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Date Night Spots Around Northwest Arkansas
NWA Daily's Guide to Great Spots For Dinner With That Special Someone
NWA Daily
January 31, 2024
Where do you typically go for a night out in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Springdale? NWA Daily has put together a list of our favorite date night restaurants to add to your list!
Fayetteville
Atlas
Looking for a place that has it all? This is it. Atlas is the epitome of date night. Located right off the Fayetteville Square, the ambiance is perfect whether you choose to be in the lounge/bar area, dining area, or on the patio. The cocktails are delicious down to every last detail. You cannot go wrong with anything on their rotating menu, but if you see lamb chops that is our recommendation! Want to keep the night going? You can walk to Vault for a cocktail and more upscale vibes or head right across the street to Fayetteville's staple, Maxines.
NWA Daily
We love Leverett Lounge because it fits any date night vibe you're looking for. You can dress to the nines or come in athleisure... anything goes and fits right in with the eclectic atmosphere! They have a rotating menu that keeps things fresh every time you visit. Two items that stay on their menu, Mel's Diner for an appetizer (fried cheese grits) and the KFC for dinner, are our recommendations! You can expect a well crafted speciality cocktail menu, but we love their house sangria too! The pitcher is perfect to share at the table!
Vetro
An upscale Italian spot right off the Fayetteville Square, Vetro has the regular Italian staples, but they also have some other amazing dishes. Our favorite is actually not pasta...it is the pork chop. Even if you aren’t usually a pork chop person, this one is simply divine. The food is not only fantastic, but there is also something on the menu for everyone. Our go-to drink here is the old fashioned, but they also have a long list of wines - perfect to pair with Italian food!
NWA Daily
Known for their amazing happy hour, Theo's is perfect if you're craving a great cocktail, tasty apps, or looking to enjoy a good patio! Once you're finished with happy hour, we recommend heading inside for a nice dinner. Theo's is also fantastic way to end any evening with a delicious drink at their bar/lounge. They have two locations, one is in Fayetteville and the other is in Rogers.
Photo Courtesy of Ella's Table
Looking for a romantic, cozy night? Look no further than Ella’s Table in Fayetteville. It is located at the edge of Old Main Lawn, inside of the Inn at Carnall Hall so it is perfect if you are feeling a full night away from home. You can start with dinner at Ella’s Table, enjoy Lambeth Lounge for craft cocktails, and stay the night in one of the Inn's cozy rooms. Don't forget to head back to Ella's Table when you wake up for some delicious brunch!
Springdale
Photo Courtesy of Bienvenue
Bienvenue offers upscale dining in a French-inspired atmosphere. With an overwhelming abundance of fresh seafood, various meat options, and great desserts, Bienvenue has something for everyone. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they offer a three-course dinner, perfect for a weeknight getaway!
One of our new favorite dining options in Downtown Springdale, Casa Alejo takes Mexican cuisine to the next level. The queso will knock your socks off, and it’s even better if you add chorizo. Order anything with campechana, a blend of steak and chorizo, and you won’t be disappointed. Top menu recommendations include the Queso Fundido Alambre, Fajitas Parrillada (perfect to split), and the Quesabirria — we also couldn't stop eyeing the waffle fry nachos at the table next to us.
Photo Courtesy of Pastafina
Drive on over to Cave Springs for some of the best, authentic pasta you can find in NWA. Pastafina has a cozy atmosphere with friendly welcoming staff, generous portion sizes, very affordable prices and of course delicious pasta.
Photo Courtesy of NWA Daily
MJ Pizzeria is perfect for great food and specialty cocktails, while also keeping your night casual. This is one of the NWA Daily staff favorites because they offer fantastic pizza, but also serve wonderful salads, appetizers, and pastas! We highly recommend the Tarte Flambé Pizza and the Wood-Oven-Roasted Artichoke dip!
Photo Courtesy of Venesian Inn
Venesian Inn is a classic NWA date night spot. It has been serving incredible food since 1947. They are known for their homemade spaghetti, fried chicken, and rolls, but you honestly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The atmosphere is homey, casual, and welcoming which is a perfect touch while eating the delicious home cooked Italian food.
Rogers
Photo Courtesy of Heirloom at 1907
Heirloom is located in the heart of downtown Rogers yet hidden in the building 1907 in typical speakeasy fashion. Heirloom at 1907 is the perfect place for a special, intimate night. With enough seating for only 20 people, reservations are a must.. and sometimes they book out several months in advance, so plan ahead! Not only does it feel like a speakeasy, the food is amazing and very unique, making the whole experience something to talk about for days.
Photo Courtesy of Local Lime
Local Lime is a causal setting but with a fun, trendy vibe, plus has amazing food... This is an NWA Daily staff favorite! We love ordering the salsa trio, queso, and fajitas, and you definitely don't want to forget about a margarita! Truly, you can't wrong with anything on the menu. We recommend arriving early to get a table or to stroll the Promenade if there is a wait
Ruth's Chris
Located right off of I-49 in the Pinnacle area, woo your date by treating them to a classic steak dinner. Enjoy some great drinks from the bar, paired with the goat cheese dip or a seafood tower (if you’re feeling fancy). You can’t go here without ordering the amazing steaks! Ruth's Chris has an upscale vibe with a great patio.
Photo Courtesy of Bonefish Grill
Most people know Bonefish Grill by their Bang Bang Shrimp, but there are so many amazing things here. The fish is fresh and delicious, and they make some fantastic cocktails. We highly recommend the smoked old fashioned and their Chilean Sea Bass and Ahi Tuna Sashimi. For those not as interested in fish, their filets are also really tasty. They have seasonal specials and drinks, so there is always something new to branch out and try!
Bentonville
Photo Courtesy of The Hive
Located in downtown Bentonville in the swanky, upscale hotel 21C, you can enjoy a cocktail and delicious appetizer at their bar or walk around the hotel lobby and check out the rotating art galleries while you wait to be seated. The food is just as good of as the art with a wide variety of options to choose from. Chef Matthew McClure has won several awards for his fresh, locally sourced food that has a southern twist. At the end of the meal, they bring out cotton candy, which is the icing on the cake.
Photo Courtesy of Preacher's Son
The Preacher's Son is located in a restored, historic church off of the Bentonville Square. The inside is beautiful, with stained glass windows throughout and a very open concept, while still offering a small and intimate feeling. They offer a unique but delicious menu with a long list of wine and cocktail options. After dinner, you can make your way downstairs to the speakeasy, Undercroft, or head to their rooftop patio for drinks.
Photo Courtesy of Louise at Thaden Field
Louise is not only a recommendation for a dinner date, but also for a breakfast or lunch date! Besides delicious food, it also comes with a show. It overlooks the runway at Thaden Airport, so you can watch planes take off and land as you are sipping a mimosa or an afternoon beer and burger. The menu has diner style options and some amazing southern style dishes. After your meal we recommend a walk at the nearby Osage Park.
Photo Courtesy of Tavola
Tavola Trattoria is located on the Bentonville Square and offers any Italian dish you may want! They have traditional spaghetti , lasagna, and pizza, but we would recommend the Marcelo's Special (beef tenderloin, penne pasta, and pesto)! If you are going on a double date there, they have an option to serve dishes family style for a fun dining experience!
Photo Courtesy of Bar Cleeta
Bar Cleeta offers a wide array of delicious small plates concocted by their gourmet chef. It is the perfect place if you want and experience trying out several dishes. Additionally, there is an extensive wine list to choose from, and they even help you come up with wine pairings for the dishes you order. If you're not into wine, that's okay! Bar Cleeta also has fantastic specialty cocktails list as well.