We had all the specials today Service/ ambiance/ environment - 5 Crab special - 4 stars Was pretty good crab and sauces. Came with house made crackers. Only complaint is it was too small. Did not have a ton of flavor. Bitter salad special - 4.5 stars Would be a 5 with a little an acid / sweet element (orange citrus. Maybe pear?) Orecchiette Pasta with short rib special - 5 stars Very good. Interesting horse radish that caused a lot of diffusion but we agreed it would be missed if it was excluded Tiramisu - 5 stars Great read more

They call this place a bar but wow, what a gem for a regular meal. The place itself was a bit on the darker side like a bar but otherwise had a lovely feel. Phenomenal dishes with great flavor and creativity. I judge a restaurant by its octopus and this may have been the most tender octopus I've ever had. Alongside some delicious brisket and the pozole verde campanelle. You could tell a lot of thought and time was put into making these dishes. You cannot go wrong with a dish here - would definitely come back. read more

Another amazing dinner at Bar Cleeta! Just love them so much. Their summer menu was tough to beat....but the new fall one is also a banger! He is a master with sauces, that beef tallow/carrot situation?! Great cocktails & wine list. Always a highlight of our visits. The whole crew there are just the best!! Weisi/Chef, Claire, Jeff, Jess...thank you!! read more

I love this place it's one of my favorites in Bentonville. From watching the chefs cooking, to tasting the flavors cooked up, drinking the delicious wine on offer combined with service, always a fun ambiance from my experiences here. read more

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We came here for an early dinner. Our table was immediately ready, and the menus were brought. The dishes are tapas style which I love because you get to try more. We ordered some salads, flat breads, pastas, meats and vegetables all to be shared family style and there was not one thing we all did not absolutely loved. For most of my group it wasn't their first time there, but it was for me, and I was SO happy they brought me here. Not only was every dish excellent, as mentioned above, but the service was incredible too. Owned by a couple, they not only plan seasonal menus, but they also work the restaurant bringing out plates, and are great at recommending wines/ drinks for the meal. The restaurant inside is also a point to mention. Clean, cozy and neatly accessorized with hanging plants and rustic touches. Desserts were equally delicious, but I must recommend the Semifreddo. Why am I not recommending for the other plates, you ask, because honestly ALL were amazing and ALL worth trying. If I could give them 10 stars I would. Bar Cleta is a MUST! read more

Went for a birthday dinner. Had a great experience! Fresh, delicious, unique dishes. Our waiter recommended great wines to go with our food! A beautiful experience overall. read more

Sleek, elegant - yet approachable and friendly! Wonderful food, wonderful people, beautiful space. Jess was our server, such a fun person who gave us excellent service and was not an anomaly! The owner was also incredibly kind and took extra time to walk us through the wine list. Knowlegable and friendly team. As for the food: the crab cavatelli, salmon rillette, local tomatoes, and tortes we ordered were top tier! Go here :) read more

Update: while the food remains creative and quite good, the prices are ridiculous. With the alcohol tax in bentonville and the tiny, expensive portions, we will not be going back. read more

By far the best food in Bentonville. There is no comparison. Every dish extremely unique and full of "new to B'ville flavor". Service was outstanding, speedy and courteous staff. Our new favorite place of all time. We'll be back again and again! read more

Bar Cleeta - On our way to Bar Cleeta! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bentonville, Arkansas

Look no further for a great bistro dining experience in Bentonville. Incredible staff. Inventive menu. Exceptional wine list (which is hard to come by in Bentonville). And warm and lively setting. Bar Cleeta is our go to. read more

Not terrible but severely overpriced. This place is not what it thinks it is. The hype is not merited.

