
The Preacher's Son
Dine in a beautifully restored Gothic Revival church, enjoying refined New American plates and craft cocktails. A unique culinary sanctuary.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Preacher's Son

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine in a beautifully restored Gothic Revival church, enjoying refined New American plates and craft cocktails. A unique culinary sanctuary.
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weeknights, as the restaurant is very popular.
Don't Miss Signature Dishes
Try the highly-praised squash fritters and wild boar fettuccine for a memorable meal.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dining in a Restored Church
Experience a unique atmosphere in a beautifully restored Gothic Revival church with soaring ceilings.

Exceptional Farm-to-Fork Cuisine
Savor creative, locally sourced, and gluten-free New American dishes, from squash fritters to wild boar fettuccine.

Hidden Speakeasy Bar
Discover The Undercroft, a speakeasy bar downstairs, often featuring live jazz on select nights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weeknights, as the restaurant is very popular.
Don't Miss Signature Dishes
Try the highly-praised squash fritters and wild boar fettuccine for a memorable meal.
Explore the Bars
Enjoy cocktails and live jazz at the rooftop bar or the downstairs speakeasy, The Undercroft.
Consider Weekday Visits
Weekday visits may offer opportunities to catch live jazz performances at The Undercroft.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weeknights, as the restaurant is very popular.
Don't Miss Signature Dishes
Try the highly-praised squash fritters and wild boar fettuccine for a memorable meal.
Explore the Bars
Enjoy cocktails and live jazz at the rooftop bar or the downstairs speakeasy, The Undercroft.
Consider Weekday Visits
Weekday visits may offer opportunities to catch live jazz performances at The Undercroft.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise The Preacher's Son for its unique ambiance within a historic church and its exceptional, farm-to-fork gluten-free cuisine. While the food and service are frequently lauded, some guests note that the lively acoustics can make the atmosphere a bit noisy. Despite this, the overall experience is considered divine and memorable, especially for special occasions.
"Lord knows, to my surprise I enjoyed every moment! Try the Burrata! The steak and the salmon are both solid chooses too. Being good isn't always easy, especially with these delicious desserts and extensive wine list! We loved the atmosphere, the food, and the staff. Looking forward to visiting again! Come hungry and make a reservation and don’t forget to make time for the coat closet downstairs."
Pamela Harjo
"Definitely one of our favorite restaurants. My grandfather actually preached here when it still functioned as a church, so my family is quite proud of it and excited that it is such an excellent restaurant. On this particular occasion, we celebrated a family member getting married and the staff here took great care of us as we enjoyed a multi course meal. We all agreed that every item over the course of dinner was delicious and service could not have been better. With fun bars located upstairs and downstairs as well, this place is a must if you are in the area."
Aaron Schneider
"The restaurant is absolutely beautiful! Sadly, we did not get a chance to have dinner here but we did get a drink at the bar and an appetizer. We had croquettes for the app, CHEFS KISS 🤌🏻 It was so so delicious! I did not try any of their special cocktails, I just had a dirty martini, which by the way, was very well done.
With only one bartender, she was very attentive to everyone sitting at the bar while also making drinks for all the people in the restaurant ; wonderful service!
Also! If you’re into whiskey, they have a wide variety of hard to find allocated bottles which you can try a pour of ; we thought that was very cool to see.
If we’re ever back in town, we’ll put it on our list to have dinner here!"
Bethany M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, The Preacher's Son is located in a beautifully restored Gothic Revival church, offering a unique and serene dining atmosphere.
The restaurant is known for its farm-to-fork gluten-free menu, emphasizing local and sustainable ingredients.
Reservations are strongly recommended, as the restaurant is very popular and tends to fill up quickly, even on weeknights.
Yes, there is a rooftop bar, Celeste, and a speakeasy bar downstairs called The Undercroft, which often features live jazz.
Guests frequently recommend the squash fritters, wild boar fettuccine, croquettes, and hanger steak.
The atmosphere is described as stunning and unique, with soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows, though it can be lively and a bit noisy.
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For anyone hoping for a swanky meal in a converted church, The Preacher’s Son has heard your prayers—stained glass windows and all. This place has the kind of wine list that would impress fussy clients, as well as good New American food and truly excellent desserts (hello, banana ice cream and coffee swiss rolls). After your meal, head to the downstairs speakeasy bar, The Undercroft, especially if it’s a Tuesday or Thursday, which is when they have live jazz.
