Little Rock, AR is the state’s largest city and an excellent place to find world-class cuisine. These Mexican restaurants certainly showcase the best of Little Rock, from more traditional spots to fusion restaurants. You’ll need a great, well-maintained vehicle to get to all of them. At Crain Automotive Team Collision, we offer expert auto glass repair, fender repair, dent repair, and removal, and many more services to keep your car in tip-top shape.
1. La Hacienda
Visit La Hacienda at 3024 Cantrell Rd. for some of the best chicken mole you’ll find in Little Rock. They also serve Mexican favorites like meaty and delicious steak fajitas, tasty street tacos, and tamales. You’ll find friendly and knowledgeable service and an extensive menu with something for everyone.
2. El Porton
If you’re looking for amazing Mexican food right in the middle of Little Rock, stop by El Porton at 12111 W. Markham St. Ste. 450. The service is quick and friendly, and the menu has tasty twists on Mexican food. The shrimp quesadilla is fantastic, and the steak tacos, nachos, and quesadillas are all solid staples. Plus, you can taste the attention to detail, even down to the soft tortillas and guacamole.
3. Local Lime
Local Lime, at 17815 Chenal Pkwy. Ste, F105 serves super fresh Mexican fare that will certainly hit the spot. The carnitas, bowls, and homemade salsas are all stand-out menu items. If you’re looking for something slightly lighter, try the fish tacos or zucchini salsa. Make sure that you order a side of cilantro rice to split with the table.
4. Cantina Cinco De Mayo
Visit Cantina Cinco De Mayo at 3 Rahling Cir. for delicious food and a great ambiance. The outdoor patio is ideal for people-watching and enjoying great fare like enchiladas, mole, and burritos. The chips and salsa is an incredible starter, with fresh, juicy salsa, and it’s the perfect starter for sharing. If you want to eat where the locals do, and enjoy some seriously tasty, traditional Mexican food, check out Cantina Cinco De Mayo.
5. Taqueria El Palenque
Taqueria El Palenque, at 9501 N. Rodney Parham Rd. serves excellent Mexican food that you won’t find everywhere, like chiaquiles and tortas. You’ll also find more mainstream fare, like guacamole, burritos, tacos, and homemade chips and salsa. With various salsas and sauces, you can make your meal as hot or mild as you’d like. The servers are also very friendly and will happily give you menu suggestions.
There’s excellent Mexican cuisine on virtually every corner of Little Rock, but you need a great ride to see them all. Stop in and see us at Crain Automotive Team Collision to get your car running perfectly today.
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Signs You Need a Brake Repair
Understanding your vehicle is important for safe driving, and the brake system is undeniably one of the most critical things to understand about your car. The ability to stop quickly and efficiently can often be the difference between a close call and a deadly accident. Do you need brake repair? Let’s consider some of the signs that something might be wrong.
Unwanted Vibration
Have you ever felt a vibration or pulsing sensation through the brake pedal? If the answer is yes, your vehicle might be trying to tell you something. This sensation often suggests warped rotors, which are the metal discs that brake pads clamp down on to stop your vehicle. Warped rotors could be a result of extreme braking for extended periods, like when driving down a steep hill. If you notice this symptom, a brake inspection could be necessary.
A Squeal That Steals Your Peace
One common indicator that your vehicle’s brakes might need attention is a high-pitched squealing sound when you apply the brakes. This noise is generated by a small metal shim known as an indicator. It’s purposefully designed to make a noise when your brake pads have worn thin, alerting you that it might be time for a replacement. Don’t ignore this call from your vehicle; it means nothing is critical yet, but it will be very soon.
The Worrying Warning Light
Modern vehicles come equipped with sophisticated systems that monitor your vehicle’s health, including the braking system. If you see a brake warning light illuminated on your dashboard, it’s a sign that something might not be right. While it could be as simple as the handbrake being left engaged, it could also indicate a serious problem such as low brake fluid, which warrants immediate attention.
Dreadful Drag
Does your vehicle seem to pull to one side when you apply the brakes? This symptom might be signaling uneven wear on your brake pads, a malfunctioning brake caliper, or low brake fluid in one part of the brake line. A thorough brake inspection will not only identify the root cause of the problem but also guide appropriate repairs.
