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Date Night in Bentonville

Explore our guide to restaurants, bars, and dessert in Bentonville for Date Nights.

• Conifer

Hours: Sun-Mon 5-9 p.m.

Conifer has been a back-to-back semi-finalist for the James Beard awards, and it is not difficult to understand why. Chef Matthew Cooper has spent time crafting his menu to be 100% gluten-free so as to cater to everyone, and he doesn’t let the menu remain the same for long. You can expect seasonal and sometimes hyper-seasonal menu changes, largely due to relationships with local businesses and farmers. You can also expect regional style cooking with fresh fish, fresh bread baked to order, as well as vegetable dishes that make up the  entire meal.

• The Preacher’s Son

Hours: Sun-Thurs 5-9 p.m. and Fri-Sat 5-10 p.m.

Talk about a unique atmosphere for date night. How about dining inside a literal church? That is certainly the biggest draw for The Preacher’s Son. After being completed in 1898, the building served as the home for the First Christian Church of Bentonville until 1970, when it was turned into a restaurant. Led by Michelin-star-trained Executive Chef Neal Gray, you can expect the food to be delicious, but how about enjoying a drink at its rooftop bar, Celeste, OR Undercroft speakeasy bar? 

• Lady Slipper

Hours: Tues-Thurs 4-11 p.m., Fri-Sat 4 p.m. - close

Wanting to have some drinks but not hungry enough for a full meal? Venture down into the basement of Bentonville’s Massey building. Its unassuming location will leave you suspicious, but once inside, its intimate interior filled with rare art and unexpected décor begs you to stay awhile. Snacks and small plates make up the menu, letting you snack while you sip on your drinks, or the plates may fill you up to where you don’t even need a proper dinner. Ladies, go ahead and slip on those heels and step into this intimate speakeasy.

• Callisto

Hours: Wed, Thurs, Sunday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. and Fri-Sat 4 p.m. - 1 a.m.

What if I told you that you could see an art gallery and get a drink at a speakeasy in the same room? Would you believe me? Well, it’s true. The secret entrance to Bentonville’s new tiki-themed Callisto is quite literally through a painting in the Midnight Art Gallery. Enhance your date by checking out the art on display by local NWA artists before stepping into this hidden cocktail lounge and sipping on island-inspired drinks.

• Spark Cafe

Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun 12-6 p.m. 

In my opinion, the best way to end date night is with something (or someone) sweet. So, whether it’s ice cream or a milkshake, the newly reopened Spark Cafe has got you covered. It’s a Bentonville Square staple, and residents are so excited to have it back, including me. From their delicious, Sam Walton-inspired flavors to their unbeatable prices, you do “Save Money, Live Better” with the Spark Cafe. You’ll also love the new design and available outdoor seating.