Pancakes
1 / 10

The Pancake Shop

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A beloved Hot Springs institution since 1940, serving legendary, plate-sized pancakes and classic American breakfasts with warm, efficient service.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Pancakes

The Pancake Shop

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved Hot Springs institution since 1940, serving legendary, plate-sized pancakes and classic American breakfasts with warm, efficient service.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Legendary fluffy pancakes and hearty breakfasts make this a must-visit diner with a welcoming, nostalgic vibe."

TIP

Arrive Early to Beat the Crowd

Visit early on weekdays or at off-peak brunch times to avoid long wait times, as this spot is very popular.

Don't Over-Order

Portions are very large; consider sharing dishes or opting for half orders to enjoy a variety of items.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 7AM

Cuisine

American Breakfast

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(501) 624-5720

Address

216 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Plate-Sized Pancakes

Legendary Plate-Sized Pancakes

Indulge in enormous, fluffy pancakes that are a local favorite and a must-try experience for any visitor.

TikTokTrip Report Soaking up Wellness in Hot SpringsFour Breakfast Places Worth the Early Drive Near Hot Springs, AR – Allen Tillery Auto Chevrolet Buick GMC Blog+1
Generous Portions & Classic Breakfasts

Generous Portions & Classic Breakfasts

Enjoy hearty servings of classic American breakfast dishes like sausage patties and crispy bacon, ensuring a satisfying meal.

Google Review+1
Nostalgic, Cozy Atmosphere

Nostalgic, Cozy Atmosphere

Step back in time in this charming, classic diner setting that evokes warm feelings and a sense of comfort.

TikTokGoogle Review
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Really good breakfast place! We highly recommend it but get there early or you will have to wait! I got the blueberry pancake and my husband got 2 regular and they were so good, but so big, neither of us finished our plates!
@bekahnicolejohnson
49 likes • 1K views

Arrive Early to Beat the Crowd

Visit early on weekdays or at off-peak brunch times to avoid long wait times, as this spot is very popular.

Don't Over-Order

Portions are very large; consider sharing dishes or opting for half orders to enjoy a variety of items.

✔️📝 Step into a delicious time capsule in the heart of historic downtown Hot Springs! The Pancake Shop has been a local institution since 1940, serving up traditional breakfast with a side of history. #HotSpringsBucketlist 🥞 Get ready for a feast that lives up to the hype, starting with their famous plate-sized pancakes, which are fluffy, golden-brown, and cover every inch of your plate. Pair them...
@visithotsprings
92 likes • 5.6K views
🥞🍳 The Pancake Shop, serving up decadent pancakes since 1940. #fyp #tiktokfoodie #tiktoktravel #breakfast #hotsprings #arkansas #pancakes #foodtok
@visithotsprings
480 likes • 11.9K views

Try Unique Accompaniments

Ask for cheese grits or homemade apple butter to complement your meal for a unique local flavor.

Got to try one of the #top50 breakfast joints in the USA this morning in #hotsprings #arkansas our #waitress was one of the best for #pancakes #thepancake #pancakehouse
@lisasocialize
8 likes • 2.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early to Beat the Crowd

Visit early on weekdays or at off-peak brunch times to avoid long wait times, as this spot is very popular.

Don't Over-Order

Portions are very large; consider sharing dishes or opting for half orders to enjoy a variety of items.

Try Unique Accompaniments

Ask for cheese grits or homemade apple butter to complement your meal for a unique local flavor.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Pancake Shop is celebrated for its iconic, oversized fluffy pancakes and generous portions of classic American breakfast fare. Diners consistently praise the friendly and efficient service, contributing to the nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere of this long-standing establishment. While the food quality is generally high, some reviews mention certain dishes like French toast or omelets being just 'okay' or slightly overcooked.

"Wonderful place for breakfast. It’s popular so be prepared to wait a bit. But they put out hot coffee and ice water while you are waiting. They are very efficient so the wait is not long. There are great shops nearby to help you pass the time. Waitstaff are extremely friendly and helpful. Excellent service. Their portions are very large. You can get half orders. Huge pancakes. Wonderful sausage patties. Crispy bacon. Cheese grits are A+. Whole wheat, sourdough toast or English muffins. Apple butter and grape jelly served. Eggs. Omelettes (3 eggs). French toast. Half grapefruit. Stewed prunes. Different kinds of juice. Chocolate milk. Good, hot coffee. ( we jumped in and started to eat before I remembered to take pictures. Lol)"

Sharon Hartmann

"A fun little diner like place, the Pancake Shop was THE place to eat a big hearty breakfast before starting our adventures for the day. The staff kindly let us know that the pancakes are HUGE, so we didn't over order on those, but once we added a side of eggs and sausage it was a LOT of food! Everything tasted wonderful, and the staff were friendly and very attentive. Multiple staff members checked on us throughout our dining experience, and they were quick to top off our coffee cups when they ran low. We lucked out and missed most of the morning rush, as we ate at more of a "brunch" time, so we didn't have to wait to be seated, but you could tell that this diner is always hoppin! Certainly a place we'll come back to if we are back in town again."

