Northwest Food 0

Airship at the Pumphouse in Bentonville

January 26, 2024

Author Lyndi Fultz

January 26, 2024

Lyndi Fultz

Coffee shops are more than storefronts for grabbing a cup of to-go coffee. Airship at the Pumphouse in downtown Bentonville is designed to be an old-fashioned neighborhood coffee shop with a modern touch.

First a pumphouse, then a school.

Let’s say you’ve been driving the streets of downtown Bentonville over the past … fifty to seventy years. If so, you may have seen this treasure of a building.

Airship Coffee’s newest location is at the Pumphouse on NWA Street, which sits in one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Bentonville.

I must admit that I was a bit confused when they named this location “At the Pumphouse.” Airship’s flagship location at 5^th Street in Bentonville is on 5^th Street. Then Airship at Coler came along and is located – surprise! – at Coler Park. And one guess where Airship at the Ledger is located!

So, imagine my confusion when Airship at the Pumphouse was located at the old Head Start Building! I wonder, “Why wasn’t it called Airship at the Head Start Building?”

The answer is simple.

The Bentonville Pumphouse was built back in 1954 and brought water from Ford Springs to all of Bentonville. Years later, in the 60s, the Bentonville Head Start Building took over the location. In 2014, it closed its doors and sat there in all its glass block window glory.

The Pumphouse/Head Start building was waiting for its next adventure.

As downtown Bentonville became hipper and “newer” with mind-blurring growth spurts, the old Head Start – ahem – Pumphouse started to show its age. I would pass by daily and think, “Now there’s a goldmine!”

Now, a coffee house.

Mark Bray had his eye on this goldmine spot for over a decade. Mark is well-known for his open arms in creating and embracing community. This new Airship location embodies his spirit of hospitality and was designed to be the ultimate neighborhood hangout.

First, you will notice that the character of the original building has remained. Those outdated glass block windows are nothing short of magical when you’re sitting inside. The lighting is bright and beautiful.

Secondly, this is a “good vibes” location. You feel it immediately when you step on the front porch or enter through the patio deck. The signature bright yellow happiness is infused throughout the house, and the ceiling alone is a statement!

Lastly, the “neighborhood hangout” vibe is authentic. You’ll learn quickly that parking is at a premium. And it’s designed that way! If you leave your keys at home and walk or bike, you’ll get 10% off your bill. Outside the back entrance is a trailhead access to the Slaughter Pen trail system and Pumphouse Park! (Fun bike tip: Airship’s Custom Wheel and Bike Studio is in the basement.)

Let’s eat, drink, and chat!

You can see that this place oozes charm and ambiance. Whether you stop by to grab a bite or sip while riding the trails, visit a friend, or want a quiet workplace spot, you will be delighted by the extensive menu offerings.

Airship at the Pumphouse has the most extensive kitchen of all their locations. Global coffee travels, an expanded bakery, and cocktails inspire the menu.

If you’re hungry, you’re covered. The offerings highlight signature Airship Coffee beans, from dark and roasty, fruity and floral, sweet and balanced, and herbs and spicy. Have it straight, or have it as a latte.

You can even have it as a Shroom Brew! This is 8 ounces of coffee, homemade chocolate, MCT oil, mushroom and collagen blend, cream, and organic butter. It’s what I get every time!

If you’re hungry, grab a Turkey Cobb or Blueberry Glazed Chicken Breast salad or a small snack. Or, try Baleadas, “reimagined traditional Honduran street food.” Grab something from the pastry case, even if you think you’re not hungry. These unique goods are baked every morning.

Next time you find yourself in downtown Bentonville, go to Airship at the Pumphouse and feel like you are part of the neighborhood.