White Water Tavern

The White Water Tavern is exactly what you want in a classic local dive bar — laid-back, friendly, and full of character. If you love your neighborhood spot with a relaxed vibe, this is definitely the place to check out. The drinks are pretty consistent, and while they were out of my beer a couple of times, I didn’t mind too much — it just added to the feeling that it’s a real, no-pretense kind of spot where things happen spontaneously. The outdoor patio is a great bonus, especially on nice evenings when you want to soak up some fresh air while enjoying your drinks. The music line-up is always interesting — whether it’s live bands or karaoke nights, there’s usually something going on that gets everyone involved and having fun. The crowd is pretty diverse, with everything from young 20-somethings to seasoned AARP members, which makes for a cool, eclectic atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels comfortable, and there’s just good vibes all around. And let me just say, their Catfish Basket was probably the best around — crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Plus, their French fries are absolutely unbeatable — can’t pass up those crispy, golden fries whenever I’m there. Like most good dive bars, the walls are covered with stickers, graffiti, and handwritten scriptures, giving it that authentic, gritty charm you just can’t find elsewhere. Overall, the White Water Tavern is a favorite local spot that I’ll be visiting again soon. It’s perfect for a casual night out or just hanging with friends in a relaxed setting. I highly recommend it!

White Water Tavern is one of the best intimate music venues, not only in Little Rock, but in the US. I lived in LR for a year and this establishment became a home away from home, hosting amazing musicians. Some of which I was previously a fan of, and others that I am grateful to have discovered here like Sabine McCalla, JP Harris, Whoa Dakota, Bob Log III and Dylan Earl to name a few! The atmosphere is divey with a jukebox, a lot to look at on the walls and a sense of history, a large patio, and a cozy/moody upstairs. Can't forget about the couple of cats that like to hang around. Matt and staff always give a nod and acknowledgment, making it feel very welcoming and place that is comfortable to go on solo outings. The restroom chat is always people complimenting each other on their outfits. I highly recommend White Water Tavern for great and accessible music. It will always have a special place in my heart and I hope to be back soon.

It was my first time at the White Water Tavern to see the Patrick Sweany show and I must say that I am deeply disappointed in myself for not coming to this venue in the past. I have lived in the Little Rock area for my high school years and for most of my adult life and now I am exposed to this gem! The staff was quick with the service and the bar food hit the spot. Our friends had a great time and we made new ones too. What an experience and we will be back for more shows in the future. BTW....Patrick Sweany and his band KILLED it. What a fun night and great venue!

If you ever get a chance to go to the White Water Tavern, GO. The people are awesome. The shows they book are amazing- (and how they get such unbelievable sound quality- I’ll never know)! The food… whoa. Everyone talks of the fried bologna sandwich, but I dream of the veggie sandwich- sounds so simple, but there’s just something about it. Add to the fact that I’m pretty sure the bar and stage(s) themselves are just the most photogenic places ever and you’ve got yourself the best bar in, probably, the world. No joke. I really just don’t have words for how much I love this place- you’ll just have to go and see it for yourself.

Had the honor of performing in this amazing, welcoming space! It’s absolutely perfect for an intimate evening, or a wild one! This versatile space is truly a legendary venue to perform at and the warmth that has been cultivated there shines through!

Will always be a top 3 Little Rock spot for me! And don’t sleep on the burger now! They should be charging more than $10 for it. And the okra?!?!?! Come on now. Nice people, nice vibes, nice food, and holds a lot of history. Great community to be a part of.

I came on Tuesday for Karaoke. Was my first time here, what the DJ said, it had been an unusually busy night for Karaoke, but I still got on stage for one song! Had small conversations with some people, even had some compliment me and my song. I went solo, but the people were friendly and I had a great time! Didn't wait long for service, may try some food next time. The place is on the smaller side, but very homey. They do have a nice fenced in back patio for smoking and hanging out. I'll come back.

Great small venue for intimate music!! Not much seating but plenty of standing room. Third time here and will return. Melissa Carper, Brennan Leigh & Kelly Willis had a phenomenal show.

Great ambiance and drink prices are so reasonable! Sandwiches were yummy! Bands can be very loud so you might want to bring some of the special earplugs for concerts.

What a place. Wonderful place for live music. It is a large room and they have an outdoor backyard. The bartenders are efficient. The crowds is maids from young to old. You come here for the music. The acoustics are perfect for that room. Intimate live music.

