Destination Dining Successes in Clarksville,
Hot Springs and Lonoke.
By Lindsey Fisher
Culinary gems that offer an experience from plate to palette to atmosphere often are destinations in and of themselves. The capacity these restaurants have to attract locals and out-of-town visitors alike makes them an important part of the local culture.
Prestonrose in Clarksville, DeLuca’s in Hot Springs and The Grumpy Rabbit in Lonoke have become such destinations. The owners, managers and staff at these three restaurants live with an unbeatable passion for their business and the food they serve. Undoubtedly, these destinations have become woven into the fabric of their communities, and it is easy to see why people will travel far and wide in order to experience what they have to offer.
PRESTONROSE TOWNE BISTRO AND MERCANTILE
Fans who have had the opportunity to eat and drink at Prestonrose’s certified USDA organic farm over the years have likely met the family behind the destination’s one-of-a-kind dining experience. From fresh ingredients that are cultivated from the farm, and others in the area, to being the only certified craft malt brewery in Arkansas, Prestonrose is a destination worth traveling to. And their new location in downtown Clarksville is no different.
Liz and Mike Preston move with great passion for their business and the local farming community. Liz shares that their entire identity comes from protecting the history of places and families in the community. “We believe in transparency in all things food, drink and business,” she said. “It’s important to know where everything we eat and drink comes from, who handles it, and how long it’s been ‘out there.’ We are all about sustainability and being valuable stewards of the land.”
The exterior of Prestonrose Bistro & Mercantile in Clarksville. - Photo by Brian Chilson
This same type of passion and commitment is what led to their new location on Clarksville’s Main Street. Housed in a restored 1940s automotive shop, the farm-to-town establishment features the original stone walls, historic tall ceilings and new metal work from local artists. “Everything you encounter from the food to the design aesthetic was curated with great intention,” Liz explained.
Beef tamales from Prestonrose. - Photo by Brian Chilson
In partnership with the building’s current owners, the University of the Ozarks, the Prestons worked hard to create two distinct spaces for visitors to enjoy — the general store, which houses local products, and the restaurant, where patrons can order all the menu items that were once only available at the farm.
The Mercantile Clarksville offers coffee (locally roasted, of course), ice cream (Loblolly of Little Rock), house-made bagels, artisan cheese, salads, espresso coffee with locally made syrups, deli sandwiches, local eggs and fresh milk. At the Prestonrose Towne Bistro, there’s a beautiful dining area, a bar and a custom kitchen. “Dining with us, whether it’s a regular night at the bistro, or special event at the farm, is a unique, informative and thoughtfully prepared experience,” Liz said. “Our menu rotates monthly and allows us to fully evolve with seasonal availability of produce and meats. We also offer plenty of gluten-free and vegan options and are always willing to work with folks who have special dietary needs.”
Look for farmers market brunches at their new location as well as upcoming classes like cheese and pasta making. Beer lovers can still make appointments at the farm to fill growlers with local favorites, such as Abigail’s Okra Brown that uses a centuries-old Southern recipe for “okra coffee,” and the Dragon Volant, a French farmhouse saison that uses locally foraged trifoliate oranges.
In the heart of a city renowned for its national park, vibrant arts scene and rich history, DeLuca’s Pizza has become a beloved dining destination for Hot Springs locals and tourists alike. - Photo by Sara Reeves
DELUCA’S PIZZA
Hot Springs is already a tourism destination, thanks in part to the national park, a variety of shops, vibrant arts scene, museums and interesting history. Therefore, the fact that there is a coveted restaurant with a cult following should come as no surprise to Spa City lovers.
At DeLuca’s you’ll find brick oven pizza, hand-made dough, fresh local ingredients and an owner who has brought all his passion and memories of growing up in Brooklyn, New York, to the community of Hot Springs.
Anthony Valinoti has successfully recreated the feel of an old school Italian restaurant from his neighborhood of Bay Ridge with an atmosphere that is simultaneously fun, dark and loud. Stepping into the eatery feels a bit like walking back in time.
