8 Farm-to-Table Experiences in Arkansas

It’s no secret that fresh, local ingredients yield some of the most flavorful dishes and drinks you’ll find. Make a stop at these Arkansas eateries, breweries and distilleries for a palate-pleasing time.

Cheeseburger on a plate with fresh salad, set on a wooden table.

The Root Cafe, Little Rock

“Building community through local food” is the motto of this well-established eatery with two locations in Little Rock. The first is in the walkable SoMa district downtown. The cafe is a great place to pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner while you stroll the neighborhood. The second is in Breckenridge Village in West Little Rock. Choose from favorites like omelets filled with locally produced cheese and meats, a farm-fresh deviled egg sandwich or juicy, made-to-order cheeseburger. You’ll also find locally produced beer and wine options as well as locally roasted coffee. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in SOMA. Open daily at 8 a.m. in Breckenridge Village, closing at 9 p.m.Tuesday through Thursday, at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Bartender pouring white wine into a glass at a bar with ornate decor.

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Wiederkehr Village

Did you know Arkansas has its own wine country? In the northwestern portion of the state, you’ll find numerous wineries, including Wiederkehr Wine Cellars in Wiederkehr Village. With recipes that date back to the late 1800s, this charming Swiss-inspired village is the oldest and largest winery in mid-America. Make a stop in the Arkansas River Valley for a tour of the vineyard and a tasting of their numerous white and red wine offerings. They also have an on-site restaurant featuring continental cuisine. Open daily, year-round.

A colorful table with plates of salads, tacos, and drinks, surrounded by people.

The Farmer’s Table Cafe, Fayetteville

Conveniently located on School Street, just down from the University of Arkansas campus, The Farmer’s Table is a delightfully fresh way to experience local cuisine. With both produce and meat options from local sources, you’ll find everything from hearty Ozark Breakfast Tacos to a seasonal Always a Goddess salad that features nuts, fruit and classic Green Goddess dressing. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options abound. Dine with them for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Sunday and for dinner on Friday and Saturday.

Two hands clinking glasses over a table with food.

Lost Forty Brewing, Little Rock

While you can buy Lost Forty beers at numerous retailers throughout the state, you can only get the experience of seeing the process at their brewhouse and taproom in downtown Little Rock. Open daily, visit the site to taste a brew or two and enjoy some grub. The beer menu features seasonal and limited-run selections alongside year-round standbys, many of which are made with Arkansas rice, honey or other locally sourced ingredients. Appetizers, pizzas and sandwiches — like a house-smoked turkey reuben — make for excellent pairings with the drink of your choice.

Bartender serving drinks to smiling patrons at a lively bar counter.

Delta Dirt Distillery, Historic Helena

For four generations, the Williams family has farmed land in the Arkansas Delta. Now, they are using the ground for a different type of venture — creating handmade, locally inspired vodka, gin and a soon-to-release bourbon made from produce grown on the farm. As Arkansas’ first Black-owned craft distillery, they pride themselves on being a family-operated business. Tours of their historic downtown Helena facility are held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Visit their website to book your hour-long, behind-the-scenes walk-through and sip concoctions made with the fruits of their labor.

Chef presenting a gourmet dish with herbs on a white plate.

The Hive at 21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville

Located inside Bentonville’s 21c Hotel just off the town square, The Hive is an elevated culinary experience. Local, homegrown products are featured in a variety of dishes. Their partners include nearby pork and poultry farms, produce growers, coffee roasters, and grit and sorghum makers. Dishes are paired with suggestions from local distilleries and family-owned vineyards — and can also be enjoyed at the restaurant’s adjoining bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner, Tuesday through Thursday for lunch and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Bottles and a wine glass on a sunlit table in a rustic setting.

Prestonrose Farm & Brewing Company, Paris and Clarksville

Presontrose is committed to producing and serving farm-to-table options while fostering community and supporting small businesses. The small certified organic farm with a small batch artisan brewery and event center, operates just outside of Paris, Arkansas, offering pints and snacks from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Its full farm-to-table menu is now served daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Prestonrose Towne Bistro & Mercantile, just over the river in Clarksville.

Table 28 Little Rock

Sourcing organic produce from Arkansas farmers, chef Scott Rains has created a flavorful menu of modern American cuisine with a Southern flair. Dishes like seared duck served atop Arkansas rice and Rabbit Ridge Farms Chicken Breast Parmigiana will delight your palate. The restaurant is conveniently located inside The Burgundy Hotel in west Little Rock.