Monday Munchies: Lunch at Gaskins on Emma

The setup: Gaskins on Emma is upscale dining for NWA, what some might call a steakhouse.

• The owners started out in 2024 with dinner service only, but last year began offering a limited lunch menu. I justified returning based on the midday meal.

Best bites: One can settle for a salad or splurge on a prime rib focaccia melt, but I'll make the case for the Gaskins Smash Burger ($15). With two patties, white cheddar cheese, shallot jam and pickles, it's a hefty lunch. Fries are included.

• This thing delivers everything I want in a lunch: It's flavorful, filling and had me thinking about how quickly I can make it back.
• The sweetness of the jam and the savory, salty umami of the beef make it craveable. I couldn't stop eating until the plate was clean.
• The fries were impeccable — crispy outside, soft inside.

Buzzyworthy bonus: It's very cool to see the scene in downtown Springdale these days. It's not the sleepy Emma Ave. of yesteryear. That means parking can be a challenge.

• If you go, be prepared to hunt for a spot and stroll a bit — that's not a bad thing.

📍Stop by: Gaskins on Emma at 100 W. Emma Ave., Suite 115 in Springdale serves lunch Tuesday-Friday 11am-2pm and dinner Tuesday-Saturday 4pm-9pm. Reservations are recommended for dinner.