Susan’s suggestions
The Food Scene
I love to support the locals and have listed a few of my favorites!
Good food, including vegan cheese, at a decent price. Fun decorations in an old music store (squeezebox = accordion = owner plays one!)
84 locals recommend
SQZBX
236 Ouachita AveGood food, including vegan cheese, at a decent price. Fun decorations in an old music store (squeezebox = accordion = owner plays one!)
New York style pizza! Tony makes what many consider the best pizza they ever ate! I can't disagree. You will need to call ahead and reserve a pie (crust) as he only makes so many each day. Voted "Best pizza in Arkansas."
83 locals recommend
Deluca's Pizzeria
833 Central AveNew York style pizza! Tony makes what many consider the best pizza they ever ate! I can't disagree. You will need to call ahead and reserve a pie (crust) as he only makes so many each day. Voted "Best pizza in Arkansas."
Much more than a corner bar across from the racetrack! Excellent Italian food and Chicago style pizza. If you don't feel like driving they do deliver. I just made myself hungry!
45 locals recommend
Rocky's Corner
2600 Central AveMuch more than a corner bar across from the racetrack! Excellent Italian food and Chicago style pizza. If you don't feel like driving they do deliver. I just made myself hungry!
Specializing in Ecuadorean and Latin American food. Wonderful patio in the back.
105 locals recommend
Rolando's Restaurante
210 Central AveSpecializing in Ecuadorean and Latin American food. Wonderful patio in the back.
Another good pizza place hidden in town near the parking garage with wonderful outside decks. Not very handicapped friendly but a good spot to sit outside.
71 locals recommend
Grateful Head Pizza Oven and Beer Garden
100 Exchange StAnother good pizza place hidden in town near the parking garage with wonderful outside decks. Not very handicapped friendly but a good spot to sit outside.
We have many good bbq restaurants and each has it's own flavor and specialty. Stubby's is nearby and my personal favorite.
8 locals recommend
Stubby's BBQ
3024 Central AveWe have many good bbq restaurants and each has it's own flavor and specialty. Stubby's is nearby and my personal favorite.
Nice little food truck court with quite a variety of offerings: Thai, southern, etc. In the downtown area. Located at 420 Malvern Avenue.
10 locals recommend
420eats
420 Malvern AveNice little food truck court with quite a variety of offerings: Thai, southern, etc. In the downtown area. Located at 420 Malvern Avenue.
Delicious German food with an old
world grotto feeling in the lower level of Spencer’s corner. A lush bier garden sits beside the restaurant.
49 locals recommend
Steinhaus Keller
801 Central AveDelicious German food with an old
world grotto feeling in the lower level of Spencer’s corner. A lush bier garden sits beside the restaurant.
Authentic Vietnamese dishes in a clean pleasant atmosphere. When many restaurants are closed on Monday this one is open. Vegetarian options on most of their dishes. aka The Pho House.
18 locals recommend
Pho Hoang My - Vietnamese Food and Coffee
608 E Grand AveAuthentic Vietnamese dishes in a clean pleasant atmosphere. When many restaurants are closed on Monday this one is open. Vegetarian options on most of their dishes. aka The Pho House.
One of the best restaurants in town. I like to go to the upstairs Bourbon Bar where they have a smaller bar menu. There is a deck adjacent to the bar.
93 locals recommend
501 Prime
215 E Grand AveOne of the best restaurants in town. I like to go to the upstairs Bourbon Bar where they have a smaller bar menu. There is a deck adjacent to the bar.
Casual place with good food! No reservations but call ahead to get on the list. Perhaps the favorite place for the locals.
23 locals recommend
Lost Creek Grill
1834 Airport RdCasual place with good food! No reservations but call ahead to get on the list. Perhaps the favorite place for the locals.
One of the older authentic Mexican restaurants that is so close to the cottage. Watch those margaritas!
17 locals recommend
La Hacienda
3836 Central AveOne of the older authentic Mexican restaurants that is so close to the cottage. Watch those margaritas!
While this is a chain it is worth adding for a good place to grab soup, sandwich, salad, or pizza.
Newk's Eatery
1412 Higdon Ferry RdWhile this is a chain it is worth adding for a good place to grab soup, sandwich, salad, or pizza.
Another chain worth mentioning due to location. Good burgers and salads and a great place to take the kids.
The Purple Cow Restaurant
1490 Higdon Ferry RdAnother chain worth mentioning due to location. Good burgers and salads and a great place to take the kids.
