One of Bentonville’s most hotly anticipated new eateries is finally open for business and it was worth the wait! Pizza Lottie’s, sister restaurant to Pizzeria Ruby in Johnson, AR, teased social media followers for months with “opening soon” posts and just in time for Summer, they made good on their promise. The new outpost is located in one of Crystal Flats’ retail spaces steps from Orchard Park, the Amazeum, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The buzz hadn’t quite died down by the time I visited a few weeks after opening–nor do I expect it to for some time–so, I decided to take their advice and go right at opening at 4 PM (they’ve since expanded hours to include lunch, starting at 11 AM, Wednesday- Sunday). The inside of the red, white, and green-themed space is spacious, with guests entering near the mouth of the kitchen straight ahead, the deli to the left and dining room to the right. As I waited for a friend to join me, the restaurant seemingly filled up within minutes. By the time they arrived around 4:30 all the tables were filled, but we were still able to snag seats at the bar. Bar seating is always my favorite anyway and at Lottie’s it’s the perfect place to take in all the action of the kitchen.
One thing about me is I looove pizza. I spent my early twenties living between New Haven, CT and New York City and if you’re a true pizza head, you know in the Northeast, pizza is almost religion and is as beloved and fiercely debated as sports rivalries. When I moved to NWA six years ago and discovered there was a New England-style pizza joint named Pizzeria Ruby opening in the area, I knew I’d survive. Chef Mike Robertshaw, Meredith Butler, and team honor that culinary legacy well at both Ruby’s and Pizza Lottie’s, complete with giant 18” pies, good Italian staples like fresh pasta, giant meatballs, hearty salads, and of course, seasonal seafood specialties like fried whole belly clams. It was a scorching hot day and despite the outside temps I did what any good ex-New Englander would do: I ordered the clams and a frosty house Spritz to counter the heat. Both came out quickly and as we tucked into the lightly breaded, lemony clams we got serious about picking out the next course.
Now, I’m not going to lie and tell you I was going into this experience blind. I was fortunate enough to receive Lottie’s leftovers the week before, so I’d already tried the Pistachio Bologna pie, which is truly heaven on earth and a must for mortadella lovers. I resisted the strong urge to reorder the same pie or my other favorite, My Spicy Italian Boyfriend, this time settling on the Watertown, which was a perfect balance of house Italian Sausage, garlic spinach, sheeps’ milk feta, mozzarella (pronounced “mootz” if you know better), Italian cheeses, and the lightest, freshest red sauce. Oh, and a small Caesar salad on the side (because you need a salad). Since it was just the two of us eating that night I knew we couldn’t tackle any more food than that, but I was longingly contemplating ordering the Lottie’s take on Shrimp and Grits or a classic Chicken Parmesan Plate. Next time (sigh). I knew a box of leftovers would be in our future, but still, I showed some restraint and ordered a Spaghett to wash down the pizza (it was really hot outside!). As we slowed down on our main course, our server asked with a twinkle in his eye if we wanted to try the tiramisu. I inwardly reflected, gratefully, that I hadn’t worn tight pants that night and said yes. No regrets! This tiramisu was incredibly light with the perfect hint of espresso and was the cherry on top of a great meal. By the time we left at 5:30 PM, the outdoor patio had completely filled up and there was a crowd of people outside the front doors waiting for their names to be called off the waitlist. Don’t let that deter you–it’s worth it!
