Exploring Fayetteville’s Newest Culinary Gems

Exploring Fayetteville’s Newest Culinary Gems

Fayetteville’s dining landscape continues to flourish with a variety of new establishments catering to diverse tastes. Here are some noteworthy additions to the local food scene:

1834 Tavern Lafayette

Located at 572 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 1834 Tavern Lafayette offers a cozy, old-world atmosphere with deep green and purple hues and ornate accents. The menu features Belgian-inspired dishes such as the 1834 Moules—mussels in a garlic and herb pinot grigio broth with sun-dried tomatoes—and Poulet à la Flamande, a chicken dish with carrots and pureed potatoes in a Dijon cream sauce. The tavern is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Source

Fuego Tortilla Grill

Fuego Tortilla Grill, a Texas-based Tex-Mex chain, has opened its first Arkansas location at 2190 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Known for its roasted poblano queso, creative tacos, and handmade tortillas, the restaurant operates 24 hours a day from Tuesday through Sunday, closing only on Mondays. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for January 13, 2026. Source

Moonhouse Coffee Bar & Bistro

Situated in a former house at 129 W. Lafayette St., Moonhouse Coffee Bar & Bistro provides a cozy, home-like atmosphere with multiple rooms for solitude or intimate gatherings. The menu includes traditional items like muffins and bagels, as well as unexpected offerings such as sushi. A standout drink is the Winter Orchard, a seasonal coffee with orange, cinnamon, and vanilla. Moonhouse is open daily, from 7 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sundays and 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Source

Handshake

Located on the first floor of the Fayetteville Public Library at 401 W. Mountain St., Handshake offers breakfast, lunch, and light snacks in an inviting café setting with large windows overlooking the street. A notable menu item is the chicken pesto sandwich, featuring grilled chicken, tomato pesto, mozzarella, and vegetables on focaccia. Handshake is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Source

Benny’s Bagels

Set to open in late January 2026, Benny’s Bagels will offer in-house made bagels and cream cheeses daily. Must-try items include the Hash Brown Heatwave, a bagel loaded with bacon, egg, pepper jack, crispy hash browns, and Frank’s hot sauce, as well as Benny’s Stuffed Bagel, filled with cream cheese, garlic butter, and Parmesan, baked to crispy perfection. Source

These new establishments contribute to the rich and diverse culinary scene in Fayetteville, offering residents and visitors a variety of dining experiences to explore.