Garland County is home to some amazing restaurants. As our downtown continues to thrive, we seem to draw more quality eateries and even brewhouses. This list was compiled from numerous surveys and social media posts to ensure it included our true local favorites. We would love your feedback. If you want to nominate a local restaurant not listed here, feel free to drop a note to us at tim.metcalf@belocalpub.com.

Lost Creek Grill is a hidden gem! Located on Airport Road, it is worth the short drive to get the best food in town!  Their Smoked Rib Eye has the perfect amount of seasonings and will absolutely melt in your mouth!  Everything on the menu is prepared to perfection, and the service is the best around.  Be sure to check out the specials board, as there is always a gem or two or three on there.  The hardest part about going to Lost Creek is trying to decide which delectable meal you will choose!

1834 Airport Road

501-767-0063

The Ohio Club is located in Historic Downtown Hot Springs. They have excellent burgers, Reubens, specialty menu items and are known for their live music and extensive drink menu. Age 21 and older only. Locals' tip: go during the week, and it will be less crowded. Go on the weekends to meet lots of tourists from across the country.

"Dinner with friends at the Ohio club tonight was fabulous. We had two Rubens, one Ohio burger, and one guacamole burger, and all were excellent." – Mary D.

336 Central Ave.

(501) 627-0702

 

This locally-owned restaurant is a little off the beaten path but is a favorite of Hot Springs locals. They feature family-style southern cooking, smoked meats, and a mac-n-cheese with brisket that you will go back for time and time again. The menu features everything from the simple to a hickory-smoked ribeye that will melt in your mouth!

“Wonderful food, really good menu, great service, family-owned and operated, casual atmosphere, family-friendly!” – Ginger Y.

2169 Carpenter Dam Road

(501) 701-8051

Featuring hand-prepared food made daily with the finest and freshest ingredients. If you are looking for a locally-owned restaurant with a taste of Mexico, this is your place. They are also known for their great margaritas.

"The food here is so full of flavor, including the refried beans which at most places never taste this great, the steak fajitas are tender, salsa was good and spicy, the staff is very friendly." – Lindsay L.

1209 Malvern Ave.

(501) 624-6262    

https://www.facebook.com/TacoMamaHotSprings/       

420eats Food Court       

420eats Food Truck Court is located in the Gateway District. They are a family- and pet-friendly hot spot where entrepreneurship and innovative deliciousness collide. Bring the kids, bring the fur babies, play some games, and enjoy great food!  Live music based on the season. Beer and wine are available on-premise. Food trucks rotate based on the season, so we recommend you follow their social media to know what they currently are offering.

https://www.facebook.com/420eats        

420 Malvern Ave.

 

Located in what some locals call Sidetown. Recommended by several local residents as the best fajita and best cheese dip in town. Tex-Mex and Southwest foods are what they are known for.

"By far, our favorite place for queso and their fajitas are always amazing. Always terrific service!" – Gary T.

320 Ouachita Ave.

(501) 623-7992

 

Described by many as the most romantic restaurant in Arkansas. Terrific Italian dishes and service beyond compare. This place is a favorite of so many locals and was a top recommendation.

"The most romantic dates my husband and I have always start at Via Roma. The owner is very personable, the wait staff is attentive, and the food is impeccable. Our full experience was over the top." – Rita S.

1521 Malvern Ave.

(501) 318-1516

If you are looking for a great place to spend an evening with friends, a date night, or a girls' night out, this is it. They feature a wide variety of wines and also have a light food menu. One of the favorites is their Charcuterie Board, with items that pair great with wine. Located in a remodeled 1900s building with lots of character. Live music on weekends.

"A lovely place with phenomenal wine and a wonderful, friendly staff. A fabulous place for business professionals and local residents." – Melissa H.

325 Ouachita Ave.

(501) 701-4544

 

This place has become somewhat of a legend! Voted the best pizza by locals, by statewide polls, and even recognized nationally. Wood-fired pizza, delicious cannoli, and a great beer selection. One meeting with the owner, and you will know he has a passion for his food and community like no one else. Located in Historic Downtown Hot Springs.

“Best pizza ever. I could go on for days about how perfect this pizza is!” – Tresa G.

831 Central Ave.

(501) 609- 9002

 

The world's only thermal-water beer brewery is located inside a U.S. National Park, offering 18 taps of craft beer and original eats. Located on Historic Bath House Row, this is a great place to hang out downtown with friends and family. Food fare includes salads, sandwiches, and even a terrific root beer float.

"The beers are always amazing, and the Fun Guy burger is so very delicious!" – Valerie K.

326 Central Ave.

(501) 624-2337

 

This has quickly moved up to become one of the favorites for locals. A gorgeous restaurant is located inside Hotel Hale on Bathhouse Row. A wonderful glass atrium with a living wall of green plants. Known for their wonderful Saturday and Sunday brunch as well as exquisite evening meals (currently Thursday-Sunday).

"The Best brunch and Bloody Mary I have found in Hot Springs, and I am a long-time resident." – Christina W.

341 Central Ave. 

(501) 760-9010

 

There is probably a reason the word brewery comes before pizza in this business' name. They are widely recommended for their beer brewed on the premises, and they also had a vast number of recommendations for the best pizza in town. After all, what goes better together than pizza and beer? They also have great salads — live music on weekends.

