiet heroes of this menu. Truffle fries and sweet potato fries are among the most mentioned items in reviews, right up there with the shakes.
The truffle fries carry the same upscale idea as the truffle burger. They make an easy add-on when you want to share something at the table.
Sweet potato fries come in a waffle cut, and they’re served with a dipping sauce. One family made the trip specifically because a daughter was craving them.
There’s also a house fry sauce for regular fries. Freshly made chips round out the side options.
Here’s a helpful detail for groups. Side orders can’t be split, so ordering one basket for the table often works well when several people are sharing.
Fried pickles also appear on the list of popular items. They’re a classic Southern snack that fits right in at an Arkansas burger spot.
I’d lean toward ordering two different sides and passing them around. Speaking of starters, there’s one appetizer that feels especially fitting in a state that takes its cheese dip very seriously.
Cheese Dip, the Arkansas Way
Arkansas has a real love for cheese dip. The state even holds an annual cheese dip competition, so any restaurant serving it here faces a knowledgeable crowd.
Big Orange has its own version, called the Big Orange Cheese Dip. It’s one of the frequently mentioned starters, earning plenty of praise from diners.
One visitor described it as exactly what an Arkansas cheese dip should be. Coming from someone who clearly knows the local tradition, that’s strong approval.
The dip arrives with tortilla chips for scooping. It’s an easy appetizer to share while everyone looks over the burger menu.
For gluten-free diners, there’s useful news. Staff have told guests that the cheese dip and tortilla chips are gluten free, with the chips fried in their own dedicated space.
However, the house chips are a different story. They are not gluten free, so it helps to know which chips you’re getting.
I like when a modern restaurant honors a local favorite instead of ignoring it. And that careful attention to gluten-free needs goes well beyond the cheese dip, as the next part shows.
Gluten-Free Diners Get Real Options
Eating out with a gluten sensitivity can feel stressful. Big Orange makes it easier with a gluten-free bun and a dedicated fryer for certain fried items.
The gluten-free bun is mentioned often enough to stand out. One diner admitted it looked a little unusual but said it wasn’t dry, which is a common complaint with these buns.
The dedicated fryer is a big deal for many people. Fries cooked there avoid sharing oil with breaded foods.
Servers also seem prepared to answer questions. One guest praised a staff member for explaining cross-contamination and which items were safe.
That kind of knowledge matters more than a label on a menu. It helps diners order with confidence instead of guessing.
One family traveling home from out of state chose this location specifically for gluten-free meals. After a week of struggling to find safe food, they made Big Orange their first stop.
Still, it’s always smart to mention any allergy when you order. Clear communication protects you and helps the kitchen.
Once dinner is handled, though, it’s time to talk about the shakes.
Hand-Spun Shakes Worth Saving Room For
Shakes are the most mentioned item in Big Orange reviews, beating even the famous fries. That tells you dessert is not an afterthought here.
The shakes are handmade, and the flavor list mixes classics with more creative choices. Oreo comes up again and again as a favorite.
Other flavors diners have named include strawberry, dulce de leche, and coffee caramel. Each one gives a slightly different finish to a burger meal.
I’d be tempted to try the coffee caramel first. It sounds like a fun mix of sweet and bold.
One family member even skipped finishing dinner to save space for a strawberry shake. That’s a decision many of us would understand.
Shakes also work well for kids who might not eat a full burger. Sharing one with a smaller appetite can stretch a treat further.
Big Orange also offers a wide range of sodas and other drinks. Just know that the shakes are what most people talk about afterward.
All that sweet talk leads naturally to the room where you’ll enjoy it, and the atmosphere has its own personality.
An Upbeat Room With an Upstairs Bonus
Bright and modern is how the restaurant describes itself, and diners agree. Many mention the fun decor, the music, and the lively feel of the place.
The space includes an upstairs seating area. Some guests consider it the best spot in the restaurant.
Timing matters, though. One diner learned the upstairs area was closed from 2 to 4 p.m. for cleaning, so midafternoon visitors may sit downstairs instead.
There’s also bar seating and outdoor seating. These choices give groups a little flexibility depending on the mood and weather.
Here’s an honest heads-up. The room can get loud, especially during busy times.
If you want a quiet conversation, takeout might suit you better. Some fans happily order their food to go for exactly that reason.
Families, on the other hand, may find the noise helpful. Kids can be kids without anyone glaring across the room.
I like knowing these details ahead of time. It helps match the visit to what you actually want.
And a room is only as good as the people working in it, which brings up the staff.
Friendly Service and Smart Timing Tips
Servers here get mentioned by name in reviews again and again. That’s usually a sign a team makes people feel welcome.
Guests have praised staff for explaining the menu, checking in often, and even keeping kids laughing. The owners also reply warmly to many reviews online.
Food is made fresh, so busy lunch hours can mean a short wait. Planning a little earlier or later than the rush can help.
Big Orange is open seven days a week, including some holidays. One diner was grateful to find it open on Easter Sunday.
The Midtown location also sits close to downtown venues. Out-of-town visitors have stopped here before concerts, which makes it handy for a pre-show meal.
A few final tips can make your visit smoother. Mention how you like your burger cooked, ask about current specials, and speak up about allergies.
Specials do appear off the regular menu sometimes. One guest discovered a double smashburger loaded with bacon and cheese that way.
I’d ask about those first. In a place built on creativity, the newest idea might become your favorite order.
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