Bentonville Eatery Serves Sandwiches Right

Bentonville Butcher & Deli

4 Stars
1702-2 S. Walton Boulevard
Bentonville

Vendors paying their respects to the retail god in Bentonville would do well to stop by the Bentonville Butcher & Deli for lunch. Suppliers from the Northeast will especially enjoy dining in what seems like “a New York minute,” thanks to the speedy service and incredible cuisine from kosher sandwiches to an impressive selection of meats, seafood, sauces and sides.

Our only knock is that the deli does not offer any seating, so everything is a la carte. But for those of us who are used to eating on the run, and even in the car, this delicatessen is second to none in terms of taste and value.

Normally our reviews are are a one-shot deal, and either the restaurant gets it right the first time or they don’t. We enjoyed our first pair of sandwiches at this spot so much we went back for a second look and found the place equally satisfying.

All deli sandwich meals ($6) include a canned soda, pickle spear and the choice of coleslaw, potato salad or chips. The potato salad is killer, and the restaurant was four for four in delivering a delicious main course.

The Reuben is a heaping hot handful of lean corned beef, Swiss cheese with sauerkraut and spicy mustard on rye or sourdough bread. We went with the rye and added some horseradish to keep it hardcore. Forget Oaklawn, there’s a new king of Reubens in Arkansas.

Our beefiest diner tackled “The Bronx,” a pastrami, Swiss and spicy-mustard sandwich served hot or cold on rye. Not one to make boisterous statements, he called it the best sandwich he’s had in a decade.

On the next trip, our same duo ordered a pair of “Park Avenues,” a homemade chicken salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato on a croissant. The male in the party preferred the less-dainty Reuben, but he thought the chicken salad put his own momma’s to shame.

We enjoyed the ability to grab our own drink out of the coolor, and there was a wide selection of chips and other side items. We also were impressed with the hustle of the staff, who were slammed during both our visits.

Even the blue-collared work ethic at Wal-Mart has nothing on these folks.

The deli was “hospital clean,” and the owners had even posted some marinade recipes that they used on their fresh-cut steaks.

The best thing about The Bentonville Butcher & Deli is the eatery is keeping it simple. So simple it doesn’t even have seats, but for grub this good, we’ll gladly stand.