Christy G.

"This restaurant gave me all the feels! I felt like I was stepping back in time to a pancake shoppe that my grandparents would have take me to. I loved the nostalgic atmosphere, the fast yet hospitable service and more importantly the delicious pancakes. I wish I had taken more pictures but I was caught up in the moment of enjoying my cup of coffee and cozying up with my kids on a rainy morning. Just wonderful. The wait wasn’t bad. Be prepared to have to pay to park."

Laura

What People Like

Huge, fluffy pancakes
Generous portion sizes
Friendly and attentive service

What People Dislike

Occasional overcooked items
Long wait times during peak hours

Frequently Asked Questions

The Pancake Shop is most famous for its huge, fluffy, plate-sized pancakes. They also offer delicious sausage patties, crispy bacon, and classic omelets.

TikTokGoogle Review

Yes, the restaurant is very popular, especially on weekends. Arriving early on weekdays or during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid long wait times.

TikTokGoogle Review

Yes, portions are known to be very generous. Many diners suggest sharing dishes or ordering half portions.

Google Review+1

The menu features unique offerings like cheese grits and homemade apple butter, which are great additions to your meal.

Google Review

Yes, they serve their own signature house blend coffee and provide free refills, ensuring your cup never runs empty.

Google Review+1

Yes, the restaurant is known for being family-friendly with a welcoming atmosphere and options like 'Mickey Mouse' pancakes for kids.

TikTok17 Best Things to Do in Hot Springs with Kids (And Places to Eat)Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

fodors.com

Trip Report Soaking up Wellness in Hot Springs

I'd heard that this place was a Hot Springs institution, and now I know why. They open at 7 a.m., and I arrived shortly thereafter. I was immediately seated, and I ordered coffee, one blueberry pancake (Their pancakes are the size of a dinner plate.), a couple of strips of bacon, and a fruit bowl of blueberries and bananas.

Visit Source →
Travel + Leisure

The Essential Guide to Hot Springs National Park

Of course, the pancakes are the big draw, including buttermilk and buckwheat flapjacks stuffed with fruit. The eatery also has its own blend of coffee and all the other breakfast favorites, such as oatmeal and omelettes.

Visit Source →
AMP

Hot Springs Feast Month Showcases Incredible Food Scene

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.

Visit Source →
Hot Springs National Park Arkansas

Diners Get to Vote for Their Favorite Hot Springs Eateries During Feast Month in November as City Celebrates Diverse Dining Opportunities in Spa City

Last year’s winners were: Best BBQ — Smokin’ In Style BBQ; Best Burger — Ouachita Bar & Grill; Best Pizza — Rocky’s Corner; Best Tacos — Capo’s Tacos; Best Steak — 501 Prime; Best Southern-style Food — Mama Vee’s Southern Homestyle Cuisine; Best Vegetarian — Café 1217; Best Sweets — Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcakes; Best Breakfast — The Pancake Shop; Best Asian Cuisine — The Pho House; Best Italian Cuisine — Via Roma Italian Restaurant; Best Food Truck — Rock ‘N’ Roll Hibachi.

Visit Source →
allentilleryauto.com

Four Breakfast Places Worth the Early Drive Near Hot Springs, AR – Allen Tillery Auto Chevrolet Buick GMC Blog

Located in the Historic Downtown Hot Springs area, this delightful breakfast restaurant covers all the breakfast basics. The main attraction at The Pancake Shop is, of course, pancake plates such as buckwheat pancakes with blueberries, apple pancakes, and classic buttermilk pancakes. The Pancake Shop menu also includes cereals such as oatmeal or grits with optional bananas, blueberries, and raisins, as well as various white toast, rye toast, and raisin toast.

Visit Source →
koa.com

Hot Springs, Arkansas Area Attractions

The Pancake Shop, a cherished institution in Hot Springs, Arkansas, has been delighting breakfast enthusiasts since 1940. As one of the oldest family-owned and operated restaurants in the state, it boasts a rich history of serving home-style breakfasts to a loyal customer base. Known for its warm atmosphere and hearty offerings, the restaurant attracts both locals and visitors, often leading to a bustling weekend crowd.

Visit Source →
Hometown Plate

A Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants in Hot Springs, Arkansas

In the heart of Hot Springs, The Pancake Shop stands as a beacon of breakfast bliss for both locals and eager tourists. Renowned for their gargantuan pancakes that have left many patrons in awe, this Food Network gem is a must-visit. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, the friendly staff ensures a seamless dining experience, with fresh and flavorful dishes that exceed expectations.