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Over at the Preacher’s Son, Bentonville’s newest restaurant, Chef Matt Cooper, an Arkansas native and actual preacher’s son, has created quite a buzz with his farm-to-fork gluten-free menu. Chef Cooper’s rustic and traditional style of cooking emphasizes a commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. Vegetarians will love the Heirloom Carrot Gnocchi, Roasted Squash Risotto and Ancient Grain Salad, while carnivores will rejoice with dishes like Pork Shank, Schnitzel Fried Chicken and the Burger with white cheddar and tomato jam.
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After a nap break, we had the chance to visit The Preacher’s Son for dinner, a restaurant that had been highly touted by everyone in our group who’d eaten there already, so I was really looking forward to it!. The restaurant is inside a refurbished church so the ambiance is everything. Chef Matt Cooper was my favorite panelist at the culinary Q&A so I was looking forward to seeing his spin on high south cuisine, especially since he referred to himself as just an “ok” chef.
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For a meal that truly feeds the body and soul, The Preacher’s Son fits the bill. Not only were Executive Chef Matthew Cooper’s father and grandfather both Methodist ministers in Arkansas, but this stunning restaurant is located in a dramatically restored, 100-year-old, Gothic- style church, now filled with cathedral ceilings bathed in buttery tones, sunlight streaming in through art-glass windows, pew-like bench seating and a bell installation in the original bell tower.
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The Preacher’s Son offers a truly unique and unforgettable fine dining experience. With its stunning atmosphere, refined cuisine, commitment to sustainability, and exceptional service, this restaurant has earned its reputation as a Bentonville favorite. Housed within a beautifully restored historic church, the popular eatery has captured the hearts and appetites of locals and visitors alike with its New American cuisine and updated classic favorites.
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Another great dinner option: the Preacher’s Son, in a converted church just a block off the square. The soaring interiors, stained glass, and art—look carefully, one of the paintings has an abstract bicycle in it—are matched in loveliness by the pimento cheese croquettes and the new rooftop bar, Celeste. Locals also sip tropical cocktails at Callisto and flock to eat tapas at Bar Cleeta, barbecue at Wright’s, and sushi at a new spot called Junto.
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If you want an excellent place for dinner and to enjoy good food, the Preacher’s Son is one of the best restaurants in downtown Bentonville. The Preacher’s Son offers unique, and sustainably-sourced dinner service in a thoughtfully-restored historic church just steps from Bentonville City Square. The restaurant is one of the best places to get the nice treat you ever wanted and, as a result, offers sumptuous delicacies and nice drinks.
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On my visit to Bentonville, I dined at The Preacher’s Son restaurant, which has quickly gained a reputation for its delectable cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Despite its relatively short existence, this culinary gem has made a lasting impression on both locals and visitors alike. The menu at The Preacher’s Son boasts a tantalizing array of dishes, many of which offer a unique twist on classic favorites.
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Tuck into a meal at the Preacher’s Son, set in the former First Christian church in downtown Bentonville. The space was restored by architect Chip Chambers using John Ruskin’s Seven Lamps manifesto with art glass by George Dombek; the restaurant is a splendid structure. Chef Matt Copper, son of a Methodist preacher, partners with the area’s farmers, creameries, and orchards to deliver a terrific menu.
Gluten-Free in Northwest Arkansas? No Problem.
If you’re looking for a proper sit-down restaurant, you have to check out Preacher’s Son. The establishment has made its way into many of my “Best Places To Eat” lists because not only is the menu extremely accommodating to people with all kinds of dietary restrictions, but the food is actually fantastic. The owner himself actually has celiac, so all his menu items are tailored to be 100% gluten-free.
In Bentonville (aka Wally World) and just had the most amazing meal. The staff are fantastic from the great bartender to especially our…” more THAI CUISINE RESTAURANT, Bentonville - Tripadvisor Web20 Nov 2019 · Thai Cuisine Restaurant, Bentonville: See 28 unbiased reviews of Thai Cuisine Restaurant, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #45 of 168 restaurants in … hard boiled eggs no green ring
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The Preacher's Son opened in late 2016 and is the talk of the town at the moment in Bentonville. The executive chef, Matt Cooper, is actually a preacher's son and modified the oldest church in Bentonville (built in 1904) into a gorgeous bright and lofty establishment. The restaurant has a variety of unique dishes and if you're gluten-free, you're in luck because the entire menu is gluten-free!
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Enjoy dinner for two at The Preacher’s Son, a restored historic church known for its incredible fine dining. Executive chef Neal Gray, an Arkansas native and highly experienced culinary artist, has created a balance between exquisite cuisine and approachability. The restaurant partners with many local farmers and producers to create the fresh taste that can only be found in Arkansas.