This is the most amazing music establishment that I have ever found. The walls are hallowed and the experience is sacred. It's nothing fancy, but it is the absolute best.

kevin makes the best margaritas in town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! p. s. - they have some good music sometimes.

This is my 2nd time going to White Water, both times just for some food and beers in a relaxed setting. Walked in at around 7pm on a non-show weeknight to a few people at the bar hanging out. Sat at a table and looked over the chalkboard menu on the wall. Once we figured out what we wanted, we went to the bar and ordered a cheeseburger, a catfish dinner, and a bologna/egg/cheese sandwich. All 3 items very good and we hung out drinking beers and talking for a few hours. No just gotta make it to a show!

Had a great time karaoke night. Thanks to the karaoke guy in charge. He ran a smooth operation. Bartender Kevin was very friendly and professional.

Love this spot! Best live music venue in Arkansas. Great tunes, reasonable eats and drinks.

This was one of the greatest bars I have been to in a long Tim. I've been a long time bartender and I was moving across the country but this place made you feel right at home. Matt is an awesome bartender and owner and if you have the opportunity to see some live music there you should. Totally worth it. Will be back soon

Some of the most friendly and accommodating staff anywhere! Plus a steady stream of fantastic music.

Comfortable, cozy, "hole-in-the-wall" atmosphere. A couple of pool tables upstairs. Decent food options. Attentive bartenders.

So , I'm a sucker for funky old dives , therefore , White Water Tavern is right in my wheel house !!! Loved the music , loved the vibes , and the bartender was a sweetheart !!!

If you want a cheap, cold beer, good music, and amazing (I hear) food, this is you place. Don't get it wrong--WWT is a dive bar, but it's also THE Dive Bar. Vax card or negative COVID test required

Home away from home. Great bar and venue for music that has friendly faces and a sturdy dance floor. Tuesday night is the best with pitcher specials and local bands.

I was there when the jukebox finally died. The sign of the cross was given as well as the last rights. Rest in piece. Kitchen isn't open unless there's live music

A friend and I were roadtripping across the U.S.A. in a 25-foot motorhome with a bag full of mushrooms, and stopped off in Little Rock to say hi to another friend...who took us down here for the night. We arrived around 10pm, just as the shrooms kicked in: "WOW!! What IS this place??!" In our drug-addled state, the White Water Tavern appeared out of the mist like an old jook joint on the edge of a swamp, with Christmas lights on the roof, bored prostitutes smoking on the porch and weird music emanating from within. SIGN ME UP!!! Ah, drugs :-) In reality, this quaint little shack squats unassumingly on a dirt lot in the shadow of a freeway onramp in a shitty part of town, with nothing but hipsters smoking on the porch. Even better! We went in, watched some super adorable scruffy little hipster band, enjoyed about 40 cheap drinks and were having the time of our lives....until my friend's tooth went missing. You know what they say about Arkansas: "It's all fun and games until someone's veneer falls off, and they put it in a baggie of mushrooms for safekeeping, and the baggie gets stuffed back in someone's bra for extra safekeeping, and then a few drinks later someone else asks if you have any extra mushrooms, and you give them the baggie without thinking, and only four drinks later remember that there was a TOOTH in that baggie and OMG WHERE'S THE TOOTH?? DID YOU EAT MY FRIEND'S TOOTH?!?!?!?" After much clandestine/frantic searching of bras, pockets and the ground out back with no sign of a tooth, I finally gave up and carried on partying, figuring I would deal with it in the morning. But then -- LO! On the ground under one of the chairs in the main room, a tooth!! I couldn't say for sure that it was my FRIEND'S tooth (you know those Arkansas bar brawls), but it was *A* tooth...and that was better than nothing! I stuffed it into the now-empty baggie, where it was almost immediately so coated in crushed mushroom dust that I figured even the friend it belonged to (who somehow remained blissfully unaware any of this was going on) wouldn't be able to tell if it was the wrong tooth, and jammed the whole sordid mess back in my bra. Whew!! Because you know what else they say: "It's all fun and games until a traveling Vegas bimbo has to dig through a bunch of Arkansawyers' poop to find a missing tooth." White Water Tavern, I will DEFINITELY be back!