We loved it. The food was very imaginable and creative. Specializes in small plates that the table can share. I highly recommend The brisket, tomatoes and jalapeños, the fingerling potatoes, and The arugula salad. Our server was wonderful and described everything very well. We got there early and it was Nice but is the evening progressed and it became crowded it was a little loud. We still enjoyed the ambience. read more

Favorite place on the square for dinner. Most underrated restaurant. Casual fine dinning and terrific wine menu with great service. Interesting seasonal menu. read more

Food was fine but portions were comical. This place is not really worth it when there's half a dozen better restaurants within walking distance read more

Every experience I've had here has been immaculate. The food is delicious, service is attentive and helpful, and drinks are wonderful. While pricey, every cent spent here is worth it. Best place to dine in Northwest Arkansas. read more

My friends and I were out enjoying our afternoon of App Crawl and Alcohol which led us to check out Bar Cleeta. The atmosphere is clean, fresh, and organic. The staff was so friendly and warm while the drinks were refreshing and tasty. We even dabbled in a few appetizer which was very enjoyable for all of us to share. We didn't stay for long as our journey needed to continue, but I would love to come back for dinner in the future. Even though it was short-lived, we still all really enjoyed our visit. read more

Bar Cleeta - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bentonville, Arkansas

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This is the best spot in NWA! As soon as we walked in, we immediately appreciated the layout and ambiance, and we were seated quickly. Their drinks were amazing, and we started off with the oysters. After polishing those off in record time, we had their lamb ribs and pork roulade. These are easily their best dishes, and is some of the tastiest food I've ever had -- nowhere comes close to the quality of food at Bar Cleeta. We also had their octopus, which was amazingly tender and flavorful. Some people here have apparently complained about the portion sizes, but they were all perfect -- we left extremely full and satisfied. The prices were fantastic, especially for the quality of food and level of service. This place deserves a Michelin star, or two... The server was fantastic as well! We will definitely be going back. You'll never regret visiting Bar Cleeta! read more

Bar Cleeta - Pastrami Lamb Ribs - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bentonville, Arkansas

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Fantastic dining experience! All the food was 10/10, no complaints. Drinks were also fantastic. Get the Spanish Octopus. Service was great - attentive hostess and servers. I have a dairy allergy and they were so accommodating and had the menu fully memorized and helped to choose items that had no dairy. read more

Not a great first impression with the hostess pushing me to sit at the bar. Being a single diner that evening, and having experienced that before at many restaurants while traveling for business, I get it. However, I'm not a drinker and know how busy bars can get, but without a reservation, it was either that or the "lounge seating at a couch and coffee table" set up. I chose the bar. Once there, I got the menu and ordered. I asked to keep the menu as I was planning on ordering more small plates and the bartender seemed hesitant but left the menu anyway. I would soon learn why. Oysters, raw and roasted, came out quickly and were excellent. Spanish Octopus came next and was somewhat dry and slightly tough. The Octopus was accompanied by potatoes which were phenomenal and saved the dish. The Chocolate mousse for dessert was fantastic, the best I've ever had. The bartender came to get the menu I had asked to keep because I guess they only had one for the bar, being there were only two people there at that time. At no time during my entire meal was I asked how my food was. I would have sent back the Octopus and gotten the Beef tartar, but as I feared, the bartender was extremely busy and alone. I never got the menu back, so I left slightly hungry and somewhat dissatisfied. Aside from one plate, all the other food I had was outstanding. I'm sure if you get a table there the experience would probably be much better. read more

This is my favorite upscale restaurant in Arkansas -- my husband and I visit every time we're in town. Most recently, we had their tomato dish, chicken croquettes, octopus, beans, rabbit bologna, pasta and peanut butter dish -- each one was unique, flavorful, and composed of really high quality ingredients. The interior is airy and green. The service is warm and friendly -- highly recommend for any special occasion or just a treat! read more

I visited Bar Cleeta on a short work trip to Bentonville, and knew from the minute I walked past that I had to try it! It's located within the town square and is a bright, inviting space. The servers are extremely attentive and you have a slight view of the kitchen from the dining area. I drank a Prosecco-inspired sparkling wine that tasted close to a hard cider, definitely recommend on a hot summer's day! For my appetizer, I ordered the Duck Rillette. The duck was tender and came topped with a delicious red onion jam. It was a great balance of savory and sweet, while the mustard accompanying it cut the richness of the dish perfectly. The toast that accompanied it was crispy on the outside, but still soft enough to bite through. Overall, the dish was well balanced and unique. Lastly, I got the Pozole Verde Campanelle. I'd never had a tomatillo ragú before, and while slightly on the saltier side, it was great once I asked for some chilli flakes to add on top. I think the crunchy garnish was toasted corn kernels, and it added great texture to yet another unique dish. My experience was wonderful and I definitely recommend Bar Cleeta to anyone visiting the area! read more

