Urban Table Makes Upscale Accessible

A desire to bring fine dining to the masses is the inspiration behind both the name and the menu at Urban Table.

Owners Rhett and Judy Hall opened their new restaurant in August on the downtown Fayetteville square inside the Old Post Office building that has been without a tenant since Sodie’s closed in 2005.

Inside one of the most historic and well-preserved buildings in Fayetteville, the Halls are catering to the business lunch and restoring the basement as a live music venue. But what is truly eye-catching are entrees like mahi mahi and ginger-infused duck breast for less than $18 along with a well-crafted wine selection.

“We wanted to make it affordable to anyone who wants a nice meal without breaking the bank,” said Judy Hall, who came up with the name as well as signature Urban Salad, already a popular item with candied pecans, craisens, green apples and gorgonzolla cheese over spinach tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette.

Rhett Hall’s brother handles booking for Urban Table and about 30 bands have played since it opened. The Halls have brought back the “OPO” name, which the downstairs venue used to be known by when it was a popular nightclub during the mid-1990s.

After initially targeting an older audience for music, the Halls are going after the 20-somethings who are more likely to stay out late to attend an 11 p.m. show.

The farmers market and the Lights of the Ozarks have built buzz for their venture, Rhett Hall said.

“The overwhelming response is, ‘We’re so glad you’re open again,'” he said. “People really want that building open.”