No shade to the classic cocktail lineup, but if you’re anything like us, sometimes you just need a drink that’s a little more adventurous than your average old fashioned.
Fayetteville is full of master mixologists who bring a special touch with their signature cocktails at watering holes all across the city. You’ll find modern tikis, twists on alcoholic staples, and Ozark-inspired drinks on handcrafted cocktail menus that are sure to please anyone that likes to indulge!
Move over, martinis, manhattans, and mojitos - it’s time to shake (or stir?) things up a bit! Dive into a creative craft cocktail adventure by starting with some of our favorite Fayetteville sipping spots, listed below:
Feed and Folly | @feedandfolly | 110 S College Ave
If you’re on the hunt for cocktails with a view, you’ve simply got to land at Feed and Folly! The rooftop patio has a can’t-miss view of downtown Fayetteville and is the perfect place to enjoy a large menu of seasonally rotated cocktails. Elegant, bold flavor combinations are a staple at this modern public house that taps into Fayetteville’s vibrant spirit. As a fun twist, many of their cocktails are named for pop culture icons, familiar quotes, and famous books. Don’t be surprised to find chocolate, beets, or various spices in your cocktails as Feed and Folly tends to stray outside of the “typical” cocktail – in the very best of ways.
Guisinger | @theguisinger | 1 E. Mountain
Situated in the 1886 building that was home to the Guisinger Music House, Guisinger serves impeccable cocktails and small plates. According to the Arkansas Times, Guisinger is "like an expensive pair of sweatpants: somewhat upscale but comfortable nonetheless." Grab a booth in the front window or a cozy semi-private room. The small plates are decadent - we love the salmon bao alongside a New York Sour.
Maxine’s Tap Room | @maxinestaproom | 107 N Block Ave
A Fayetteville landmark since 1950, Maxine’s offers some of the city’s most interesting cocktails! Situated in a humble little brick building right in the heart of downtown, this small-but-mighty bar was named one of Esquire’s “Best Bars in America” in 2019. It’s a favorite for locals and sought out by visitors for its charming atmosphere and extremely Fayetteville vibes. Maxine’s signature cocktails are often pop-culture inspired and frequently feature unique syrups made with ingredients such as local honey, hibiscus, or raisins. You can also catch a wide range of live music here while soaking up this little piece of our city’s history!
The Amendment | @amendment21.nwa | 406 W Dickson St
Formerly known as “21st Amendment” (y’know, the one that repealed prohibition?), this establishment may just take the cake for best-looking Dickson Street bar with its intoxicating wood interior, library ladder, enormous bar back, and inviting rooftop bar. It also has some of the tastiest cocktails around, often made with ultra-fresh and hyper-local ingredients, like locally distilled Fox Trail artisanal spirits. Aside from unique signature drinks, you’ll happily find fresh takes on old classics, with handcrafted cocktails like coffee-infused martinis and mediterranean mules. The Amendment is all at once laid back and luxurious, perfect for whatever mood you’re in the next time a cocktail craving strikes.
The Commons | @commonsbarcafe | 477 W Spring St (inside TheatreSquared)
Nestled downtown within the architecturally distinctive public space in TheatreSquared, The Commons features a menu that celebrates what’s local and new. They have not only a signature cocktail menu, but also a signature early birds menu specially built for day drinking (think bloody mary adjacent and bubbly-type beverages). Top that! The drinks use sometimes exotic and always high-quality ingredients sure to knock your socks off. If you’re in town for a show, you’re in for even more of a treat at The Commons, as the bar concocts and serves up specialty signature cocktails to thematically accompany TheatreSquared’s performances. It’s not just a “theater bar” either – The Commons is open even when shows aren’t running!
Vault | @vault_bar | 112 W Center St / Suite B001
The name of this award-winning bourbon bar is a nod to the former bank vault in which it lives. Unpretentious yet beautiful and located steps from the Fayetteville Square, it’s equally suited to meeting with friends as it is to a fancy night out with your person. Though their specialty is building a massive bourbon stock, their cocktails are fresh, unique, and absolutely top-notch. Utilizing progressive and sometimes downright strange ingredients, their incredible staff will wow you with flavor combinations you didn’t know were possible. Vault’s menu changes frequently and they offer special prices at happy hour - so try a couple!
