Cafe 1217
A chef-owned cafe serving updated American comfort food and scratch-made desserts with a monthly rotating menu focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Cafe 1217
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chef-owned cafe serving updated American comfort food and scratch-made desserts with a monthly rotating menu focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
"I could eat here everyday! Everything here is fresh! The staff is awesome. 10/10."
Ask for Seasonal Specials
Staff highly recommends asking about seasonal items for a delightful culinary surprise.
Try Popular Dishes
Consider fan favorites like the California Club or Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scratch-Made Desserts
Indulge in a delectable array of desserts made fresh from scratch, including award-winning cakes and pies.
Award-Winning Vegetarian Options
Recognized for its exceptional vegetarian dishes, this cafe offers vibrant, flavorful plant-based meals.
Fresh, Seasonal American Comfort Food
Enjoy updated American comfort food with a monthly rotating menu that highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ask for Seasonal Specials
Staff highly recommends asking about seasonal items for a delightful culinary surprise.
Try Popular Dishes
Consider fan favorites like the California Club or Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich.
Explore Unique Sides
Be adventurous and try unique side dishes such as Indonesian Rice if available.
Dine-in for Faster Service
Reviews suggest dine-in customers may receive their orders more promptly than to-go.
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask for Seasonal Specials
Staff highly recommends asking about seasonal items for a delightful culinary surprise.
Try Popular Dishes
Consider fan favorites like the California Club or Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich.
Explore Unique Sides
Be adventurous and try unique side dishes such as Indonesian Rice if available.
Dine-in for Faster Service
Reviews suggest dine-in customers may receive their orders more promptly than to-go.
Consider Plant-Based Choices
Delicious vegetarian meals are available, making it a great option for plant-based diners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cafe 1217 is praised for its fresh, flavorful, and healthy American comfort food, with many highlighting the scratch-made desserts and award-winning vegetarian options. While the food is consistently lauded, some diners find the menu overwhelming and the ordering process a bit rushed, with occasional issues in service speed for to-go orders.
"Amazing! We had the southwestern Cobb salad, bacon ranch chicken salad sandwich with chips, kids cheese quesadilla, and kids PB with apples and honey sandwich. Everything was delicious! Definitely going to be a regular stop for us. The ginger juice and minted lemonade were superb as well! Service was great and fast. Bathrooms clean. All around good spot."
Hannah Hampton
"Service was questionable. Cashier was plain rude. The waitress was sweet.
Food was good. Grilled chicken caesar salad and grilled chicken mango salad were good. Chocolate cheesecake was great. Lemon bar was mid."
Grace Turner
"The food is great—so fresh and flavorful! That said, the menu can feel a little overwhelming, and my husband and I often feel rushed when ordering. The staff is attentive, which we appreciate, but it can be a bit stressful when someone is standing directly behind the counter waiting for you to decide. It would be so helpful to have a physical menu with a few food images, or even just a quick “Take your time, I’ll be right here when you’re ready”—that small shift would make a big difference! That being said, I’m grateful to have a healthy restaurant in town!"
Kenzie Rien
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Cafe 1217 serves updated American comfort food and scratch-made desserts, with a menu that rotates monthly to feature seasonal ingredients.
Yes, Cafe 1217 is recognized for its excellent vegetarian options, offering creative and flavorful plant-based dishes.
While specific GF/Vegan options are not detailed, the focus on fresh ingredients and customizable salads suggests possibilities.
Popular items include the California Club, Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich, and various fresh salads.
The cafe typically closes at 6 PM and is not open on Sundays.
Some diners find the menu overwhelming and the ordering process a bit rushed. It is recommended to take your time.
The menu is primarily on a chalk board, but some guests appreciate seeing the fresh items available in the display case.
Yes, Cafe 1217 is renowned for its scratch-made desserts, including award-winning cakes and pies.
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1217 Malvern Avenue Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901501-318-1094. Their chef inspired menu changes monthly in order to take advantage of seasonal ingredients. Sample menu items include Roasted Veggie Stuffed Portobello; Cajun Glazed Salmon; Power Salad (smoked salmon, avocado, red onion, blueberries, roasted carrots, walnuts, chia seeds and feta over kale and baby spinach with citrus honey vinaigrette); Brisket Quesadilla (brisket, brie cheese, white cheddar, roasted peppers and cranberry orange salsa); and Vegetable Goddess (roasted eggplant, roasted red pepper, avocado, tomato, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber and hummus on toasted multi-grain bread).