Lengthy Pedal Travel
If your brake pedal goes down further than usual before your vehicle begins to slow down, it’s a strong indication that you might have a brake system problem. A brake pedal that feels “soft” or “spongy” is typically a sign of air in the brake lines or problems with the master cylinder.
At Crain Collision Center, we pride ourselves on delivering top-quality service, leveraging our expertise and experience to ensure your vehicle is at its best performance. We believe that regular brake inspections are vital to keeping you and your loved ones safe on the road. Bring your vehicle to Crain Collision Center if you notice any of these signs of brake trouble.
It’s summer in Little Rock, AR, which means it’s time for some fun days out with your loved ones. Thankfully, we don’t need to look far in Little Rock, AR, as there are so many summer activities to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the best.
Peabody Splash Park
Take a worry-free drive to Peabody Splash Park, safe in the knowledge that if your car sustains any damage on the way, experienced and skilled experts are close by at Crain to fix it. This fun-filled splash park can be found at 400 President Clinton Avenue and is guaranteed to keep the children entertained for hours.
The park includes some extraordinary attractions designed by children for children, with features including a collection of weird and wonderful outdoor and underground rooms and tunnels, large native stones for climbing, and a lovely pavilion that’s home to a tube slide, a climbing wall, a space net, and a splash fountain with water sprays.
The T.R Pugh Memorial Park
Located at 3800 Lakeshore Drive, this beautiful park was built in honor of Thomas R. Pugh, an agricultural leader in southeast Arkansas. The cornerstone of the mill contains rocks taken from Thomas Pugh’s own grandfather’s plantation. In 1933 when it was built, it was purposely made to look 100 years older than it was in reality.
It was cleverly designed by a talented architect called Frank Carmean, with Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez creating some of the park’s most quirky and unique features, including sculptures of toadstools, tree stumps that resourceful kids use as makeshift seats, plus a bridge with intertwining branches that connects the mill to the rest of this extraordinary park.
Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park
Situated at 490 Toltec Mounds Road, the Plum Bayou is one of only four National Historic Parks in the whole of Arkansas. It’s absolutely mind-boggling to think that the park used to be a ceremonial site for prehistoric Native Americans over 1000 years ago.
The park is home to the beautiful 0.8-mile Knapp Trail that winds its way through the old Indian site of yesteryear. You can also book a guide who will tell you all about the mound-building Native Americans who lived on that exact same site all those centuries ago. The 1.6-mile Plum Bayou trail is equal in beauty to the first and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Whatever else you do, make it your business to check out our fantastic team at Little Rock’s Crain Automotive Team Collision, so we can come to the rescue by repairing your car if you need us.
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Defensive driving can save drivers a good deal on the costs of medical bills and collision repair. While on the road, instead of focusing only on getting from A to B, focusing on reducing collision threats will make you a happier, healthier, wealthier driver. The following 10 safe driving tips can go a long way to ensure you make it to your destination in one piece.
Take Your Time
Speeding plays a role in 29% of all road accidents. No matter how urgent your journey may seem, slow down and drive safely. You can mitigate the temptation to drive too fast by setting off earlier on most of your trips.
Stay Focused
Distracted driving is also a significant hazard, causing 16% of all road accidents. Always avoid turning your attention to smartphones, food, drink, navigation systems, or passengers while driving, any of which can be a dangerous distraction.
Look Far Ahead
The earlier you see upcoming intersections, traffic jams, road debris, or dangerous drivers, the sooner and surer you can react. Always look far ahead to anticipate obstacles and hazards in advance.
Only Drive When Well-Rested
Lack of sleep dramatically increases any driver’s chances of having an accident. When you feel sleepy, it’s often best to put off your drive until after you’ve had a nap or a coffee.
Keep Your Distance
Follow the three-second rule and always avoid tailgating. You never know when the other driver might suddenly stop.
Anticipate Bad Drivers
Don’t expect other drivers to be safe and rational. If you anticipate the occasional mistakes of others, you’re more likely to respond to threats safely.
