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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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.
104 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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.
The GOAT
A popular Mediterranean restaurant on the south edge of town in Cornerstone.
A tasty Italian restaurant at a reasonable price.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mama's Little Italy
1020 Airport RdA tasty Italian restaurant at a reasonable price.
A fine restaurant located in Oaklawn that overlooks the horse track.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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.
A great spot to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary. Good food and service. Don’t let the strip mall location fool you. Reservation suggested.
Luna Bella
A great spot to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary. Good food and service. Don’t let the strip mall location fool you. Reservation suggested.
An upscale Italian restaurant located south of town. Good food and service.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Italian Villa Restaurant & Bar
4332 Central AveAn upscale Italian restaurant located south of town. Good food and service.
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Best Cafe
632 Ouachita AveExcellent spot for an excellent breakfast. The quality food is reflected in their price.
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Maxine's Live
700 Central AveNot for everyone but popular with a younger crowd. Music is available.
Watch moonshine being made and sip some samples. A fun place to spend some time and pick up some souvenirs.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Crystal Ridge Distillery
455 Broadway StWatch moonshine being made and sip some samples. A fun place to spend some time and pick up some souvenirs.
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-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.
A hands-on fun place for old and young alike.
144 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-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 AveMosaic Madness Studio & Gallery
1125 Malvern AveAn indoor activity for those rainy or really hot days. Be creative.
Hiking 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Entergy Park
140 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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines
82 Wegner Crystal Ranch RdSome people enjoy driving to Mt Ida to hunt for crystals at Wegners.
A really cold creek runs through this national forest park. Great place to swim and cool off on a hot day. A few miles west of town. Small entrance fee.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Charlton Recreation Area
154 Milholen TrailA really cold creek runs through this national forest park. Great place to swim and cool off on a hot day. A few miles west of town. Small entrance fee.