Hot Springs, Arkansas is a unique destination in that it offers bountiful hiking and outdoors options but is also right in town. Both Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita National Forest have breathtaking views of nature and seclusion, but are only a short drive from tons of unique restaurants and touristy things. More on the hiking and outdoor adventure options to come, but here I wanted to just focus on WHERE TO EAT!!!! : )
#1 SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint
We ate at SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint towards the end of our trip, we’d already heard from several people in town and our AirBnB guidebook that it should be high high on our list of places for pizza. It turned out to be my favorite meal all around!
The restaurant is located in an old piano repair shop and the atmosphere incorporates that history. The day we visited we’d been hiking in the National Park so we picked up pizza and salads To-Go to go so we could get back to our dog (she has an adventurous spirit but pretty unstable back legs so she generally holds down the fort at the AirBnB when we travel). While we waited we had a couple locally made beers and a great time chatting with our server.
The pizza was delicious! Just the right amount of everything and balance. We tried the Biggie Small Pepperoni and a Pineapple + Jalapeno pizza (our normal go to). Both were perfect! I’ll admit the leftovers were my pre-hiking breakfast the next day! We’ll definitely be back on our next trip to dine in and enjoy the local food and good vibes at SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint.
SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint is located at :
236 Ouachita Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Check them out!
#2 The Ohio Club
The Ohio Club can boast that it is the oldest bar in Arkansas, so naturally we had to go! It did not disappoint. It was pretty crowded both times we visited (it was so good we had to go back), so you might try to pick an off time or get a reservation. Even with a full house, we got great service and on point food.
We sat at the bar and enjoyed the atmosphere, a mix of casual local bar and organized crime history. The first time we stopped in, my husband and I split a sandwich, but we noticed several groups ordering a huge tray of snacks, the Cheese, Cracker and Sausage Plate. On our second time back we went right for this mammoth appetizer. It was delicious and we had snacks to take home!
The Ohio Club offers both history and atmosphere and high level food and drinks. It would be worth it to stop in for an after hike beer to just enjoy the local pub feeling, but they provide a total package with great staff and amazing food.
The Ohio Club is located right on Bathhouse Row at :
336 Central Ave, Hot Spring, AR, 71901
#3 Superior Bathhouse Brewery
The Superior Bathhouse is the first brewery IN a National Park! This restaurant and brewery is located in the old Superior Bathhouse and offers a unique experience.
The location offers a great view of foot traffic along Bathhouse Row and is an ideal setting for a snack and beer. We stopped in for a mid-afternoon snack and split a Soft Pretzel with Beer Honey Mustard, BBQ and Beer Cheese dipping options.
The entire menu looked delicious, but we needed to save room for beer! We each tried a couple of the Superior Brews, uniquely made with local spring water. The local beers are artfully crafted and well worth the stop. We only got to experience a fraction of what The Superior Bathhouse Brewery has to offer and will most certainly plan to return on our next visit.
The brewery also had all kinds of merchandise including Superior Bathhouse Soaps!
The Superior Bathhouse Brewery is located at:
329 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR, 71901
There are so many other great places to check out! What are your favorites? Leave me a comment for places to go on my next visit to Hot Springs!
Yay!! I want to go there now too!