1. SUSHI, JAPANESE CUISINE, located at the intersection of Moberly and 14th Street, Bentonville, AR
The owner, a remarkable chef, makes this restaurant a five star location for anyone who enjoys sushi. The sushi, whether traditional sushi fare or unusual creations created just for the people in this area, is outstanding. There will be no turning back to Chinese buffet sushi after eating this food. The rice is never sticky, and all the fish is extremely fresh. For those who don’t enjoy sushi, there is also a traditional menu with chicken and beef dishes and fried rice. The prices are reasonable. A small sushi roll can run anywhere from $4.95 to $6.95, while a large roll is generally anywhere from $11.95 to $14.95. Don’t forget to tip the sous chefs on your way out!
2. ORIENTAL EXPRESS, II, located on 14th Street, Bentonville, AR
This place offers both Chinese and Vietnamese PHO style food. The Vietnamese PHO soups are outstanding. There is a plethora of dishes to choose from including noodle types. They serve either clear or yellow noodles in their soups, depending on your selection. I have made it a personal goal to try every PHO soup on the menu. My favorite is the dumpling soup with clear noodles. This place really is great and affordable priced. Both the large and small soups are under $8.00!
3. CELTIC GRILL AND PUB, located on 28th Street and J Street, Bentonville, AR
The Celtic Grill, much like its name implies, features traditional Irish food. They are the best place to get traditional Irish stew in the area. Other menu items include prime rib, fish and chips, steak filets, and corned beef and cabbage. The Celtic Grill also has a tremendously good soup and salad bar. Their prices are reasonable, but the atmosphere is even better. They offer live Celtic music on the weekends, and each table outside of the bar is equipped with speakers. A family of five will generally spend around $50.00 for a meal (including drinks, and many times prim rib!).
4. GUSANO’S PIZZA, located on 28th Street and Walton, Bentonville, AR
Gusano’s Pizza serves the best Chicago style pizza this side of Chicago. The pizza is smothered in cheese, toppings, and then best thick pizza sauce imaginable. There is plenty of food to go around when ordering at Gusano’s Pizza. Our family of five generally orders a large Chicago style pizza, and we have plenty to eat. Our favorite pizza is the Moosehead. It’s topped with green olives, jalapeño peppers, and Italian sausage. For those who are less inclined to enjoy eating a pizza built in the reverse, they also have regular pizzas. The large Chicago style pizzas run about $18.00, while the regular pizzas run about $16.00. That’s really a fantastic price when you consider that one pizza feeds a family of five!
5. SMOKIN’ JOE’S, located at the corner of Moberly and Central, Bentonville, AR
Smokin’ Joe’s has some of the best BBQ outside of the state of Texas! Joe’s serves brisket, pork, and sausage. They also have their own “famous” sauces at the table for you to enjoy on your BBQ. Smokin’ Joe’s has participated in many BBQ competitions including Memphis in May, and Bikes Blues and Bar-B-Que. My favorite dish on the menu is a brisket salad. When ordering, don’t ask for salad dressing; just use the BBQ sauce on the table. The salad is large, and excellent. My husband and I will both order a salad and an iced tea, and it will be under $25.00, tip included (He tips no less than 20%).
6. THAI KITCHEN, located on A Street and 8th Street
Thai Kitchen serves traditional Thai food. The atmosphere is friendly and the food is even better. Meals come in regular sizes, and you can ask for children’s portions for a reduced price. Each meal comes with either a soup or salad. I recommend the Evil Jungle Prince. It is a seafood dish that is cooked in coconut milk, and it is fabulous. Don’t forget to request what spice you want. They have 1-Thai Hot. Meals run around $8.00 and up. It is really worth a visit.
