Hot Springs is a town with ever-evolving dining favorites and long-time culinary staples. We’ve curated a list of must-eats for those who plan their travel around meals (and what to eat in between!).

BREAKFAST

Start your morning sunny side up with these breakfast staples

The Pancake Shop
Who doesn’t love a table full of pancakes and mouthwatering breakfast classics served hot and fresh with an old-school diner feel? When the line is out the door, kill time next door at sister store, The Savory Pantry, for unique foodie finds and gifts.

Alexa’s Creperie
Beloved Lake District establishment known for sweet and savory crepes, as well as espresso and lattes, pierogies and their famous honey cake.

JavaPrimo Coffee House, Cafe & More
Traditional hearty breakfast platters, pastries, coffee and more!

Colonial Pancake & Waffle House
Classic Southern breakfast food served at its downtown Hot Springs diner.

Cafe Kahlo
The best new breakfast and brunch according to Hot Springs locals! Don’t forget to try its mouthwatering breakfast tacos.

Best Cafe & Bar
Local hot spot for outdoor seating and the cafe’s signature crème brûlée French toast.

LUNCH

Power through the day with these popular restaurants—where you’re sure to make repeat visits.

Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante
Located in an 1800s historic building in the heart of Hot Springs sits the fan-favorite Latin American-inspired restaurant perfect for families and date night. Sit beside the rock wall on the patio while sipping a refreshing margarita and savoring cheesy chorizo taquitos.

Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Freshly brewed beers, seltzers and sours brewed using Hot Springs’ famous thermal spring water (don’t forget its famous beer cheese!).

MCcLard’s Bar-B-Q
The famous barbecue restaurant has been open since 1928, welcoming famous guests like F. Murray Abraham (Academy Award winner for the 1984 movie “Amadeus”) who praised McCLard’s as being the “best barbecue in the South.”

La Hacienda
This popular hole-in-the-wall Mexican diner is perfect for families with its famous chips and salsa and expansive menu of classic Tex-Mex favorites!

Stubby’s Bar-B-Que™
Fresh barbecue has been smoked over smoldering hickory logs since 1952; and Stubby’s famous sauce has quickly become a national favorite (be sure to take a bottle home with you).

Taco Mama
There is no shortage of Mexican cuisine in Hot Springs, and visitors and locals alike continue to come back to Taco Mama. Especially for its famous Top Shelf Tacos!

MID-DAY SNACKS

Fast and delicious refreshments for in between meals—tasty treats to refuel as you explore Hot Springs.

King Kone
Burgers, ice cream sundaes, and more fried food than you could ever imagine!

Kilwins Hot Springs
Traditional chocolates, confections, fudge and ice cream to satiate those sweet-tooth cravings.

Bailey’s Dairy Treat
For more than 30 years, Bailey’s famous drive-up on Park Avenue has served delicious milkshakes, malts and sundaes (not to mention a menu of savory soda shop-era eats).

Bubbalu’s
2021 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame winner where you can quickly grab a classic milkshake or “classy dog” on the fly (or stay and try an old-fashioned hamburger).

Kringles and Kones
Every day is Christmas at Kringles and Kones with delicious pastries and a nostalgic atmosphere—you’ll never want to leave!

Scoops Homemade Ice Cream
A Hot Springs staple since 2003, this ice cream shop has been around for more than 20 years and isn’t slowing down. Slow-churned ice cream with every topping your heart desires!

DINNER

Fine dining and upscale establishments for great food and atmosphere

Oaklawn Hot Springs
The OAK room & bar is the perfect fine dining experience located in the heart of the casino. The OAK room & bar won the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award in 2023. The Bugler is another upscale dining offering at Oaklawn with views of the horse track.

Luna Bella
Fine dining Italian and the low-lit atmosphere make this upscale restaurant a favorite amongst tourists and locals for date nights.

Back Porch Grill
Lively atmosphere with lake views, where travelers and locals alike frequent for steaks and sunsets on Lake Hamilton. Upstairs, enjoy Martini’s on the Bay for pre-dinner drinks or trendy nightlife.

501 Prime
48-hour braised pork shank and grilled Hawaiian Swordfish are just two items that are sure to leave a lasting impression; the raw bar is popular for oysters, or stop by The Bourbon Bar at 501 Prime for a more casual dining experience.

Deluca’s Pizza
Celebrities, locals and weary travelers continue to come back time and time again for the “best Pizza in Arkansas.” With a speakeasy vibe and mouth watering pizza, you don’t want to miss DeLuca’s (just be prepared for the long wait times!).

Vault at 723
Seasonally rotating menus keep customers coming back to try everything and enjoy the fine dining experience inside the historic bank’s old vault.

J&S Italian Villa
Not only does J&S prepare exceptional Italian cuisine, but it also hosts an array of musical performances to enjoy while you dine; a local staple

BAR, PUBS & DISTILLERIES

Hand-crafted cocktails, hidden bars, locally brewed beers, sake and more!

Copper Penny Pub
Every town needs a local Irish Pub, and this one is located in the heart of Hot Springs nightlife. Kick back and enjoy a Guinness with savory pub snacks to soak up the booze.

Splash Wine Bar
The most extensive wine list in Hot Springs can be found at Splash, with vast selections of Cabernet, Chardonnay, Moscato, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Not to mention, the ever-evolving list of imported wines from all of the world. Wine lovers, this is a must-try!

The Ohio Club
Established in 1905, this historic bar was the local favorite for Al Capone and has reports of suspected haunts. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss this!

Origami Sake
Located in the No. 1 rice provider State and the historic healing waters of Hot Springs make Origami Sake stand out amongst other Sake distilleries across the nation. Stop in for a tour and take a bottle (or two!) to-go!

DONS Southern Social
Unlike any other restaurants and bar you’ve ever been to, DONS Southern Social is located just behind a bookshelf where hand-crafted cocktails, cherry-picked fine wines and elite dining is waiting for you.
See more on page 52!