Hot Springs, Arkansas, is renowned for its natural thermal springs and rich history, but during my recent visit, I discovered that its culinary scene is equally captivating. From delectable fried pies to mouthwatering barbecue, here’s a taste of the local flavors I experienced.
Don Juan Mexican Bar and Grill
Don Juan’s Mexican Cuisine: Chips, Queso, and So Much More
For great Mexican food in Hot Springs, Don Juan’s is a must-visit. Brad and I find ourselves coming back here again and again — honestly, we joke that one day we’re just going to show up and order nothing but chips and queso. Their cheese dip is creamy, rich, and seriously addictive, and it’s honestly one of the biggest reasons we frequent this place.
Of course, the rest of the menu doesn’t disappoint either. I enjoyed the chimichanga topped with cheese sauce, which was perfectly crispy on the outside and packed with flavorful fillings. Everything we’ve tried here has been consistently good, and the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere just adds to why Don Juan’s feels like a go-to spot when you’re craving really satisfying Mexican food.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery: Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, and a Slice of History
One of the most unique places to eat in Hot Springs is definitely Superior Bathhouse Brewery. It’s the only brewery in a U.S. National Park, and it’s housed inside one of the historic bathhouses right on Bathhouse Row — which honestly makes the whole experience even cooler.
While a lot of people come here to try the local beers (they’re really popular for that), I usually come for the food. My go-to order is their spicy burger paired with a side of sweet potato fries. And let me tell you — the fries are next-level when you dip them in the marshmallow caramel sauce they come with. It sounds a little out there, but the combination of salty, sweet, and spicy just ties together perfectly.
One tip I’ve learned over a few visits: if the first floor feels a little too crowded — which it often does — try to grab a table upstairs. They have a huge TV up there, and it’s usually a little quieter, so you can actually enjoy your food and soak in the historic atmosphere without feeling packed in.
Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to grab a drink or just want a really good burger inside a historic bathhouse, Superior Bathhouse Brewery is absolutely worth a stop.
Morrison’s Fried Pies: A Must-Stop for Sweet (and Savory) Cravings
One place you absolutely have to stop at in Hot Springs is Morrison’s Fried Pies. You’ll spot them in their charming robin’s-egg blue food truck — it’s hard to miss once you know what you’re looking for. This family-run gem was started by Edgar Morrison in 2017, using 100-year-old family recipes, and you can taste that history in every bite.
They’ve got all the classics — apple, peach, and other sweet favorites — but don’t sleep on the savory options either. The Natchitoches pie is especially good, packed with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and Louisiana hot sauce. Everything is fried fresh daily, which means every pie comes with that perfect, warm flaky crust.
The staff is always in a good mood when they serve you, and they even have a punch card you can use to earn free pies — definitely worth grabbing if you’re planning a couple of visits (and you probably will after trying one).
The hardest part about Morrison’s is actually getting there early enough — they do sell out pretty quickly. If you roll up in the middle of the day, there’s a good chance the selection will be slim. So be a little aggressive: get there earlier rather than later.
And if you can’t get your pies fresh and hot, my biggest recommendation is to warm them up before you dig in. They’re good either way, but warmed up, they’re next-level delicious.
Stubby’s Bar-B-Que: Smoked Meats and Loaded Baked Potatoes
If you’re craving true Southern barbecue while you’re in Hot Springs, Stubby’s Bar-B-Que is a classic you can’t miss. This place has been a local institution since 1952, serving up hickory-smoked meats like ham, ribs, and brisket. Their sauce is something special too — thick, sweet, and mild, perfectly balancing the rich, smoky flavor of the meats.
The walls covered with old, historical license plates from all over, give the place a nostalgic, roadside diner kind of vibe. It’s the kind of spot where you can easily imagine generations of families stopping in for a hearty meal after a day of exploring.
The staff was super friendly, and the service was fast, which made the whole experience even better. But what really made Stubby’s stand out for us was their signature baked potatoes.
We ordered the biggest and most stacked one on the menu — the Supreme Spud. This thing is a full meal by itself. It’s a massive baked potato piled high with chopped brisket, butter, beans, coleslaw and Stubby’s signature barbecue sauce. If you’re a fan of loaded potatoes, you’re probably going to fall in love with this place instantly. It’s hearty, comforting, and hits all the right smoky, cheesy, savory notes.
Honestly, if you’re hungry and want a little bit of everything, the Supreme Spud is the way to go. It’s one of those meals that you’ll think about long after the trip is over.
SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint
A unique combination of pizzeria and brewery, SQZBX is the brainchild of former musicians Cheryl Roorda and Zac Smith. Their dedication to quality is evident in every slice of pizza and pint of beer. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot to unwind. (vox.com)
Read more: The best pizza places in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Mamoo’s Creamery: Hidden Ice Cream Gem
Mamoo’s Creamery is a little bit hidden — you’ll find it tucked away on one of the lower levels of the Arlington Hotel. Honestly, every time I walk by, it looks like it’s closed because it’s tucked back into a dim little corner. But trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
Mamoo’s is actually home to the only homemade ice cream on Bathhouse Row, and their flavors are uniquely wonderful. One of the best combos I’ve tried there is the Mamoo Gold (a rich walnut-hazelnut ice cream studded with little chocolate hazelnut candies) paired with their banana pudding flavor. It’s the kind of treat that makes you stop mid-bite and just appreciate how good it is and is in the high caliber of ice cream shops up there with Aggie Ice Cream in Utah.
