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Eat & DrinkFamily FavoriteQuirky Fun

The Purple Cow

1490 Higdon Ferry Road · Hot Springs, AR

Why you should go…

The Purple Cow is a 1950s-themed diner chain founded in Arkansas in 1989 by Ed Moore and chef Paul Bash. Its Hot Springs location on Higdon Ferry Road serves gourmet burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches, and entree salads alongside a full soda fountain, including its signature hand-dipped purple vanilla shake. The restaurant is dog-friendly, handicap accessible, and serves beer and wine, with breakfast available on weekends.

  • #diner
  • #burgers
  • #family
  • #milkshakes

Good to know

General eat & drink guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Go early or go late

    The simplest way around a wait at a popular room is to sit down before the rush or after it.

  • Reservations open on a schedule

    Where bookings are taken, tables tend to be released a set number of days in advance, often at a fixed hour.

  • Menus move with the season

    Treat any dish you read about online as a maybe, not a promise, especially anything local and seasonal.

  • Ask what the place is known for

    Staff will point you at the thing worth ordering faster than any list will.

What's around here?

The closest stops to The Purple Cow, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Hot Springs Marina

    $50+

    The oldest full-service marina on Lake Hamilton, renting pontoon boats and water toys and offering visitor docking.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

    Free

    Historic thoroughbred racetrack and casino resort in downtown Hot Springs, racing since 1904.

    1.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Stay
    Family Favorite

    Sunbay Resort

    $50+

    Lakefront hotel and condo resort on Lake Hamilton with two pools, a sports bar and dockside boat-tour departures.

    2.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    The Winery of Hot Springs

    Free

    Free tastings of Arkansas-grown wines paired with a mini wine museum in downtown Hot Springs.

    2.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Stay
    Local Gem

    The Wharf Resort

    $50+

    Lakeside condo resort on Lake Hamilton with pool, tennis and boat slips near Hot Springs.

    2.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Garvan Woodland Gardens

    Under $25

    A 210-acre botanical garden on Lake Hamilton with azalea collections, waterfalls, a children's garden and Anthony Chapel.

    2.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor