Hot Springs, AR Dining Guide: Savoring the Flavors of America’s Unique National Park Town

Earlier this summer, I embarked on a spontaneous journey to Hot Springs National Park, a decision born from a unique blend of circumstances. The flexibility of a remote job, the newfound freedom of being an empty nester, and a sudden gap in my schedule converged perfectly with my long-held ambition to explore more of the U.S. National Parks. With Hot Springs, Arkansas, being the closest park to my Dallas/Fort Worth home, the destination was set, and my solo road trip adventure was officially ON!

This solo expedition brought with it a distinct charm. It fostered more meaningful interactions with locals and fellow travelers, allowed for extended moments of photography and observation, and provided ample undisturbed time to focus on my daily work tasks. Without the need to compromise or rush, I could truly immerse myself in the experience, letting the town and its culinary delights unfold at my own pace.

My choice of Hot Springs wasn’t entirely random. A client, currently on an inspiring three-year National Parks poetry tour, had raved about its unique character. Living vicariously through her stories and photos, I’d gathered notes for my own future explorations. She emphasized how Hot Springs National Park, despite being the smallest, is exceptionally intertwined with its namesake town. Here, the town isn’t just an adjacent community; it’s an integral part of the National Park experience, a concept she believed I’d thoroughly enjoy. And she was absolutely right!

A Foodie’s First Priority: Essential Eats in Hot Springs, AR

Before diving into the park’s natural wonders or the healing thermal waters, let’s address the most pressing question for any traveler: Where can you find the best food? As a dedicated culinary explorer, I took it upon myself to sample as many local eateries as possible, curating the most comprehensive Hot Springs eating guide for your next visit. While my Instagram might suggest I did nothing but feast, rest assured, I also diligently worked and explored the town extensively on foot. This walkability was one of the many advantages of my accommodation choice, which you can read more about in Part 2 of this series.

Start Your Day Right: Breakfast in Hot Springs, AR

The Colonial Pancake and Waffle House (111 Central Ave)

Upon checking into my hotel on the first evening, I immediately sought a local breakfast recommendation. The Colonial Pancake and Waffle House came highly praised. The following morning, driven by a hearty appetite, I made the short two-block walk, eager to experience it for myself. I ordered a classic spread: fluffy French toast, perfectly cooked eggs over easy, crispy bacon, and an indulgent addition of hash browns with onions, made extra crispy. The meal was so delicious and satisfying that I had devoured most of it before remembering to snap a photo – my apologies! Suffice it to say, I was utterly stuffed and couldn’t quite finish all the French toast. If you arrive with a substantial hunger, this menu selection, or indeed any other judging by the satisfied faces around me, will not disappoint. The coffee was robust and hot, and the eggs over easy were flawlessly prepared with no unwelcome crispy edges. The staff radiated warmth, particularly the owner, who made a point to engage with nearly every table, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

Kollective Coffee+Tea (110 Central Ave)

For my next morning’s breakfast, I decided to explore Kollective Coffee+Tea, conveniently located directly across the street from The Colonial. I had popped in the day before for an iced latte and was impressed by its promising breakfast offerings. Finding a dairy-free breakfast option at a coffee shop can often be a challenge for me, but Kollective’s prominent sign proclaiming organic and locally-sourced food filled me with optimism. My hopes were rewarded when I discovered their yogurt and fruit dish had a magical footnote: “dairy-free yogurt available.” This simple addition instantly elevated my dining experience! It’s a feature I wish more restaurants would adopt, as yogurt, granola, and fruit are a cherished breakfast staple at home. It also offers a much healthier and waistline-friendly alternative to my other favorite: eggs, bacon, French toast, and hash browns.

At Kollective, the fruit and granola were organic, and the entire dish was lightly drizzled with a touch of local honey for a delicate sweetness. It presented a perfect harmony of creamy texture and satisfying crunch. This time, I remembered to capture a photo of this delightful meal! I enjoyed it so much that I returned on my final morning for another helping, where I was treated to a fresh mix of organic raspberries and blueberries.