When people think of dive bars, they're really thinking of White Water Tavern -- even if they've never been there. It's got all the right items checked: -- Stand alone ramshackle building -- Sagging floors -- A miasma of smoke and desperation -- Cheap beverages -- Old beer paraphernalia -- Low lighting -- Random awesome musicians -- Gravel patio area that looks like a prison yard It's sad and awesome at the same time. And that's how dive bars should be

What in the world do you say about White Water Tavern? The place- an ancient victorian house in the middle of a seedy side of town, now surrounded by a freeway and a dirt parking lot, within site of the Capitol building. What's inside, you ask? Wonders! White Water is the place where something is happening, pretty much always. I've done goat photo-shoots (totally worth it!), free concerts, garden fundraisers, expensive concerts, New Year's Eve parties, gone for a few beers and a game of pool - heck, this was the first place I went in Little Rock and I've never regretted it! It's got character, it's got spunk, it's got music! They also have a full bar, they've always got a good number of good people, but also always room for more :D

This place is a rat trap and extremely dirty. Saw one at the front door and in the bathroom. Don't visit the bathroom. Beer was cold. Only positive. TV was out. No sports. Nobody answers the phone. Where are these positive reviews coming from? You would think the gang of feral cats out front would keep the rats in check. Can't imagine how they serve food legally. Too bad. Old traditions do die. Sadly my 6 week Airbnb walking distance and thought I found a good spot. Plenty of other options.

Chili, burgers, and live music of world-class quality located in the heart of Little Rock Arkansas. Whitewater is home to my favorite metal shows and food in town, as well!

Relocated to Little Rock from Denver, a co worker told me about this place and despite its outward appearance, this is a great dive bar! Great musical acts, friendly townies, cheap drinks and a really good bar crew. Can't wait to get back

Urban Dictionary: Dive Bar - well-worn, unglamorous bar, often serving a cheap, simple selection of drinks to a regular clientele. - The term can describe anything from a comfortable-but-basic neighborhood pub to the nastiest swill-slinging hole. Yes, White Water Tavern is the ultimate dive bar, and that's why you should like it. Billiards tables on the second floor. Cheap PBR beer. Open outside patio for chatting. What could be better? $7 admissions fee sometimes for live music, but this is considered a good price considering that it is a solid place for relaxing. Overall, I am a fan and will be coming here again.

This is one of the best places I've ever been to for live music.... it's like having a little piece of Austin TX in Arkansas! It's been a while since I've paid a visit to this tiny little venue, but it's definitely a memorable place.

White Water is Pizza D with live music. Yeah, White Water Tavern is filthy, smoky and the seating arrangement isn't very good, but it doesn't matter. The PBR is cheap, there's pool upstairs, the stage is nice and low and the bartenders are probably the nicest in the city. Mostly, the bands slouch toward the alt country, folk and southern rock variety. However, that isn't to say there won't be a random ass show of another genre at the venue. Warning: it gets hot during big shows -- dress appropriately.

Everyone touting this establishment as a "Dive Bar" must be lost or living in an alternate reality. A Bar yes, and a great one at that, but far from a Dive. Dive's have the local flies imbibing on a nightly basis. They chat with the bartender while they wipe down their glasses. They listen to tracks on the Jukebox picked from hand written selections, and behind that bar is the slimmest selection of beverages ever. White Water Tavern has great live music, and an eclectic lot enjoying those sweet sounds and vibes. From Hipsters to Preps to Nouveau Hippies drinking the finest selection of Gluten Free beer... and dare I say it PBR? I say again that it is not a Dive. A bar that is in the know, and has found it's niche, yes. That is what the White Water Tavern is and will always be. It's a fine spot to indulge in a bevery. Plus you won't have to wait for long lengths of time to be served, because the bartenders are on their game. Take it to a table, the floor, or to a park style table in their rock yard patio area (if you're the smoking kind). I'm glad for experiencing the White Water Tavern, and I'll be headed back there again. It's my kind of place, and has my kind of vibe. Maybe the next time I'll try this "food" everyone is talking about... Anywho, to call it a Dive is a stretch. So I'll just call it what it is, and that's the White Water Tavern.

I've never been to Arkansas and White Water Tavern was just a place I heard about in songs. A friend convinced me that I should go to Holiday Hangout and I am forever grateful that I listened to her. It was hands down the best music festival I've been to from the amazing staff at the WWT, the bands that played, and the attendees. One of the best weekends I've ever had and I hope to grace those ancient hardwood floors again next year for it!

