When visiting with Fayetteville locals and University of Arkansas graduates of every generation, mention of the “Old Post Office” or the “OPO” brings forth a multitude of memories relating to the vintage 1911 centerpiece of the Historic Fayetteville Square. Since the last mail was delivered from the building in the 1970s and the site was placed on the national register of historic places, the OPO has been a home to an array of businesses and provided a beautiful backdrop to countless photo ops.
In 2019, following fresh renovations, the stately old building ushered in a brand-new independent restaurant—Cheers at the Old Post Office. Specializing in Southern American cuisine cooked on a wood fire grill, the friendly Cheers team meets guests at the door and escorts them into the towering ceiling dining room. Diners and those seated at the full bar have direct line of sight into a fast-paced open kitchen, where the culinary team creates a varied menu of lunch and dinner fare with wide-ranging choices sure to tempt any palate.
Appetizer options range from dips and fried artichoke hearts to seafood served a number of ways—two especially tasty items are the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and the Crab Cakes. Soup, salad and sandwich lovers will find options ranging from health-conscious and vegetarian to decadent belly-filling splurges.
For those who wish to linger over a fine dining experience, the list of entrees includes everything from classic steaks to seafood, pasta, chicken and even a grilled 10oz. pork chop with apple glaze. The list of sides could easily combine to create a memorable meal of its own, with favorites like collard greens, asiago cheese grits, chipotle mac and cheese and roasted crimini mushrooms. And, while studying the menu, don’t forget to ask about the day’s specials.
Open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m to 9 p.m. Cheers at the OPO offers a perfect spot for business lunches, craft cocktail happy hours and even a romantic spot for dessert and a nightcap after live music or a show. Reservations are available at cheersopo.com.
