These Are The Arkansas Pancake Houses Locals Swear Are Worth The Drive
At The Pancake Shop in Hot Springs, pancakes are more than breakfast; they’re a destination.
Fluffy stacks, perfectly golden and topped with sweet or savory options, make every bite unforgettable.
Locals know this spot is worth the drive, returning again and again for the comforting flavors and warm atmosphere.
From the first forkful to the last, each pancake delivers a taste of Arkansas hospitality, proving why this diner has earned a loyal following.
Breakfast-Only Legacy Since 1940
Family-owned restaurants are special, but ones that have lasted over eight decades? That’s legendary territory.
The Pancake Shop has been serving breakfast exclusively since 1940, making it one of Arkansas’s oldest family-run eateries still operating today.
While most restaurants chase trends and expand menus, this place stays true to its morning roots. Breakfast is what they know, and breakfast is what they do best, period.
From Mason’s to Ardman Family Stewardship
Originally opening its doors at 133½ Central Avenue, the restaurant briefly went by Mason’s Pancake Shop before finding its forever identity.
The Ardman family took the reins in the 1960s, transforming a local breakfast spot into an Arkansas institution.
Under their care, traditions were honored while quality never wavered. Generations of the Ardman family have poured their hearts into every pancake, creating a legacy built on butter, batter, and dedication.
Prime Real Estate on Central Avenue
Finding The Pancake Shop is a breeze once you spot The Arlington Hotel. Positioned at 216 Central Avenue in the heart of historic downtown Hot Springs, it sits diagonally across from the famous hotel that’s hosted presidents and celebrities alike.
The location couldn’t be more perfect for hungry tourists and locals. After a morning stroll through Bathhouse Row, you’re just steps away from the best pancakes in the state.
Signature Menu Items That Built a Legend
Fresh-squeezed orange juice starts your morning right, followed by scratch-made pancakes that practically float off the plate.
The homemade sausage has a flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else, seasoned with a secret blend passed down through generations.
Then there’s the award-winning ham, which has earned accolades from food critics and regular folks alike.
Every signature item represents decades of perfecting recipes that refuse to cut corners or compromise quality.
Lines, Racing Season, and Brisk Service
Weekends mean waiting, especially during racing season when Oaklawn Park brings crowds flooding into Hot Springs.
But here’s the thing: the line moves faster than you’d expect thanks to a longtime team that runs like a well-oiled machine.
The mostly women-led staff has perfected the art of efficient, friendly service without making you feel rushed.
They’ve been doing this so long, they can read a crowd and keep everyone fed and happy simultaneously.
Take Home the Taste Next Door
Can’t get enough of that incredible ham or homemade sausage? Good news: you don’t have to leave empty-handed.
The Savory Pantry, located right next door, sells house-made ham, sausage, apple butter, and their signature coffee blend for home enjoyment.
It’s basically a souvenir shop for breakfast lovers. Locals stock up regularly, while tourists pack coolers to bring a taste of Hot Springs back home with them.
National Recognition from Food Media Giants
When Southern Living, The New York Times, and Food Network all spotlight the same small-town breakfast joint, you know something extraordinary is happening.
These aren’t paid advertisements or sponsored content; they’re genuine features celebrating exceptional food and authentic hospitality.
National recognition hasn’t changed a thing about how The Pancake Shop operates. They’re still the same humble, hardworking breakfast spot that earned those accolades in the first place.