The Crafty Rooster in Conway boasts affordable meals, drinks | Gut Reaction

Setting the Table

Chances are if you bleed teal then you need to keep yourself refueled and raring to go. The Crafty Rooster in downtown Conway, with dozens of craft beers and more, is a fitting watering hole for all the hardworking chanticleers, fans, families, and friends alike. Fourteen taps line two sides of the bar that change daily between their many beers, plus there is a large cooler filled with bottles of drinks that weren’t selected for rotation.

The Crafty Rooster has been crowing for a number of years and knows how to strut its stuff. A few games rest against the walls and multiple screens hang over the large bar and at other strategic locations that can play local channels or be on mute in favor for music everyone can sing to.

Down the Hatch

Although going through their list of beers can take a longer time than going through the Rooster’s menu, there is still a decent amount of food to accompany your libations. Southern delicacies like fried pickles and homemade pimento cheese are just two of the appetizers to get guests started, and on a high note at that.

Sandwiches and burgers are popular choices at the Rooster, but they also serve salads, wings, and a mismatch of other delicious dishes, like chili, soup, and quesadillas. The eatery is especially known for their chicken bites and slow cooked bog, which is a comforting blend of rice with chicken, sausage, and spice.

Even on a steadily busy evening with servers hustling to meet demand, the food was served hot and without a disproportionate wait. Employees and customers were friendly alike, not to mention everyone was still on a celebratory high and supportive of the area’s favorite teal birds.

Check, Please

The prices are terrific, with no meal costing more than $9 unless the table orders a 15-count of bites or wings (both of which are $14.99). Happy hour from 4-7 p.m. makes the prices even better, with $5 appetizers, $1 off drafts, and discounted well drinks.

There are a few weekly specials as well, like Wednesdays that offer an 8oz cheeseburger and one side for $5 and the trivia that follows at 7:30p.m. The bar also works with the town during annual events, such as Riverfest and Beer Fest. To keep up with the goings-on, the Rooster encourages perusing their Facebook page (found under the restaurant’s name).

The Crafty Rooster is crafty indeed and no doubt attracts chanticleers on a daily basis. Every day the Rooster crows at 11 a.m. and doesn’t settle down until 2 a.m. so there is plenty of time to venture into teal nation for some pecking.

This story was originally published July 5, 2016 at 3:58 PM with the headline "The Crafty Rooster in Conway boasts affordable meals, drinks | Gut Reaction."