To say that it is difficult to keep up with new restaurant openings in NWA is an understatement. Like every new business, new restaurants need customers, and that means that diners have to be willing to give them a try. It is very easy to patronize our old standbys, but if you’ll make a commitment to try the new ones on a regular basis, you just might be pleasantly surprised with a delightful, memorable meal.
Northwest Arkansas Top 10 New Restaurants – Updated
Top 10 list below are great places to start:
BENTONVILLE
El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant
5400 SW Regional Airport Blvd, (479) 553-7707
Serves excellent authentic Mexican food in a clean, friendly environment. The homemade, warm salsa is over-the-top delicious, and the service is knowledgeable and attentive. If you haven’t tried this delightful restaurant yet, put it on your list of things to do.
The Holler
801 SE 8th St, Bentonville, AR (479) 250-0070
The Holler, with it’s fun atmosphere, terrific burgers, awesome drinks and friendly, attentive staff is a welcome addition to the all day and late night scene in Northwest Arkansas. The space is beautiful, and perfectly conducive for doing a bit of work or just hanging out and enjoying yourself with friends. The building is fitted throughout with plug-ins, high speed internet and USB portals. Three full-sized shuffleboards are also available. The Holler, at 8th Street Market, promises to be a slam dunk favorite for the people of NWA. Image at top of page is of The Holler, photo courtesy of Jon Cadieux
FAYETTEVILLE
Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcakes – Fayetteville
11 North Block Avenue, (479) 445-6630
While they do have more than 20 kinds of cupcakes, Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcakes has so much more including 175 types of candy, French macaroons, 20 flavors of cotton candy including their famous cotton candy burritos and so much more. Drop by this unique store located right on the historical Fayetteville square.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan – Photo courtesy of Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcakes – Fayetteville
Fork & Crust
600 N Mission Blvd, (479) 445-6925
The pies at fork and crust are on another-level-delicious. If you love pies, you will find yourself in heaven when you sample anyone of their fantastic creations including Cherry & Apple Crumb, Caramel Apple, Chocolate Oatmeal and much, much more. Pies are sold by the slice or by the pie. This is a place you don’t want to miss, and one you’ll not soon forget.
Photo courtesy of Fork and Crust
House Of Taste Korean Restaurant
318 S Archibald Yell Blvd, (479) 935-4262
Serves authentic, high quality Korean food in Fayetteville, AR. If you love the taste of this wonderful food, you might think you’re in LA where the Korean food is supremely delicious. It’s just that good, folks. Come and and try the bolgogi and Bibimbob, you won’t be disappointed.
Mamaka Bowls
495 W Prairie St
Mamaka bowls are acai bowls, and now you too can jump on the acai bandwagon. What started out as a new breakfast food sensation in California is making its way across the country. Acai bowls are in the smoothie family, but are thicker and meant to be eaten with a spoon. Mamaka bowls are healthy and delicious, you’re going to love them.
Renzo’s Pasta & Italian Steakhouse
1214 Garland Ave, (479) 445-6985
Renzo’s is a chef driven Italian eatery offering extremely high quality traditional Italian food. Wait staff is both friendly and attentive, and the chef often personally visits your table to make sure that everything is to your satisfaction. The full service bar including wine, makes this a super place for an evening out whether a date night or family excursion. Try the eggplant parmigiana or the Tuscan steak.
Photo courtesy of Renzo’s Pasta & Italian Steakhouse
LOWELL
The Grove Comedy Club
808 S Bloomington St, (479) 347-4966
The Grove is a restaurant by week and a comedy club by the weekend that features popular late night talk show and Comedy Central comedians. The food and service are friendly and efficient, and the comedy is second to none. If you love top notch comedy, take your date to The Grove as soon as possible.
PEA RIDGE
It’ll Do BBQ
2110 Slack St, (479) 633-5902
It’ll Do BBQ has excellent bbq including pulled pork, ribs and brisket. The Pinky’s Pounder sandwich has ½ lb of pulled pork and ½ lb of smoked sausage. Mercy! Is that stuff finger lickin’ good! Besides having amazing barbecue, the popular Pea Ridge spot has friendly, efficient service and affordable prices. Take the gang out to It’ll Do, you won’t be disappointed.
ROGERS
Saigon Local
623 W. Walnut St, (479) 367-4536
Saigon Local is a Vietnamese food truck located at the City Pump in Rogers. The food is authentic and so very delicious. If you have a bit of the spirit of adventure try the fresh ice cold coconut, the pho and a bahn mi sandwich. You’ll love it, and you’ll be back for more.
Photo Courtesy of Saigon Local
HONORABLE MENTION
Java Dudes
13467 Look Out Dr, Bella Vista, AR, (479) 270-3984
Looking for an exciting vibe, great coffee and friendly service? Look no more, Java Dudes is your answer. Go by before work to get charged for the day, this is the spark you’ve been looking for.
Photo Courtesy of Java Dudes
Kraken Killer Seafood
2576 W Sunset Ave Suite E, Springdale, AR (479) 751-3649
This seafood is killer stuff. Everything is fresh tasting and meaty. Try the fresh, juicy oysters. You will not be disappointed The staff is both knowledgeable and friendly, and they actually care if your experience with them is a great one.
Photo courtesy of Kraken Killer Seafood