Gluten Free in Bentonville: 8 Can’t Miss Places That Make It Worth the Trip

I have been to Bentonville numerous times over the past few years because it is such an amazing destination for family fun, girls’ trips, and outdoor activities. While I knew of a few gluten free restaurants that I made sure to go to again and again, this trip I set out solely to eat. And oh boy did I EAT. 

As a person with Celiac Disease, or a severe gluten allergy, it is rare that I get to truly enjoy the eating aspect of travel, but Bentonville had so many safe and delicious options that I can confidently say this Northwest Arkansas town easily ranks as one of the best cities I have ever experienced for gluten free options. I was honestly blown away to find not just one, but multiple standout spots, including a 100% gluten-free brewery with a full food menu and even a James Beard–recommended restaurant that is entirely gluten free. 

If you are looking for gluten free in Bentonville, this is the kind of place where you can actually enjoy eating without the usual stress of wondering if you’ll be sick later, all while soaking up everything else this fun, family-friendly city has to offer.

If you’re looking for the perfect Bentonville weekend itinerary for families, check out A Family Fun Weekend in Bentonville.

Disclaimer: Always be sure to ask the restaurants about cross contamination and double check that menu items are gluten free.

Best Places for your Gluten Free in Bentonville Itinerary

Stoic Brewing: 100% Gluten Free Brewery

We kicked off our gluten free in Bentonville experience at Stoic Brewing, and honestly, this spot alone is worth the trip. This 100% gluten free brewery has such a fun, artsy, slightly alternative vibe, but as great as the atmosphere is, the drinks and food are what really set it apart.

We ordered a flight and sampled six different beers, and every single one impressed us, but I liked the Witbier best of all. As someone who used to love wheat beers, finding a gluten-free version that actually tasted right was a huge win. Be sure to bring your own growler to fill up and take home! I am already hoping they start canning their beer because I would absolutely bring some home on our next visit.

The food was great too. We shared a hot honey pizza that was perfectly balanced with a little sweetness and heat, plus a charcuterie board with quince jam, great crackers, and all the extras that made it feel elevated. We also tried an arepa, filled with meat and cheese and served with a super fresh, flavorful salsa that we could not stop dipping into. 

The best part is that everything here is completely gluten-free, which made this one of the most enjoyable dining experiences we had in Bentonville. It was so nice not having to worry about cross-contamination. Also, this spot is family friendly and has great outdoor and indoor dining options. 

Eleven at Crystal Bridges + Coffee Bar

A visit to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is already a must when you are in Bentonville, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the food at Eleven, the museum’s on-site restaurant, is almost as impressive as the artwork. Crystal Bridges is known for its stunning architecture and world-class art. If you are searching for gluten free in Bentonville, this is a spot where you can enjoy a fancy, but quick meal. 

There is also a convenient coffee bar inside Crystal Bridges, which is perfect for grabbing a little pick-me-up between galleries. We stopped for drinks while wandering through the museum. Between the gluten free options and the beautiful surroundings, Eleven and the coffee bar make Crystal Bridges a great stop for anyone looking to enjoy some gluten free in Bentonville options.

Conifer: James Beard Recognized + 100% Gluten Free

If you are looking for the absolute best restaurant that is gluten free in Bentonville, Conifer completely blew me away. This was hands down the best gluten free meal I have ever had, and my friends who went with me who don’t have Celiac agreed that it was among one of the best meals they have ever had. It is no surprise that this spot has earned recognition from the James Beard Foundation because every single dish felt thoughtful, creative, and incredibly well executed.

We ordered a variety of small plates to share along with a couple of larger entrees, and there was not a single thing we did not love. The biggest surprise was the beet dish. One of my friends normally avoids beets, but we were all practically fighting over the last bites and joking that we could have licked the plate clean. That pretty much sums up the entire experience. Every dish was that good. 

If you are planning a gluten free in Bentonville food itinerary, this is one place you absolutely cannot skip. What makes Conifer even more special is that the entire restaurant is 100% gluten free, so you can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about cross contamination. 

The atmosphere feels elevated and special, but still comfortable enough that you do not need to dress up. The chef even came by our table to chat about the menu, and we saw him doing the same with other guests, which added such a personal and welcoming touch. I will definitely be back and next time I will be ordering my own plate of beets. 

The Hive at 21c: A Whimsical Hotel with a great Gluten Free Restaurant 

We also made a stop at The Hive, located inside the artsy 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Bentonville for breakfast. We stayed at this hotel, which was the perfect choice because it is steps away from the main square, has complimentary bike valet, and its right off of multiple biking trails. The whole hotel has a creative, modern vibe you would expect from 21c, and it is a fun place to stay while exploring the area. Book it here. 

If you are looking for gluten free in Bentonville, The Hive is a solid option to add to your list. What we really appreciated is that they offer a variety of gluten-free and healthier breakfast choices, so it was easy for everyone to find something they loved, and it was nice to have lighter fare after we completely stuffed ourselves at Conifer the night before. They have gluten-free toast available as a substitute, which always feels like a small but important win when traveling. 

