American Artisans Eatery & Gallery — Restaurant in Mena

NOT your normal restaurant, but a GREAT restaurant!

The name of this restaurant gives a clue: "American Artisans". You may have walked in the door seeking food, and what greets you instead? A fine collection of pottery, wooden puzzles, paintings, wind chimes, jewelry, and other handmade items. But wait, you wanted food? Keep walking. Towards the back of the room you spot a sign, "Order Here".

Which, it turns out, is a VERY good idea.

My wife and I were on our way to Dallas and ordered the following: the Portobello sandwich, a Santa Fe salad, an Artisan salad, and a cup of Tomato Bisque soup. The verdict? EVERY one of those items was top notch. Not only did the sandwich and the salads consist of a creative blend of items, the items used were top shelf.

Iceberg lettuce? Nope. Delicious assorted salad greens. American cheese? Nope. Colby Jack on one and Goat Cheese on the other. One salad also had roasted corn and black beans, while the other salad had toasted pine nuts, and both salads also had alfalfa sprouts. And the sandwich? Lovely thick slices of Portobello mushroom, with a tasty blend of basil-flavored mayonnaise, pickled red onions, Provolone cheese, all on a nicely grilled bun.

Yes, you will pay a bit more for their sandwiches than you would at one of the national sandwich chain shops. And yes, you can find less expensive salads at other restaurants. But not with the ingredients that American Artisans uses. No styrofoam plates here. Instead, very attractive solid plates. And after placing your order, it is served up within mere minutes, and is brought to your table by a very pleasant server.

Mena has lots of chain restaurants. It has only ONE restaurant like this one, and American Artisans isn't open every day, But if you are passing through this town on a day when it is open, do yourself a favor and be sure to enjoy their lovely food. You...

As i entered the Eatery, there were gifts & other things for purchase...which was nice., But as i went inside, no one greeted me, nor did they acknowledge that i was even in there. I had no idea that the menus were up by the register...NO one said anything at all, not even 'hi, may i help u'...the only way i figured out that the menus were up there, was 2 ladies came in, stopped by the register, & picked up a menu. So, i figured out what i wanted to order, & i go up to order & pay...which i waited my turn, but when the guy was done checking the customer out n front of me, he just walked away without sayn anything like 'hold on', 'b right back'.....so i am standing there fixing to just walk out, when the waitress came over, (after looking at me a couple times before, just standing there), & asked if i was ready to order....finally!! Of course i said yes! Then, i sat down, & waited, which didn't take to long, & then the guy, (the one that ignored me when i was waiting to order), came over to me & asked if i had ordered the California wrap to go...i said yes & thank u, which there was no response...i kinda thought that was rude. The food was expensive IMO. The sandwich was really good & the sweet chips were amazing, so compliments to the chef, but other than that,...

Amazing gem in downtown Mena. From the service, to the taste and presentation of the food....hands down the best food we have had in a long time. I had the Sante Fe Salad with chicken and the roasted pepper soup.....the best tasting salad and the soup was extremely flavorful. My husband had the chicken melt with a side salad and a bowl of cheddar ale soup. Again Amazing flavor and beautiful presentation. If you are in Mena, stop by here for some delicious food along with friendly staff. Oh and did I mention they have a local artist work for sale? I picked up a few gifts for Christmas while enjoying their amazing eats!!! 5 stars all the way!!! Thank you for caring about the food and...