“Great pizza, salads, and homebrew! My wife loved the gluten-free pizza.” – Herb L.

236 Ouachita Ave.

(501) 609-0609

 

When you want a fine dining experience with several options for your meal, Vault is your place. Choices include great salads, oysters, duck, steak, and even something as simple as wood-fired chicken – this place is a favorite of many locals.

“Absolutely the best place in Hot Springs to eat. Inside an old bank building with great décor. Our food and the service are always top-notch.” – Margarette P.

723 Central Ave.

(501) 596-8800

 

Located just across the street from Oaklawn Racing, Casino & Resort. Rocky’s has been a favorite of Hot Springs locals for many years. Pizza, salad, and sandwiches. You would think you are in a Chicago neighborhood when you walk into this place.

“Been eating here for years. A taste of Chicago in Hot Springs. Authentic Chicago Napolitano-style pizza. Worth the money and the time, and the service outshines anyone!” – Don. R.

2600 Central Ave.

(501) 624-0199

Operated for over 75 years by members of the McClard family. McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant was established in Hot Springs National Park, AR, in 1928. If you want to know about Hot Springs' history, this is the place to eat. Known for their BBQ and also the world-famous tamale spread. Featured on numerous TV shows and featured in the likes of Southern Living magazine.

“Outstanding BBQ, the best coleslaw in town, tamale spread is a true feast, and the smoked chicken is a great choice for those trying to eat healthy.” – Carl C.

505 Albert Pike

(501) 623-9665

 

Whether you arrive by car or cruise up from the lake in your boat, you are sure to find something you like here. This is one of the few local establishments you can arrive at by boat. Locals know this is the place to go for anything from appetizers, salads, burgers, or pizza.

“Enjoyed great cold drinks and had optional healthy choice pizza made with cauliflower. I entered from Lake Hamilton and had a great time with friends!” – Larry P.

401 Burchwood Bay Road

(501) 525-0780

 

A full-service bakery specializing in homemade goodness since 1975. Hot Springs residents know this is the place to go for decorated cakes, baked goods, freshly baked artisan bread, sandwiches, and even homemade cookies. Voted best several times by local residents as well as statewide awards.

“Their cakes are absolutely wonderful! The Italian Cream and the Carrot Cake are stupendous!! We also buy all our bread from them.” – Kaye C.

307 Broadway

(501) 525-4500

Café 1217, established in 1997, has received many awards, including "Best Gourmet in the State," best lunch, best desserts, etc. Café 1217 prides itself on making everything from scratch, including all of the desserts. If you are looking for fresh and flavorful, you will find it here at Café 1217. Some menu items change monthly, keeping things fresh to the seasons.

“Wonderful variety of foods to choose from. The flavors were fantastic. Everything was crisp and fresh. Very accommodating staff.” – Ginger B.

1217 Malvern Ave.

(501) 318-1094

Not your average Mexican restaurant. The owner and his entire family have a true passion for the types of foods served here. Some describe the tacos served as street tacos, but most just describe them as delicious. Great quality food made from fresh ingredients.

“Everything here is great! I haven't had anything bad yet. My favorites are the house margarita, chile mango margarita, queso, guac, steak fajita taco, chipotle shrimp taco, rajas taco, and the Elote bites. The complimentary pinwheels are great!” – Rachel P.

200 Higdon Ferry Road

(501) 623-8226

Quetzal Authentic Mexican Cuisine offers you the authentic and original flavor of Mexican food, inspired by totally homemade recipes from Oaxaca, Mexico.  This newly remodeled restaurant will not disappoint when it comes to food or drink!  Be sure to get the live guacamole made fresh at your table – the best ever!

1105 Albert Pike Road

501-881-4049

http://orderquetzalar.com/ 

Nestled in the mountains just a half-mile north of the main gate of Hot Springs Village, AR, on Highway 7 North. Their warm and charming atmosphere combines "Good Home Cookin'" with lots of memorabilia from America's favorite pastime, baseball. Relax, the friendly staff will spoil you from beginning to end. Daily specials change every month, so there is always something new on the menu to tempt your tastebuds.

“We love the fact they change their menu up a little each month. If you desire home cooking, this is the place. Great food and outstanding service.” – Harry P.

5110 N. Highway 7

(501) 984-6969

Mulligan's Restaurant is a small, privately-owned, easy-going oasis on the Ponce de Leon golf course. You can dine in or order takeout. Arrive by car or golf cart. There's plenty of free parking. Breakfast entrees, Lunch and Supper entrees, appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, chicken and shrimp baskets, and a great selection of burgers, french fries, and mouth-watering pizzas. 

“Great food, great staff; try the blackened salmon salad for a real treat! Best Pizza around!” – Traci B.

300 Ponce de Leon Drive 

(501) 922-1623

This is a private club, but so many people have recommended their new menu items from the scratch kitchen we wanted to give them a shout-out. Check into their affordable social membership options if you are not a golfer because they have some of the best food, drinks, and events in the Village.

“The culinary team at Diamante has truly stepped up their game. My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed every meal we have experienced here.” – Trey J.

2000 Country Club Drive

(501) 922-1114