The outdoor deck on the shores of Lake Hamilton make this a special place for a seafood meal. I like the grouper sandwich with a cold one while I watch others fish for their meal.
104 locals recommend
Fisherman's Wharf
5101 Central AveThe outdoor deck on the shores of Lake Hamilton make this a special place for a seafood meal. I like the grouper sandwich with a cold one while I watch others fish for their meal.
A fast favorite of the locals. A fun experience and fine dining. Make a reservation!
DONS Southern Social
A fast favorite of the locals. A fun experience and fine dining. Make a reservation!
A delightful atmosphere with a good vegan selection, delightful teas, and a good place to sit and use your computer while watching the tourists walk by.
57 locals recommend
Kollective Coffee & Tea
110 Central AveA delightful atmosphere with a good vegan selection, delightful teas, and a good place to sit and use your computer while watching the tourists walk by.
One of the more upscale restaurants in downtown Hot Springs. I once worked at the bank when the vault kept the valuables.
76 locals recommend
VAULT
723 Central AveOne of the more upscale restaurants in downtown Hot Springs. I once worked at the bank when the vault kept the valuables.
The GOAT
A popular Mediterranean restaurant on the south edge of town in Cornerstone.
Mama's Little Italy
1020 Airport RdA tasty Italian restaurant at a reasonable price.
Poached
A delightful and tasty stop for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
The Bugler
2705 Central AveA fine restaurant located in Oaklawn that overlooks the horse track.
A favorite of many locals. I find some of the food a little spicy for me but still a good menu.
54 locals recommend
Taco Mama
1209 Malvern AveA favorite of many locals. I find some of the food a little spicy for me but still a good menu.
Coffee Shops and morning spots!
Spots to grab a cup of coffee or find morning specialties.
On the edge of Lake Hamilton, where you can grab a good breakfast and usually avoid long lines.
29 locals recommend
English Muffin Country Kitchen
4832 Central AveOn the edge of Lake Hamilton, where you can grab a good breakfast and usually avoid long lines.
A pleasant little morning spot if you choose not to cook. Nice pastries. Also offers a nice lite lunch.
11 locals recommend
Mueller's Bistro & Bakery Inc.
111 B Crawford StA pleasant little morning spot if you choose not to cook. Nice pastries. Also offers a nice lite lunch.
This is where I go when I want a waffle and bacon. It can be very busy on weekends.
31 locals recommend
Colonial Pancake & Waffle House
111 Central AveThis is where I go when I want a waffle and bacon. It can be very busy on weekends.
They serve breakfast and lunch crepes and other Ukranian delicacies.
11 locals recommend
Alexa's Crêperie
238 Cornerstone BoulevardThey serve breakfast and lunch crepes and other Ukranian delicacies.
Built in the beginning to serve track employees and workers but now available to anyone. Enter from Golf Links south if the casino.
13 locals recommend
Oaklawn Track Kitchen
171 Golf Links RdBuilt in the beginning to serve track employees and workers but now available to anyone. Enter from Golf Links south if the casino.
If you need a cake for a special occasion this is the place. Pastries and coffee with a few breakfast items will get your day started in town. Also a lunch menu.
21 locals recommend
Ambrosia Bakery
307 Broadway StIf you need a cake for a special occasion this is the place. Pastries and coffee with a few breakfast items will get your day started in town. Also a lunch menu.
Excellent spot for an excellent breakfast. The quality food is reflected in their price.
31 locals recommend
Best Cafe
632 Ouachita AveExcellent spot for an excellent breakfast. The quality food is reflected in their price.
Delicious menu in a friendly atmosphere. The chef is amazing. Brunch is their specialty but also open for lunch and dinner.
Poached
Delicious menu in a friendly atmosphere. The chef is amazing. Brunch is their specialty but also open for lunch and dinner.
Drinks & Nightlife
The oldest bar in Arkansas is worth a visit just to look at the interior and have a visit with Al Capone on the sidewalk - a great picture spot. People argue that they have the best burger in town! Good music on various nights.
143 locals recommend
Ohio Club
336 Central AveThe oldest bar in Arkansas is worth a visit just to look at the interior and have a visit with Al Capone on the sidewalk - a great picture spot. People argue that they have the best burger in town! Good music on various nights.
A favorite of the locals! They provide a lot of good music and are favorite of the blues crowd!