My friends ordered a flavorful breakfast hash loaded with avocado, sweet potatoes, and black beans. I went with a more classic breakfast, and it came with homemade jam that was so good I kept going back for another bite, plus a really great latte to go with it. The Hive made for a relaxed and delicious breakfast option. It is another great example of how easy it is to find amazing options for gluten free in Bentonville without feeling limited.

Crepes Paulette: A Personal Favorite

I have been a longtime fan of Crepes Paulette, and it is one of those places we will happily go out of our way for anytime we are anywhere near Bentonville. I have made our family stop here more times than I can count when we were driving through on road trips because the crepes are just that good. When it comes to reliable, delicious options for gluten free in Bentonville, this spot is always at the top of my list.

One of my kids’ favorite parts is watching the crepes being made right in front of you. There is a window where you can see the whole process, and it adds such a fun, interactive element to the experience. They offer both sweet and savory crepes, plus great drinks like coffee, so it is an easy place for everyone to find something they love.

I usually go for a savory crepe that comes with syrup on the side because I like getting that perfect mix of sweet and savory in every bite. It is quick enough to grab and go if you are in a hurry, but still a sit-down experience where you can enjoy your meal. If you are planning out where to eat gluten free in Bentonville, Crepes Paulette is one of those spots we keep coming back to again and again.

8th Street Market: Variety + Fun Atmosphere

If you’re looking for a trendy spot, 8th Street Market is such a fun stop and a great place to explore with multiple options for gluten-free in Bentonville all in one spot. There are several restaurants at the market with gluten free options, including COOP Ramen and Yeyo’s, a Mexican restaurant known for fresh dishes. 

Bike Rack Brewery did not have gluten-free beers or ciders, but they did offer cocktails, so I happily ordered an espresso martini and called it a win. There are multiple food trucks outside of the brewery too. I didn’t check to see if they had gluten free options when we were there, but it might be an option too. 

Beyond the food options, 8th Street Market has some really unique extras that make it worth a visit. We loved browsing Two Friends Bookstore, which had a great selection of books along with a few gluten-free snacks for sale. Or if you are in the mood for something sweet, Markham & Fitz is an adorable chocolatier offering gluten-free dessert options like chocolate bars, homemade marshmallows and truffles. I got chocolate mousse and it was delicious! If you are planning your gluten free in Bentonville itinerary, 8th Street Market is a great place to mix food, shopping, and fun in one stop.

Falfurrias Rooftop Bar at AC Hotel: Watch the Sunset + Enjoy Small Plates

We wrapped up our last full day at the AC Hotel, and this rooftop spot is hard to beat if you are looking for a great atmosphere in Bentonville. With views of the Momentary, 8th Street Market, and the surrounding area, it is the perfect place to catch the sunset after a full day of exploring. While it is not exclusively gluten-free, it still earns a spot on a gluten free in Bentonville itinerary for the experience.

The gluten free options here are a bit more limited, with only a few items on the menu that worked for me, but the menu itself is fairly small and focused. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious and even though we shared the “small plates” I left feeling full! Since we were literally eating our way around Bentonville, a lighter meal of really good food with sunset vibes was perfect.

When we visited, there was a DJ playing. During the summer months they are known for hosting events like live music. If you are looking to mix a little nightlife into your gluten free in Bentonville experience, this is a fun place to do it.

The Buttered Biscuit: Best Gluten-Free Breakfast Ever

Last but definitely not least, The Buttered Biscuit is an absolute must if you are searching for the best gluten free in Bentonville breakfast option. I can confidently say this is the best gluten free breakfast spot I have ever been to, anywhere.

The menu is packed with gluten-free options, including things that are almost impossible to find done well. They had gluten-free beignets, which I could not even find when I was in New Orleans just a few weeks earlier. They were incredible, stuffed with lemon curd and happiness. We are talking light, fluffy, and completely crave-worthy beignets. (Ok, I need to stop writing about this, I am salivating.) They also offer gluten-free cinnamon rolls, pancakes, and other breaded breakfast favorites that are usually off-limits.

I ordered the chicken and waffles, and it was unforgettable. The chicken was perfectly crispy and flavorful. It was comfort food without any compromise. One of the best parts is that almost anything on the menu can be made gluten free, which makes ordering so easy and stress-free.

On one visit to Bentonville, I convinced my entire group to eat here every single morning because I could not get enough. If you are planning your gluten free in Bentonville itinerary, The Buttered Biscuit is one place you absolutely cannot skip.

Final Thoughts on Gluten-Free in Bentonville

Bentonville truly surprised me with all of its gluten free options. From a fully gluten free brewery to an unforgettable James Beard–recognized dining experience and my favorite gluten free breakfast spot, this city makes it easy to enjoy amazing food without feeling limited by allergies. 

If you’re looking for more gluten free travel destinations, check out my Gluten Free in Branson recommendations. Or if you’re looking for more weekend trips from Kansas City, be sure to check out the 7 Best Weekend Trips from Kansas City to start planning your next adventure.

Whether you are gluten-free or just traveling with someone who is, Bentonville is a city where even people with Celiac Disease can be foodies. I am already planning my next trip because I have been craving the beer, beets, and beignets ever since I left.