Monday Munchies: Springdale's Gaskins on Emma has one of NWA's best steaks

Not long ago, the last place you'd go to impress a date, close a deal or send an out-of-towner was the main street in Springdale.

• If Emma Avenue's not on your list now, that's a miss.

The setup: Gaskins on Emma , as we told you last year , is an extension of the Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse in Eureka Springs.

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The vibe: True to their word, owners Lisa Provencio-Jones and Bert Jones have created a space that's both upscale and laid-back. You won't be out of place in jeans or a jacket, but cargo shorts and a tee would be a stretch.

• The duo have created a gem of a space that's a welcome respite from construction underway in places along the street.
• A feature worth noting — the wine cellar is a converted cash vault since the building was once home to Springdale Bank & Trust, then First Security Bank.

The fare: The menu at Gaskins is straight-forward with a variety of mostly traditional entrees including steak, shrimp and grits, salmon, salads and pasta dishes.

• Wine and cocktail selections are extensive.

The shrimp and grits. Photo: Worth Sparkman/Axios

The verdict: Though a friend suggested the ribeye, I sampled the 8-ounce filet ($55) with a loaded baked potato along with a wedge salad ($6).

• One of Sprindale's top cheerleaders recently told me "It's the best steak in NWA." It's hard to disagree.
• The dish was excellent, covered in a butter sauce and perfectly cooked. I'll come short of calling it the best, but Gaskins is one of only four steak recs I'd make.

My date took on the shrimp & grits ($32) and burgundy mushroom soup and insists it's the best she's ever sampled in NWA.

• The grits were creamy, but not soupy and packed with flavor while still subtle.
• The soup, it's safe to say, was exquisite.

A complimentary plate of calamari — possibly because it was my date's birthday — was simply the best I've ever tried.

The latest: Gaskins began serving lunch in early September with a great-looking menu that includes a burger, Philly cheesesteak, cauliflower steak and some small plates.

• I can't wait to try it.

Check it out: 100 W. Emma Ave Suite115 in Springdale. Open for lunch Wednesday-Friday 11am-2pm; dinner Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 4-9pm, Friday and Saturday 4-10pm.

The calamari is topped with greens and peppers. Photo: Worth Sparkman/Axios