They also offer vegan options if that’s your thing, and the service is always super friendly. A little heads-up: if you’re a fan of cinnamon, definitely go for a waffle cone. Their cones have a strong cinnamon flavor that gives everything a little extra kick. If cinnamon’s not your thing, you might want to stick with a cup instead.
Mamoo’s is one of those places that feels like a secret — and it’s definitely worth finding.
4/20 Eats: A Food Truck Haven in Hot Springs
If you’re visiting Hot Springs, 4/20 Eats is absolutely a place you don’t want to miss. It’s a laid-back food truck park where you’ll find several different vendors serving up some of the best casual eats in town. We ended up making multiple trips here during our stay because a few of our favorite meals came from this spot.
Our top pick? Rock N Roll Hibachi Grill — hands down. Brad is a sucker for their chicken and shrimp over rice, and honestly, I have to agree. It seriously hits the spot, especially after a long day of exploring. Everything is made fresh to order, and the portion sizes are really generous, so you definitely won’t leave hungry. Also, pro tip: grab one of their strawberry lemonades. It’s ridiculously sweet and refreshing, especially on a warm day.
Just across from Rock N Roll Hibachi, there’s also a Thai food truck that we tried out. Their drunken noodles and pad Thai were solid — a little different from what I’ve had at other places, though. They didn’t ask for a spice level when I ordered, which caught me off guard a little, and in retrospect, I wish I had asked. Still, the flavors were good, and it was a nice change-up from everything else we’d been eating.
4/20 Eats is super casual, relaxed, and perfect if you want good food without the fuss. It’s definitely worth swinging by — and don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back more than once.
Golden Raised Donuts: Park Avenue
When you hear Golden Raised Donuts: Park Avenue, you might expect something high-profile, like a trendy donut spot in New York City. But no — this little gem is tucked away behind Hot Springs National Park, and it’s far from your average donut joint.
What sets Golden Raised Donuts apart is how they take the basics and elevate them. Their filled donuts, like the chocolate and cream ones, are some of the best I’ve ever had. And they are not shy about cranking up the filling which they do right on the spot.
But what really keeps me coming back are their Boudin kolaches. These aren’t just any kolaches — they actually have good dough that holds everything together perfectly, making them more than just a simple snack. And if you’re into a little heat, don’t skip their spicy Boudin kolaches. They bring a kick that pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery dough.
It’s hard to find a kolache that truly lives up to Texas standards, but Golden Raised Donuts manages to do it — and then some. Whether you’re after a donut or something a little more savory, this spot is worth seeking out.
Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante: A Whole Vibe
If you’re looking for a place with great atmosphere to go along with your meal, Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante should definitely be on your Hot Springs list. This place is as much about the vibe as it is about the food. They have a speakeasy-style bar and an outdoor patio tucked into the hillside, strung up with lights — it’s the kind of spot that feels a little magical at night. Sometimes they even have live music, which just adds to the festive, easygoing atmosphere.
As for the food, Rolando’s serves up Latin American fare with some fun twists. One thing that stood out to me was their cheese sauce — it’s incredibly thick, almost like a cheesy gravy, and definitely something a little different. I ordered the enchiladas with tomatillo sauce, and they looked like an art project when they came out, with vibrant colors and fresh ingredients layered beautifully on the plate.
Even the chips and salsa were a little different here. The salsa had corn and beans mixed in, giving it more of a hearty, chunky feel rather than just a basic red salsa. If you’re looking for somewhere fun and a little outside the box, this is a great place to kick back, try some new flavors, and just enjoy the night.
Colorado Grill: Tex-Mex in a Historic Setting
If you want to find the best Tex-Mex food in Arkansas, you head straight to Colorado Grill. Honestly, it’s a close tie between Colorado Grill and Don Juan for us — both are really enjoyable in their own ways.
One of the things I love most about Colorado Grill, besides the food, is the building itself. It’s housed in a historic spot with tons of character, and it gives the whole dining experience a little extra charm you don’t always find at a typical Tex-Mex place.
The food definitely holds its own too. Their menu has a lot of the Tex-Mex classics you’d hope for, and everything we’ve tried has been satisfying. They’re especially known for their margaritas — they seem to be a huge hit with the crowd. I don’t drink, so I can’t personally vouch for them, but judging by the number of people ordering them, they’re clearly doing something right!
Breakfast in Hot Springs: Pancakes, Chocolate Gravy, and More
There’s definitely no shortage of great breakfast spots in Hot Springs, and if you love starting your day with something hearty, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
At the top of my list is Phil’s Family Restaurant. Here, you can indulge in large, fluffy pancakes and one of my favorite Southern comfort foods — biscuits with chocolate gravy. It might sound a little strange at first, but trust me, it works. The chocolate gravy tastes a bit like a cross between chocolate pudding and traditional gravy, and it’s one of those regional specialties that you have to try at least once.
If you’re serious about pancakes, you’ll also want to check out The Colonial Pancake & Waffle House, which is famous for their Cinnamon Roll Sandwich — basically two thick slices of cinnamon roll acting like bread around your breakfast filling. It’s definitely a treat and worth the hype if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Another iconic stop is The Pancake Shop. This place is beloved by locals and tourists alike, and it fills up fast, so your best bet is to get there right when they open. I tried the chocolate chip pancakes, but honestly, they were a little too chocolatey for me. Next time, I’d probably stick with something a bit lighter like the plain or blueberry pancakes. Also, just a heads-up: they don’t serve potatoes here — so if you’re dreaming of hash browns or home fries, you won’t find them on the menu. But they do offer homemade sausage patties!
Final word
Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers a diverse and delightful culinary scene that caters to all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet treats, savory bites, or international flavors, this charming town has something to satisfy every craving.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
