Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co Review

Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co: Restaurant Review

I've been going for years, and it's still one of my favorite spots in Northwest Arkansas. Pickle-fried chicken tacos, a $5 dip trio and perfectly crafted fresh margs, right on the corner of the Bentonville Square.

See the menu

Pickle-fried chicken tacos with rice and smoky pinto beans at Bentonville Taco and Tamale Co.
Quick facts
Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co.101 W. Central Ave., Bentonville, AR · 479-448-4480
Daily11 AM – 10 PM
Sat–SunBrunch 11 AM – 2 PM
FullBar

On the corner of the Bentonville Square, across from the Walmart Museum · Lots of seating · tacoandtamale.com

Why it's one of my faves

I've been coming to Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co. for years, and it's always in my rotation of favorite spots when we're in Northwest Arkansas. It sits right on the corner of the Bentonville Square, across from the Walmart Museum, so it's an easy stop before or after exploring downtown.

Inside it's bright and colorful, with turquoise bar stools, fun tile floors, lots of seating and a full bar.

Anne and her two boys on the front steps of Bentonville Taco and Tamale Co. under the neon sign
Bar with turquoise stools, a lit star, frozen drink machines and hexagon tile floor

Start with the dip trio

Three salsas in small jars: two green salsas and grilled pineapple salsa
Chips with green salsa, pineapple salsa and creamy jalapeño-onion dip

Don't skip this! For $5 you get freshly fried, lime-salted chips and your pick of three daily-made salsas and dips. They're not just great salsas, there are fun dips too. Get the pineapple one!

  • Grilled Pineapple SalsaMild, fruity and bold
  • Creamy Jalapeño-Onion DipMild, rich and tangy
  • Red House SalsaMedium, the classic
  • Hatch Green Chile SalsaMedium, served warm
  • Garden Variety VerdeMedium and herby
  • Devil SauceSpicy and citrusy

The tacos

My favorite dish
Two pickle-fried chicken tacos topped with chow-chow, pico and cilantro

Pickle-Fried Chicken Tacos

The dish I dream about between visits, and everyone I've made try it agrees! Buttermilk pickle-fried chicken, red pepper chow-chow, pico, cilantro and habanero ranch. Crunchy, tangy and a little sweet.

Also so good
Fish Fry Tacos topped with fresh jalapeños and citrus slaw

Fish Fry Tacos

SO good! Crispy fried catfish with remoulade, citrus slaw, fresh jalapeños and pickled green tomatoes. The breading was perfectly crispy, and the fish was so light and delicious.

Pick your sides

Taco plates come with your choice of sides, and honestly, you can't go wrong. They're all good!

  • Green Chile Tomato Rice
  • Tomato, Cucumber & Mint Salad
  • Cowboy Caviar
  • Black Beans
  • Smashed Smoky Pinto Beans
  • Chow Chow Slaw

Margaritas & the full bar

With a full bar, it's a great spot for perfectly crafted fresh margs with your tacos. We tried the Cadillac Margarita, their most premium tequila cocktail, made with La Gran Señora reposado, Cointreau, a touch of Grand Marnier, lime and a salted rim. We also had a Spicy Marg with a chili-lime rim for a little kick.

Cadillac Margarita with a salted rim
Cadillac Margarita
Spicy margarita with a chili-lime rim and a lime wheel
Spicy Marg

★ $5 Happy Hour ★

Monday – Friday, 3 – 6 PM

  • $5 Rosé
  • $5 House Margaritas
  • $5 House Frozens
  • $5 Guac
  • $5 Cheese Dip
  • $5 Draft Beer

Happy hour as of November 2026. Check with the restaurant for current deals.

Tips for your visit

  • Can't decide? Split the Pickle-Fried Chicken Tacos and the Fish Fry Tacos.
  • Go for happy hour. Weekdays from 3 to 6 PM, house margs, guac and cheese dip are all $5.
  • Always order the dip trio. It's only $5, and the pineapple salsa is a must.
  • Bringing kids? There's a kids menu with taco plates, a side and a fountain drink, plus crayons at the table.
  • Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 2 PM.
  • Make a day of it. Walk the Square or visit the Walmart Museum across the street before or after you eat.

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