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Excellent customer service from our server! Very good drinks and vibe in Bentonville, Arkansas with shared plate dining. Our favorite dishes were the oysters, Spanish octopus, and crispy bacon. We love that this spot was opened by a husband-and-wife team and an Arkansas native. This was our first trip to Bentonville and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality flavors! read more

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Bar Cleeta is hands down one of our favorite restaurants in NW Arkansas. In fact, it's one of the few restaurants we've made multiple return visits, and it's largely due to its creative menu items and excellent service. Whether you're catching up with old friends or celebrating a birthday, this is a great place for just about any occasion. SERVICE: ALWAYS excellent. The staff is very informative and accommodating. They make great recommendations so don't be afraid to ask! FOOD: Roasted Oysters ~ 4 stars: Topped with chorizo butter, breadcrumbs and jalapeno, this is a great choice to kickstart your meal. The oysters are presented beautifully sitting on top a bed of sea salt. Careful since it's served piping hot, so wait a couple minutes before you dig in. Once you do, you'll love the fresh briny oyster mixed with the chorizo butter and breadcrumbs. Wild Baby Arugula ~ 5 stars: It's rare for me to say a salad is the best item for any meal but Bar Cleeta has done just that. Fresh local arugula tossed with parmigiana reggiano, sunflower seeds and lemon vinaigrette - sounds simple. It's because it is and that's why it's a must-have. The pepper arugula goes really nicely with the lemony dressing. Tarte Foresiere ~ 4.5 stars: This is an oven-charred flatbread topped with fontina and mushrooms. Again, a really simple dish that shines. It's light and savory, and serves as the perfect course as you transition into your mains. We get this every visit. Spanish Octopus ~ 4 stars: Good, not great. Definitely worth getting if you enjoy octopus, especially with a little bit of heat. Six Day Wagyu Brisket ~ 3 stars: Great texture but always a little too salty. We've tried this dish on two separate visits and it was the same thing both times - over-seasoned. I recommend passing on this and giving one of their other mains a try. COCKTAILS: The specialty cocktails on their menu are great. My personal favorites from their list are the Sobremesa (mezcal-based) and Forefathers (bourbon-based). However, I recommend telling your server what type of alcohol you like and having the bartender surprise you. For example, during our last visit, I requested a drink that wasn't too sweet, made with a very peaty scotch. What they came back with was something I would gladly enjoy by a fireplace on a Winter night or in front of the pool on a Summer day. It was bold yet refreshing, and it went down easy. read more

I thoroughly loved celebrating my birthday here. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu so we let her curate our meal. We had oysters, arugula, broccolini, risotto, grits, chicken croquettes, sweet potato and the steak special. Everything was spectacular and the wine and cocktails were tasty as well. This is my new favorite restaurant in Bentonville. read more

Okay so I debated on a 4 or 5 star... only reason I would give a 4 was because of ONE particular dish we had. The rest of the dishes, the experience, the service, the drinks were all deserving of 5.... So I'm going that way. This wasn't a planned visit so we ended up sitting at the bar which was perfect. (I do recommend getting reservations if you wish to not take chances). First let me say how amazing the staff was- our bartender Ricky was hands down perfect. We also met Ben and Joe. HUGE shout out to the chef and owner Trae Basore! Dish names and thoughts are with pics. I will say this concept is a share 2-3 plates and yes it's pricey but sooo worth it. read more

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The Spanish octopus dish is literally made me having tears after one bite for too much vinegar. read more

Bar Cleeta - Spanish octopus is a vinegar bomb, it literally make you 'cry' after a bite on potatoes. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bentonville, Arkansas

Out of all the restaurants we ate in while visiting Bentonville, this place was head and shoulders above the rest. Outstanding, eclectic menu, super staff (Thank you, Samantha!) and friendly owner. (Thanks, Weisi!) We will definitely make Bar Cleeta a regular stop on future trips to B'ville! read more

One of the best restaurants I've had the pleasure of experiencing! It's spendy, so it's a special spot. Great service, atmosphere, and top-notch food. Extensive wine selection, mostly by the bottle. The grilled octopus, the oysters, the brisket and the Napa cabbage are all outstanding. There are enough options for a gluten free diner to have a nice selection - it's not listed on the menu, but the servers are knowledgeable and willing to guide choices. It's best to share plates with your dinner partner - and save room for dessert! Sit at the bar if you didn't get a reservation. Don't miss this one! read more

10/10 service and food!! The honey gem lettuce salad was amazing!! Jewels was a great server!! The wine selection was also great.

