Rogue Tavern in Eureka Springs

Dinner at Rogue Tavern!

In April, we finally got to have a dining adventure at Rogue's!

The sign confused me years ago. Manor or tavern? Restaurant or bar?

25 Years Ago?

We first spotted this curious property in the 1990's, when traveling in Arkansas with the kids. I believe Rouge's had just opened at that time. They offered food and lodging.

I didn't realize we had this photo of the kiddos and me, until recently. What a find!

​Spring in Arkansas

This past April, Don and I booked one night in Eureka Springs.  

The Rogue no longer offers lodging, but we booked a hotel across the street.

Palace Hotel & Bath House

We planned a one-night stay at the iconic Palace hotel. It was about 200 feet from the Rogue property.

What a perfect combo for a Hotel & Restaurant Adventure!

Peeking Around

The Rogue wasn't open until 4, so Don and I wandered the grounds a bit. Like all of Eureka Springs, the property was a bit mysterious and magical, eerie and confusing.

There's a lot of mossy rock in this storybook town. We found the waters of Sweet Spring bubbling up, nearby. I believe this is the same water that feeds the hotel bathhouse.

​Open 

We weren't able to make reservations by phone, so figured we'd arrive at 4 to make them in person. We paused to peek in the window and noted white tablecloths. Hopefully no dress code.

We stepped inside at 4 and had a quick look around before we were greeted by the owner.

Hideaway Lounge

The owner Terry Blanton, greeted us and invited us to explore. We headed towards the room with the sign "Hideaway Lounge". 

Don examined some of the art, with scantily clad women. I believe a previous owner is responsible for some of the curious art.

More Art

There was actually quite a bit of artwork in the dimly lit lounge.

I wished for a little more light so I could focus on this wall mural. These characters were having a fine time in the tavern.

Rock Wall

​There was some light illuminating the cliff or rock wall outside the building. This is just one example of how the buildings in Eureka Springs, adapt to the mountain terrain!

The red drapes, dark leather chairs and redwood tables, looked extra dramatic with this  window view.  

Dining in the House

We checked out a few of the dining rooms for later.

I'm not sure which of these rooms are original, but Rogue Manor was once a private home. Built in the 1870's!

At some point 2 fussy sisters lived here and divided the house, so they wouldn't have to see each other.

Back in the Bar

Back in the lounge, Chad was preparing the bar for the evening. 

A distributor had arrived with a special gin, that he was very enthused about.  There was a little sampling and a little visiting. I loved the color of the Gray Whale Gin bottle. 

We chatted with Terry (in red) about how he acquired the Rogue Tavern in recent years. Then we made our reservations for later and headed off.

Back at 6!

We came early before reservations, so we could sit at that classic bar.

We had to be careful about putting our glasses down. There was a huge knothole, just asking to swallow a glass.

Bartender, Chad

Chad seemed a little serious when we first sat down. But before long we learned a lot about him, while he skillfully made our decadent drinks. A Manhattan (Chad's version)  for Don and Eureka Rain for me. 

He talked about growing up in the town where all my relatives are from. Springfield, Missouri! He chuckled about some other "podunk town" where he had lived as a kid. Usually I wouldn't attempt to talk to anyone in Arkansas about politics, but he had some nice things to say. Chad told a story or two about some special people he has served, when doing conferences. He talked about how very gracious Michelle Obama was and how G.W. Bush shared an understanding look with him, when he dropped a tray. Chad said he appreciated both and I appreciated his attitude. He said he didn't care about politics, just people.

I also appreciated that Chad took our photo. How often do you get to pose with drinks in a setting like this?

Dinner in the Greenhouse?

When it was time for our dinner reservations, Chad walked us through a dining room and into a glassed in room. 

I'd noticed the glass room when we passed by earlier and thought it was a greenhouse. The room was quite lovely and the chairs were comfy...

High Table & Bright Menu

My cushioned chair was so large and comfy, it made me want to curl up and read my menu for a while. It was actually kind of amusing how we both sunk down like little kids at the dinner table. I was tempted to ask for a booster seat. 

But the most memorable part of the menu, was that it lit up! You can't tell in the photo, but it was indeed glowing! So helpful for these old eyes.

Happy Service
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Our server Angela did an amazing job. 

We took her advice and ordered the Smoked Salmon appetizer, served with little toasts and some kind of cream cheese. The picture looks lame, but it was absolutely mouthwatering! 

Bread Pot and Salad!

Our entrees came with a luscious little salad and special treat in a crock!

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I love bread and I especially love bread when it looks like it's exploding out of a little ceramic crock! Delicious!

Pan Fried Oysters

I chose an oyster dish, which is most unlike me. I was happy with my  crispy oysters and homemade tarter sauce. 

The oysters were served with glazed Brussels sprouts and heavenly paprika potatoes! I was happy.

Two Smiles!

Don's smile is almost as big as the smiling Walleye Filet on Don's plate.

Don really gets tired of my camera intrusions, but he was more than happy to pose. He was so excited about his plate that he made me take another photo.

Don was more than pleased with the breading, seasoning and his Canadian catch. He's not a Brussels sprouts guy, so I got double for the night!

Heading Out

It was dark by the time we finished. We headed back to our hotel happy.

We've had our eye on this place for many years. So glad it was an entertaining and delicious adventure!
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