If you ask Little Rock locals where to find spot-on lagers, hop-bright ales, and one of the best brewery kitchens in Arkansas, they’ll point you to Lost Forty Brewing. Housed near the city’s Rail Yard in a space that nods to Arkansas’s timber heritage, this brewery blends craft precision with camp-lodge charm. In this guide, you’ll get what to drink, what to eat, how the place feels, and practical tips for a smooth visit.
- Address: 501 Byrd St, Little Rock, AR 72202
- Website: https://lost40brewing.com/
Quick Snapshot
- Signature Focus: Crisp lagers, hop-forward ales, and limited small-batch runs
- Vibe in 3 Words: Woodsy, warm, communal
- Standout Feature: A serious kitchen with a menu built for pairing
The Beer
What They’re Known For
Lost Forty Brewing built a loyal following by keeping the core simple and clean: precise lagers that shine in Arkansas heat and hop-bright ales that deliver fruit, pine, and citrus without wrecking your palate. They balance reliability with curiosity, rotating small-batch releases that reward repeat visits and keep local beer lists lively. Expect clarity in execution—clear pilsners with taut bitterness, pale ales with a snappy finish, and IPAs that let hop aroma lead the way.
The brewery’s lager program is a centerpiece. From golden, floral pilsners to smooth helles-style lagers, each pour feels engineered for refreshment and food-friendliness. On the ale side, you’ll find pale ales and IPAs that prioritize saturated hop aroma—think grapefruit, orange zest, mango—over brute-force bitterness. When season changes, you’ll see malty favorites and darker seasonals that fit cooler evenings.
Unique Styles and Techniques
- Lager discipline: Cold fermentation, extended conditioning, and careful carbonation yield bright, clean profiles with no rough edges. Expect noble hop grace notes and a mineral snap that keeps each sip crisp.
- Hop-forward finesse: Late hop additions and dry hopping pull out vivid aromatics—citrus, stone fruit, tropical hints—while keeping IBUs in balance. You get expressive flavor without palate fatigue.
- Seasonal small-batch runs: Pilot batches and limited drops (from fruited wheat ales to oak-kissed dark beers) showcase range. These beers move quickly, especially when paired with kitchen specials or event nights.
- Arkansas ingredients where it counts: The team leans into local sourcing when possible, from grain partners to culinary tie-ins that echo the state’s produce and pantry.
Recommended Must-Try Beers
- House Pilsner or Helles: Start with a lager to taste the brewhouse precision—clear, floral, and dry.
- Flagship Pale Ale or IPA: Expect a bright, modern profile with citrus-forward hops and a clean finish.
- Seasonal Small Batch: Ask what just dropped; it might be a fruited wheat for summer, a festbier for fall, or a roasty winter warmer.
- Dark Lager or Porter (seasonal): For cooler nights, a malt-forward pick adds cocoa, toast, and gentle roast.
Flights and Samplers
For first-timers, build a four-pour flight:
1) Pilsner or Helles (baseline crispness)
2) Pale Ale (hop aroma, balanced bitterness)
3) IPA (bigger hop expression, dry finish)
4) Seasonal specialty (contrast in fruit, malt, or oak)
This progression moves clean-to-bold and helps you find a favorite for a full pour.
Atmosphere & Experience
Taproom and Space
Lost Forty’s aesthetic leans into Arkansas timber history: warm wood, rugged textures, shared tables, and gentle industrial accents. It feels like a modern camp lodge—high ceilings, stacked lumber motifs, and a hum that hits “lively” without tipping into chaos. Fermentation tanks remind you it’s a working brewery, but the lighting, greenery, and smart layout make it an easy place to spend an afternoon.
The crowd is a healthy mix: families at early dinner, date nights and groups later on, service industry folks catching a post-shift lager, and beer travelers chasing small-batch releases. It’s welcoming and local-first, with service that’s quick to offer pairing ideas or point you toward the day’s freshest tap.
Family- and Dog-Friendliness
The taproom is family-friendly during the day and early evenings, with room for groups and shareable plates that make ordering simple. Dogs are generally welcome on the patio (leashed and well-behaved). As with any busy brewery, check posted policies, especially during large events or peak hours.
Events and Happenings
You’ll see:
- Limited-release drops and taproom-only variants
- Live music or themed nights on select dates
- Community fundraisers and seasonal celebrations (festbier season, anyone?)
- Sports watch gatherings and holiday menus
Follow Lost Forty’s social feeds or website calendar; limited cans and small-batch kegs can sell out fast.
Local Hangout or Tourist Stop?
Both. For Little Rock locals, it’s a dependable weeknight dinner spot and a go-to for to-go cans. For visitors, the timber-camp vibe and dialed-in beer list make it a must-hit on any Central Arkansas itinerary.
Food & Pairings
The Kitchen: Serious and Seasonal
Plenty of breweries offer snacks. Lost Forty’s kitchen is a draw in its own right. The menu reads “brewpub” but cooks with intention: house-ground burgers, wood-fired or oven-baked mains, sandwiches with punchy sauces, hearty salads, and rotating specials that track the seasons. You’ll find pickled elements for acid, smoky touches for depth, and enough heat in a few dishes to sing with hop-forward beers.
