A Sip Back in Time: Review of the Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs

We recently visited the Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs and found that this place is way more than a brewery.

It is everything that makes the city of Hot Springs unique; a dash of history, a spoonful of creativity, a pinch of innovation and a cupful of big dreams all stirred together with the thermal mineral waters.

The owner of the bathhouse brewery says,

“We are Hot Springs on tap.”

Rose Schweikhart from the Superior Bathhouse Brewery website

I love that!

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Beginnings of the Superior Bathhouse Brewery

The Superior Bathhouse opened in 1916 and operated as a bathhouse until 1983. It then remained vacant for the next 30 years.

The Superior Bathhouse, along with many of the other vacant bathhouses on the row were falling into disrepair. The park system decided to explore something, well, historic…leasing the buildings to private investors.

Tenants are required to maintain the integrity of the building although they can make necessary changes for their businesses.

You can read a case study about that decision and how it has been a boon to Hot Springs!

According to the case study the owner of the Superior Bathhouse Brewery:

discovered that the natural temperature and pH of the thermal springs were ideal for
beer making

From a case study about leasing in national parks

Rose Schweikhart opened the Superior Bathhouse Brewery in 2014 and today it is one of the most popular places to eat and drink in Hot Springs.

Let’s Talk About the Beer

There are 18 different beers to choose from so you are sure to find something you like!

In addition to their core line-up, the brewery often incorporates seasonal and experimental brews into the mix. This means there’s always a reason to return and see what new flavors they’ve come up with.

Can’t make up your mind which beer to try? Try a beer flight!

You can choose 4 beers that will arrive in 4 ounce tester cups. Or if you really want to go all out – Try the beer bath! This will allow you to try ALL 18 beers.

The Superior Bathhouse Brewery does not can or bottle their beer so you will have to come to the restaurant to enjoy it. But, the good news is that they do sell beer to go! So, bring your growler and pick up your favorite to enjoy at home.

TIP: For those who don’t like beer, or those who don’t drink alcohol, you can also enjoy their homemade root beer. That is actually what I had and it is delicious!

Food at the Brewery

The Superior Bathhouse Brewery is also a restaurant serving pub fare with a bit of a southern twist. And everything is SO good.

Of course, you’ve got to get a pretzel. Emily and I tried ours with a side of the beer cheese dip and a side of honey mustard. Go for the beer cheese dip! It complements the soft, warm, and salty pretzel perfectly.

We also tried the pimento cheese dip with tortilla chips which we totally gobbled down. We are kind of pimento cheese…snobs…and this was really good pimento cheese. We also tried the fried cauliflower which comes with buffalo sauce.

All the appetizers were so good.

But we didn’t stop there.

We decided to share Bathhouse Burger, specifically the Fire Ant, it did not disappoint. It was juicy and cooked to perfection, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful.

It paired wonderfully with my root beer!

The burger was spicy though, so if you are not a spice lover then I would suggest trying the Rose’s Burger which has onion bacon jam and gouda cheese.

All the food was delicious and well-prepared.

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Service and Ambiance

The atmosphere was lively and busy. The building is amazing with huge windows looking out on the town. You can choose a table or you can sit right at the long bar which runs along the windows.

We sat at the bar – it was so enjoyable to sit there and sip and eat and chat and watch the world go by.

There is also a large patio with umbrella shaded tables. It had the feel of a beer garden! What a nice way to enjoy the heart of Hot Springs; sitting right on bathhouse row sipping a beer.

Do be aware that the patio is self-service. You will seat yourself, review the menu, and then go inside to order.

The staff and service at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery were not just knowledgeable but genuinely friendly, making the entire experience even more enjoyable.

Not only do we highly recommend the Superior Bathhouse Brewery we would go so far as to say that it is a must-stop on any visit to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

If you find yourself in Hot Springs, don’t miss the chance to visit this gem. You won’t regret it!

Thanks for stopping by!