Restaurant Review: Cafe Klaser in Heber Springs, Arkansas

* Name: The Cafe Klaser
* Location: Heber Springs, Arkansas
* Open For: Lunch, Dinner
* Under Review: Lunch
* Price Range: Medium
* Fare: American
* Full Bar: Yes
* Food Score (out of 10): 9
* Service Score (out of 10): 8
* Reservations: Yes
* BT Blog Recommends?: YES!
* Booking Information:

Hwy 110 East (across from Swinging Bridge Resort)
Heber Springs, AR 72543
(501) 206-0688
cafeklaser@yahoo.com

* Website: https://www.cafeklaser.com/
* Review: Granted Heber Springs is a little out-of-the-way of the normal business travel circuit, but if you find your way there you’re in luck. I grew up going up to this tiny town in north central Arkansas and I would suggest a weekend in the area if you find yourself in Little Rock. It’s about an hour drive from the city and a really great place. Do keep in mind that you’ll have to overlook the redneck tourists. Cafe Klaser was a HUGE surprise. It is a restaurant located on the bank of the Little Red River, within walking distance of the catching place of the world record brown trout (trout fishing is certainly one of the reasons to visit the area). I went with my mom and nephew, after spending a few days at the nearby Greers Ferry Lake. Cafe Klaser was AMAZING. Every bite was deliciously prepared with high quality, fresh ingredients. The pasta salad on the salad bar was phenomenal, as was the prepared to order pasta primavera and the fresh baked bread. I added jumbo gulf shrimp to the pasta and the were perfectly cooked. They did leave the shrimp tails on, which is a big pet peeve of mine when it pertains to pasta. Chefs of the world, if you’re reading this, I know it looks fancy to leave the tails on the shrimp but your patrons DO NOT want to dig their fingers in your delicious sauce to remove the tails. Ever. The Cafe is a private club, which means you can purchase booze after investing in a $10 membership. This is part of the state where alcohol is not readily available (seriously). Indoor or patio dining are available. The patio overlooks the river and is quite nice. Cafe Klaser offers the quality of a fine dining restaurant without the pretension. I’m an instant fan.

Chef Billy Klaser at the cafe spent his apprentiship at the Breakers Resort in Palm Beach. After several stints in various places, he opened this gem. If you don’t want to take my word for it, the Arkansas Times awarded Cafe Klaser four stars and it has been recommended by Southern Living.