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There is a shortcut in Bentonville that I’ve been using for quite some time to get from Walton Blvd. to Centerton. Suppose you live in Bentonville or have recently visited. In that case, you know how vital shortcuts are to navigate from A to Z.
If you’ve ever taken SW 8th Street and noticed a striking building with orange accents, wondering, “What is that place?”, the answer is Best Friends Animal Society, which houses Third Space Coffee. It is a locally owned coffee shop that combines coffee, pets, and plant-based foods.
Fully Vegan with a plant-based, gluten-free bakery.
First, let me admit that I am not vegan or gluten-free. I was drawn to Third Space Coffee because of its magnificent building. Yes, I am one of those people attracted to a pretty label—yet the flavor needs to match the label.
I genuinely had one of the best burritos of my life at Third Space Coffee. I saved half of it for my husband, and he ate it (without warming it up) and declared, “This is one of the best burritos I’ve ever had!”
True story.
And yes, I’ve gone back for repeats, and I highly recommend the El Jefe Burrito. It is a locally made flour tortilla (it is to-die-for) filled with seasoned rice, vegan refried beans, diced peppers, and spinach. It is served with sides of salsa and an incredibly delicious housemade spicy avocado crema.
Third Space Coffee is fully vegan and has a plant-based, gluten-free bakery that bakes fresh daily. Many items rotate daily, so be sure to check the display cake.
I highly recommend the best Whoopie Oatmeal Sandwich, which is so big that my husband and I nibbled on it for two days. You know when you crave something sweet and you want that whole-mouth feel? Get this Whoopie Sammie, and you won’t be disappointed.
Coffee is an icebreaker.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the owners of Third Space Coffee or the reason why it exists in the first place.
Best Friends Animal Society opened in March 2025 with plans to create an indoor coffee space. Brooke Bierhaus Sutton, a documentary filmmaker, along with her husband, Don Sutton, and business partner, Jose Miguel Gomez, launched Third Space Coffee.
Sociologists describe “third spaces” as locations where individuals can gather to connect with others within their community. First spaces are homes, second spaces are workplaces, and so on. Third Space Coffee is a place where everyone can connect.
Coffee serves as an icebreaker—a love language, so to speak. It’s an excellent drink to savor while connections are formed and deepened. Brooke understands this well, as demonstrated by her 2019 documentary film, “The Connected Cup.”
Third Space Coffee is a 100% vegan coffee shop. This means offering alternative milks in coffees, smoothies, and teas. Charming offerings such as “Who’s A Good Boy Latte,” “Matcha Dirty Paws,” and “Shy Cat Latte” are available. They proudly serve O-Gah-Pah Roasted Coffee Roasters from Joplin, Missouri.
Sometimes I go big, and sometimes I go small. Most of the time, I’m up for a good old-fashioned cappuccino. With oat milk foam. Two thumbs up!
Bike, walk up, stroll, sit, sip, and pet.
Hours are generous, and you can bike in, use the walk-up window outside, sit outside with your pet, order inside and sit for a while, or grab a drink and stroll the grounds while you sip.
Wait. Did I also say… pet?
Yes! This coffee shop is located inside the Best Friends Animal Society Building, where you can interact with the kittens and dogs available for adoption. Friendly volunteers will guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Third Space Coffee
1312 Melissa Dr.
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-519-1747
Located within the Best Friends Animal Society Building
HOURS:
Tuesday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 7:30 AM – 4 PM
Monday: Closed
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