Plates to Plan Your Trip Around
Hot Springs’ famous food—where to go and what to try first!
Rise & Dine
Located on Bathhouse Row, The Pancake Shop is a famous breakfast hot spot that has been slinging hashbrowns and pancakes since its doors opened in 1940.
World-famous buttermilk pancakes drenched in locally sourced maple syrup and homemade apple butter.
Not only is this historic restaurant worth the wait (which can be long, especially on Saturdays!), but the menu hasn’t changed in the 70 years they’ve been in business.
That means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect the quintessential breakfast experience.
More of the Best in Breakfast Around Hot Springs
Best Cafe & Bar
Local hot spot for outdoor seating and the cafe’s signature crème brûlée french toast.
JavaPrimo Coffee House: Cafe & More
Traditional hearty breakfast platters, pastries, coffee and more!
Cafe Kahlo
The best new breakfast and brunch according to Hot Springs locals! Don’t forget to try their mouthwatering breakfast tacos.
Colonial Pancake & Waffle House
Classic Southern breakfast food served at its downtown diner.
NO FRILLS, FUN
Believe it or not, you don’t have to travel to Dublin for a pint of Guinness and authentic Irish pub cuisine. Stop by Copper Penny Pub to try one of its many Irish-inspired dishes and a cold glass of local, domestic or imported beer. It's beloved by locals and visitors alike for its casual, cozy and laid-back vibe, plus its habit of hosting great live entertainment.
SWEETS YOU MUST SAMPLE
King Kone
A hidden gem beloved since it opened in 1956, King Kone is famous for its nostalgic ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, floats, and old-fashioned burgers and fries.
Scoops Homemade Ice Cream
A Hot Springs staple since 2003, this ice cream shop serves slow-churned ice cream with every topping patrons’ hearts desire.
Bailey's Dairy Treat
For more than 30 years (opened in 1953), Bailey’s famous drive-up on Park Avenue has served milkshakes, malts and sundaes (not to mention a menu of savory soda shop-era eats).
New Fave!
Indulge Sweet & Savory by J&S serves up the most beautiful (and tasty!) crepes in the Spa City. We recommend the “Berries & Cream,” “S’mores” and “Creme Brulee” crepes.
GO-TO BARS
Grab a glass here.
DONS Southern Social
A speakeasy unlike any other, DONS Southern Social is located just behind a bookshelf where hand-crafted cocktails, cherry-picked fine wines and elite dining is waiting for you. (Don't forget to ask for "the doctor" when you arrive!)
Origami Sake
Famous for using Arkansas-grown rice (Arkansas is the No. 1 state for rice in the U.S.) and the historic healing waters of Hot Springs to make its sake, Origami Sake stands out amongst distilleries across the nation. Stop in for a tour, try some and take a bottle to go!
Splash Wine Bar
The most extensive wine list in Hot Springs can be found here. Not to mention, the ever-evolving list of imported wines from all of the world.
The Arlington's Lobby Bar
The historic hotel beckons hotel guests and visitors inside for a refreshment at its stunning Lobby Bar. The cocktails are full of flavor and harken back to the golden era at this world-famous resort. Try it for the drinks, and the ‘gram.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
This brewery uses Hot Springs’ celebrated thermal spring water to brew its beers and is the only brewery located within a National Park in the county. You must order a flight and try them all!
FAMOUS EATS
DeLuca’s Pizza
Barstool Pizza and Dave Portnoy rated this pizza an 8.7 (a big deal if you follow the tough pizza critic on YouTube). Other 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. (Pro tip: Be prepared for the long wait times!)
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.
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!
McClard’s Bar-B-Q
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.” See more on page 26.
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).
La Hacienda
This popular Mexican diner is perfect for families with its famous chips and salsa and expansive menu of classic Tex-Mex favorites!
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.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Famous for its beers brewed in Hot Springs water, this must-stop restaurant is the perfect place to bring your furry friend!
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.
Oaklawn Hot Springs
The OAK room & bar - Oaklawn Hot Springs is the perfect fine dining experience. Located in the heart of the casino, this restaurant won the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award in 2023. The Bugler is another upscale dining offering at Oaklawn with views of the horse track.
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.
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.