Had dinner here with family and friends when I was in town. We had chicken croquettes baked oysters Napa cabbage salad cheese board and several other delectable shared plates. The food is unbelievably good. The wine list is extraordinary and very fairly priced. This restaurant is sophisticated and the service is friendly and unobtrusive. Highly recommend. A local treasure. read more

Best service I've ever had! The food tasted wonderful and that's still an understatement in my opinion. Perfect for a date night and not too expensive for the great quality of food you get. The cocktails are a must have!! read more

Great small plates. Not a huge restaurant but nice ambience. This has food you would never take the time to cook at home. Definitely order family style read more

The service here is outstanding and the wine list is deep and interesting. While the food is good, it's not phenomenal--some of it is a bit too fussy and I would recommend the kitchen hone the menu down a bit. The lamb was exceptional though! read more

Bar Cleeta - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bentonville, Arkansas

Amazing restaurant! New York comes to NWAR! Incredible, off the grid, one of a kind menu! A must see in Bentonville. Rabbit bologna, steak tartare, and 6 day brisket are fabulous. Daily specials are always to die for!!! read more

Wow! Delicious small plates and a wine selection that takes you out of your comfort zone - in the most surprising way. Open the door and you find a warm and relaxing atmosphere. You can casually sip a drink at the bar or dine at a community table or individual tables. Service is great at the bar and tables. Weisi, one of the owners, presents a great wine list that's surprising and delicious. She also provides individual attention and presents the bottle so that you can enjoy the full experience and remember the wine. Whether it is a Pinot Blanc or an interesting Austrian or German wine, all that we tasted were very good and none that I had tasted before. And let's not forget the food. The duck rillette, the 6 day brisket, the gnocchi that melts in your mouth, the crispy tarte flambé, the asparagus, the oysters - I could go on and on. The duck was the most delightful surprise - smeared with tomato jam and served with grilled bread - do yourself a favor and order it. Don't wait, make tracks to Bar Cleeta today! read more

Bar Cleeta is a nice addition to the downtown Bentonville restaurant scene. Fun and relaxing place to hang out for appetizers and beverages. It is an expensive night with the plates averaging between $11 to $14 with the suggestion from our server to have 5 for a couple. The service was great and we really appreciated the wine pairing suggestions from the owner. Those exceeded our expectations. I hope they get their air condition and air flow fixed. Our server said they couldn't control it from the restaurant. Bar Cleeta is a great place to go for conversation and relaxing with a group. read more

We love this place! The food is always a delicious and an experience in itself. The staff is amazing. They are so friendly, accommodating, and have the best recommendations. This is our favorite place in Bentonville. I'd recommend most dishes, but the octopus and brisket are a must! read more

Bar Cleeta - Bone Marrow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bentonville, Arkansas

We went there last night for a nice dinner on our trip from Oklahoma. We were BLOWN AWAY by the food. Our server described to us how the menu worked (small plates, family style). Typically when we travel, we share a our plates anyway, so this was perfect! We started with the croquettes and some oysters. They make sure to have you order all at once, then time it to come out in courses. Next, our server brought out the octopus and the Tarte. My fiancé had never tried octopus and he said it might have been his favorite thing, until the Wagyu Brisket. When I tell you, it was so tender it just fell apart. We definitely plan on coming back to Bentonville and this will be on our list of places to eat at again. read more

Lighthearted casual atmosphere with friendly knowledgeable staff. Interesting wine selection to enhance delicious small plates. Tuna was terrific, but charred beans were my favorite. read more

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Favorite restaurant in all of Northwest Arkansas! Best wine list in the area too. Fantastic food, even better service. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. We have gone dressed in jeans, or dressed up for a date night and feel right at home in either attire read more