So, here's the thing, I have some family friends headed to Fayetteville this weekend and they reached out for some fun things to do around town. As I started thinking about where to send them, I realized that other folks might also be interested in some of the fantastic things Fayetteville has to offer - so I'm putting them out here for y'all to see!
I also realized that I have A LOT of Fayetteville things...so I'm splitting them into a "Where to Eat" list and a "What to Do" list. Cool? Cool. Cool cool cool.
Here you go!
Alana's Fayetteville Favorites: Food
BREAKFAST
- This sweet little coffee shop is locally owned and operated – meaning it just feels like Fayetteville. I have spent countless late nights and early mornings, not to mention afternoon coffee breaks, in both the Gregg Street and Dickson Depot locations. Not only is the coffee fantastic, the baristas are super friendly and they have the most amazing pastries (and crepes if you’re at the Depot location). I mean really, try the whole wheat cinnamon peach muffins at Gregg Street and tell me I’m wrong. I dare you.
- A Fayetteville classic. This place has been around for over 20 years and has received numerous people’s choice awards. They’re known for their cakes (which, by the way, are fantastic. If you’ve been to ANY party I’ve thrown since living in Fayetteville, you’ve had Rick’s cake or petit fours). But they’re awesome at more than cakes – they have a huge selection of pastries and donuts (which you can customize to your liking…maple bacon donuts anyone?) and even hot breakfast items like sausage rolls (another local favorite), ham and cheese croissants, and biscuits and gravy. If you need a go-to, kid-friendly breakfast place, this is your answer.
- Just off the square (making it a fantastic stop after the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays), LBC has tons of deliciously unique breakfast options, all made with local ingredients. They also tend to have gluten-free and vegan options, for those of you that are so inclined. Oh, and did I mention the patio? The patio, guys. The patio.
- Wanna have breakfast inside a fairytale cottage? Want cinnamon rolls the size of your head and cupcakes with perfectly sweet frosting? Or, is chocolate gravy with a side of bacon more your speed? Either way, this place is a must-see. It’s absolutely precious, y’all. And the food? Oh my goodness…LOVELY. Note: They’re closed on Mondays, unfortunately. Mondays just got so much worse.
LUNCH/DINNER
- Lookin' for burgers? Go no further my friends. This place is one of the first “classic Fayetteville” spots the locals insisted I try when I moved up here. Ever since, it’s been one of the first suggestions I make to visiting friends or new Fayettevillians. They’re known for their burgers, my favorite being the Bleu Moon Burger (yes, it has bleu cheese on it and yes, it’s as fantastic as it sounds), but their menu is much more exhaustive than that. I also love to get the crepes (for dinner OR dessert! Guys…grasshopper crepes! No, not the bugs. As in crepes filled with mint ice cream & covered with homemade hot fudge sauce…just sayin’), or any of the sandwiches. You really can’t go wrong here. Also, pro-tip, a basket of fries feeds like three. Now you know.
- They’re a grilled cheese place. Not sold yet? Do you hate all things good? It’s grilled cheese, why do I have to explain this further? Okay, if you insist. It’s more than just hot cheese on bread. This place has gourmet grilled cheese. Just to give you a taste:
- Brie’s Company: grilled apple, brie, gouda, caramelized onions and fig jam on sourdough
- Scarlet Cheddar: New York sharp cheddar, 24 month aged vintage cheddar, seriously sharp white cheddar, smoked turkey and herb mayo on European multi-grain
- Cheebacca: sharp white cheddar, house cheese, bacon, pulled pork, grilled onions and garlic cilantro sauce on sourdough
- They also have fantastic soups, fun hot dogs, and more “plain” options for the kiddos. And don’t forget to order the blueberry iced tea. Ah-may-zing.
- I can’t pick a favorite Thai restaurant in Fayetteville. Both these guys are fantastic. If Thai is your thing, you can’t go wrong with either. The atmosphere at Taste of Thai is a bit more “Fayetteville-y,” but the service is more intimate at Twin Kitchen – like you’re eating at their house. Really…I just can’t pick a favorite.
- Great food. Great atmosphere. Great people. Not the best place if you’re in a hurry, but come prepared to enjoy some good pizza and maybe a drink or two and you’re in for a good time. Tip: if you’re okay with spicy, GET THE PINK SAUCE!!! It’s some of the best stuff I’ve had anywhere ever. I kid you not. Also, the “Stuffy” crust is fantastic – kinda like Chicago style…but more awesome. Give it a try. (My favorite is the Underdog, Stuffy crust)
- Good ol’ fashioned home-cooked classic Italian fare. Tiny restaurant in a semi-sketchy looking location, but wonderful food. I think they may use a full stick of butter in each dish. To be clear, I’m not complaining about that. Great for a date night or a celebratory night out.
- Sure this is technically in Bentonville…so it’s not a “Fayetteville” favorite, but it’s good enough to make the list. It’s a food truck typically parked off the Bentonville square that serves wonderful crepes cooked up by the sweetest little French family. They have sweet and savory options, and choices for breakfast or lunch. And, since the crepes are made with buckwheat flour, I get to tell myself I’m being healthy! Buckwheat makes Nutella healthy, right?
- Again, not a Fayetteville establishment, but a long-time favorite. I used to swing by here for lunch when I was working up in Bentonville – loved eating a crisp salad or a sandwich on fresh, fluffy bread out on their patio (especially if Lauren was there). They use local, fresh ingredients and you won’t find a higher quality salad anywhere. Trust me.
DESSERT
- OF COURSE I have to mention a cupcake place. There are two Bliss locations in Fayetteville…one is unfortunately close to my office, the other is oh-so-conveniently located just off the Square (making it waaaay to easy to stop after a market visit). The frosting on these cakes is fantastic, and their red velvet cake is yummy (oh, and they have gluten-free options!) If you happen to be visiting on one of the days they have their honey-lavender cakes, GET ONE! Matter of fact, get TWO and bring me one, please. Lovely. Just lovely.
- I don’t eat ice cream often, but I do enjoy the occasional fro-yo stop. This place is just off Dickson Street (the social hub of Fayetteville), and is one of those pay-by-the-weight yogurt places. They’ve been about a thousand different names over the last five years, but, despite the changes, they usually have mochi, which makes me SUPER happy. Also, their tart yogurt flavor is a nice blend of sweet and, well, tart. Worth a try.
Fayettevillians, did I miss any? Let me know your favorites, too!
Visitors, ENJOY! and check back tomorrow for the "What to Do" Edition!
'Til then, y'all!
You better believe I will be having this pulled up on my cell phone all weekend. Thank you so much for helping us out. We are so excited (and now so very hungry!) I'm ready to eat my way through Fayetteville. =)
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