Northwest Arkansas continues to impress when it comes to delectable places to eat. From farm-to-table comfort food to cosmopolitan fusions dishes, our area is full of delicious opportunities for culinary exploration. Here are a few favorites.

Grotto Wood Fired Grill & Wine Cave, Eureka Springs

Imagine an award-winning restaurant set inside a “cave,”or, in this case, built on a rock. Grotto Wood Fired Grill boasts a multi-sensory experience with small plates and tapas. Their fried Brussel sprouts will give you a new-found desire for getting your daily veggies while the carnivores will love their delicious steaks.

The Rail: A Pizza Company, Rogers 

Who doesn’t hanker for a slice of pizza served up with a little humor and a side of fun? Check out the Rail’s weekday special, a different slice of pizza every day, perfect for trying their varieties. Don’t forget to bring a sticker to add to their wall, a conversation piece in and of itself. Don’t miss their pig shanks (wings). Smoked and flash-fried, they’re so heavenly they’ll turn you into a believer that perhaps pigs really can fly. 

Preacher’s Son, Bentonville

Enjoy local and sustainable cuisine at this historic church where the executive chef is, in fact, a preacher’s son. With expansive ceilings, exposed brick walls, and wood ceiling beams, the architecture is as memorable as the food. The spot offers vegan and gluten-free options as well as standard favorites like meat and potatoes. The Preacher’s Son is also known for its stellar service.

Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese, Fayetteville

This sandwich shop answers the impossible question of how many different ways you can prepare this American favorite. The answer is as many sandwiches as you’re willing to try. And try you will want to. Another bonus to this down-home restaurant is that you can enjoy your favorite grilled cheese concoction with a cocktail.  The quirkily-named sandwiches (who wouldn’t want to be a part of Parmageddon??) with gooey centers will lead you straight to cheese Nirvana.

The Hive at 21C, Bentonville

Hotel restaurants get a bad rap. They’re sometimes thought of as boring and overpriced, but not this one. The Hive at 21C Museum Hotel is led by award-winning chef Matthew McClure and is putting the area on the culinary map. He was named the People’s Best New Chef in the Midwest in Food & Wine in 2015. Today, his use of the region’s produce and traditional tastes are mixed with new twists on old favorites. As a bonus, enjoy the delightful ambiance and the on-site art museum.

Twenty-eight Springs, Siloam Springs

Twenty-eight Springs serves up gourmet food with a seasonal menu to ensure only the freshest ingredients are used. While the food is delicious, the drinks are spectacular. Try a Stormy Morning or a Haley’s Comet for a memorable beverage experience. Twenty-eight Springs also hosts events throughout the year that showcase special menus and tastings. 

Feeling hungry yet? We sure are. Now the only question is deciding which place to go. What restaurant would you add to this list?

Image via Flickr by: faungg’s photos

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