By Lynn Kilroy Holberton, January 21, 2022

Eating out at Tanner’s … weather … fun … a visit from the chef

This is kind of long…Sorry, I didn’t really mean to write a book.

The other night, my husband, Tom, and I, along with our daughter, Heather Little from California, had dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the Village – Tanner’s.

Heather and I had spent the chilly, on-and-off-rainy day, traipsing around, hitting local thrift stores and One of A Kind Antiques Uniques & Obsoletes, which is located just outside the Village.

As the day progressed, it got colder and colder. Having worked up quite an appetite, we decided it was time for dinner. We headed out to Tanner’s and boy was the weather bitter. We arrived at 6:00 p.m. to find a jam-packed full restaurant. Luckily we had thought to make reservations, so our table awaited us.

Tanner’s was hoppin’ and the staff was really hustlin’. Drinks and fried pickles were necessary and wow! Who knew they would be so delicious?

The waitress for the table next to us had to tell the occupants, “sorry, the pork chops are gone. Gotta get here, early”.

Knowing that we placed our dinner orders – a ribeye for Tom (delicious), broasted chicken for Heather (again, delicious), and trying something new for me, I had coconut shrimp (also, delicious).

I must tell you that I am a creature of habit and almost always order something I already know I LOVE at a particular restaurant. At Tanner’s, it has always been the grilled chicken, spinach, blue cheese, apples, and pecans salad … did I forget anything? It is so delicious, my brain can actually ‘taste’ it.

Instead, this evening I stepped outside my box and ordered the shrimp. The shrimp was really, really wonderful – but, my body is still craving the grilled chicken and spinach (grin), so we’ll be back, soon.

Finally, to make the night even more perfect, we had a visit from Chef Christoper (Shaun) Jackson, who is a really funny guy.

This is What Happened and Why Chef Shaun Stopped By Our Table

Heather had gotten the greens as a side dish. She insisted that I try them, saying, “they were the best greens she had ever eaten.”

I tried them and said, “They are delicious, but, they have some bite to them.”

Heather replied that she didn’t think so.

I again tried them. The result was, less bite, but still a bit ‘bitey’.

Heather and I got into a discussion about what might be causing me to think that the greens were a bit ‘bitey’ – I don’t always prefer ‘bitey’ food. Heather insisted they were not too spicy. We summoned our adorable waitress, Summer Jones, over. I asked Summer, “What spices are in the greens?” I was very careful not to make it obvious ‘who thinks what’.

Summer went back to the kitchen and came back out, followed by Chef Shaun.

At this point, the room was almost empty, so we were not disturbing too many fellow diners with our antics. We explained the situation to Chef Shaun and asked him what spices were in the greens. My daughter warned me, “don’t say anything that might sway the chef’s response.”

The chef said, “the greens are spiced with garlic, cayenne, and some red pepper flakes.”

“Aha!” I said in a not-so-quiet manner. “Sorry, fellow dinners.” We all cracked up, laughing.

Seriously, it was one of those, ‘you had to be there moments.’ Anyway, we thought it was hysterical.

Thank you to everyone at Tanner’s. We had so much fun and enjoyed the evening and the delicious food.

I just hope that no one will think, “Oh no, it is THEM”, again when we return.”

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About Tanner’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill

Tanner’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, owned by Joey & Lyn Clampit and Daniel & Alanna Owen, is located outside the Village East Gate at 25255 Hwy 5, Suite N in Lonsdale, Arkansas. Click here to go to Tanner’s website.

According to their website, “Tanner’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill offers a casual dining experience while providing a wide array of unique American cuisine. When you arrive, you will be greeted by our friendly staff. We have a full-size bar with multiple TVs to show your favorite show or sport along with the main dining room and a smaller secluded room for private groups or quieter seating.”​

 You are sure to find something pleasing on Tanner’s menu. They offer a large variety of choices, including signature salads, tasty sandwiches, and scrumptious juicy hamburgers.

When dinner time rolls around, your options are also numerous. Choices range from steaks, fish, seafood, and chicken, and a daily homemade dinner special. A delicious soup du jour is served daily. Fresh piping hot rolls and homemade honey butter are brought to every table during dinner service.

The menu typically stays the same but they do offer different specials on some nights. Soon, they will offer new special plate lunches and early-bird specials. Stay tuned for details on these additions.

Tanner’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill Menu (Click Menu to Enlarge)

Being a busy and popular restaurant, reservations are accepted and greatly appreciated. For parties of six or more reservations are recommended. For reservations or inquiries, call 501-915-9880.

Tanner’s Days/Hours of Operation

Sunday and Monday – Closed

Tuesday through Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday – 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tanner’s would love for you to stop by and give them an opportunity to serve you. Maybe you will even run into Tom and Lynn Holberton while you are there.

We hope you enjoyed this wonderful story that Lynn Holberton so generously shared with us.

Click on the photographs above to enlarge

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