Editor’s Note:
Below, our publisher reviews Yeyo’s Mexican Grill in Bentonville, Arkansas, part of the vibrant business community at the 8th Street Market, which we visited during our coverage of The Fayetteville Roots Festival.
Located in the heart of the Market District, 8th Street is where creativity and culinary excellence intersects entrepreneurs—in an ecosystem that supports the exciting growth of the region as an emerging food capital. Businesses in the complex support small- and midsize-local farmers and give back to the community in many ways.
Brightwater, a Center for the Study of Food, is in the midst of this vibrant community and it’s impossible to tell where the school ends and the market begins. Students and the community mingle together in common areas and restaurants, like Yeyo’s Mexican Grill and The Hollar, where they share a passion for food, community and a desire to make not just the region, but the world, a better place. —JS
Review of Yeyo’s Mexican Grill
When you visit Yeyo’s, your eyes will already be wide from the pure culinary and cultural delights around you. But just wait till you get your food!
Wall at Yeyo’s. Photo: John Scroggins.
Yeyo’s is located in what’s known as the “8th Street Market” in Bentonville, Arkansas—just around the block from Walmart’s world headquarters. After starting as a food truck (which continues), the owner, Rafael Rios, saw the opportunity to become part of this burgeoning food world under the same roof as Brightwater. The culinary school takes up about a third of the building—which was formerly a Tyson chicken processing plant—with the remainder now being filled by local restaurants and entrepreneurs.
Open Kitchen at Yeyo’s. Photo: John Scroggins.
“Local” is a key word for Yeyo’s, which serves authentic Mexican food with as many ingredients as possible grown on the Rios family farm just a few miles away. The restaurant menu offers classic items such as enchiladas, flautas, chile relleno, and burritos—but it is the Mexican Street Tacos that get the attention of first-timers. You order at the counter, and get to choose from a variety of fillings for your five mini corn tortillas filled with meat, cilantro, onion, and tomatillo salsa. And when we say “variety,” try these on for size: carne asada, al pastor pork, campechano, barbacoa, chorizo, chicken, veggies, lengua, or cochinita pibil. Mouth watering much?
Tacos at Yeyo’s. Photo: Paul K. Logsdon.
You may also want to try an on-trend burrito bowl, or the Milanesa steak, but start with the tacos, add an Agua Fresca, flavored Jarrito, or “real” Coke with all the sugar. Add an order of Guacamole & Chips, and transport yourself to Mexico, if only for a short time.
Dining at Yeyo’s. Photo: John Scroggins.
While you are there, check out The Holler or visit Brightwater. No matter what, you’ll have a memorable culinary experience.
This is part of The Food Channel‘s On Location series at The Fayetteville Roots Festival. For other stories in the series, click here. You’ll find links at the end of that article that go live as new articles and videos are posted.
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