If you find yourself strolling along the historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs, Arkansas, there’s one breakfast spot you absolutely have to visit: The Pancake Shop.
Before I get into our experience, it’s worth knowing a little about the history that gives The Pancake Shop its unique charm. The Pancake Shop has been family owned and operated since 1940, when it was first opened by Albah D. Mason as Mason’s Pancake Shop at 133 Central Avenue. (Fun fact: that spot is now the Hot Springs Downtown Hotel & Spa!) The original menu from Mason’s still hangs on the wall today — back then, coffee was just a nickel a cup!
Later, the restaurant moved across the street to its current home at 216 Central Avenue, purchased by the Conway family of Chicago. Over the years, it went through several versions, including the Liberty Café and an Italian kitchen run by Amedeo Ritenuti.
Finally, The Pancake Shop found its lasting identity under the Ardman family in the early 1960s. Tom and Ruth Ardman — and later their daughter Keeley — helped the restaurant thrive, welcoming a number of celebrities along the way, including Liberace, Al Hirt, and comedian Joe E. Lewis. Ruth’s welcoming personality and love for her community made
The Pancake Shop more than just a breakfast joint — it became a landmark. Today, Keeley, her husband Steve, and the entire Pancake Shop family continue to maintain the high level of quality and service that has made this place beloved for generations.
Related: 10 Places to Eat in Hot Springs, Arkansas (That We Actually Tried)
Get there early
We arrived about 10 minutes before opening time, and honestly, that’s the move if you want a guaranteed table. Even before the doors opened, a line had already formed outside. Thankfully, they have coffee and water set up on a little station outside to help you wake up while you wait — I don’t remember the last time I saw that outside of a hotel lobby, maybe.
As soon as the doors opened, the energy inside picked up. The place got busy fast, but it never felt chaotic. The servers, while clearly hustling, moved calmly and gracefully. Our waitress was absolutely lovely — friendly, attentive, and helpful without being overwhelming. The space itself has a cozy, almost diner-like vibe, decorated with historic pieces including memorabilia from the Oaklawn Racing Track nearby. It feels old-school without feeling worn out.
Now, onto the food — the real reason we were there.
I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes, and let me tell you: they were loaded with chocolate chips.
These weren’t tiny little flapjacks either — each pancake took up an entire dinner plate. I got two, and honestly, they were so sweet that halfway through I had to tap out. If you have a serious sweet tooth, you’ll probably love them, but if you’re more in the middle (like me), I’d recommend trying the plain pancakes, or maybe the blueberry or buckwheat versions which are very popular there.
The butter deserves a special shoutout — it was a nice whipped butter, super easy to spread and melted beautifully over the hot pancakes. The syrup was also different than what you might be used to. Instead of the super sweet artificial syrup you find in most places, this was closer to a real maple syrup. If you’re used to the processed stuff, it might taste a little different, but it definitely feels more authentic.
One thing worth noting: the batter itself wasn’t overly sweet or flavorful. It didn’t have that “boxed mix” pancake flavor that many people (including us) might be used to. That’s probably because it’s homemade, which is a good thing — but it’s something to be prepared for if you have certain expectations going in.
We also tried the homemade sausage patties, and they were fantastic. Thick, hearty, and with just the right amount of kick, they paired perfectly with the pancakes without feeling greasy or overly heavy.
Our waitress even gave us a great tip when it came time to pour the syrup: because the pancakes are literally the size of the plate, she suggested digging a small well into the center of the pancake first. That way, when you pour the syrup, it pools in the middle instead of flooding over the sides and into your lap. A small but genius tip that saved us from making a big mess!
Final Thoughts:
If you’re planning a trip to Hot Springs, The Pancake Shop is absolutely worth getting up early for. Be ready to stand in line, but know that once you’re inside, you’ll be met with warm service, a charming historic setting, and a hearty, satisfying breakfast. Stick with the plain or fruit pancakes if you want to avoid sugar overload, and definitely don’t skip the sausage. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, The Pancake Shop lives up to its reputation as one of the best breakfast spots in the South.
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.