Beware of Wet Roads
Always adjust your driving to the weather conditions. Wet or icy roads dramatically alter driving conditions. When it rains or snows, slow down, extend distances between other cars, avoid hard braking, and handle turns with caution.
Be Aware of Blind Spots
Always be aware of your own blind spots and the blind spots of other drivers. It’s best to assume that a vehicle is in your blind spot before changing lanes; also assume that other drivers can’t see you when you approach from the rear on either side.
Maintain Your Car
Poorly maintained brakes, tires, transmissions, and other car parts cause a great many accidents each year. You can stay a lot safer on the road by keeping your car properly maintained and attending all scheduled servicing visits.
Get Collision Repair Promptly
If you ever have a collision, always have your car promptly examined and repaired. Even after a mild scrape or bump, you never know what internal damage might have been dealt that’s making your vehicle less safe to drive.
If your car is in any way damaged by a collision, visit Crain Collision to have experienced technicians repair it today. We’re dedicated to delivering personalized service and excellent customer satisfaction.
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Taking your family out to eat at a restaurant can be a great way to bond and share new experiences, but some places are more appropriate than others. Keep reading to learn about our favorite family restaurants in the Little Rock, AR area, and you will be inspired to treat the family to a meal. You will also appreciate our guaranteed color matching of factory vehicle colors if a careless driver nicks your side mirror in the parking lot.
1. All Aboard Restaurant & Grill
Located at 6813 Cantrell Road, All Aboard is open from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm every day of the week. This restaurant is train-themed, which will be especially fun for kids, as food is delivered to the tables by a motorized mini train. The menu is classic American, with burgers, salads, pitas, and chicken and seafood baskets. “Kid Happy Hour”, weekdays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with lower prices on kids’ meals is a great time to bring the family.
2. David Family Kitchen
This family restaurant can be found at 2301 Broadway Street, where it is open from 6:00 am to 9:45 am and 11:00 am to 2:30 pm Tuesday through Friday and from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays. If you can get the family up early, David’s is the perfect place to stop for a breakfast platter. Enjoy a stack of pancakes or the pork chop platter with eggs and toast.
3. Walker’s Restaurant
You can find Walker’s Restaurant at 1700 Main Street. They are open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday through Friday, until 4:00 pm on Saturdays, and until 6:00 pm on Sundays. This soul food restaurant serves delicious Southern food, like fried chicken and macaroni and cheese, cafeteria style. Try the ox tails and broccoli casserole.
4. J and J Diner
J and J Diner is located just north of the river at 1123 East Washington Ave. in North Little Rock. Open for lunch from noon to 3:00 pm from Wednesday through Friday and Sundays, this diner serves classic homestyle Southern dishes like barbecue, catfish, fried pork chops, and more. If anyone in your family has a sweet tooth, this is worth a stop to try the lemon and strawberry pound cake.
5. Black Bear Diner North Little Rock
Located about eight miles north of town, this regional chain can be found at 2724 Lakewood Village Place in North Little Rock. Black Bear has great opening hours, from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can make a stop here no matter what meal you’re looking for.
Try one of these great restaurants next time you want to take the family out for some quality time, but first come visit us at Crain Automotive Team Collision to learn more about the services we offer.
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Collision repair encompasses all forms of repairing physical damage to your car. It could be a dent caused by a runaway shopping cart, a crack in the windshield from a poorly aimed golf ball, or an accident caused by another vehicle. In all these cases, your car will have suffered damage and needs repair. We’d like to give you an overview of the repair process.
Booking
The first step in repairing the damage is contacting us. We have four repair centers in Arkansas, and they have the trained technicians and tools to fix any level of damage to your car. You can book an appointment with us either by phone or via our bookings page on the website. If your car isn’t drivable, we can arrange a tow truck.
Assessment
One of our expert technicians will perform a thorough walk-around inspection of your car to determine the extent of the damage. This inspection is documented and videoed and forms the basis for planning the repair process. Some assessments can be very quick, for example, a cracked windshield, and others may take longer.
Check-In
While our technician is examining the damage, we’ll assist you with the check-in process. We provide a complimentary drop-off and pickup service. We can also assist you if you need to rent a car.
