Our Story
At Lefty’s, we believe in crafting more than just meals—we create moments. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel the blend of historic charm and modern edge.
We opened in October 2023 with a vision to bring something Magnolia had never seen before: an elevated dining experience where every detail is intentional, every plate has a purpose, and every cocktail tells a story.
A Vision Years in the Making
Lefty’s is the latest creation from Christy Ouei and Burt Adams, the duo behind award-winning MuleKick. After opening their first restaurant in 2019, they wanted to do something bold—something transformative.
The goal? To bring Magnolia an immersive dining and cocktail experience that rivals anything you’d find in a major city, but grounded in the heart and warmth of a small Southern town.
They envisioned a space that was elegant but unpretentious. Elevated but approachable. Historic, yet forward-thinking. And that’s exactly what they built.
Designed with Intention
Their attention to detail shines throughout Lefty’s, from the meticulously restored century-old building to the newly crafted 35-foot bar, “Inter-Stella.”
Inspired by a Prohibition-era bar rumored to have been secretly shipped from Chicago in the 1920s, this stunning centerpiece, named after Lefty Miller’s wife, features over 2,000 fiber optic lights and 500 pounds of individually laid fire rocks -most of which Christy Ouei hand-glued herself – seamlessly blending historic charm with modern, dramatic design.
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear why Kevin Shalin, the popular Arkansas food blogger known as The Mighty Rib, dubbed Lefty’s as Arkansas’ new “destination restaurant.”
Making an Impression
In our first year, we were honored to be named Best New Restaurant in Arkansas (2023) by AY Magazine.
Our 1921 Burger—a tribute to the year Francis “Lefty” Miller won the building in a poker game—was ranked among the Top 10 Burgers in Arkansas by the Arkansas Beef Council in 2024.
And in 2025, we were proudly named Best Cocktail Lounge in Arkansas by AY Magazine.
These accolades are a reflection of the dedication and heart of our small team—a team that’s had a hand in shaping every element of Lefty’s, from the way we design a menu to the way we greet a guest.
Every plate, every pour, and every detail is the result of a shared commitment to unreasonable hospitality every time we open the doors.
The Menu: Small, but Focused
Our dinner menu is rooted in New American cuisine—intentionally small, focused, and built to deliver consistency without compromise.
While we rotate a couple of items weekly to keep things fresh, fan favorites like the House Cut Ribeye, Steak Oscar, and the award-winning 1921 Burger are probably here to stay.
We’ve been nominated for Best Steak in Arkansas, praised by World Championship Steak Cookoff winners, and named a Top Burger Finalist—but here’s what might surprise you:
We don’t have a chef.
Burt Adams, co-owner & Christy’s better-half, leads the back of house with a small but fiercely dedicated crew of mostly college students in their 20s—none of whom are professionally trained, but all of whom possess passion & relentless hustle.
Cocktails Worth Driving For
We take cocktails as seriously as our food. Our bar program is built around classic technique, modern creativity, and a deep respect for spirits. Every drink on our menu has a purpose—whether it’s a timeless favorite or something entirely new.
Our whiskey collection includes rare bourbons, single malts, Irish expressions, and American standouts that rival big-city bar programs.
And for those who prefer something lighter, our wines are thoughtfully curated and our non-alcoholic “spiritless refreshers” are created with the same passion and care as any of our cocktails.
So Why Lefty's?
Because for years, folks in Magnolia and the surrounding towns had to go out of town—to Little Rock, Shreveport, Texarkana—for a truly elevated dining experience. We get it.
That used to be the only option when you wanted something special. A birthday. An anniversary. A reunion. A night that felt like more than just dinner.
Not anymore.
At Lefty’s, we’ve brought out-of-town dining to Magnolia.
And we’re proud to say we’ve become the unofficial (but let’s be honest—official) sponsors of celebrations.
Come once, and the next time you walk through the door, there’s a good chance we’ll know your name—and you’ll feel like you’re among friends.
Because you deserve a place like this.