Gate-side pints at Core Brewing Company by Main security
Right past the Main terminal security checkpoint at XNA, Core Brewing Company serves local Arkansas beer on tap, plus quick bar food for flyer timing. Expect typical airport pricing: draft pints land in the $8–$11 range and food runs in the low teens. Hours flex with the XNA schedule, but doors usually open for the first bank of morning departures and stay open through the last evening flights.
Core pours its own beers from their Arkansas brewery, so this is one of the few spots in the airport where you can drink something actually made in-state. You’ll usually see a pale ale, IPA, and a rotating seasonal on tap, plus canned options if taps kick. If you care more about timing than style, go with what’s already flowing rather than waiting on a keg swap.
Food is standard bar fare: burgers, chicken tenders, fries, and similar, all served fast enough for a 45–60 minute layover. Portions run big enough that one entree can cover two lighter eaters, which softens the $13–$18 hit. Seating is all in the open concourse near the gates, so you can keep one eye on the Main terminal departure boards while you eat.
Tip: If your gate is at the far end of Main, grab your drink in a plastic cup and walk down; staff usually has no issue with you heading to your gate as long as you’ve paid up.