10 Best Breweries in Northwest Arkansas
Farmland and Southern biscuits might come to mind when you think of Arkansas. But if we’re talking about Northwest Arkansas? Perhaps the lush, inspiring Ozark Mountains and endless trees and creeks pop into your head; however, it’s also home to a thriving brewery scene!
In recent years, the expansive farmlands and top-notch wheat quality of Northwest Arkansas have led to both landmark and up-and-coming craft breweries. From Springdale to Fayetteville, taprooms have sprung up all around.
We’ve rounded up the best of the region’s beer scene to bring you this curated list for your next NWA getaway. And once you’re finished with all those flight tastings? Retreat back to Cohova, the #1 spot for vacation rentals in Northwest Arkansas.
Springdale
Springdale is an industrial hub as the fourth-largest city in Arkansas, but it also hosts vineyards, gardens, and historical landmarks like the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History.
CORE BREWING & DISTILLING CO.
Photo Credit: Valter Junior
Address: N, 2470 Lowell Rd, Springdale, AR
Beer specialty: Variety of beers from IPAs, Barrel-Aged Stouts, and Pale Ales
Website: coreofarkansas.com
Price: $$
A local favorite and the official partner of Arkansas Razorbacks football, Core Brewing & Distilling Co is popular for its plentiful selection of craft beers handcrafted with precision.
This dog-friendly brewery serves classics from hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to special drinks like S'mores and Toasted Coconut brews, along with a novel Bananarama Wheat Beer.
Their taproom has a laid-back vibe, complete with darts, board games, and even a ping pong table, making it easy to spend an entire day catching up with friends over a couple of lagers.
SADDLEBOCK BREWERY
Photo Credit: Kelly Loris via Flickr CC2.0
Address: 18244 Habberton Rd, Springdale, AR
Beer specialty: European-style, small-batch beers, ales, and ciders brewed on-site
Price: $$
Cradled in the gorgeous Springdale countryside, Saddlebock Brewery gives you a taste of Germany in the heart of Arkansas. They take pride in crafting traditional European-style beers and ales and bottling every brew by hand at their onsite farm.
We recommend the Fayettechill and Amber Lager — crowd favorites! Beyond beer, on the menu are ciders, wines, and appetizers available at this pet-friendly brewery in Springdale.
Bentonville
Known as the birthplace of the retailer Walmart, Bentonville is home to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, abundant forested trails, and sculpture gardens.
BENTONVILLE BREWING COMPANY
Photo Credit: Bentonville Brewing Company
Address: 901 SW 14th St, Bentonville, AR
Beer specialty: Experimental Craft Beer like the Roundabout Chocolate Milk Stout
Website: bentonvillebrewing.com
Price: $$
Food adventurists and open-minded beer drinkers to the front! Since 2015, Bentonville Brewing Co. has held a legendary status in the area as a hub for beer experimentation. Led by brewmaster Beau Boykin, the brewery continually pushes the boundaries by using locally sourced ingredients and testing new techniques to craft one-of-a-kind flavors. Make sure you pair your beer with their famous fried pickles and Cajun Ranch!
They have a kitchen on-site serving up delicious grub, plus three food trucks for additional snacking. The outdoor space has plenty of tables, umbrellas, bean bags, and a pet park for a fun day under the sun.
HAWK MOTH BREWERY & BEER PARLOR
Photo Credit: Hawk Moth Brewing
Address: 1000 SE 5th St suite H, Bentonville, AR
Beer specialty: Old-world Style Beers and Beer Aged in Whiskey Barrels
Website: hawkmothbrewing.com
Price: $
Bourbon Barrel Wheat Wine, anyone? Fill up your pint at the Hawk Moth Brewery and Parlor. The brewery sports a mid-century country aesthetic with inviting woodwork details and a down-to-earth atmosphere. Expect classy grisettes, farmhouse brews, and biers de gardes at this Northwest Arkansas brewery staple.
Our advice? Grab dinner nearby first and take your lover to this intimate microbrewery for rotating selections of craft beer and wines.
BIKE RACK BREWING CO.
Photo Credit: Bike Rack Brewing Co
Address: 801 SE 8th St #61, Bentonville, AR
Beer specialty: Amber reds & fruity lagers
Website: bikerackbrewing.com
Price: $
Bike Rack Brewing Co. is a fantastic stopover for beer drinkers and bike riders — the perfect treat after a thrilling ride on the Northwest Arkansas trails. This bike-themed brewery's inviting and spacious patio is ideal for catching up with friends with an Epic Trail Amber Ale or Blueberry Lemonade Lager in hand!
