Bars in Hot Springs

“My favorite bar in hot spring and great owners“

“This place remains our first stop after my friends and I do our evening soak at Syme’s. And, for the longest time, it remained a haven for outsiders, as the now more friendly bar down the block doesn’t feel like a place to get shivved (that is a joke and a compliment, by the way) or buy some ‘crystal-ish’ stuff (again, joke/compliment).

Hot Spring is Hot Springs. And Fergie’s (which we have been going to on our annual visits since before it was, for whatever reason, an Irish pub) has been consistent. Historical snapshot: in the late-80s, you could get a 16 oz. PBR for .50 cents!?!? And I am not sure that they were (actually, they weren’t) carding. Times change. But Fergie’s is a great place to go for a drink. When they ask if you want a double, be prepared. They mean to serve you a mixed drink in a pint glass . . . and they aren’t being careful! If you also step outside to have a smoke, be prepared to interact with interesting locals. Fun bunch. Always a story.

Never ate here. But the food looks like decent bar food. Not sure I would take the chance on their sushi nights. Then again, who knows? The staff are always great. The customers are always, well, um, local. And I get it. I am not from there. Sometimes, it is like walking into their living room. Conversations stop. Long stares. Other times? Chat with a local. Find out some interesting history. They have a shuffleboard table too. So, that is a bonus.

After our evening soak at Syme’s, and after our drink (or two) at Fergies’s, we do our normal: we do a small walk around town, up to and including our annual pilgrimage to Wacky Whoever’s Disco Meth and Wood Lab on the edge of town, near the community center. Lots of dogs. Lots of deer. Peaceful, really. Just squint and be thankful you aren't in a a town that has turned into some sort of tourist nightmare. Hot Springs has not.

Again, my friends and I love Hot Springs. And Fergie’s will remain part of that. Thanks again for a great visit.“

“Nice selection of beers. Friendly bartender and the other folks enjoying a beverage greeted us with a smile. Sat outside on patio. We purchased some take out from across the street and it was fine for us to eat while having our beers. Very laid back vibe.“