“DeLuca’s is a theater of my imagination. We have a large, inviting patio and an amazing bar. The decor is made up of red banquettes, red chairs and large headshot photos of our oldest and dearest clients,” Valinoti explained. “The music is also crucial, I think, to our restaurant. I have a 50-hour playlist that I tinker with all the time to create the right mood depending on the crowd that day. It’s all these tiny little pieces that build the beautiful fabric that DeLuca’s has evolved into.”
The inspiration for the pizza joint actually comes from a pivotal time in Valinoti’s life. “DeLuca’s was born out of loss, the loss of my parents two days apart. It set the wheels in motion. I set out on this journey to find myself again, and in the process I accidentally created a pretty amazing little place and my home,” he said.
Franky’s Flatbush from DeLuca’s Pizza in Hot Springs. - Photo by Sara Reeves
Born out of such passion and attention to detail, it’s no wonder that the pizza is top-notch; just ask Dave Portnoy from Barstool Sports. He went crazy for the Sidetown pizza (which is also Anthony’s favorite pie). This stamp of approval made DeLuca’s an overnight sensation.
Visitors can expect fresh ingredients in every dish. In other words, if it comes out of the ground — it’s grown locally. Basil, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and herbs are grown by farmers in the surrounding regions. Valinoti shares that the number one selling pizza is the Patsy Searcy — which comes with spicy soppressata, Calabrian chili oil, peppadews and honey. “But I am a cheese pizza kind of person,” he said. “So, a simple cheese pizza has to be the best thing in your arsenal.”
Later this year, DeLuca’s will open a second location in Little Rock, offering award-winning pizza in both Hot Springs and the capital city.
THE GRUMPY RABBIT
Lonoke’s only full-service restaurant boasting a full bar happens to include an award-winning kitchen. Cue The Grumpy Rabbit.
This classic Arkansas downtown establishment started as a way for the Cox family, owners of The Grumpy Rabbit, to help pump life back into the once-thriving downtown district. Since then, it has become a gathering point for locals in Lonoke and is a popular stopping point for anyone commuting along Interstate 40.
Step into Lonoke’s vibrant downtown and discover The Grumpy Rabbit, a beloved community hub and must-stop destination for travelers along I-40. - Photo by Brian Chilson
And if you’ve had a chance to sink your teeth into any of their specials, it’s not hard to see why this establishment has become such a popular destination. Local favorites include the 14-ounce ribeye, Swamp Grits and carrot cake. However, the most sought-after item is the award-winning Grumpy Burger.
Kevin Darker, general manager of The Grumpy Rabbit, said, “We are fortunate to be surrounded by local farmers that provide us with bountiful farm-to-table opportunities that allow us to offer locally sourced specials and frequent menu upgrades. We are proud to be an integral part of the downtown revitalization, and our farmers are proud of their products in our specials.”
Kevin says the team’s entire mission is to “enrich the lives of those in the community and to provide quality food, beverages and legendary service that aims to bring the community together like one big family.”
Not to mention, the atmosphere is off the charts. There are pops of color, neon lights and art on display. “From the art to the architecture, everything at The Grumpy Rabbit is local,” Darker said. “The building itself is a visual feast.” Here, patrons can find private rooms for intimate gatherings, large spaces for groups, a bar and 12 large-screen televisions. There is also a downstairs and upstairs patio woven with string lights and art. Dining at The Grumpy Rabbit for a night out or as a stopping point on a long drive is not to be missed.
The cozy patio at the Grumpy Rabbit in Lonoke. - Photo by Brian Chilson
The Grumpy Rabbit is truly of the community. The restaurant’s namesake honors both the local community and the Cox family.
“Gina Cox was the point guard on the Lonoke 1977 State Champion basketball team whose mascot is none other than the Jack Rabbit. Gina’s husband, Darrel Cox, who is a long-time local farmer, is one of those individuals that the corners of his mouth just turn down,” Darker said. “His family gifted him the name ‘Grumpy.’ Together they are The Grumpy Rabbit.”
Lindsey Fisher is an Arkansas-based freelance writer and photographer focused on promoting tourism in The Natural State.