(Photo Credit: Eureka Springs CVB)
Eureka Springs is a charming small town in Arkansas known for its art galleries, historic hotels, and fun shops. But did you know that it is also home to some great restaurants?
One of the things I love about traveling is trying different restaurants in new places. I’ve recently had the opportunity to visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and I was impressed with the variety and quality of the restaurants there. You will find dishes with European, Latin American, and Asian influences to the typical American burger and comfort food.
Food buffs will enjoy a variety of eating experiences, including pubs, cafes, eateries, and upscale restaurants. If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s unique and memorable, be sure to check out one of the following restaurants in Eureka Springs!
Restaurants in Eureka Springs are still recovering from the business problems created by COVID-19. Be sure to check their websites to make sure they are open since many are closed several days of the week.
1. Mud Street Cafe
Offering the “freshest food in town,” Mud Street Cafe is famous for its unique setting below street level and its award-winning coffee, espresso drinks, desserts, and full bar.
Built-in 1888, descend down one flight of stairs below street level to enter. The stone walls have life-sized paintings hanging, and you feel like you are in a cavern. They also have outdoor seating options available on a first come, first served basis.
The eclectic menu offers many options. To tickle your taste buds, I recommend the reuben sandwich with home-cooked corn beef, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese on Bohemian rye bread. Or, try one of their wraps or croissant sandwiches.
I want to indulge in the chicken Waldorf salad the next time I visit. It is a grilled chicken breast served with a traditional Waldorf salad of apples, celery, walnuts, pecans, and grapes with a lime-honey dressing topped with cheddar cheese and dry roasted peanuts. (I will order mine without the cheese!)
Stop in for breakfast or lunch Thursday–Saturday, or brunch on Sunday. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
2. Le Stick Nouveau
With an atmosphere that has been crafted to immerse guests in an experience emphasizing cuisine and service, Le Stick Nouveau is an affordable, fine-dining establishment located beneath Hotel New Orleans.
Epitomizing fine dining, Le Stick exudes an elegant yet rustic ambiance showcasing mini chandeliers, wood columns, and old statues. The hip decor, cozy private booths, professional staff, and delicious, innovative drink menu enhance the upscale experience.
It is a great place to spend a memorable evening. Trip Advisor recently named them one of the Top Three Date Night Restaurants in the United States.
The menu features both modern dishes and classic recipes with artistic presentations. They offer five-course menu experiences and more.
Pro Tip: This restaurant is moving. They closed the old location on April 24, 2022, and are moving to a new location in Eureka Springs that should be open in June.
3. Ermilio’s
Dine on family recipes from northern and southern Italy and pick the pasta and made-from-scratch sauces at Ermilio’s in downtown Eureka Springs.
Authentic Italian dishes provide a superb gastronomic experience. From pasta to pizzas, you’ll be thrilled with the food, and the old-world atmosphere will make you feel like you are in Italy.
Mom’s Homemade Meatballs in Red Sauce is a favorite dish. Two large, lean ground beef meatballs with herbs and spices are simmered in a rich, savory red sauce. Served with a side of pasta, the meal is delicious and filling.
Don’t pass up dessert and enjoy homemade chocolate pistachio cannolis, tiramisu, or Italian wedding cake.
4. Grotto Wood Fired Grill And Wine Cave
A visit to Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave is not just about a place to eat great food — it’s a full-on sensory experience. Delight in the beauty of their cave, take in the smell of their wood-fired grill, and enjoy the taste of their unique flavor combinations while listening to the vibe of their custom music.
A top Eureka Springs restaurant, they serve everything from soup to steaks in a rustic setting. Dim lighting, giant boulders, and a smoky smell from the wood-fired grill make you feel like you are in a cave. It is a unique and memorable dining experience.
If you want to try a unique dish, sample the smoked duck served with the house barbeque sauce. The grilled portobello topped with goat cheese, and balsamic glaze is a favorite.