Estimate
Once the assessment has been completed, we’ll produce a free estimate for you or your insurance company. Our technicians will assist you with any questions you might have. If your insurance company is arranging the repair, we’ll liaise with them. We work with all insurance companies, and this knowledge can make the process much faster. During this stage, we will order any parts we don’t have for the repair.
Vehicle Prep
Once we receive approval for the repair, and damaged sections will be removed. In the unlikely event, we discover any additional damage, we’ll inform you or your insurance company. Any paint behind or around the damaged sections will be removed to prepare the surface for repainting.
Repairs
This stage of the process varies the most, as it’s determined by the type and extent of the damage. Any dents will be expertly removed, and sections to be repaired will be cleaned, sanded, and prepared for painting.
Painting
Any panels or body sections that require painting will be transferred to our paint shop. They will be color matched and repainted to match your car’s paint. Our paint technicians will then repaint all areas where damaged sections were removed before installing the new sections or panels.
Collection
Once the repairs are complete, your car will be rechecked and tested, and will then be available for collection.
If you’d like to know more about a repair or to book a repair, call us today at Crain Collision.
Little Rock, AR is a prime location for those looking for somewhere to help them get in their daily caffeine boost. On the days when you feel yourself desperately in need of coffee, hop in your recently serviced vehicle, and check out some of our favorite coffee shops that are located near Little Rock!
1. Mylo Coffee Co.
Mylo Coffee Co. is located at 2715 Kavanaugh Blvd and is open daily. The shop’s focused on promoting sustainability and remaining committed to achieving the greater good. Its menu includes a mix of coffee drinks, non-coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch dishes, and pastries. Available pastries include raspberry white chocolate scones, chocolate-filled croissants, and apple and cinnamon scones. If you’re craving a donut, be sure to try the shop’s unique coconut donut!
2. Mugs Coffee Co.
Mugs Coffee Co. is located at 5719 Kavanaugh Blvd and is open daily. The shop is passionate about being the best part of its customers’ days and serves exceptional coffee and delicious food. Its drink menu includes a mix of coffee drinks and specialty drinks, and its food menu includes items like soups, sandwiches, and pastries. Available specialty drinks include mocha lattes, chai lattes, matcha lattes, praline lattes, and Mayan mochas.
3. Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee
Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee is located at 10700 N Rodney Parham Rd A2 and is open daily. The shop is locally-owned and has been roasting coffee since 2008. Its menu includes coffee drinks, espresso drinks, tea, locally-baked pastries, and some savory and sweet breakfast dishes. If you’re looking for a bite to eat to pair with your coffee, be sure to try Guillermo’s sweet potato and chorizo breakfast burrito or its cream cheese and strawberry jam toast.
4. River City Coffee
River City Coffee is located at 2913 Kavanaugh Blvd and is open daily. The shop is unique in that it has a DJ who plays music while its staff serves up some good vibes and coffee. Its menu includes a variety of coffee and espresso drinks. If you’re looking for a drink with an extra dose of sweetness, the shop offers numerous sweet drink options, such as raspberry mochas, lavender lattes, pumpkin lattes, caramel lattes, and cinnamon roll lattes.
5. Fidel & Co Coffee Roasters
Fidel & Co Coffee Roasters is located at 500 Shall Ave Ste B and is open daily. The shop opened in 2019 and believes that everyone involved in the coffee-making process should be compensated fairly. Its menu includes coffee, espresso, tea, and pastries. If you’re a cookie or cake fan, be sure to try Fidel & Co’s peanut butter snickerdoodle cookies or its lemon poppyseed cake.
Now that you’re more alert, bring your car in to get the service it’s been needing. Stop by Crain Collison today and take advantage of our friendly and helpful customer service team that will make sure your vehicle gets the repairs it needs!
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What Should You Do If Your Car Gets Dented?
Every driver knows that accidents can happen at any time, and sometimes that results in car dents. Damaging your car can be frustrating and stressful, but don’t worry! Reputable collision repair can help you get your car back in shape and out on the road again in no time.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The first thing you should do when your car gets damaged is contact your insurance company. They can guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim and let you know what you need to do next. It’s important to act quickly following an accident, as delaying repairs can sometimes result in more damage to your vehicle.
