Gay Bentonville

Lady Slipper is a cozy speakeasy lounge and restaurant tucked away beneath Bentonville’s historic Massey building. With its hidden entrance and intimate setting, this LGBTQ-friendly spot blends rare art, whimsical décor, and award-winning bites.

The bar’s indoor space is snug but welcoming, while the expansive outdoor patio offers plenty of room to relax. Service is attentive and warm, with a menu focused on creative cocktails and elevated comfort food.

Hidden behind the Midnight Gallery, Callisto is Bentonville’s tropical-inspired speakeasy where the art is as inventive as the cocktails. Expect more than 30 hand-crafted cocktails, all built with freshly squeezed juices, house-made syrups, and island-inspired infusions.

The food menu is packed with shareable tiki-style plates, perfectly paired to the bold flavors of the bar. The kitchen is open late, and the secret entrance adds a bit of playful magic to your night out.

Beneath a historic church, Undercroft reveals itself through an unmarked door or a discreet archway labeled simply “bar.” This hidden gem is known for its beautifully crafted cocktails and select plates from The Preacher’s Son upstairs.

The moody, underground setting is ideal for live jazz. Tuesdays bring the Forte Quartet for a dose of classic and improvisational tunes, while Thursdays turn into Vinyl Night with Bentonville Radio spinning vintage records.

Night Owl Tavern is a cozy, gay-friendly bar with a quirky owl mascot serving classic cocktails. Bartenders are welcoming, the pride flag flies behind the bar, and they donate to local LGBTQ+ groups.

Expect well-made drinks, local brews, a handful of late-night snacks, and a photo-worthy bathroom mural, perfect for a laid-back night out.

Stoic Brews Alternative is Arkansas’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery and taproom. Everything on tap is brewed with alternative grains like sorghum, millet, corn, and quinoa, and the kitchen serves up carefully crafted gluten-free snacks and small plates.

Sustainability is part of the ethos, with spent grains repurposed by local farms. The taproom also hosts regular events like trivia and bingo, plus Pride parties, creating a welcoming space for anyone seeking something unique on Bentonville’s beer map.

Conifer stands out in Bentonville for its dedicated gluten-free kitchen and unwavering commitment to farm-to-table dining. Chef Matthew Cooper, a 2025 James Beard semi-finalist, leads a team that crafts seasonal menus featuring local produce, Pacific coastal seafood, and in-house baked gluten-free bread. The restaurant’s ever-changing wine and beer selection is designed to pair with each new menu.

Bar Cleeta offers a sophisticated take on neighborhood dining, serving creative small plates, fresh oysters, and charcuterie in a rustic-chic space. The owners focus on locally sourced meats, seasonal ingredients, and an adventurous wine and cocktail list. The menu encourages sharing, while the relaxed but polished setting welcomes both regulars and newcomers.

Yeyo’s brings the heart of Michoacán to Bentonville with its menu of tacos, burritos, and Mexican classics, all made using naturally grown ingredients from local farms, including the owners’ own Rios Family Farm. Executive Chef Rios was also a prestigious 2025 James Beard semifinalist. The colorful, casual setting and commitment to sustainability make this family-run eatery a local favorite for fresh, authentic flavors.

The restaurant has several branches and food trucks across the city, so keep an eye out for them.

Housed in a beautifully restored historic church, The Preacher’s Son is known for its refined, seasonal menus and striking setting. Executive Chef Neal Gray blends local Arkansas produce with fine-dining technique, offering guests an extensive wine list, attentive service, and a dining room adorned with contemporary art and stained glass. This is a top pick for a special night out in Bentonville.

The bar, Undercroft, lies beneath this restaurant.

Located inside the Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown, Junto delivers modern Japanese cuisine in a sleek, welcoming space. The menu features sushi, sashimi, small plates, and cooked specialties, along with vegetarian and gluten-free options. With a lively bar scene, attentive staff, and an atmosphere that invites both celebrations and casual dinners, Junto has quickly become a downtown favorite.