For a lighter appetite, try the small plates. I recommend the crispy fried Brussels sprouts.
5. Local Flavor Cafe
Popular among the locals, the Local Flavor Cafe is a chef-owned-and-operated restaurant. Located in quaint downtown Eureka Springs, dine in an eclectic atmosphere highlighting local art and vintage lamps, or dine streetside on the patio.
The cafe features fresh and creative dishes. For starters, try the crab cakes served with sauteed arugula, red bell peppers, and a lime dill sauce.
I suggest the egg plant parmesan or pork piccata for your main entree. When I visit again, I hope to try the wild caught salmon, grilled and served with their own raspberry barbeque sauce.
6. The Spring On Main
A casual dining restaurant featuring craft cocktails and elevated American fare, The Spring on Main is located in the entertainment district of Eureka Springs on South Main Street. Unique charcuterie options are available, and they serve brunch on the weekends.
Begin your meal with the smoked meat and cheese board featuring house-smoked turkey, smoked sausage, smoked duck pastrami, and smoked cheddar. Fig jam, whole grain mustard, red grapes, and Lahvosh crackers accent the board.
A favorite entree you might enjoy is the grilled Kurobuta pork chop. It is served with sauteed broccolini and roasted sweet potatoes. You will love the sweet molasses gastrique drizzled over the meat.
I’m a salmon fan, so the miso charred salmon was at the top of my list. They marinate a Norwegian salmon in white miso and honey tamari soy sauce. It is served with blanched baby bok choy and shitake mushrooms with a tamari lemon beurre blanc sauce drizzled over it.
7. Cafe Amore
Cafe Amore is located off Highway 62-E and serves authentic Italian dishes in a casual setting.
Brick walls, arches, and European country art make you feel like you’re in Italy when you enter. One bite of their delicious pizza will thrill your tastebuds.
The house specialty is Uncle Pat’s Meatball Pizza. Chef Katherine makes her own pizza dough and sauce. She starts with her homemade pizza dough and sauce and then adds garlic, mozzarella, balsamic green onions, and tops it with delicious homemade meatballs. What a treat! They even have a gluten-free pizza available.
If it is your first visit, I recommend the House Sampler as your happy teaser. Bruschetta, caprese, and olive tapenade are served with their famous balsamic glaze, fresh basil, and seasoned flatbread crackers.
A variety of Italian entrees are also available. Make sure you save room for their homemade desserts.
You can certainly “Taste the Love” at Cafe Amore!
8. The Rockin’ Pig Saloon
Meat lovers enjoy eating at the Rockin’ Pig Saloon. Their exquisite barbecue dishes and beef burgers rule in a pub-like environment.
Ingredients are sourced locally when possible, providing fresh dishes served inside or on the patio. Rockin’ Pig raises their own Japanese black wagyu beef on their farm for a true farm-to-table operation. Their farmhouse wagyu burger comes straight from the farm and they do limited farm-to-table wagyu steaks.
Start your amazing meal with a crispy Korean Brussels sprouts appetizer with a Korean glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Entree favorites include the smokehaus wagyu brisket sandwich with Rockin’ Pig’s own barbeque sauce on a brioche bun topped with pickles and pickled onion.
Another favorite is the wagyu farm-to-table steakburger mentioned above and topped with white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and Russian dressing.
Try my favorite, the strawberry pecan bacon salad, for a lighter meal. Fresh greens are tossed with fresh strawberries, dried cranberries, roasted pecans, bacon, and blue cheese with a strawberry poppyseed dressing. (Again, I order mine without the cheese!)
The Rockin’ Pig Saloon is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
If you’re looking for a great meal in a charming town, Eureka Springs is the place to be. No matter what you’re in the mood for, we’re sure you can find something to satisfy your palate at one of the restaurants listed above. So next time you’re in northwest Arkansas, be sure to stop and enjoy a gastronomic adventure in Eureka Springs.
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