The Weinkeller Restaurant is one of the most unique places to dine in the state of Arkansas!
It is part of the oldest and largest winery in mid-America, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars. This winery was started in 1880! The restaurant is not quite as old. It was opened in 1967.
I have been to the restaurant many times, but recently stopped by again as the last stop on a fun Arkansas road trip.
It was nice to once again experience the interesting European ambiance of the Weinkeller Restaurant as well as the delicious food.
Who was at this visit? We are Emily and Karen, a mother-daughter duo who love to travel our home state of Arkansas. We find the best restaurants, hikes, shops, and stays to share with our readers. We were accompanied this evening by Emily’s husband, Daniel, and their young daughter, Lyla. Join in the fun on our Somewhere In Arkansas Instagram!
Ambiance of the Restaurant
As you approach the restaurant, the rustic exterior, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet, sets the tone for what’s inside.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by dim lighting, stone walls and floors, and wooden beams. The atmosphere is candlelit and intimate and the feeling is warm and inviting.
One of the reasons for the incredible ambiance is that the restaurant is still housed in the original wine cellar hand dug by the Wiederkehrs in 1880.
The staff is dressed in tourist-traditional Swiss attire. Really the whole thing makes you feel as if you’ve traveled abroad without leaving Arkansas.
You might be interested in learning about more of the most famous restaurants in Arkansas!
All About the Food
The menu is a delightful journey through Swiss-German cuisine.
A standout is the cheese fondue. This restaurant has introduced MANY Arkansans over the years, including me, to the joys of fondue. Some make the drive here specifically for this appetizer. It is a melted blend of gourmet cheeses accompanied by various dippables.
Of course, this was our selected starter for our meal.
Emily and I also shared a sausage platter called the Weinkeller Sampler. We enjoyed all three types of sausages that came with the sampler.
We all had some Swiss Onion Soup and Daniel tried the Filet Weinkeller. As you might expect the restaurant also serves excellent sauerkraut.
Of course we all had a glass of wine to go with our meal!
You can choose between a variety of Wiederkehr wines and there are a few choices from Italy and California as well.
There are various sandwiches and salads if you are visiting for lunch.
Location of Weinkeller Restaurant and Reservations
We did not have reservations for dinner the night we ate at the Weinkeller, but it was a weeknight and we were arrived early. By the time we left the restaurant was quite busy.
I would definitely suggest making reservations especially if you are trying to go for a special occasion or on a weekend.
Here is some more information to help you out:
- Address: 3324 Swiss Family Dr. Wiederkehr Village, AR, 72821.
- Phone number: 479-468-9463.
- You might want to check their Facebook page for special events.
History of the Weinkeller Restaurant
A family member, Uncle Al, had been to France to study viticulture and while there he began contemplating other opportunities that might fit a winery…like a restaurant.
Finally in 1967 he convinced the rest of family and the original cellar site and cabin were opened as the Weinkeller Restaurant!
This was a time when there were very few restaurants in Arkansas where patrons could sit and enjoy a meal and a glass of wine and it was immediately popular.
In my opinion, one of the most unique aspects of dining at Weinkeller Restaurant is the sense of history that permeates the space. The original wine cellar, now the dining area, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This blend of historical charm and culinary tradition makes dining at the Weinkeller Restaurant more than just a meal—it’s a piece of Arkansas history.
I hope that you also enjoy your visit to the Weinkeller Restaurant and the Wiederkehr Winery.
Thanks for stopping by!
