Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie is as local as it gets in Bentonville. A downtown staple since 2011, the restaurant serves up craveable, locally sourced, seasonal dishes in a casual, rustic setting. 

 

Tusk & Trotter was one of the first places I dined when I moved to Bentonville. I still get a kick out of it being described as a place that serves “everything from the tusk to the trotter of a pig.” While still true, the menu has evolved over the years to offer more than heavy meat-only dishes. Something that hasn’t changed, though, is the surprising, indulgent flavors.

Tusk & Trotter Interior

Image: Interior of Tusk & Trotter in Bentonville, Arkansas. Image courtesy of Emily Neuman.

 

While open seven days a week and serving a great lunch, happy hour, and dinner, don’t skip on their weekend brunch! It always meets the expectation of what a weekend brunch should be: good friends surrounded by good food and morning cocktails (preferably a Bloody Mary). Luckily, Tusk & Trotter feels the same as they have six different Bloody Mary’s on their menu ranging from a pickle forward selection with dill pickle infused vodka to a spicier jalapeño version with a grilled jalapeño infused vodka. Can’t decide which one to get? Don’t worry, they offer flights!

Tusk & Trotter Bloody Mary Flite

Image: Bloody Mary flights. Image courtesy of Emily Neuman.

 

For food, it’s highly recommended you start off with a Bacon Tasting. This starter will have you see bacon in a whole new light with the exploration of different types of bacon from bacon jam to Arkansas bacon & Tusk bacon made from Bansley’s Berkshire Ridge Farm pork. It’s topped with pickled spring vegetables and herbs for a nice palate cleanser.

Tusk & Trotter Bacon Plates

Image: Bacon Tasting with bacon jam on toasted points with Arkansas bacon & Tusk bacon made from Bansley’s Berkshire Ridge Farm pork topped with pickled spring vegetables & herbs. Image courtesy of Emily Neuman.

 

Next, move to the light but filling Carrot Cake Waffles with vanilla butter and maple syrup. You just can’t go wrong with this savory but sweet option. Other popular brunch dishes include “Which Came First?,” a play on the old age question of the chicken or the egg, with buttermilk or hot fried chicken and an over easy egg on top of a carrot cake waffle, and the Veggie Benedict with pimento cheese cornbread, poached eggs, roasted tomato & pepper dill relish, and hollandaise.

Tusk & Trotter Meals

Image left to right: Carrot Cake Waffles with vanilla butter and maple syrup. Veggie Benedict with pimento cheese cornbread, poached egg, roasted tomato & pepper dill relish, hollandaise, and blackening seasoning. Image courtesy of Emily Neuman.


 

And the last thing to do? Enjoy the rest of your day exploring Bentonville after having the most delicious brunch. And maybe, just maybe, come back for dinner. There’s nothing against eating at the same place twice in a day when it’s this good.

 

Before your next visit to Tusk & Trotter, here are some important deets to keep in mind:

  • Location: Located off the Bentonville downtown square along SE A Street, just past Tavola Trattoria. Fun fact: the building is Sam Walton’s original warehouse.

  • Parking: It’s free and located across the street (see map here). There are also several free spots around the downtown square if full. Biking? There are bike racks located nearby.

  • Reservations: Reservations are not needed at Tusk & Trotter, however, you can make them online via Tock here. I’d recommend making reservations in advance for dinner and if you have a large group.

  • Hours: Open 11am-9pm Monday-Friday and 10am-9pm Saturday-Sunday. 

  • Dining Area: Includes an array of seating options from tables and booths, to high-tops and bar. Outdoor seating is available as well pending weather conditions.