Awards

Evergreen Awards is proud to name McGarity's Restaurant & Irish Pub® the Best Restaurant in Eureka Springs, Arkansas of 2026. Picture a rich wood interior, warm lighting, a pint of Guinness settling in the glass, and a plate of shepherd's pie arriving steaming at your booth. That is an evening at this locally owned restaurant on East Van Buren, where the Ozarks meet Ireland.

A Menu Gathered From Kitchens Around the World

Every great restaurant has a story, and the one behind this restaurant begins with 30 years of Naval service. Owner Ken, a retired U.S. Naval Officer, traveled the world and collected recipes directly from local people, including grandmothers who shared the dishes they cooked for their own families. Those recipes became part of the inspiration for the menu.

"Some of the best recipes I brought home came from local grandmothers sharing the food they made for the people they loved. You can buy ingredients, but you can't buy the personal connections and experiences behind those recipes."

That personal connection shows on the plate. The menu blends hearty Irish favorites such as shepherd's pie and golden fish & chips with American comfort food, seafood, burgers, and Italian-inspired pasta dishes. A large, thoughtfully crafted vegan and vegetarian menu means everyone at the table finds something worth ordering. The team also works with guests on allergies and dietary needs, including Alpha-Gal requests, whenever safely possible within a shared kitchen.

Generous Portions and a Restaurant Worth Settling Into

Ask around Eureka Springs and you will hear about the portions. Plates arrive generous, and tableside service keeps the evening feeling easy and personal. Guests can pair dinner with Guinness, a huge craft beer and wine selection, or signature cocktails made with house-made mixers.

The setting does as much work as the food. Traditional Irish details, rich wood, and cozy booths with curtains make this restaurant a natural choice for date night, yet it remains comfortable for families, celebrations, and relaxed evenings with friends. Ken puts the goal simply: "I want people to remember how well they ate and how welcome they felt."

What Guests Are Saying

Guest reviews capture the spirit of the place. Rhonda B. wrote on Google, "McGarity's is the best Irish pub we've been to outside of Ireland! The variety of menu items was impressive, the food was beyond amazing and the service was top-notch!" She added that the team served her very large 24-person group seamlessly, with everyone's food arriving hot and at the same time.

Ashley Kochan, also on Google, shared, "We recently went to Ireland and was craving some Irish food. The stew turned out better than in Ireland!" She also praised the quail and the shepherd's pie.

Then there is Kourtney Anthony, who left a five-star Google review that proves a side dish can leave a lasting impression. She wrote that she expected a nice dinner and did not expect "a full-blown spiritual awakening via mashed potatoes." On Yelp, Jillian H. described the atmosphere as "authentic and joy filled" and added, "Do not miss this place!!!"

Recognition Earned Beyond the Dining Room

The praise reaches well past Eureka Springs. Tasting Table selected McGarity's as Arkansas's best Irish pub, and BetUS placed them No. 4 nationally in its 2026 Irish pub ranking, the highest-ranked Arkansas pub on that list. They have also been featured on America's Best Restaurants and included in NWA Travel Guide's Top 10 Best Eureka Springs Restaurants.

For a restaurant in a small Ozarks town, that kind of attention says something. Still, Ken points to the daily work as the real source of pride: serving memorable food and making guests feel valued.

A Table for Anyone Who Needs One

One of the most meaningful parts of this story happens away from the paying tables. Ken and his wife, Rachel, provide freshly prepared meals completely free of charge to people in need, with no questions asked. They cover the entire cost themselves and do not accept donations.

"Someone who needs a meal deserves the same care and dignity as anyone else at our tables. My wife and I pay for those meals ourselves because taking care of people is something we believe in."

Ken sums up the philosophy in a phrase he uses often: "No one leaves McGarity's hungry, not on our watch." That generosity, paired with excellent food and genuine warmth, is a large part of why Evergreen Awards is honored to recognize this restaurant.

Plan Your Visit

If you are planning an Ozarks getaway, or you live nearby and have not yet stopped in, McGarity's is ready to welcome you at 2070 E Van Buren, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632. Browse the menu, call 479-363-6038, or email info@mcgaritysrestaurant.com to plan your evening. Whether you want a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or a pint and a plate of fish & chips, you will find food worth returning for and a welcome you will remember.

Congratulations to Ken, Rachel, and the entire McGarity's team on being named the Best Restaurant in Eureka Springs, Arkansas of 2026.

Explore More About McGarity's Restaurant & Irish Pub®

Connect with McGarity's Website, Menus, Date Night in Eureka Springs, and Facebook.