Visit Source →
Dallasites101, LLC.

Guide to Hot Springs, Arkansas

Noted in the New York Times and Southern Living as one of the best places to eat in Hot Springs, this breakfast joint is an oldstanding tradition for locals and regular visitors. The restaurant has been open for almost 70 years, and includes delicious treats like fresh squeezed orange juice, homemade pancakes and sausages, and award winning ham.

Visit Source →
Our Sweet Adventures

17 Best Things to Do in Hot Springs with Kids (And Places to Eat)

One of the best breakfast places to eat in Hot Springs is The Pancake Shop. Since 1940, this family-owned restaurant has been serving delicious plates of giant pancakes made from scratch, homemade sausage, juicy ham steaks, and more. More importantly, the Pancake Shop is family-friendly and has some of the friendliest people in town.

Visit Source →
Houstonia Magazine

Hot Springs Needs to Be on Your Travel Radar

In the p.m., a trip to Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery is in order. It’s the only brewery in the world serving beer made from thermal water. Rose Schweikhart, the brewery owner, worked for years to get a lease on the historic building and has since turned it into one of the most popular culinary destinations in the city.

Visit Source →
Backroad Planet

14 Top Attractions in Hot Springs Arkansas

They’ve been serving up traditional, hearty breakfasts at The Pancake Shop since 1940. That tells you pretty much all you need to know. But if I must, everything is made to order, the locals are friendly, the pancakes are made from scratch, as is their housemade sausage, and cap it all off with frequent and fast coffee refills.

Visit Source →
Tinybeans

What to Do in Hot Springs, AR with Kids

When you step into The Pancake Shop, the first things you’ll notice are the friendly staff, the walls lined with Hot Springs history and the laid-back atmosphere. After that, the only thing you’ll be able to think about is the pancakes. Not much has changed since The Pancake Shop opened in 1940, and that’s a good thing.

Visit Source →
TripSavvy

Hot Springs, Arkansas: The Complete Guide

Visitors hoping to experience the rich food culture in this Arkansas town can start their day off with a trip to the famous Pancake Shop, which features one of the top breakfast menus in the state. Alternatively, visitors can check out Bleu Monkey Grill, a newer establishment great for some bistro-style American food.

Visit Source →
Candie Travels

December Weekend in Hot Springs, Arkansas – 2022

If you want to sit down, but still enjoy an efficient breakfast, The Pancake Shop is perfect. If you’re looking for a downhome classic breakfast experience with homemade sausage, huge pancakes, perfectly cooked eggs, and all the coffee refills you want, look no further. This was my favorite breakfast of the trip.

Visit Source →
Carful of Kids Travel

9 Top Things to Do in Hot Springs Arkansas

This storefront has been flipping pancakes onto diner’s plates since 1940. Guests will find pancakes large enough to cover a plate and include buttermilk, banana, apple, chocolate chip, blueberry and buckwheat.The Pancake Shop also serves made-to-order eggs and omelettes. Located at 216 Central Ave.

Visit Source →
arkansas.com

Culinary hot spots: Hot Springs

This Hot Springs institution is known for its wonderful breakfasts. Open since 1940, it is one of the oldest family run and operated restaurants in the state. Fresh squeezed orange juice, pancakes made from scratch, homemade sausage, eggs, bottomless cups of coffee and more are on the hearty menu.

Visit Source →
All About Arkansas

14 BEST Restaurants in Hot Springs, Arkansas

The Pancake Shop comes highly recommended (with plenty of exclamation marks) from Arkansans everywhere. They have been serving up delicious breakfasts since 1940 and it is one of the oldest family-owned and operated restaurants in the state. “Once inside, get ready for a unique dining experience.

Visit Source →
Country Roads Magazine

A Travel Guide to Hot Springs and Eureka Springs Arkansas

For breakfast, it’s The Pancake Shop, which has been around since 1940. Order the signature blueberry pancakes, and your waitress will advise cutting a well in the center of your pancake so the syrup won’t spill. The sausage, creamy grits, and apple buttered toast are complete perfection.

Visit Source →
She Buys Travel

18 Fun Things to Do in Hot Springs Arkansas

The Pancake Shop, located on Central Avenue, is the place for pancakes and other breakfast foods. The plate-sized pancakes are made from scratch and made to order. The menu hasn’t changed since the 1970s, and the line outside on Saturday mornings is evidence they’re doing something right.

Visit Source →
StyleBlueprint: For a Life of Style + Substance

What to Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Another great sit-down breakfast option is The Pancake Shop, which offers arguably the largest pancake on the planet. We tried the blueberry and made the mistake of ordering a stack. Then we made the even bigger mistake of eating the whole thing, which was enough to feed a small family.