46 locals recommend
The Big Chill
910 Higdon Ferry RdA favorite of the locals! They provide a lot of good music and are favorite of the blues crowd!
A unique spot in an old bathhouse where they brew beer using the hot water. They have some pretty decent food. I like the pretzel with a flight! Just sit here and people watch.
152 locals recommend
Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery
329 Central AveA unique spot in an old bathhouse where they brew beer using the hot water. They have some pretty decent food. I like the pretzel with a flight! Just sit here and people watch.
Probably the best view of the lake in Hot Springs. Located beside the 70 west bridge. A good place to sit and relax.
95 locals recommend
Bubba Brews - On Lake Hamilton
1252 Airport RdProbably the best view of the lake in Hot Springs. Located beside the 70 west bridge. A good place to sit and relax.
A great spot to look over our downtown while sipping your favorite beverage. Located atop the Waters Hotel.
26 locals recommend
The Rooftop Bar
340 Central AveA great spot to look over our downtown while sipping your favorite beverage. Located atop the Waters Hotel.
A cozy little wine bar with a neighborhood feel to it. Nice place to relax and enjoy wine and appetizers. Patio outside offers extra seating.
21 locals recommend
Splash Wine Bar
325 Ouachita AveA cozy little wine bar with a neighborhood feel to it. Nice place to relax and enjoy wine and appetizers. Patio outside offers extra seating.
This is a sports bar that has a jam night and often has live music. One night they have trivia games. Also outside dining is available.
The Blitzed Pig
4330 Central AveThis is a sports bar that has a jam night and often has live music. One night they have trivia games. Also outside dining is available.
Not for everyone but popular with a younger crowd. Music is available.
53 locals recommend
Maxine's Live
700 Central AveNot for everyone but popular with a younger crowd. Music is available.
Sightseeing & Entertainment
In 1804 Pres. Jefferson sent Hunter and Dunbar to explore the hot water of the area. What a ride it has been since!
The only bathhouse open for bathing as it was when "we bathed the world."
78 locals recommend
Buckstaff Bathhouse
509 Central AveThe only bathhouse open for bathing as it was when "we bathed the world."
Drive up past the Arlington Hotel to the overlook and if you desire go up the tower. There are many hiking trails on the mountain but I suggest you take a map.
There is a wonderful picnic spot just below the entrance to the tower.
136 locals recommend
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
401 Hot Springs Mountain DrDrive up past the Arlington Hotel to the overlook and if you desire go up the tower. There are many hiking trails on the mountain but I suggest you take a map.
There is a wonderful picnic spot just below the entrance to the tower.
Mid-America Science Museum
500 Mid America BlvdA hands-on fun place for old and young alike.
The national park includes bathhouse row, both mountains, and some parts north of town that protect the thermal waters. It is the reason for our being.
47 locals recommend
Hot Springs National Park
The national park includes bathhouse row, both mountains, and some parts north of town that protect the thermal waters. It is the reason for our being.
Youngsters get a kick out of this place. I would call ahead to be sure they are open.
9 locals recommend
Tiny Town
374 Whittington AveYoungsters get a kick out of this place. I would call ahead to be sure they are open.
Horse racing, sports betting, casino gambling, restaurants, nightlife. The horses are only here Dec-early May.
263 locals recommend
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
2705 Central AveHorse racing, sports betting, casino gambling, restaurants, nightlife. The horses are only here Dec-early May.
Many small shops in this flea market sell a plethora of pre-owned items that you didn’t realize you needed. Excellent choice for a rainy or really hot day.
11 locals recommend
Central Avenue Market Place
4330 Central AveMany small shops in this flea market sell a plethora of pre-owned items that you didn’t realize you needed. Excellent choice for a rainy or really hot day.
This place has entertained visitors for decades. On Saturday about noon in the summer you can watch them feed the alligators. There is a small petting zoo and get your picture made holding a baby alligator.
68 locals recommend
Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
847 Whittington AveThis place has entertained visitors for decades. On Saturday about noon in the summer you can watch them feed the alligators. There is a small petting zoo and get your picture made holding a baby alligator.
The national park visitor center is well worth a visit. Take a self guided tour and watch a short video about our history.
46 locals recommend
Fordyce Bathhouse
369 Central AveThe national park visitor center is well worth a visit. Take a self guided tour and watch a short video about our history.
This new venue at 4780 Central offers electronic games, a bowling alley, food and drink.
Hamilton Hangout
This new venue at 4780 Central offers electronic games, a bowling alley, food and drink.
Go carts, golf, and bumper boats are a big hit. Inside there are games.
