The First Seat

Crowded with a few high tops and only six tables, I lucked out as a couple departed a few minutes after I arrived. We had a table and enjoyed our dinner.I chose the Bentonville Hot Chicken sandwich and it was tasty though not as spicy as I'd have liked. Mrs. K. enjoyed her fish and chips. Looking back, getting the Truffle Parmesan Chips was a mistake - they were delicious but really, how many of these flat chips can you eat in one meal? Since we had chips as the sides on both our meals, maybe next time I'll choose something else and go with the wings, too.Great friendly service, a nice little sports bar/pub with a good menu. It's not easy to find - the entrance is on the parking lot side. And you'll need to arrive early as it is a very small establishment.

This place is the epidomy of a whole in the wall. Even finding the entrance took some skills. When you walk in, you can see is a cozy bar with college bar vibes. If you're not prepared for that energy you might want to turn around and walk out. Don't! The food and service were fantastic. There was one waitress for the entire place and she was very attentive of us. The food was delicious. We loved everything we ordered. The Cajun pork rinds were crispy and flavorful. They were still popping as they arrived to the table. The wings super flavorful. Both handhelds were fantastic.

Went to lunch here (again) a few days ago. Always a pleasant experience. Pros and cons of this little "dive bar" set behind all the fancier restaurants and bars. Not technically in the alley, but if you are downtown Bentonville using the alley to get there is the easiest way, unless you are driving, which in that case it is adjacent to one of the public parking lots. It's not very big which is a pro and con. Pro that this place would be so noisy you wouldn't be able hear your lunchmate if it held any more people. Con that unless you time it right it might be hard to find a seat. "Sit wherever you want" is the seating option. I have sat at tables most of the time, but on occasion I have sat at the bar. Staff is quick to clean tables so if you get there and it's full... start scouting tables where it looks like someone is about to leave then stand by it, once vacated, and someone will rush over and clear it. On this particular day I ordered the Clubhouse Chicken which came with the Flat Fries. Once again, really good. I did have to ask for a knife to cut my sandwich in half otherwise it was too large to manage without me making a mess. Plus, once cut in half I was able to use my free hand for the fries and drink of my soda (which was refilled promptly). The soda comes in a "normal" size glass. I'd guess 12-16 ounces. Too large and a drink could become watery so I liked having a fresh soda midway through our lunch.To note, I have had the Fish and Chips, the 410-derloin, a burger, the cheese curds and more over the years. Nothing has ever disappointed. My wife ordered the Cocky Balboa (chicken breast and marinara with provolone cheese and parmesan peppercorn dressing. Also served with Flat Fries. According to her the chicken was crispy and the cheese was melted. The marinara was delicious. Looking back, it must have been really good as she didn't offer me a bite of it.In the past I have had a few of the different beers and ciders that are offered. Good selection but you need to know what you like. I was helped and ended up enjoying a local pear cider type of beverage a few years back.Overall, a great little hole in the wall that I hope doesn't get any bigger but will be around forever.

UPDATE: went into first seat to try them again, staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about current beer selections. Food was great and atmosphere was very chill. Great sports bar to watch NFL games!

This is a fun, eclectic spot to grab an inexpensive meal. We started with the cheese curds. It didn't end up being a huge order, and nothing special. I got charged extra for the marinara, but I wasn't asked if I even wanted marinara. Our table had the pork tenderloin, fish and chips, and Bentonville hot chicken. All of our meals were served with flat fries. The entrees were big. Service was excellent, food was good, and atmosphere was fun.

GREAT DIVE! Downtown Bentonville - I was looking for some sustenance after a flight into XNA and exploring the town. The First Seat is tucked away down a quiet street and it is a very small space (love this). I was lucky to arrive at a quiet time just after the opened and took my seat at the bar. Drinks were strong, wings were fantastic and the bartender was absolutely wonderful. Locals galore means the sign of a solid bar and the bartender seemed to know everyone well. Once lunch time rolled round, the seats filled up fast so if you plan a visit (which you absolutely should), be prepared to wait. It's worth it. I'll be back for a burger next time I'm in town.

This small local bar with friendly staff is tucked away down an alley. Came in for lunch on a weekend and sat myself immediately at the bar. It was busy, but not crowded. The BLT, which was amazing, was generously portioned, and the wide, flat French fries were unique and delicious. In addition to the sandwich, I sipped on a Deep Eddy Ruby Red with soda and lime while I watched live sports on the TVs behind the bar. Would definitely eat here again next time I'm in town.

This is such a great vibe! I came here to watch the world series and it did not disappoint! The Service was perfect, the food was delicious and we want to come back for more! I got the Pesto Chicken sandwich

We walked in with my daughter and her young children. The outside may suspect but once inside it looked a lot like one my favorite burger joint. The waitress was very helpful with kids. The devoured the chicken fingers and the rest of us were happy with various options of chicken sandwiches.

We shared the Clubhouse Chicken sandwich which was truly stunning. We both loved it. Fries are spectacular, unique and amazing. Cheese curds are breaded which isn't my favorite but still pretty decent. Service is relaxed and attentive. This is a bar with amazing food, sports on a few TVs but not what you normally ally think of for a "sports bar". Not a bad thing at all. We both loved it and will definitely be back.