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Located right off Bentonville City Square and led by Executive Chef Neal Gray, The Preacher’s Son is a beautiful dinner restaurant inside of a restored historic church. I had the Parisian Gnocchi as my main, and it was quite possibly the best gnocchi I’ve ever had!. Between the fantastic food and amazing atmosphere, this is a dining experience you can’t miss while in Bentonville.
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From a 1904 Gothic Revival church to a classy, upscale fine dining restaurant, The Preacher’s Son offers its guests an unforgettable dining experience. With multi-level spaces and eclectic American cuisine, this eatery is one of the most unique restaurants in Bentonville. It’s no wonder it has been nationally recognized as one of the best culinary establishments in the country.
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This restaurant/speakeasy/rooftop bar is possibly the coolest place ever. During the day, you can have lunch and dinner in this refinished old church and in the evenings, you can go downstairs to the speakeasy style bar (Undercroft Bar) or the rooftop bar and enjoy a beverage or two. To enter the speakeasy, go through the door near the restroom with the word “Coatroom” on it.
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Preacher’s Son brings new life and flavor to Southern, farm fresh cuisine. This is not your average fried food Southern fare, though the restaurant still retains the comfort and welcoming hospitality of classic Southern cuisine. Instead, Preacher’s Son experiments boldly with flavor and modern culinary techniques while working with fresh, regional ingredients.
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Make sure to visit The Preacher’s Son, a new modern, Southern restaurant at 201 NW A St. Open for lunch and dinner, it is located in the former First Christian Church building from 1904. They also have a clubby cocktail lounge in the basement called the Undercroft. With great design, it was a James Beard Foundation Nominee for Best Restaurant Design 2018.
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Ok Babes…..this is my all time favorite spot in Bentonville!. The Preacher’s Son restaurant and basement lounge are fabulous but they also have a rooftop bar that is the bomb!. It has an iconic view of the Bentonville water tower and fantastic seating vignettes fully decked out with comfortable teak furniture, lots of covered areas, and great music.
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If you’re looking for a romantic date night fit for royalty, reserve a table at The Preacher's Son for an ultimate evening of fine dining and ambiance you won’t regret. From the sustainably sourced dinner menu to being located in a thoughtfully restored historic church downtown, it offers a great place to celebrate. Image courtesy of Drager Creative
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The Preacher's Son is a captivating eatery that serves refined New American cuisine within the serene surroundings of a restored Gothic Revival church. It's here where food, art, and history meet to create a truly unique dining experience. As you step into this architectural marvel, you'll first notice the stunning ambiance, particularly at sunset.
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If I could do the trip all over again, I would go here on Friday night and eat at The Hive on Sunday since The Preacher’s Son isn’t open on Sundays. It looks like they have some great vegan or vegan possible options and the person I spoke with said many items can be made vegan. The restaurant is located within an old church which is pretty awesome!
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There’s a delicious, laid-back Neapolitan pizzeria (Oven & Tap), a fine-dining restaurant built into a restored Gothic revival church (The Preacher’s Son), a stylish and colorful Latin bistro right off the downtown square (Table Mesa Bistro), and a restaurant filled with quirky sculptures and all locally-sourced dishes (The Hive at 21c).
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Another downtown Bentonville delight is located inside a renovated church. The Preacher’s Son provides a limited menu of upscale cuisine with a focus on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. We recommend trying their crispy pork belly, which is perfectly complemented by a surprisingly sweet and crisp roasted beet salad.
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Housed in a former Bentonville church, The Preacher’s Son offers an upscale dining experience with flavors you would not mix at home. The restaurant features a rotating menu that changes seasonally. The Preacher’s Son is also known for its extensive wine list, which features a variety of domestic and international wines.
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Designed from a beautifully-restored church complete with stained glass windows, The Preacher’s Son is a unique concept, offering casual cuisine with an elegant flair. Emphasis is on seasonal ingredients, and the freshness is unmistakable. Has a hefty wine list, a rooftop bar and the popular Undercroft bar underneath.
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It was time for dinner, so I headed to The Preacher’s Son, a restaurant housed in a former church. The building dates back to 1904 and still has the airy feel of a sanctuary. The custom-made arched stained glass windows with scenes of birds and butterflies almost upstaged my chicken with eggplant and cilantro yogurt.
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At The Preacher’s Son, executive chef Neal Grey creates only incredible food, but an incredible date night dining experience. The renovated cathedral space is just as breathtaking as the food, so come on in for a heavenly evening. After dinner, head up to the Undercroft Lounge for cocktails in a romantic atmosphere.
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A farm-to-table experience featuring sustainably sourced ingredients from farmers in Northwest Arkansas, located in a beautifully restored historic church in downtown Bentonville. An immense art glass window by acclaimed artist George Dombeck fills the space with grandeur and calming natural light.
