Hot Springs isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think “killer pizza,” but if you know where to look, there’s a surprisingly solid lineup of spots slinging everything from crispy New York-style slices to cheesy deep-dish hybrids that defy regional classification.
Whether you’re in the mood for a funky beer garden, a vintage music-themed joint, or a dark and moody hangout with pepperoni cups and zero tolerance for ranch dressing, this town’s got options.
I recently went on a bit of a pizza bender around Hot Springs—some of it intentional, some of it a result of indecision and hunger—and came out the other side with sauce-stained fingers, zero regrets, and a couple of strong opinions. So here it is: four of the best (and most interesting) pizza places in town, ranked not so much by which is “the best,” but by how they each bring something different to the table.
From sneaky cannolis to mysterious portrait walls, here’s the slice-by-slice breakdown.
Rocky’s Corner
A staple for those who love classic, no-frills pizza. With red-checkered tablecloths and a loyal following, Rocky’s has been serving up thick, cheesy pies for years.
Now, here’s the secret: despite what people say, this isn’t true Chicago-style pizza. Sure, it’s deep dish-ish, but if you’re expecting an authentic Chicago experience, you won’t find it here—and honestly, that’s fine. Chicago-style can be kind of over the top anyway.
Rocky’s pizza comes in squares, almost leaning more toward a Detroit-style vibe, which makes it a little more interesting to eat. And while these square and triangular slices might seem small, they are deceptively filling.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth? Go beyond the pizza and try one of their cannolis. It’s one of the only places I’d confidently put in the same league as Mike’s Pastry in Boston which is saying a lot!
SQZBX (pronounced “Squeeze Box”)
First off, let’s talk about that name.
It took me forever to figure out what “SQZBX” even meant. At first glance, I thought it was just a jumble of letters—but then it hit me: it’s shorthand for “squeeze box,” a nickname for an accordion which you can see in their logo. Once I got it, I had to admit… kind of clever. Still a little annoying when you’re trying to look it up, though.
That said, this place is worth the slight confusion.
Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, SQZBX has an awesome vintage-meets-industrial vibe that makes it feel like more than just a pizza joint. Their thin-crust artisan pies are solid, especially the one with bacon (baig as they spell it) and those crispy little cup-and-char pepperonis that curl up just right. Pair it with a cocktail—bourbon lemonade is a winner—and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch some live music too.
Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden
A Hot Springs classic with a funky, hippie vibe and one of the best outdoor dining setups in town. Tucked up on the hillside and partially hidden by trees, Grateful Head feels like a little secret spot you stumble upon rather than a place you just walk into. The shaded patio seating winds around the building, with greenery all around that gives it a low-key, woodsy charm. It’s a super cool place to hang out—especially with a cold local brew in hand and the mountain air rolling through.
As for the pizza, I actually ended up really liking it. One of the standout features is the crust, which has this cool twisted edge that adds both texture and a little flair. The dough has great flavor, and the pies themselves are thick, cheesy, and satisfying. Options like the “Tree Hugger” and “Pig Pen” keep things interesting, but honestly, even a basic pie here delivers.
Deluca’s Pizza
This is the spot that got the Barstool bump, and yeah—it’s definitely got the goods.
Tucked into a dim, almost speakeasy-style space, Deluca’s gives off that serious New York pizza energy, right down to the grease. The walls are lined with portraits of women—some famous, some maybe not? I still don’t know who all of them are, but it adds to the curious, moody vibe of the place.
The pizza is legit, especially those little pepperoni cups that crisp up just right around the edges. We originally wanted to try their famous mozzarella pie (the one from the Barstool review), but it wasn’t available when we went—so we defaulted to pepperoni. No regrets there.
I even washed it down with an alcohol-free Heineken because it felt like a celebratory occasion. Yes, I know how that sounds—but just because I don’t drink doesn’t mean I can’t toast with a brewski now and then.
The crust came out extra crispy and crunchy, which I personally loved. But if you’re not into that firm, almost crackly bite, it might turn you off enough to skip the edges entirely. And one more heads-up: they don’t serve ranch. I guess that’s part of the whole “elevated, true-to-form pizzeria” thing… or maybe they’re just taking a stand against Midwestern instincts.
Hot Springs might not be the first place you’d think to go on a pizza pilgrimage, but it definitely left an impression. Each spot on this list brought something unique—whether it was a secret garden patio, a no-nonsense old-school setup, or a moody, pepperoni-slicked slice of New York attitude. Was every pizza perfect? Not exactly. But that wasn’t really the point.
It was about the quirks, the character, the unexpected combos, and the joy of finding good food in a place that doesn’t shout about it. If you’re in town, go hungry, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to skip the ranch.
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.
