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Pour Decisions: A Guide to Downtown Hotspots

Each Bentonville bar offers more than a drink—it delivers personality, craft, and community. So, whether you're a local planning a bar crawl or a visitor tasting the city’s nightlife, get ready to sip thoughtfully, laugh freely, and make memories in every glass. Cheers to discovering your next favorite bar!

The First Seat Pub & Grill

Hours: Open late 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM on weekdays, and 11:00 - 1:00 AM on weekends.

An old-school downtown pub hidden just behind Three Dog Bakery. With nearly two dozen craft beers on tap—including rotating local brews—and an impressive whiskey collection, it makes you feel like you’re sitting next to Norm from “Cheers.” The dark wood interior, chalkboard beer lists, and welcoming bartenders make it a cozy vibe to sit down and take a load off. Be sure to try their famous pub burger or loaded tater tots while tossing back a cold one. The space fills fast on Friday nights, so get there early enough to grab the First Seat.

The HUB Bike Lounge

Hours: Daily 11 AM – Midnight

More than just a bar, it’s bike culture central. The HUB combines a full-service repair shop with a vibrant bar and event space. Sip on a "Full Send" margarita or a crisp local blonde while watching mechanics tune up your bike next door. The patio is perfect on warm evenings, complete with string lights and communal tables. Weekly events include trivia nights, live acoustic sets, group rides, and support for bike advocacy. Bring your pup—they’re dog-friendly—and stay for the tacos, sliders, and the easygoing buzz of bike-loving locals.

Undercroft at The Preacher’s Son

Hours: Tue–Sun evenings (5:00 - 11:00 PM, 5:00 - Midnight on weekends)

Descending beneath the beautiful Preacher’s Son, the Undercroft offers a truly transformative bar experience. With vaulted ceilings, soft booth seating, and vintage jazz or soul music, you’ll feel like you just walked through a portal to New York City. The cocktail menu pivots weekly to showcase seasonal ingredients, like a rosemary-infused martini or a fig and bourbon special. Food pairings, such as charcuterie boards with local cheese and fig jam, are delicious. Reservations are smart, but it's worth stopping by unannounced—if there’s space, the bartenders will craft something tailored to your taste.

Lady Slipper

Hours: Tues–Thurs 4:00–11:00 PM; Fri–Sat until late (typically 12 a.m.)

An inviting cocktail lounge brimming with class and character. Soft lighting, plush chairs, and modern art-filled walls create the perfect backdrop for sophisticated sipping. Their extensive cocktail menu features both house-made classics and reimagined favorites, like the lavender-infused gin fizz or the smoky mezcal punch. Small plates like seasonal bruschetta, charcuterie, and truffle fries are ideal for sharing as the mellow DJ plays in the background. The space encourages conversation—not rushing—making it perfect for dates or slow evening catch-ups.

Callisto (via Midnight Gallery)

Hours: Thurs–Sun evenings (around 4 p.m.–midnight; Fridays/Saturdays may go to 1 a.m.)

An immersive tiki bar hidden inside an art gallery? Push past the canvas and enter a world of bamboo, tiki masks, and tropical greenery. Each cocktail arrives theatrically, from flaming pineapples, glowing ice cubes, to garnishes perched high. The menu features Polynesian-inspired small bites like crispy pork bao and coconut-lime shrimp skewers, plus bowls for sharing. It’s loud, lively, and a feast for both taste buds and the eyes.

The Hive at 21c Museum Hotel

Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – Midnight

Refined yet relaxed—that’s part of the vibe at The Hive. Part art gallery, part bar, it occupies a stunning space with marble surfaces, art installations, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Cocktails here are thoughtful and layered: “Knowledge is Flower,” for example, blends elderflower, gin, and citrus, garnished with edible petals. Light bites such as charcuterie boards, bruschetta topped with goat cheese, and seasonal crostini pair perfectly with wine flights. Ideal for an early evening drink or an extended pre-dinner lounge session. 

Tower Bar at The Momentary

Hours: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM weeknights, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Located atop The Momentary, Tower Bar delivers both style and views. Large windows offer 180-degree views of Bentonville, the Ozark foothills, and the museum courtyard. Inside, high-top tables, lounge chairs, evoke mid-century glamour. The cocktail menu features craft creations like a smoked maple Old Fashioned, local wines and a curated champagne list. Some nights feature DJs or live jazz, adding ambiance. Perfect for sunsets, pre-concert dinner drinks, or casual drinks!

Hardwater Cocktail Lounge

Hours: Mon–Thurs 4:00 – 11:00  PM Fri–Sat until ~12:15 a.m.

Hardwater stands out with inventive cocktails and welcoming conversation. Their Old Fashioned arrives with smoky-sweet precision; “The Secret Garden” (bourbon, matcha syrup, carrot foam) is a surprise in every sip. The menu also features rotating snacks like bison sliders, artisanal charcuterie, and warm dessert cookies baked tableside. Soft lighting, curated art installations, and a playlist mixing soul and disco create a warm vibe.

Bentonville Taproom

Hours: Mon–Thurs 2:00 – 10:00 PM, Fri-Sat 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM.; Sun 12:00 - 9:00 PM

This friendly brew hub is located right off the Square and features 12 rotating taps of Arkansas breweries, like Ozark IPA, Black Apple Cider, and regional sours. It is dog and bike-friendly with picnic tables and open-air seating. It is common to see a Sunday brunch vibe merge into afternoon live music or karaoke nights. Board games, corn hole, and dartboards add to the fun. The staff are passionate and will recommend everything from crisp pilsners to tangy saisons and barrel-aged stouts.

What Makes Bentonville’s Bar Scene So Special

Downtown Bentonville balances creativity with comfort. Speakeasies share bricks with bike shops; gallery doors open onto tiki oases. The walkability means you’re never far from your next drink—or next conversation. Whether your vibe is elevated sophistication, playful whimsy, or laid-back drinks with locals, there’s a bar that fits the moment.