The Meteor Coffee Shop Review
By Tarsha Shepherd
Northwest Arkansas Community College architects must have known that a college student’s favorite past-time and daily habit would be to visit a coffee shop and invite others to do the same. On any given day students and staff can find a plethora of coffee venues to the left, right, front, and rear of the college within a 1-to-10-mile radius.
My recent visit would be one that offers the new mantra for the growing population of NWA: coffee, bicycles, and food. Not just cheesy snacks and over-priced frozen foods that have been microwaved. No way, this month’s visit was to a place where everyone can get to know your name and your preferred form of transportation. Come take a ride with me to The Meteor!
The name alone is quite inviting. Who wouldn’t want to explore such a fantastic place?
The Meteor in downtown Bentonville describes itself as “an unexpected mash-up of all-day café, natural wine shop, boutique bike “shop.” However, I have more to add to that description, starting with the most potent coffee that is indeed rich and delicious. The two amazing baristas greeted me with a smile, meeting me halfway to help me decide my palate’s desire for the day: A rich, creamy, and delightful Lavender Oat milk Latte.
Before entering the store, I decided to take a drive loop around and noticed the construction surrounding this awesome meeting place.
Apartments, homes, and new businesses going up on the left and right. I parked a few blocks away to get a wide visual and to snap a few pictures.
I decided to watch as folks entered and exited. Somehow, I was taken by the consistent smiles and laughter. Yes, I would have to admit, not a single frown. Is it the coffee? Is it the atmosphere?
Maybe it’s the cool eclectic options in the gift area, or perhaps it’s the bicycle boutique? Regardless, it was unusual and a delight to see.
I walked slowly in, admiring all the specialty items from beer and wines to all sorts of cheeses and jellies – the perfect stop for the holidays.
Immediately after, my eyes quickly fell toward the selection of bicycles. It’s not just your average small-town bike shop, but a one-stop shop for any avid cyclist, especially one that might want to return for repairs and tune-ups. They have it all. The eclectic boutique offers bar seating where you can sit and watch the mechanics at work. This is my favorite place to sit, as I am mesmerized by the design, upkeep, and accessories available to bicycles today.
The café offers a variety of sandwiches and very popular vegan or non-vegan breakfast tacos. A menu for every palate. My favorite thing about this coffee shop was the monthly events and night cycling rides. I am under the impression that The Meteor exists to bring the community together and make Bentonville a better place to be, right in the middle of an old and new and upcoming community that is striving to bring a diverse population together through coffee beans and more!
Eagle View Newspaper 