Expect core staples backed by specials that shift with the calendar—think summertime citrus bowls, fall-worthy brats and pretzels, and winter comfort plates that pair with darker seasonals.
Best Beer + Food Pairings
- Pilsner or Helles + pretzel with mustard or crispy chicken sandwich: The lager’s crisp bite and carbonation cut salt and fat.
- Pale Ale + burger with cheddar and caramelized onions: Citrus-pine hops brighten rich beef and sweet onion.
- IPA + spicy wings or chile-laced tacos: Hop oils temper heat while bitterness lifts savory depth.
- Seasonal Wheat or Fruited Ale + grilled shrimp or salad with citrus vinaigrette: Bright acidity and fruit complement lemon, herbs, and seafood.
- Dark Lager/Porter + smoked brisket plate or chocolate dessert: Roast and cocoa bridge smoke and sweetness.
Local Collaborations
Look for Arkansas-forward touches: local bakers, farms, and specialty producers teaming up for menu items or special releases. Ask the bar or server what’s on deck; collaboration beers and pairings often show up on weekends and event days.
Logistics & Practical Tips
Getting There and Parking
- Address: 501 Byrd St, Little Rock, AR 72202
- Neighborhood: Close to the Rail Yard and downtown corridors
- Parking: On-site lot plus street parking nearby. Peak evenings and release days fill fast—arrive early or use rideshare.
- Walkability: A quick hop from other Little Rock attractions; easy to pair with a downtown stroll.
Tours and Reservations
The taproom works on a first-come basis most days. For larger groups, private events, or special tastings, contact the brewery through the website. Production tours, when available, are limited and announced ahead of time—book early if a behind-the-scenes look is on your list.
To-Go Beer
- Cans: Core lagers, pale ales, and seasonals are typically available to-go, cold and ready.
- Limited Drops: Small-batch cans sell quickly; watch social announcements for release days and purchase limits.
- Crowlers/Growlers: Availability varies; lagers and specialty beers may be package-only for quality.
Bring an insulated bag or small cooler—Arkansas heat dulls hop aroma and knocks the edge off lager crispness.
Merch Highlights
- Soft tees and hoodies with woodsy branding
- Hats for patio days and trail weekends
- Glassware for lagers and IPAs (Willibecher, nonic, or shaker)
- Stickers and prints that nod to the timber-camp look
Local Flavor
Why Lost Forty Stands Out in Little Rock
Lost Forty makes “approachable” feel special. The lagers are textbook clean, the hop-forward beers smell like a fresh citrus peel, and the limited runs reward curiosity. Add a kitchen that understands salt, fat, acid, and how to build plates that pair with beer, and you’ve got an experience that’s easy to love and hard to replace. The timber-camp aesthetic isn’t a gimmick—it’s a clear identity that ties Arkansas heritage to modern craft.
They also help anchor Little Rock’s beer culture: reliable quality, events that bring in new drinkers, and a steady drumbeat of small-batch creativity that keeps regulars engaged.
Nearby Stops and Crawl Ideas
- Downtown River Market: Walk the district, then circle back for dinner and a lager.
- Arkansas River Trail: Bike or stroll, then refuel with a pilsner and a shareable plate.
- Little Rock beer loop: Map a short crawl by checking hours at other local breweries and taprooms. Hydrate and plan rides between stops.
Ask the Staff
“What’s pouring that locals love right now?” You might get:
- A just-tapped small-batch pale with a new hop blend
- A slow-pouring pils off a dedicated faucet (if available)
- A seasonal lager that won’t hit wide distribution
Insider picks change fast—asking is the quickest way to find the gem.
Traveler’s Notes
Why Craft Beer Tourists Should Visit
You get a full experience in one stop: a distinctive space, a tight beer program that nails the fundamentals, small-batch fun for exploration, and a kitchen that matches the beer’s quality. If you’re driving through Arkansas or planning a weekend in Little Rock, put Lost Forty at the top of your list.
Best Time to Go
- Weekday lunches: Calmer room, quick service, and easy conversation.
- Late afternoon/early evening: Patio energy, full tap availability, and kitchen in stride.
- Release days and weekends: More buzz and specials—arrive early if you’re chasing cans.
Seasonally, spring and fall mean patio-perfect weather. Summer calls for crisp lagers and indoor AC. Winter pairs best with darker seasonals and hearty plates.
My Recommendation
Start with a flight: Pilsner or Helles, Pale Ale, IPA, and the current seasonal. Order a shareable starter and a main—pretzel and mustard to start, then a burger or chicken sandwich. Pick your favorite beer for a full pour, grab cans to-go, and ask about any small-batch you missed. If you can swing a weekday afternoon, you’ll get more one-on-one time with the staff and a quieter room to taste through the list.
Conclusion: Plan Your Visit
Lost Forty Brewing blends Arkansas timber-camp charm with modern brewing discipline. The lagers are crisp, the ales are bright, the small-batch program keeps things interesting, and the kitchen pulls its weight with well-built, seasonal plates. Set your GPS to 501 Byrd St, check lost40brewing.com for hours, releases, and events, and bring an insulated bag for cans. Whether you’re a local regular or a beer traveler plotting an Arkansas route, this is a Little Rock staple worth lingering over.
