Taco Mama
1 / 10

Taco Mama

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A vibrant Mexican cantina in a renovated historic building, known for creative dishes, housemade salsa, and specialty margaritas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Taco Mama

Taco Mama

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Mexican cantina in a renovated historic building, known for creative dishes, housemade salsa, and specialty margaritas.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This place is one of my favorites in town! Very good food."

TIP

Best Seating Options

For a more private experience, choose the bar side or the covered patio.

Vegan Options Available

Try creative vegan dishes like vegan ceviche, made from chilled corn, cauliflower, and tomato salad.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Mexican

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(501) 624-6262

Address

1209 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Signature Fried Fish Tacos

Signature Fried Fish Tacos

Must-try fried fish tacos that are a local favorite, known for their unique preparation and delicious flavor.

Google Review+1
Vibrant Atmosphere

Vibrant Atmosphere

Experience a lively ambiance, perfect for a date night or a fun outing with friends, with indoor and patio seating.

Feast Your Eyes (and Stomach) on Hot Springs: Hot Springs Feast Month Bucket ListGoogle Review
Creative Mexican Cuisine

Creative Mexican Cuisine

Discover unique twists on traditional Mexican dishes, including inventive vegetarian and vegan options.

Feast Your Eyes (and Stomach) on Hot Springs: Hot Springs Feast Month Bucket ListGoogle Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Up in Smoke at Taco Mama Hot Springs, Arkansas#tacomamahotsprings #visithotsprings #hotspringsarkansas #cheechmarin @visithotsprings
@tacomamaarkansas
58 likes • 1.2K views

Best Seating Options

For a more private experience, choose the bar side or the covered patio.

Vegan Options Available

Try creative vegan dishes like vegan ceviche, made from chilled corn, cauliflower, and tomato salad.

Enjoy the Wait

Dishes are made to order, so relax with complimentary chips and housemade salsa.

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Tips

from all over the internet

Best Seating Options

For a more private experience, choose the bar side or the covered patio.

Vegan Options Available

Try creative vegan dishes like vegan ceviche, made from chilled corn, cauliflower, and tomato salad.

Enjoy the Wait

Dishes are made to order, so relax with complimentary chips and housemade salsa.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Taco Mama is lauded for its delicious and unique Mexican cuisine, with many highlighting the fried fish tacos and creative vegetarian options. Diners appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and specialty margaritas. However, some reviews mention inconsistent service and a decline in food quality and value over time.

"Delicious locally owned restaurant. Fried fish tacos, street corn, chicken n waffles, quesadillas, queso, bowls, salsa are all super yummy! Margaritas are on point!

They have brunch and mimosas on the weekends."

Lindsay Carrouth

"This place is one of my favorites in town! Very good food. I usually always go and order the fried fish tacos, but to be honest I've never had anything that i didn't like here. Everything is made fresh and the staff is always very nice"

Allan Jarillo

"The food is excellent. They have their own style of preparing typical Mexican dishes that is somewhat unique. It’s a must try if you’re looking for Mexican food in Hot Springs."

John Bartlett

What People Like

Delicious and unique Mexican dishes
Creative vegetarian and vegan options
Vibrant atmosphere and great margaritas

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Declining food quality and value

Frequently Asked Questions

The fried fish tacos are a standout, and many reviewers also rave about the enchiladas, tamales, and unique vegetarian options.

Google Review+3

Yes, Taco Mama offers creative vegan dishes, such as a vegan ceviche that is more of a chilled corn, cauliflower, and tomato salad.

Google Review+1

The restaurant has a vibrant and fun atmosphere, described as a great date night spot with both indoor and covered patio seating.

Feast Your Eyes (and Stomach) on Hot Springs: Hot Springs Feast Month Bucket ListOutdoor Dining in Hot SpringsGoogle Review

Yes, there is a lot of space inside, and the staff is very accommodating to groups.

What to Do in Hot Springs, AR with Kids

Specialty margaritas are a highlight, with mentions of a champagne margarita and others.

Outdoor Dining in Hot SpringsWhat to Do in Hot Springs, AR with KidsGoogle Review

Yes, everything is made to order, so there can be some delays. It's recommended to enjoy complimentary chips and salsa while you wait.

Google Review+1

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Built from an up cycled hardware store from the 1930s, Taco Mama is home to truly authentic Mexican food and some of the coldest margaritas and draft beer in town!. Taco Mama also hosts a self-serve condiment bar featuring several different salsa types and roasted hot peppers. The fabulous covered patio is located at the back of the building and features fans and misters for the hot summer months.

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Food spots you might overlook but should definitely check out in Hot Springs: Cafe 1217 for a tasty lunch spot, Taco Mama for delicious drinks and tacos (of course), SQZBX Pizza Joint (try the Greek pizza), and Best Cafe at the Best Court Motel for a deliciously retro breakfast spot. And of course Starlite Club for all the ’80s dive bar weirdness your heart could desire.

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Diana Bratton is a transplant from Texas who revels in the funky details seen throughout both of her Taco Mama locations. Each one offers up a unique and vibrant yet elegantly laid-back interior that invites diners to stay awhile. The menu is bursting with culinary creativity, relying on fresh ingredients that never sacrifice flavor.

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Located on Malvern Ave., Taco Mama is a short drive from the Bark Park. (There’s also a second “side town” location on Ouachita Avenue.) The restaurant is owned and operated by Diana Bratton and her husband Shane, who made culinary fame with Cafe 1217. Their latest venture features authentic handmade Mexican food.

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There’s a lot of space inside, and the staff is very accommodating to groups. There’s a fun vibe, and whether you want classic fajitas, something decadent like the shrimp and crab enchiladas or even a keto-friendly meal, you’ll find it at Taco Mama. If you like margaritas, be sure to try the champagne margarita!

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I still remember the first time I sat on the beach in Mexico and enjoyed hand prepared fajitas. The warm wind was blowing, the palm trees were swaying, and the music was good. I miss that day but one evening at Taco Mama will take me right back.

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15 Restaurants In Arkansas To Get Mexican Food That Will Blow Your Mind

A well-known and award-winning Hot Springs location to get fantastic Mexican food, Taco Mama is located at 1209 Malvern Avenue. This is a bustling and lively spot, and you'll enjoy the energy, food and great service at this restaurant.

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Taco Mama with a twist, same chef owners, located inside the Culinary District kitchen store across from the courthouse. An incredible dining experience awaits you, great patio—dog friendly, beer and wine. Come taste the difference!.

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Stay hungry and be thirsty At Taco Mama, we believe in supporting our local businesses and serving our guests the freshest ingredients possible. We believe any time is a good time for a margarita. We believe in ice cold cerveza.

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Of course, Bratton has not always been known for her Mexican-style fare. Before opening Taco Mama in 2009, she was already a household name in Hot Springs for serving up gourmet-to-go as the owner of Cafe 1217.

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- Rating: 3.8/5 (248 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 1209 Malvern Ave. Hot Springs, Arkansas - Categories: Mexican- Read more on Yelp

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