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The Preacher’s Son is an exceptional boutique hotel set within a beautifully restored former church. This gothic revival building offers a unique stay amidst modern luxury and architectural history. In the heart of Bentonville, The Preacher’s Son effortlessly combines history with modern comfort.
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Finish the night with dinner at Preacher’s Son, an elevated restaurant located in a reimagined church, and enjoy dining under beautiful stained-glass art windows. After dining on the local, seasonal fare, sneak downstairs into the secret speakeasy for an after-dinner arti-sanal cocktail.
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If you’re looking for places to visit with the best food in town, The Preacher’s Son should make your shortlist. Situated in a restored gothic revival church, The Preacher’s Son is aptly named. Serving refined American cuisine, this restaurant is something of a Bentonville institution.
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Arkansas’ most exclusive restaurant is famous for its made-to-order and locally sourced products. The Preacher’s Son is also located inside a beautifully restored Gothic Revival church in Bentonville Square. A place to enjoy a quiet romantic evening in town where most locals go.
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The Preacher’s Son is a must if you’re looking for a nice meal during your visit. The restaurant is located in an old church and has tall stained glass windows with biking motifs. The food is sustainably sourced and the menu features American dishes with eclectic touches.
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Set inside a restored 1904 church, this beloved restaurant is helmed by chef Neal Gray—previous credits include The French Laundry—who puts a modern twist on his upscale new American cuisine with sustainably focused menus, local sourcing, and wine pairings powered by AI.
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Housed inside an old church, the Preacher’s Son is one of the only 100% gluten free restaurants in the country. It is a great example of the culinary revolution happening in Bentonville. Executive Chef Matt Cooper brought his vision of upscale dining to the area.
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Upon arriving in town just before sunset, we decided to head straight to the acclaimed Preacher’s Son restaurant. Stepping out of our rental car, we gasped synchronously as we turned around to see the candy painted sky hiding behind the neoteric restaurant.
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There’s really only one hotel worth staying at, the 21C Museum Hotel. It’s smack dab in the middle of downtown’s city center, walking distance to almost everything, and has excellent rooms and service. For what it is, it’s also very reasonably priced.
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For one of the best sunset views in Bentonville, visit The Preacher’s Son’s rooftop bar!. Located right off the square, The Preacher’s Son offers something for everyone. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the fantastic views and tasty drinks!.
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For one of the best sunset views in Bentonville, visit The Preacher’s Son’s rooftop bar!. Located right off the square, The Preacher’s Son offers something for everyone. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the fantastic views and tasty drinks!
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Within a stunning restored church is Preacher’s Son, one of the best-known restaurants in Bentonville by tourists and locals alike. The church is a walk away from where Head Chef Matthew Cooper’s father taught his sermons many moons ago.
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Patrons of the market can warm up with a deliciously hot bowl of ramen from CO-OP, or try a sustainably sourced meal at The Preacher’s Son, which is located inside a historic and thoughtfully restored church near the Bentonville Square.
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In a beautifully restored church is Preacher’s Son, one of Bentonville’s best-known restaurants by tourists and locals alike. The church is within walking distance of where chef Matthew Cooper’s father taught his sermons many moons ago.
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Aptly named, The Preacher’s Son is a dining experience housed within a restored, historic church in Bentonville. You’ll find it near the Town Square. Chef Neal Grey curates a sustainable dinner paired with an exquisite wine list.
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This is a church turned restaurant that is actually owned by the former preacher’s son, Chef Matthew Cooper. His father gave his first sermon at the church more than 40 years ago. It has since been expertly renovated.
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Preacher’s Son - Restore a beautiful old church sanctuary, add stained-glass art, fine drinks, and delectable cuisine and you’ve got Preacher’s Son. Make sure you reserve in advance or just sit at the bar.
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I can honestly say that none has impressed me the way The Preacher’s Son did. The renovation of First Christian Church into one of Bentonville’s unique culinary additions is cause for a visit.
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This has a bit of an upscale feel but is reasonably priced and it has a sunny and inviting rooftop patio. If you’re feeling fancy, check this place out. The food is delicious, too!
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Lights streamed through the stained glass cathedral windows. The designers retained the dark wood beams along the ceiling, which give the restaurant a distinct aesthetic.
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This area has attracted renowned chefs at restaurants such as The Hive , Preacher’s Son , Oven and Tap , and so many more; making Bentonville a foodie’s paradise.
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Led by Executive Chef Matt Cooper, Preacher’s Son is not only dining at it’s absolute finest, but also holds an intriguing secret below!
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Preacher’s Son - Not only do they have a gorgeous dining space inside of an old church. They also have two unique bars.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit