Why The Preacher’s Son in Bentonville Is a Must-Visit Arkansas Restaurant
We found one of the most unique restaurants in Arkansas inside a historic church in Bentonville and it completely changed our expectations of dining in the South.
Photo: Internationista
A First-Time Arkansas Food Surprise
The first time we visited Arkansas, we’ll be honest—we had assumptions. We thought finding modern restaurants in Arkansas with refined flavors and elevated menus might be a challenge.
We were wrong.
Not only does Bentonville have a growing food scene, it’s home to one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve had: The Preacher’s Son, a refined New American restaurant set inside a restored Gothic Revival church.
If you’re planning a Bentonville food trip or looking for the best restaurants in Arkansas, this place needs to be at the top of your list.
What to expect at The Preacher’s Son in Bentonville
Walking into The Preacher’s Son (201 NW A St, Bentonville, AR 72712) feels like stepping into a different era while still getting a modern dining experience.
The building dates back to 1898 when it was originally the First Christian Church of Bentonville. It later became a restaurant in 1970 and today stands as one of the most unique historic restaurants in Arkansas.
Inside, the details are stunning. The dining area beneath the bell tower features a grid of 288 individually hung gold bells. The soaring ceilings are supported by massive beams that still echo the building’s church origins. You’ll also find custom banquettes, a champagne-gold bar crafted from the original apse and stained glass artwork by George Dombek that adds a warm glow to the space.
It’s the kind of place where we kept looking around between bites.
The chef behind the menu
Executive Chef Neal Gray brings serious culinary credentials to Bentonville’s dining scene.
He started cooking back in his hometown of Malvern, Arkansas before studying at Johnson & Wales University. From there, he built an impressive career working at some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country, including The Inn at Little Washington, The French Laundry and Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
He also spent time in New York City at restaurants like Simon & the Whale and Bar Sardine.
What we loved most is how that fine dining background doesn’t feel intimidating here. Chef Gray focuses on seasonal ingredients and keeps things approachable. His style is all about balance—refined but relaxed, thoughtful but never overcomplicated.
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What we ordered (and recommend)
Photo: Internationista
If you’re visiting The Preacher’s Son for the first time, we’d actually recommend sharing plates so you can experience more of the menu.
Some of our favorites:
Crispy cauliflower with peppercorn vinaigrette
Burrata with grilled flatbread, green goddess, roasted garlic
Grilled cheese with gruyere, apricot, truffle
And we have to say—the bread alone was worth getting excited about. It’s one of those small details that sets the tone right away.
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Pricing at The Preacher’s Son
Photo: Internationista
This is definitely a higher-end dining experience for Bentonville, but still reasonable for the quality and setting.
Appetizers: about $12–$18
Entrées: about $34–$140
Desserts: about $10–$16
For dessert, the Chocolate Pot de Crème with chocolate pound cake, coffee coulis and whipped cream is a must. It’s rich, smooth and the perfect way to end the meal.
Why we’d go back
The Preacher’s Son isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Bentonville—it’s one of the most unique restaurants in Arkansas.
Between the historic church setting, the thoughtful New American menu and the welcoming atmosphere, it completely changed how we think about dining in Arkansas.
If you’re visiting Bentonville for the first time like we were, this is the place that proves the food scene here is way more exciting than you might expect.