Visit Source →
Trekaroo Family Travel Blog

Over 20 Things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas with Family

If you have breakfast in one place in Hot Springs, it should be the Pancake Shop. This breakfast joint has been an institution on Central Avenue since 1940. Pancakes are as big as your plate and are either buttermilk or buckwheat with tasty toppings like apple, blueberry, and banana.

Visit Source →
Nomadic News

Eat Your Way Through Hot Springs, Arkansas

About: Looking to start your day with a good ol’ Southern breakfast?. The Pancake Shop is conveniently in historic downtown Hot Springs steps away from the famous attractions. This traditional restaurant has stuck to its roots, not changing the menu much in over 70 years.

Visit Source →
Hot Springs Guest Guide

Savor Hot Springs' Diverse Menu of Restaurants

Family-owned and operated, The Pancake Shop has been Hot Springs’ choice for breakfast since 1940. Located in historic downtown Hot Springs, an iconic landmark diner voted one of the Top 10 Breakfast Joints in the South, The Pancake Shop serves a full breakfast menu.

Visit Source →
Edible Ozarkansas

Seventy-Five Years of Pancakes: The Pancake Shop in Hot Springs

Between the suspended ceiling and walls decked with photographs of winning racehorses and celebrities, a constant chatter fills the air. Tourists share word of their traveling finds. Regular patrons rustle newspapers and clink down coffee mugs onto saucers.

Visit Source →
pancakeshop.com

Best Breakfast Spot in Hot Springs, Arkansas

I grew up with an idea of diners that came from prime-time TV. Diners were a world where waitresses wore matching uniforms, where chrome barstools and Formica-topped tables were the norm, where the coffee was always hot and the eggs always cooked to order.

Visit Source →
sundancevacations.com

Hot Springs, Arkansas Attractions & Things To Do

If you plan on exploring the national park, hiking shoes are a must. Choose fast drying clothing as there are puddles, rivers and streams for you to splash through. Bug repellent is also a great idea anytime you're spending the day outdoors.

Visit Source →
Real Food Traveler

Editor's Pick: Is the Bathhouse Row Hot Springs Experience for You?

Breakfast: The Pancake Shop* is an institution, having opened in 1940. With a diner-style vibe, take my advice and order a buckwheat pancake and top it with a side of a farm-fresh, over-easy egg and a sausage patty, made locally.

Visit Source →
Couple in the Kitchen

Hot Springs Arkansas Getaway

The Pancake Shop – Feels like you’re eating at grandma’s house!. The Pancake Shop in Hot Springs has been around since 1940. They are known for their buckwheat pancakes, but our favorite was the apple fruit-filled pancakes.

Visit Source →
NOMADasaurus Staging

18 BEST Things to Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas [2025 Guide]

This amazing little family-owned restaurant serves up a variety of plate-sized pancakes (yes, plate-sized -they’re massive), along with tasty coffee and some of the best freshly squeezed orange juice you’ll ever taste.

Visit Source →
Bloom Co.

The Perfect Couple’s Weekend Guide to Downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas

The Pancake Shop is the top breakfast spot in downtown Hot Springs. You should get there early, before they open, because it’s not a big place. Go hungry and be prepared to skip lunch that day!

Visit Source →
Arkansas Frontier |

Ultimate Guide to Downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas

Everybody who’s anybody is waiting in line for a blueberry buckwheat pancake from The Pancake Shop!. You can wait your turn in The Savory Pantry- a conjoining shop that sells local food goods!

Visit Source →
diariolasamericas.com

Hot Springs, experience the charm of the early 1900s surrounded by nature

The Pancake Shop is probably the downtown Hot Spring’s most popular breakfast spot. You can count on big plates of buttermilk or buckwheat pancakes, with or without apple or blueberries.

Visit Source →
Family Destinations Guide

11 Mom-And-Pop Diners In Arkansas With The Best Home-Cooked Food In The State

The Pancake Shop: That elegant green storefront with flower boxes is like the sophisticated aunt of breakfast joints—classy but still fun. Photo credit: Tevis Pieper

Visit Source →
AllPages.com

4+ Best Breakfast Restaurants in Hot Springs National Park, AR

Visit Source →
A Taste of Koko

7 Top Things To Do In Hot Springs Arkansas

Kollective Coffee + Tea – this is the local coffee + tea shop. I stopped in to get my morning coffee before hiking Hot Springs National Park.

Visit Source →
evendo.com

Best restaurants in Hot Springs

Visit Source →
Those Crazy Nelsons

ALERT! These are the BEST things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Visit Source →
The MOM Trotter

19 Things To Do In Hot Springs Arkansas With or Without Kids

Visit Source →