My wife and I flew in from Baltimore MD, for the Holiday Hangout (Dec 7,8,9 2012) We had a great time at the show. The food was excellent, if they have the pulled pork with slaw don't hesitate just buy it! The beer was cold, and the music was red hot! Everyone we met was personable and helpful including the bar staff and owners. We'll be back to hangout next year! Thanks Travis

This place reeks of kitschy hipsters. That being said, it's not such an awful place. I don't necessarily make it a point to go here or frequent it, but if I do somehow get conned into going, I always enjoy myself. The place has the whole rag-tag, cabin-esque, smokehole ambiance going. A lot of people go because of the constant stream of live music coming in & out, whether it be local musicians or moderately popular groups traveling through. There's also a small room upstairs for pool playing. The cheap beer is a plus, and the PBR seems to flow like water. Not my recommendation for your one night in Little Rock, but if you're here for a spell, you should probably swing on by!

This place is very homey and laid back. Not uptight at all. Has live bands, a comfortable easy atmosphere, and so welcoming, it keeps inviting u back the whole time your there. Wonderful place to kick it.

So white water tavern, or wwt as most locals call it. What can a person say about this place? It's a perfect little dive bar. Cheap beer strong drinks, like most whiskey drinks are just mostly whiskey, and bands. Lots and lots of bands. I've been to this bar so many times I can't really count. I've seen everything from a punk band from Boston, to local bluegrass bands, to great blues acts. The band's make this place amazing but also kinda cuts it a star for me. Every time I've been here it's at least a 5 dollar cover to get in. I get it the bands need money to make it to the next show and all that but sometimes I just wanna have a couple drinks and not have to pay an extra 5 bucks just for that. I know it's not much but it's every single time. Other than that it's fantastic and I would definitely recommend going.

The food is mostly home made in the kitchen. Fries are fantastic served with some scrumptious dipping sauces. The in-house baked bread makes all the sandwiches delicious my favorite might be the egg, cheese and siracha mayo but any of the others are highly recommended. They make an alright curry for the fries as well. One (very) minor complaint: I wish the bar served some 22oz beers, while the beer selection is good: they have an imperial esb by tallgrass (oasis), ranger IPA, and the usuals, it doesn't change all that much and I'm sure some of the patrons (me) would appreciate some exotic beers. In response to one of the reviews, there's nothing kitschy about this place, its where anyone, of any background, any ethnicity, can get together in little rock and share a beer. I've met people from all walks of life, doing all sorts of thing. Service men, students, crackheads, alcoholics, teetotalers, and everything in between. Its an amazing experience. I like drinking here. I like bringing friends here. I always feel safe here. Truly one of little rock's gems. Don't tell everyone you know, because that'll ruin the whole damn thing.

I love WWT. The food is amazing, bar tenders are sweet and hospitable. Great ambiance for a southern dive bar. This is a must for your out-of-town friends who want to get a taste of hip southern culture. I think all the cute, gay, tattooed boys in town are also here. Bonus: Seriously, the food. It's crazy delish. Also, they have a large parking lot.

My husband and I just moved here and were looking for a spot to kick back and get out of the hotel for a bit. I couldnt get out of there fast enough. The sound guy had the speakers up so loud the bartender couldnt answer questions, all she could do was "Vanna White" the shelf. We were not there long before the smell hit. OMG. I couldnt tell if it was someone blowing up the bathroom or a busted sewer line but it was so bad I couldnt finish my beer and I sure wasnt going to be able to eat an $8 burger in there.

Colloquially known as the WWT, this bar is a neighborhood staple. Although it has recently gone non-smoking, it still reeks of its hole-in-the-wall, dive bar past. You'll find young and old, from a variety of scenes, sitting at the bar, at a table, or the newly built "patio" area. There's live music most nights (sometimes annoyingly so), a modest selection of booze, and food is available (kitchen hours are inconsistent). Definitely one of my favorite watering holes.

Went to White Water tonight with some friends and we were "shushed" by the bartender. Felt like he was treating us like a bunch of kindergarteners. Not cool.

