Arkansas isn't exactly the first place people think of when they talk about a craft beer revolution. Honestly, it’s usually Vermont or Oregon. But if you walk into the original taproom of Stone's Throw Brewing in Little Rock, you’ll realize pretty quickly that the local scene here isn't just "trying" to keep up. It has its own pulse. It’s gritty, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in the MacArthur Park Historic District.
The story isn't some corporate rollout. It’s four guys—Theron, Ian, Shawn, and Brad—who were homebrewers first. They were part of the Central Arkansas Fermenters. They didn't have a multi-million dollar venture capital fund. They had a Kickstarter. That’s about as "Little Rock" as it gets.
The MacPark Roots of Stone's Throw Brewing
Location matters. If you've spent any time in Little Rock, you know the area around 9th and Rock Street has a specific vibe. It’s historic. It’s slightly weathered but sturdy. When Stone's Throw Little Rock opened its doors in 2013, they weren't just selling pints; they were anchoring a neighborhood that needed a "third place."
You aren't going there for a sterile, polished experience. You go for the "MacPark" atmosphere. The original building was an old tire shop, and you can still feel that industrial bones-and-brick heritage. It’s small. It’s intimate. Sometimes it’s crowded enough that you’re basically sharing a conversation with the person at the next table, which is kind of the point.
What’s on Tap?
The beer list at Stone's Throw isn't static. They have their stalwarts, sure, but they’re known for a "small batch" philosophy that keeps things weird.
- The Shilling Scotch Ale is a heavy hitter. It’s malty, rich, and feels like a hug in a glass on a rare Arkansas "cold" day.
- For something lighter, the Amadeus Vienna Lager is usually the go-to.
- They also lean heavily into seasonal rotations, using local ingredients when possible, which keeps the regulars coming back to see what’s new on the chalkboard.
What most people get wrong about Stone's Throw Little Rock is thinking it's just about the alcohol. It’s not. It’s a community hub. They host block parties. They have bike-in movie nights. They basically turned a corner of downtown into a backyard for people who don't have backyards.
Expansion and the Stifft Station Era
Growth is a double-edged sword for local spots. You want your favorite place to succeed, but you don't want it to lose its soul. When Stone's Throw expanded to their Stifft Station Taproom on West Markham, there was a bit of "will it be the same?" anxiety.
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It was different. But in a good way.
The Stifft Station location brought food into the mix in a more permanent way. While the MacPark location relies heavily on the (admittedly excellent) rotation of Little Rock food trucks, Stifft Station has its own kitchen identity. It serves the West Little Rock and Hillcrest-adjacent crowd, proving that the brand wasn't just a fluke of its original geography.
The taproom there feels more like a neighborhood pub. It’s where you go after work when you don't want to go all the way downtown. It’s reliable.
Why the "Stone's Throw" Name Actually Fits
They chose the name because they are a "stone's throw" from everything that matters in the city—the Arts Center, the Museum of Discovery, the River Market. But metaphorically, it’s about accessibility.
There’s no beer snobbery here.
If you don't know the difference between an IBU and a ABV, the bartenders will actually talk to you like a human being. They won't roll their eyes. They’ll probably just give you a splash of something and ask if you like it. That lack of pretension is why they survived the initial craft beer "bubble" and why they continue to be a staple while other breweries have shuttered.
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The Logistics: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning a visit, don't just wing it.
- Parking: At the 9th Street location, it can be a bit of a scavenger hunt. Look for street spots, but be mindful of the neighbors.
- Events: Check their social media. Seriously. They do trivia, they do "Pints and Pipes" (organ music and beer, which is wild), and they do heritage festivals.
- The Patio: MacPark has a great outdoor space. If the weather is even remotely nice, that’s where you want to be.
Cultural Impact on Little Rock
Little Rock used to be a city where you drank domestic lagers and didn't ask questions. Stone's Throw, along with pioneers like Lost 40 and Vinos, changed the palate of the city. They proved that there was a market for complex flavors and high-gravity brews in the Bible Belt.
It’s also about the economy. By choosing to renovate older buildings rather than building new "cookie-cutter" spaces in the suburbs, they’ve contributed to the revitalization of the urban core. They’ve made it cool to hang out downtown again.
Real Insights for Your Next Visit
Don't just order a flight and leave.
Try the cider if they have a local collaboration on tap. Arkansas has a growing cider and mead scene, and Stone's Throw often gives floor space to these smaller producers.
Also, look at the art. They almost always have local work on the walls. It’s a symbiotic relationship—the artists get eyes on their work, and the brewery gets a vibe that isn't bought from a corporate catalog.
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Actionable Steps for Your Stone's Throw Experience
If you want to do Stone's Throw Little Rock the "right" way, follow this loose itinerary.
Start at MacArthur Park. Spend an hour at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. It’s right there. It’s world-class. You’ll be cultured and probably a little tired.
Walk over to the 9th Street Taproom. Don't drive. It’s a five-minute walk. Order whatever the "Heritage" brew is at the moment. It’s usually something tied to a local historical event or person.
Talk to the person behind the bar. Ask them what's coming up. They usually have the inside track on secret releases or upcoming block parties that aren't fully advertised yet.
Grab a growler or some cans to go. Arkansas laws can be weird about when you can buy booze, but the brewery's off-premise sales are a lifesaver for Sunday afternoons when the liquor stores are closed.
Hit the Stifft Station location for dinner. If you're staying for the evening, move over to the Markham street spot. The food is solid, the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed, and it’s a great way to see a different slice of Little Rock life.
Stone's Throw isn't just a brewery. It’s a testament to what happens when a few friends decide to stop complaining about their city and start building something in it. It’s honest. It’s local. It’s exactly what a taproom should be.