Restaurant recommendations in Bentonville

If you like interesting food (don't go to Fred's), try:

The Press Room (so freaking good. Pricey, but the chef has serious chops).

Oven and Tap: also really good. Was our goto prior to The Press Room opening. Still love it, but the "new" still hasn't worn off Press Room for us.

The Hive: great atmosphere inside the 21C hotel. Chef is James Beard finalist. I just don't get it, though. The meals have always just been good, not great, imo.

Tusk and Trotter: some really solid fare here. Some seems to be trying too hard to be whole hog hipster cool. Still like this place.

Tavola: the italian offering from the owners of the famed (and in decline) Table Mesa. It's surprisingly solid.

More casual:
Flying fish: It's fish done well

Pedaler's Pub: wood fired pizza. Good beers. Right next to Bike Rack Brewery and also a really swank and solid cocktail joint called the Foxhole (the steamed buns there are awesome).

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Really, he should skip Bentonville altogether. Just head down to Pinnacle Mall, and he'll have his choice of fine establishments from which to choose.

Williams Soul Food

Tusk & Trotter

quote:

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The Hive: great atmosphere inside the 21C hotel. Chef is James Beard finalist.

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James Beard awards are voted on by other chefs who have eaten at the restaurant. Most of the ones who actually come through Bentonville probably stay at 21c. When Brightwater is up and fully Walton-funded, expect a lot of "James Beard" attention to be given to Bentonville, because a lot more chefs will be visiting Bentonville.

Ate at pedaler's pub last night. Woke up this morning at the lake house on Loch Lomond. Got out in the kayak and fished for an hour or so. Having coffee and driving into Bentonville to drop wife off to jury some art show. Going to ride Slaughter Pen for a couple of hours and grab lunch at Yeyo's or s other food truck. Then head back to the lake, hitting Macadoodle's on the way back to stock up on some beer we can't get in Arkansas.

I could get used to Bentonville if I didn't love Fayetteville.

Petit Bistro is another good choice. It is a little bit pricey, but the food and atmosphere are both great.