My evenings inside White Water Tavern were mostly uneventful. It is a little "that dive scene," which I (personally) tend to enjoy on occasion. But that might not be your thing. I often went with a friend who was dating someone in one of the bands that were playing. (Shocker, he was a coke head, owes her money, they broke up). I would probably go again if there was a lot of arm twisting, but I would never suggest it and much prefer to go somewhere else to listen to live music in Little Rock. I hear great things, and I'm sure that they aren't without merit, but my last experience there was absolutely horrible and life-altering. After being inside for less than 15 minutes, I exited to find my vehicle had been broken into and my checkbook (that was hidden, thank you) was stolen. Luckily, I had my ID and credit card with me for use inside, but the nightmare that I continue to face today due to the theft of my identity was enough to label WWT a fairly decent establishment that could serve better if moved to a more upstanding area. Again, I hear great things, so I wish that I did not have such a horrible experience there. I also wish some loser had not stolen my identity and written 30 checks against my bank account that was promptly closed the next morning. However, I feel it is VERY note-worthy if you are considering visiting the White Water Tavern. NOT NECESSARILY A SAFE PLACE FOR YOU OR YOUR BELONGINGS.

A LR institution. It's withstood fires, etc. My idea of a cool bar with good music. Love the hodgepodge of stuff on the walls. It's usually packed & standing room at times. Love WWT.

Great little spot to kick back and have a few in the middle of a neighborhood! ( I thought I was walking into someone's house!) Middle of a Friday afternoon, about 6 regulars at the Bar. Cool little stage, hear the music is good as well, clean bathroom, (although I'd hate to see it around Midnight) Don't come here to impress anyone, just enjoy) Note: Extra star for the folks at the Bar who chuckled when my Wife asked if they had a Wine List; we all had a good laugh!

Great local Bar. The variety of bands that play is outstanding. Great food when they are cooking. Nice choice of beers for the area. Kinda hard to find, If you go under the bridge look up. and you'll see it. Don't park by the door on a weekend night every drunk will fall on your car. Enjoy your night there

I really love WWT for its vibe, consistently great music, and cheap $7 pitchers of PBR. It's one of my favorite dives in Little Rock and while it does tend to lean towards hipsterdom, it's worth it. The cover charges tend to be a little high, but this lets you enjoy a night out listening to some funk with other chill bros while limiting fistfight frequency.

It's truly a dive but embraces it with full gusto! Pretty much a beer and burger place with Great Burgers. And what has to be the best juke box in town.

Love this place, always great music. Castleberry's food is unique and delicious.

When I went out often and lived in Stift Station, this is where I normally went. It's hot, smelly, old and creaky, etc, but the beer is cheap and they have pitchers. The seating situation isn't the best. The shows are actually pretty decent a lot of times, though. There are a couple of pool tables upstairs. Cheap pitchers on Tuesday nites (local music nite).

Great local bar full of friendly people. Approach without judgment, this place has its own personality and flow. Old building tucked away next to some railroad tracks. All day beer specials, and Coors in a can. Didn't experience the live music, but heard it was a great place to listen. Old stools, crooked floor and a unique smell great you. Belly up to the bar and enjoy a beer out of their great selection. Will be back!

Great people, cheap beers, great spot. Never bad music, but if alt-country irritates you, check out who's playing before paying the cover.

If you love live music there simply is no better club venue in Arkansas. There are bigger venues, newer venues, more trendy venues, etc... but the White Water Tavern consistently delivers great music week after week. Yes it's smoky, yes it's small, and yes it has the friendliest bar staff in town. If you're heading out looking for karaoke or a meat market then this is not the place. If you love music then this is the place to be.

Frodo Lives! Favorite place for live music in Little Rock. Smoke out back. Play pool upstairs. Graffiti on the walls. $7 pitchers of PBR. The only downside is it's expensive to be a nightly hangout since there's a cover most nights. But still one of my favorite spots. Fort Sumter was an inside job.

I looovvee white water. It's one of the best places around here for live music, food, and drinks. They have a wide variety of talent that comes through there. The only complaint I have is the upstairs is super hot, and if you want to just hangout and talk it's best to come here when there's not a show going on. (Or just go outside)

Cool Dive Bar. Cool staff, cheap PBRs and drinks. Allot of good shows(mostly folky chill), cool events, Boozy Milkshake nights, real chill vibe. Off the beaten path, adds to a local small scene feel. A couple of picnic benches out back for smokers and fans of open air. Good food....but chefs seem to come and go, so don't quote me on that. I'm taking a Star away for charging a cover just about everynight. I shouldn't have to pay $10 to come in, have a drink and get out or just grab some food....I think it runs allot of business away, there's been plenty of nights where a group of friends wanted to grab a bite at WWT or just a quick drink and 86'd the idea because of the riduclous cover....

Great atmosphere, decent shows. Popular haunt of several types of cliques. Too frequent and too often cover charge.