Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Haven 55: a hidden culinary gem
In Pineville, just across the Missouri border, is a unique dining establishment called Haven 55.
It’s a short jaunt from Northwest Arkansas, but worlds away in terms of surroundings and culinary experience. This is the perfect time to visit, since its location – perched on the banks of Little Sugar Creek – is the perfect place to take in the beauty of spring in the Ozarks while you enjoy a truly outstanding meal.
There’s a view from every table in the cozy dining room, and the creative offerings coming from the kitchen are second to none. Those creations are the art of executive chef Alan Bone, a Pineville native. He started cooking as a teenager, followed his passion and went on to graduate with top honors from Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Orlando. He worked and studied under several chefs, perfecting his craft before coming back home to open Haven 55 a dozen years ago.
Haven 55 is a world-class “slow food” destination, meaning everything is made to order. The pace is relaxed, the experience is meant to be savored.
“The menu is American regionalrustic, meaning it is pulled from different parts of America and is plated simply,” said Chef Bone.
This is slow food at its best, Alan’s fiancee Micah pointed out. The establishment is a close-knit family effort, with Micah working the front, listening to customers and fine-tuning the experience.
“He was taught by the French,” Micah explained. “A lot of the dishes lean towards that style. He has a New York strip steak with a blue cheese sauce on it, that’s our best seller. His 8-ounce sirloin with a red wine reduction sauce is my personal favorite. The pork tenderloin is really popular as well, and it’s got a blackberry sauce on it.”
There are more creative chicken and pork dishes with complementary rubs and sauces, a wide variety of fresh seafood offerings, unique and delicious sandwich creations and certified Angus burgers and steaks.
Although the quality is high and the dishes are distinctly chef-inspired creations, the food is not extravagant or complicated.
“It’s not fancy-fancy, but it’s not just your fried chicken either,” Micah noted.
While you’re waiting for your culinary masterpiece, you can grab a drink and enjoy the restaurant’s fantastic fried green bean appetizer served with a creamy horseradish dip. Or try the amazing Parmesan Truffle Fries – handcut russet potatoes, tried and tossed with parmesan, truffle oil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
When asked her favorite lunch menu item, Micah was quick to respond, “My go-to lunch is the Croque Monsieur. I call it a glorified grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It has a little bit of mayonnaise and mustard and two different cheeses, Swiss and provolone, and ham. It’s grilled to perfection. I love it.”
Haven 55 burgers are a hot item, too. “We sell a lot of burgers,” Micah said. “We use certified angus beef, which has great flavor.”
Specials
Each week, Haven 55 rolls out several different specials in addition to the regular menu.
Alan and Micah surveyed customers to see what Tuesday special they’d like to see at Haven 55, and the winner is Chicken Fried Steak. So, every Tuesday night they will be offering a Chicken Fried Steak special with mashed potatoes, gravy and choice of a side.
You’ll want to get your reservations in early to partake in Haven 55’s Wednesday Prime Rib night – a mid-week tradition worth planning ahead for.
“We have a big following for Prime Rib night,” Micah pointed out.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to enjoy a prime rib sandwich as a lunch special the next day.
Thursday evenings, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat crab legs.
Extend your night out at Haven 55’s Tavern. It’s open Friday and Saturday nights from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Happy hour is from 5-6 p.m.
They serve house-crafted pizzas and other tavern fare and feature regular live performances by local artists, as well as karaoke every Saturday night.
The restaurant gains enthusiastic patrons every day, as more and more people discover this unique dining experience. Check out some of the recent reviews:
“We drove 139 miles (one way!) to try out this restaurant. And it was so worth it! It’s a cozy place … the service was excellent, and made us feel very welcome. And the food was amazing! I had the prime rib, cooked to perfection! My husband had the Haven 55 chicken with angel hair pasta, said it was the best dinner out that he’s had in a long time. Dessert was a decadent rich chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. We will definitely go back for another food adventure at Haven 55!”
“Has a serene view overlooking a creek with geese swimming. Servers are excellent and food came out quickly. Starter with parmesan truffle hand-cut fries is a must! We ordered the club sandwich, pulled BBQ, grilled chicken, salmon BLT and everyone was very satisfied. Portions are big, so we didn’t have room for dessert – hopefully next time!”
“Small menu but amazing food. We had burgers with excellent homemade fries. But the real stars were the desserts. Creme brulee and chocolate bouchon. A perfect end to our meal. The restaurant ambience overlooking the river falls is lovely. Dress is casual. The food is fabulous and well made. The service was impeccable. Highly recommend a visit.”
Visit www.haven55.com and keep an eye on the Haven 55 Facebook page for changing specials, a more detailed schedule of upcoming events, and to view the restaurant and tavern menus.
A meal at this hidden gem is more than just lunch or dinner – it’s a dining destination.