30 locals recommend
Fun Trackers
2614 Albert Pike RdGo carts, golf, and bumper boats are a big hit. Inside there are games.
Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
239 Central AveHiking and Biking and outdoor fun
This city park includes a playground for children, a nice view of Carpenter Dam, a few hiking trails, a fishing pond, geocaches, pokemon, a boat launch, fishing dock, and picnic tables.
17 locals recommend
Entergy Park
530 Lake Park DrThis city park includes a playground for children, a nice view of Carpenter Dam, a few hiking trails, a fishing pond, geocaches, pokemon, a boat launch, fishing dock, and picnic tables.
Northwoods Trails
300 Pineland DrFirst class mountain biking trails.
Views of Hot Springs .... hiking trails. Check the national park website.
47 locals recommend
West Mountain Trail
Views of Hot Springs .... hiking trails. Check the national park website.
A county park with picnic areas, hiking, biking, frisbee golf, small playground, model airplane field, geocaches.
34 locals recommend
Cedar Glades Park
461 Wildcat RdA county park with picnic areas, hiking, biking, frisbee golf, small playground, model airplane field, geocaches.
Miles of hiking and biking alongside Lake Ouachita. Much of it is hilly.
22 locals recommend
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT, east)
1320-1338 Blakely Dam RdMiles of hiking and biking alongside Lake Ouachita. Much of it is hilly.
Tulips in the spring should not be missed! Nice walking trails and lunch at the Chipmunk Cafe! Many choose to get married at Anthony's Chapel.
231 locals recommend
Garvan Woodland Gardens
4819 Arkridge RdTulips in the spring should not be missed! Nice walking trails and lunch at the Chipmunk Cafe! Many choose to get married at Anthony's Chapel.
3 hiking trails near the campground. Good spot to launch a kayak. No entry fee to our state parks for daytime use.
81 locals recommend
Lake Catherine State Park
1200 Catherine Park Rd3 hiking trails near the campground. Good spot to launch a kayak. No entry fee to our state parks for daytime use.
The closest crystal mine to Hot Springs. Lisa has some nice displays in her shop downtown at All Things Arkansas. They have a zip line also.
22 locals recommend
Coleman Rock Shop & Crystal Mines -Jim
5837 AR-7The closest crystal mine to Hot Springs. Lisa has some nice displays in her shop downtown at All Things Arkansas. They have a zip line also.
Stroll along this serene and scenic path behind the bathhouses. Also a good spot to play pokemon.
48 locals recommend
The Grand Promenade
The Grand PromenadeStroll along this serene and scenic path behind the bathhouses. Also a good spot to play pokemon.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
1701 E Grand AveFun for the whole family.
This is much more than a small campground. Go past the camping and park at the amphitheater. Kick off your shoes and wade. If children are along take a string and some raw bacon and they can fish for crawfish where the stepping stones cross the creek. Nice picnic area is available at the entrance. A couple of trails also start here.
10 locals recommend
Gulpha Gorge Campground
305 Gorge RdThis is much more than a small campground. Go past the camping and park at the amphitheater. Kick off your shoes and wade. If children are along take a string and some raw bacon and they can fish for crawfish where the stepping stones cross the creek. Nice picnic area is available at the entrance. A couple of trails also start here.
There are several ziplines around town. I haven’t done it but have had good reports from guests.
24 locals recommend
Adventureworks Hot Springs
1700 Shady Grove RdThere are several ziplines around town. I haven’t done it but have had good reports from guests.
Such a peaceful place to stroll, bike, walk the dogs, or skate alongside Hot Springs Creek. It runs from downtown almost to the lake and there are several access points. Mostly level and all paved.
Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trailhead
Such a peaceful place to stroll, bike, walk the dogs, or skate alongside Hot Springs Creek. It runs from downtown almost to the lake and there are several access points. Mostly level and all paved.
You won’t have to drive far for a quick golf game for the young and young at heart.
57 locals recommend
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
4612 Central AveYou won’t have to drive far for a quick golf game for the young and young at heart.
Not the best place to swim but here is a swim dock and boat launch right in the main channel of Lake Hamilton.
Hill Wheatley Park
Not the best place to swim but here is a swim dock and boat launch right in the main channel of Lake Hamilton.
Some people enjoy driving to Mt Ida to hunt for crystals at Wegners.
26 locals recommend
Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines
82 Wegner Crystal Ranch RdSome people enjoy driving to Mt Ida to hunt for crystals at Wegners.