Springdale’s bar scene may come alive after dark. But despite what the title suggests, locals and visitors can still enjoy a drink before the sun goes down.
1.At Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery, the rustic scenery of sloping fields, flowing creeks, and towering trees make for a refreshing glass of wine as sunlight filters through the canopy. Sitting outdoors as the first fallen leaves scatter in the wind, a glass of wine pairs perfectly with pizza and good conversation.
Out back on the pavilion, you hear talk of professors catching up on the latest, cheers for birthdays, anniversaries, and the like, as well as regulars relaying their plans for coming weeks and Halloween. In any case, Sassafras accommodates the needs of all Springdale before-or-after-dark attendees, holding on to the fair temperatures before they chill.
2.When the sun goes down, The Odd Soul provides space for a much-needed brood or banter. What’s on draft? Featured in the image is my go-to IPA, Space Goose, but a number of local and domestic drafts are waiting on tap.
The charm of The Odd Soul is in its mystery, yet the social atmosphere reinterprets this mood toward warmth and connection. You get an attractive mix of old school nostalgia and modern flair: the sort of place that can both surprise you and make you feel like you’ve been there before.
With an intriguing balance of neon signs and dusky undertones, some say just walking in makes you a regular in training. If a place can be both vibrant and moody, The Odd Soul toes this line carefully, weaving buzzing neon and silent shadows into a night that’s entirely your own—with bar talk and good music to chase away the quiet.
3.No matter if your night has just begun or if it’s coming to a close, The Blind Bear introduces all night owls to a seasonal menu that makes every round feel curated. The cocktail/mocktail menu has something to offer everyone, and the cosmopolitan vibe ensures everyone feels welcome in its dimly lit quarters.
Fan favorite cocktails include The Lost Cosmonaut and Princess Diana. (Don’t blame me if a couple sips leave you floating in space or raising a pinky.)
By entering The Blind Bear, you open yourself up to a drinking experience that is sophisticated in tone yet brimming with excitement beneath the surface. You may forget you’re in Springdale, Arkansas, swept away in the ambiance of the room and imaginative quality of the drink, but by the time you step back outside, Emma Avenue reminds you where you are—and calls you back into reality.