Choose a Reputable Collision Repair Center
When choosing a collision center, it’s important to choose one that has a good track record. A collision center with a good reputation will have experienced technicians, the right tools and equipment to fix your car, and a history of customer satisfaction, meaning you can be confident that they will do a good job with your repair, too.
Schedule an Inspection of Your Car Dents
Once you’ve chosen a collision center, schedule an inspection of your car. A technician will assess the damage and provide you with an estimate of the repairs your car requires. They will also let you know how long it will take to repair your car and whether you will need a rental car in the meantime.
Have Your Car Repaired
A thorough repair process typically involves disassembling the car to view the full extent of the damage. Once it has been assessed, the technician will create a “blueprint” of the repairs needed, order any necessary parts, and begin the repairs.
Depending on the extent of the damage, this may mean replacing parts, repainting the car, and testing that everything is working properly. The collision center should keep you updated on the progress of the repairs and let you know if there are any delays or unexpected issues.
Prevent Future Dents
While accidents are a part of life, there are a few things you can do to avoid getting dents in your car in the future. Try to park in safe, well-lit areas, and avoid parking too close to other cars. Make sure you leave enough room for cars around you to open their doors, and always open your car door slowly. Most importantly, drive safely and obey traffic laws to reduce your risk of accidents.
Denting your car can be frustrating, but an experienced collision center can help you get your car back in shape. With a little care and attention, your vehicle can look as good as new again! Have a dent in your car? Call Crain Automotive Team Collision and get a free estimate of the repairs you need to get back on the road.
Crain Automotive, RV, Powersports, and Collision Centers would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to all of those impacted by the devastating storms. For years, Arkansans have been here for us, now we would like to be there for you. We have partnered with the American Red Cross to assist in the recovery of our local communities. The Crain Team is dedicated to helping those in our community and across the state. We are Arkansas Driven and community focused.
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Springtime arrives every year without fail, but each time is special. And there are plenty of ways to turn this time of year into a treasured memory with the host of opportunities for adventure in and around Little Rock, AR. Read on for our pick of the best spring activities to celebrate the warmer weather.
1. Celebrating at 501 Fest
Held this year on 29 April at 11am, this celebration of all things Little Rock will be located in the SoMA Downtown District. You can experience live music, the best local food from vendors, and arts and crafts. There’s an adult zone for food and drink if you prefer a less frantic pace, but children will love the activities at this family-friendly event, including the video gaming trailer, Batman ride, and bounce houses.
2. Exploring Pinnacle Mountain State Park
If you can’t wait to get outdoors this spring, make sure that you pay a visit to Central Arkansas’ distinctive landmark. With plenty of hiking trails to explore, you can experience the beautiful scenery while breathing in the fresh mountain air. Get your blood pumping and take in the stunning view of Lake Maumelle with the West Summit Trail, or observe the unique wildlife with a gentle stroll on the Kingfisher Trail.
3. Mountain Biking on the Trails
With more than 1,200 miles of cycling trails in and around Little Rock, it’s the perfect time to accessorize your Dodge RAM 1500 with a bike rack. Take the whole family out on the Pfeifer Loop Trail at 4100 Cook’s Landing Road, or challenge yourself with the steep descents of the Diamond Trail at 9515 Barrett Road in Roland.
4. Kayaking Up the Arkansas River
The Rock Town River Outfitters offers kayak rentals and tours so that you can explore the Arkansas River. Whether you’re experiencing the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside, or viewing the city from the unique vantage point of the water, the boathouse at 4420 River Mountain Road will set you up with everything you need.
5. Listening to Jazz in the Park
This free festival brings you the best of jazz and R&B music from the area, and runs every April Wednesday from 6pm. You can buy drinks at the venue, but are welcome to bring your own food and seating as you enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of the River Market Pavilions at dusk.
Hopefully your springtime memories won’t include a driving accident this year, but if you find yourself in a pickle on the road be sure to contact us at Crain Collision. With our excellent customer service and repair expertise, we can make sure that you have nothing more to worry about.
Image via Pixabay.
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