Check their calendar for live music events held frequently at the brewery. Located in the market district, it sits alongside a variety of dining options, including a courtyard of food trucks and nearby restaurants serving up Mexican fare, pizza, and BBQ.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista flourishes as a spirited city in the northwesternmost part of the state. It is known as an outdoor adventure haven.
GEAR GARDEN
Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker
Address: 948 Blowing Spring Rd, Bella Vista, AR
Beer specialty: Northern Arkansas local lagers and IPAs; Nature-immersed
Website: facebook.com/geargarden
Price: $
Bike to the Gear Garden for a refreshing reward of cool, crisp brews while nature’s sounds mellow out your groove. The beer garden’s ample seating is largely covered by gentle, swooping trees for shade even on the hottest summer days.
Enjoy tap beer, cider, or wine near the mountain bike trail amidst trees, cliffs, and a meandering creek in this beer garden. Kids can enjoy a dedicated play area with plenty of chalk to create drawings on the pavement.
Rogers
Known for its many caves and forest parks, Rogers is a charming city in the Ozark Mountains within the Ozark River Valley.
OZARK BEER COMPANY
Photo Credit: Ozark Beer Company
Address: 109 N Arkansas St, Rogers, AR
Beer specialty: Signature creamy stouts
Website: ozarkbeercompany.com
Price: $$
Rogers' first local brewery for craft beer, Ozark Beer Company, is Numero Uno not just in Rogers but all of Northwest Arkansas. The industrial tasting room, located downtown at Arkansas and Chestnut, invites friends to gather, sample beer, and enjoy a curated playlist. Ozark Beer Co's Barrel aged stout is a best-seller. Beer drinkers go weak in the knees for its chocolate flavor and notes of coconut, coffee, and vanilla. Plus, the slushies and kombucha cater to non-beer drinkers.
Ozark Beer Company also has a kids’ play area to entertain the little ones while you sip on a delectable raspberry sour or light German lager.
NATURAL STATE BEER COMPANY (NSBC)
Photo Credit: Natural State Beer Company
Address: 5214 Village Pkwy Suite 140, Rogers, AR
Beer specialty: European Lagers
Website: naturalstatebeercompany.com
Price: $
With a picturesque setting by the lake and a patio with breathtaking views, Natural State Beer Company creates the perfect ambiance to unwind while watching a sunset and sipping on a craft beer.
The brewery boasts a diverse selection of 8 core beers that are always available, complemented by three seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year. Each brew is concocted using only the purest forms of these four ingredients: yeast, malt, hops, and water.
Fayetteville
An eclectic city in Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville is famed for its rich culture, close-knit community, and the popular Ale Trail.
FOSSIL COVE BREWING CO.
Photo Credit: Fossil Cove Brewing Co.
Address: 1946 N Birch Ave, Fayetteville, AR
Beer specialty: Dinosaur-themed handcrafted beers
Website: fossilcovebrewing.com
Price: $
Fossil Cove Brewing Co combines boozy delights with art — and an added touch of dinosaurs. The taproom's vibe and relaxed atmosphere match the creatively crafted and labeled brews.
Our personal favorite? The Belgian-style Brown Ale "LA BREA BROW.” We love the too-cool-for-school dino on the can, and the beer’s eclectic mix of citrus and chocolate, with a touch of coriander for some pizazz. Our clients also love the drool-worthy, wood-fired pizza from the onsite food truck.
COLUMBUS HOUSE BREWERY
Photo Credit: Columbus House Brewery
Address: 701 W North St, Fayetteville, AR
Beer specialty: People’s Sour Ale, small-batch brews
Website: columbushousebrewery.com
Price: $
Columbus House Brewery is a 3-barrel brewery owned by two University of Arkansas grads – it’s also conveniently located close to the university itself if you were planning a campus tour.
We adore the smooth Nutty Runner Brown Ale — the rich notes from the chocolate malt are to die for. Don’t worry; it doesn’t actually contain nuts. Gluten-free drinkers won’t find much beer on tap, but you might enjoy the brewery’s housemade seltzer, fermented with a touch of mango. And if you want something a tad adventurous? Grab a couple of People’s Sours!
Pro Tip: If you call ahead, the friendly staff will give you a tour of the brewery free of charge!
Indulge in Northern Arkansas Breweries with Cohova!
Northern Arkansas will leave you amazed, satisfied, and a little tipsy with its bustling beer scene. But once you’ve had one too many sours or IPAs? It’s time to retreat back to the best vacation rentals of each NA city, with the cushiest beds, impeccable interiors, and exceptional service.