Bentonville Butcher & Deli (Business Lunch)

Bentonville Butcher & Deli
1201 S. Walton Blvd., Bentonville

The deli part of the Bentonville Butcher & Deli is an apparent side business to a well-rounded butcher shop. The place is more like a market than a restaurant, complete with fresh-looking (and fresh-smelling) vivid red and yellow peppers and other produce, along with a limited yet eclectic stock of condiments.

Our two reviewers showed up for lunch right at noon, and the small area that serves as the dining room was already bustling.

To order lunch, one has to approach the refrigerated counter where you would order a T-bone steak to take home for the grill. There was a short sandwich and meal menu hanging behind the counter.

The sandwiches ranged from pulled pork to corned beef with names like “The Park Avenue” and “The Goodfella.” Ribs or brisket dinners are available too.

Both reviewers went for a sandwich combo ($6), which includes a bottled or canned drink and one side order. Sides included potato salad, beans, cole slaw, pasta salad or a bag of potato chips.

Our first reviewer ordered a Rueben on rye bread with a bag of chips and a bottle of water.

He’s a self-proclaimed connoisseur of Rueben sandwiches, and he said the meat was “very tender.”

Our second reviewer ordered a brisket sandwich, the “Big Tex,” on a white hoagie and had a side of potato salad.

The mustard-based potato salad was incredible, he said, and the small cup was less than satisfying.

The brisket sandwich was very good, he said. He ordered the sandwich without barbecue sauce, so it was a little dry, but the meat was tender and savory and had a perfect pink smoke ring to show it had been slow-cooked.

The payment method is awkward. You’re handed a bag with a sandwich and have to check out like a bag of groceries.

But our reviewers gave this bountiful Bentonville butcher shop a thumbs-up for future lunches.