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Tucked along historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs, a place in Arkansas still leaves most people unable to believe it exists. Superior Bathhouse Brewery is not just a great spot for lunch or a cold drink; it is the only brewery inside a U.S. National Park and the only brewery in the world that uses thermal spring water to craft its beer.
Set within Hot Springs National Park and just steps from the shops and charm of Central Avenue, this is one of those places that quietly becomes the highlight of your trip. Whether you come for the history, the food or the novelty of sipping something truly one-of-a-kind, it is worth slowing down to step inside.
From Bathhouse to Brew House
The building itself tells a story before you even glance at a menu. Opened in 1916, the Superior Bathhouse was designed by architect Harry Schwebke and distinguished itself from its neighbors with its redbrick exterior, decorative pilasters, and green-tile accents. At the time, it offered accessible hydrotherapy treatments and served visitors traveling to Hot Springs in search of healing.
Like many bathhouses, it closed in 1983 as traditional spa culture declined in popularity. For nearly three decades, the building sat quiet.
Then came Rose Schweikhart.
A professional musician turned homebrewer, she saw potential where others saw an aging structure and decided to expand her hobby into a business.
In 2013, Rose transformed the empty space into something entirely new while preserving its historic bones. The process was anything but simple. Brewing equipment had to be hauled through the windows, and every step required careful restoration, often scrubbing off grime with her hands and nails.
What emerged is more than a brewery. It is a working example of preservation done right, where history is not just displayed but lived in.
And then there is the water.
The same thermal spring water that once filled soaking tubs now flows into the brewing process. Heated naturally to 143 degrees and estimated to be thousands of years old, it gives the beer a story no other place can replicate.
The Menu: Where Thoughtfulness Meets Flavor
While the beer gets the headlines, the food deserves equal attention.
This is not an afterthought menu. It is intentional, locally rooted and surprisingly memorable.
Start Here
Start with the soft pretzels and beer cheese. They are warm, salty, and exactly what you want in a place like this. The chips and house-made salsa are another standout, featuring a smooth, slightly smoky salsa that is more refined than typical bar fare. The chips are sturdy, crisp and just salty enough to keep you reaching for more.
The snacks complement the beer and keep you lingering on the patio or at the front window, dining and enjoying a meal or afternoon snack.
Burgers and Classics Done Right
The smash burgers are a must. Available as single or double patties, they are made with Arkansas-sourced beef from Natural State Beef Company. That detail matters, and you can taste it.
Most come with a house-made burger sauce made with mayo, mustard, and relish that pulls everything together. If you are deciding between options, lean into anything that includes their sweet-and-spicy bacon. It is candied, layered with flavor, and easily one of the most memorable bites on the menu. It completely transformed my sandwich.
You will also find approachable favorites like a patty melt, a steak sandwich, nachos and a BLT, all prepared with a little more care than expected.
The club sandwich deserves its own moment. Stacked high with Petit Jean ham and bacon, it was tall and filling in every bite. It did have to be deconstructed to eat it, but that was easy to accommodate.
The Unexpected Standout
The salads might surprise you the most.
The house salad can be upgraded with an Asian carrot vinaigrette that is bright and slightly sweet, unlike anything you expect in a brewery setting. Pair that dressing with a Cobb salad, and you have something that holds its own against anything else on the table. The Cobb salad comes topped with chopped veggies, a hard-boiled egg, and more of those Petit Jean meats.
Also worth noting, swapping your side for a salad does not incur an extra charge. That small detail says a lot about how this menu was designed; filling, healthy options are the default.
Something for Everyone
Not in the mood for beer? They’ve got you covered.
The house-made root beer uses the same thermal spring water and brewing techniques, with real honey adding depth. Turn it into a float, and you have one of the best desserts in Hot Springs.
Speaking of desserts, the brownie sundae with root beer caramel sauce, house-made cobblers, and cinnamon-sugar pretzel bites with marshmallow cream round things out in a way that feels indulgent yet fitting.
And yes, even your dog gets options. There is a small menu just for four-legged guests.
It Is a Brewery After All
Let’s not forget what makes this place globally unique.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery produces between 200 and 1,200 gallons of beer each week using a steam-fired system powered by thermal water. With 18 house beers on tap, there is always something new to try.
You can order a flight, build your own tasting, or go all in with a full “beer bath” of small pours. The flight includes four, 4 oz. tasters of your choice. The “beer bath” brings 4 oz. of each beer to the table to enjoy. For those wanting to take some home, they offer growlers and cans, all filled fresh on site. (not for walkout, but for carryout)
Come One, Come All
What makes this place special is not just what is on the menu; it is how it feels to be there.
Inside, you are dining in the corridors of a former bathhouse. Rooms that once served a different purpose now hold tables filled with families, couples and travelers sharing stories from their day.
It is first come, first served, and sometimes that means sharing space. That just adds to the experience.
Outside, the patio opens things up even more. It is pet- and family-friendly and relaxed in a way that invites you to stay a while. If your dog is well-behaved and leashed, they are welcome.
Its location makes it an easy stop during festivals, at park events, or for a simple afternoon exploring Bathhouse Row. You can walk the trails, shop along Central Avenue, and stop here for a meal without ever moving your car.
A Place Worth Experiencing
There are plenty of great places to eat in Hot Springs. There are also plenty of breweries across the country.
But there is only one place like this.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery is a story of restoration, creativity, and community. It is a place where Arkansas history meets modern craft, local-sourced ingredients are celebrated, and everyone, from solo travelers to families with kids and dogs, can find a seat at the table.
If you are planning a trip to Downtown Hot Springs, this is not just a recommendation; it’s essential.
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