Beyond this incredible dairy-free option, Kollective offers a diverse range of other breakfast choices, including eggs, customizable bagel sandwiches, and even gluten-free cupcakes for those who prefer a sweet start to their day. Their extensive tea selection is also noteworthy. While I’m a year-round hot coffee drinker, I inexplicably prefer iced tea. I sampled two of their iced teas during my stay, both of which proved wonderfully refreshing.

Other Recommended Breakfast Options

Although I didn’t get the chance to personally try them, other well-regarded breakfast spots included The Pancake House and The Arlington Hotel’s acclaimed Sunday brunch. I did manage to snap a few photos of The Arlington’s grand dining room during my visit for a mineral bath treatment, details of which will be shared in Part 2. Most mornings, fueled by practicality and work commitments, I opted for a simple nut bar and the complimentary hotel coffee while working on my laptop – perhaps not the most exciting culinary adventure, but certainly efficient!

Delicious Destinations for Lunch in Hot Springs, Arkansas

While a nut bar might suffice for breakfast, lunch called for more substantial exploration. Each day, I ventured out, walking to a new spot to sample the town’s diverse culinary landscape. Though I couldn’t visit every restaurant, I made a valiant effort, leaving plenty of reasons to plan a return trip!

The Ohio Club (336 Central Ave)

On my inaugural day of lunch scouting, The Ohio Club’s distinctive sign immediately captured my attention – a natural pull for an Ohio University alum like myself. I settled at the bar, engaging in a fascinating conversation with the bartender, who proved to be a veritable local historian, weaving tales of Hot Springs’ colorful past. I also struck up a delightful chat with a charming couple beside me. They shared their heartwarming story of meeting late in life at a Hot Springs conference, maintaining a long-distance relationship for five years, eventually marrying, and moving to Hot Springs to run their own successful home-based businesses. The convivial atmosphere was truly special.

For my meal, I ordered the Ohio Harvest salad, which I wholeheartedly recommend. This vibrant creation features a refreshing blend of spring and iceberg lettuce, tart dried cranberries, subtly sweet cinnamon apples, creamy goat cheese, crunchy honey-roasted almonds, fresh tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers. I enhanced it with grilled chicken and, to complete the experience, treated myself to a local craft beer brewed just across the street. This salad was so memorable that I’m already craving it for lunch right now and would definitely order it again on my next visit. My new friends at the bar also enthusiastically vouched for their burgers.

On another occasion, seeking just a light bite, I returned to The Ohio Club for their guacamole and chips. As a Texan transplant of two decades, my palate tends towards spicier flavors, so I found the guacamole a little mild for my personal taste, though others might prefer its more subtle profile. I also made a point to visit one evening to enjoy their live music, a highlight detailed further in Part 2.

Rolando’s Restaurante (210 Central Ave.)

When soliciting lunch recommendations from locals, Rolando’s Restaurante consistently emerged as a top suggestion. Fortuitously, the weather on the day of my visit was cool enough to allow for outdoor seating on their charming upstairs patio. Dining al fresco here, with views of the bustling street below, is an experience in itself and almost reason enough to visit Rolando’s. The food, however, truly provides the most compelling motivation.

I opted for the Pollo Chuchaqui (pictured below), ordering it without cheese and sour cream due to my dairy allergy (a common, albeit sarcastic, lament!). This was the lunch portion, and it proved to be more than ample. The dinner portion is larger and commensurately priced. The dish features tender chicken tenderloins, expertly marinated in a Cuban mojo, lightly breaded, and then sautéed in a vibrant lime and wine sauce with Roma tomatoes, onions, celery, and parsley. It’s served alongside savory black beans and thinly sliced pickled cucumbers. The combination was nothing short of “WOW” – a dish I would absolutely order again. While the Pollo Chuchaqui was exceptional, Rolando’s menu boasts an array of tempting options, from various quesadillas (including one with goat cheese) to authentic tamales, comforting soups, flavorful shrimp dishes, and rich pork preparations. They also cater to younger diners with a children’s menu and offer a selection of delectable desserts.