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The winners of last year’s Feast Month were: Smokin’ in Style BBQ for Best BBQ; Ouachita Bar & Grill for Best Burger; Rocky’s Corner for Best Pizza; Capo’s Tacos for Best Tacos; 501 Prime for Best Steak; Mama Vee’s Southern Homestyle Cuisine for Best Southern-Style Food; Café 1217 for Best Vegetarian; Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe for Best Sweets; the Pancake Shop for Best Breakfast; the Pho House for Best Asian Cuisine; Via Roma Italian Restaurant for Best Italian Cuisine; and Rock ‘N’ Roll Hibachi for Best Food Truck.
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Cafe 1217 has raised the bar for vegetarian dining with a case full of flavors and creative dishes. From vibrant salads bursting with seasonal produce to hearty plant-based entrees, this cafe's commitment to exceptional vegetarian options has rightfully earned them this award. This is a place where herbivores and omnivores alike can come together to appreciate the richness of plant-based cuisine, and a visit to this culinary gem is a must for anyone seeking a palate-pleasing meal in the name of good health.
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Nestled in the vibrant town of Hot Springs, Cafe 1217 is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts seeking a delightful culinary experience. This chef-owned counter-serve cafe boasts a menu brimming with updated American comfort food and irresistible scratch-made desserts. From the tantalizing Arkansas Possum Pie that has visitors raving to the award-winning carrot cake bursting with sweet gems, every bite at Cafe 1217 is a journey through flavors and textures.
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Café 1217 is an eclectic diner specializing in intimate meals that combine the flavors of California cuisine with those of the South. The gourmet offerings are always made from scratch, and the chef incorporates seasonal produce and fresh herbs into each dish. The restaurant has won multiple awards, yet the cheery and intimate ambiance reminds you of a cozy garden party.
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Food spots you might overlook but should definitely check out in Hot Springs: Cafe 1217 for a tasty lunch spot, Taco Mama for delicious drinks and tacos (of course), SQZBX Pizza Joint (try the Greek pizza), and Best Cafe at the Best Court Motel for a deliciously retro breakfast spot. And of course Starlite Club for all the ’80s dive bar weirdness your heart could desire.
Savor Hot Springs' Diverse Menu of Restaurants
Cafe 1217 is an upbeat and cheerful “gourmet-to-go,” dine-in cafe and catering company. California cuisine and the chef’s deep South Texas roots are the inspiration for the menu items. The unpretentious comfort food is made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
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For lunch, fresh salads and lite fare can be found at Cafe 1217 with highlights such as the Ancho Almond Quinoa Salad with fresh raspberries or the Lemon Basil Chicken Salad with sun-dried tomatoes.
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For vegetarians, try Cafe 1217 and sample their fresh sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as a number of quick yet creative options that are mostly vegetarian-friendly.
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From rotating seasonal menus to unforgettable desserts, this local gem is a must-try. Brief video: https://fb.watch/BcNPmuhLMU/ 💬 Been here yet?. Tell us your go-to dish!
Highest-rated Restaurants in Hot Springs by Diners
- Rating: 4.5/5 (237 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 1217 Malvern Ave. Ste B Hot Springs, Arkansas - Categories: New American, Salad, Sandwiches- Read more on Yelp
'Take the waters' and soak up the history in Hot Springs
For lunch, try Café 1217, where you’ll find fresh, unpretentious food, made from scratch. The salads and sandwiches are delish, and service is efficient and friendly.
Restaurants Places to Eat - American, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mexican
Cafe 1217 is a gourmet deli store and restaurant near downtown Hot Springs. Our menu features a variety of gourmet dishes available to eat in or carry out.
Paradise Donuts from Hot Springs Menu
1217 Malvern AveAR 719016346, Hot Springs National Park, United States. "The food is always good! Never disappoints!". ★ 4.4 / 5 from 12690 reviews
Hot Springs Restaurants - Arkansas (AR) - Page 2
Ditto on Cafe 1217 - probably the best restaurant I can think of off the top of my head with vegetarian/healthier fare.
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