Copper Penny (711 Central Ave)

Another day, another exciting lunch spot to discover! My next culinary stop was The Copper Penny Pub.

Stepping into this inviting pub, you’re immediately transported. The copper-colored tin ceiling, exposed brick walls, and the genuinely warm greeting from Sarah, our charming bartender originally from England, who sweetly calls you “love” in her lovely accent, create an authentic European pub atmosphere. They specialize in hearty Irish pub fare, complemented by daily house specials and an impressive selection of local and regional beers.

I ordered the aptly named Damn-Good Copper BLT. This elevated sandwich featured richly peppered bacon, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, creamy mayo, sliced avocado, and a perfectly fried egg, all nestled between slices of toasted sourdough bread. It arrived accompanied by a generous serving of their house-made salt and vinegar chips – a truly delightful side! To complete the experience, I paired it with an Arkie Amber Ale from Bubba Brews, a local brewery located just about 15 minutes away. The sandwich certainly lived up to its bold name; it was unequivocally damn good! On my next visit, I’ll definitely be trying their fish and chips.

Angels in the Park Restaurant & Lounge (211 Fountain St.)

As a guest at the Park Hotel (more on this in Part 2), it was only natural that I would dine several times at Angel’s in the Park, conveniently located adjacent to the hotel’s lobby. It’s crucial not to confuse this establishment on Fountain Street with Angel’s restaurant on Central Avenue, which I didn’t have the opportunity to visit this trip. While they share an owner, their menus, as well as the immensely talented and friendly Chef Rosario and GM Debbie Rosario, are entirely distinct.

Without a doubt, Chef Rosario’s culinary creations were the absolute highlight of my entire trip. My undisputed favorite was the Chicken Rosario – a dish that left an indelible impression. Beyond that, their homemade bread, carefully selected wines, delicate calamari, fresh spinach salad, and the incredibly flavorful chicken salad (perfect for lunch) were all simply divine. Everything served here is made fresh from scratch, even down to my midday chicken salad. Therefore, I highly recommend visiting in the afternoon or evening when you’re not in a rush, allowing ample time to savor the experience. If the weather is pleasant, secure a spot on the charming outdoor patio. The staff, especially my wonderful server Kate, are incredibly friendly, and the overall atmosphere is truly delightful. I am already eager to return to Hot Springs, primarily for the joyous prospect of dining here again.

Kollective Coffee+Tea (Lunch Encore!)

Another establishment I eagerly anticipate revisiting is Kollective Coffee+Tea. I found myself drawn back almost daily, whether for a quick refreshment or to settle in with my laptop, enjoying breakfast or lunch while sipping iced tea or coffee. For lunch, I sampled their smoked turkey panini paired with tomato basil soup. However, the true star of all my lunches, and perhaps even one of the standout dishes of my entire trip, was Kollective’s made-from-scratch vegan tomato basil soup. It was nothing short of extraordinary! The depth of flavor, the perfect creamy texture, and the fresh basil notes made it so exceptional that I returned a second time specifically for the soup, ordering the largest bowl they could possibly serve me.

You truly cannot go wrong with any of the dining recommendations above. In fact, it’s highly likely that even the places I didn’t get a chance to visit on this particular trip would also offer fantastic experiences. I honestly did not encounter a single bad, or even merely mediocre, meal throughout my entire stay in Hot Springs. It seems to be a magical combination of the healing thermal waters, a healthy dose of culinary competition, and a shared passion for excellent food that elevates the dining scene in this unique Arkansas town.

Curious about where to enjoy dinner, discover vibrant nightlife, experience the legendary healing spring water baths, explore Hot Springs National Park itself, find live jazz, or visit Garvan Woodland Gardens? Click here to read Part 2 of my Hot Springs adventure for all these insights and more!

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