The Purple Cow Restaurant
A nostalgic diner serving classic American grub, featuring gourmet burgers and the famous hand-dipped purple vanilla shake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Purple Cow Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A nostalgic diner serving classic American grub, featuring gourmet burgers and the famous hand-dipped purple vanilla shake.
"You must try their famous hand-dipped purple vanilla shake!"
Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times for your meal.
Don't Skip the Shake
You must order the iconic, hand-dipped purple vanilla shake – it's a crowd favorite!
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(501) 625-7999
Address
1490 Higdon Ferry Rd, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913, USA
Website
purplecowlr.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Purple Vanilla Shake
A must-try hand-dipped purple vanilla shake that delights with its unique color and classic creamy flavor.
Gourmet Angus Beef Burgers
Indulge in gourmet burgers crafted from never-frozen Angus beef, served with a side of delicious fries.
Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain Experience
Step back in time with classic diner vibes and enjoy old-fashioned treats like malts and sundaes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times for your meal.
Don't Skip the Shake
You must order the iconic, hand-dipped purple vanilla shake – it's a crowd favorite!
Try Unique Items
Consider unique menu options like fried pickles or the smoked club sandwich.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times for your meal.
Don't Skip the Shake
You must order the iconic, hand-dipped purple vanilla shake – it's a crowd favorite!
Try Unique Items
Consider unique menu options like fried pickles or the smoked club sandwich.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about The Purple Cow's classic American diner experience, particularly praising the unique purple shakes and gourmet burgers. While many enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and friendly service, some reviews mention occasional long wait times and inconsistencies with food quality, such as fries tasting of old grease or dry turkey burgers.
"Oh, my goodness! From the lady at the front that seated us.
To the waiter he was accommodating to the max. We never had an empty glass.The food and manager and all employees at the establishment is totally amazing. Every item we ordered tasted amazing and flavorful. The purple ice-cream was vanilla. It made my brain and taste buds a little confused. I loved it. We ordered the everything platter. We loved all the sauces. Try all of them if you ever go. We had the cheese burger and sweet potato fries. I got the oreo pie and my sister had the hot fudge Sundae. The facility was clean and kept up. It's just a pleasant place to eat. I love old fashioned themes. We had a great time. Such a great atmosphere. The manager was so nice and introduced himself to us. This was our fist time and it won't be our last. I hope everyone has a wonderful visit like my sister and I did. I say" Alway try something new you might just like it".
Now only 1 bad thing: It might just be me. There was a lady sweeping around my table. I absolutely dislike that. I feel it moves dirt in my food. The waiter told her to stop. I thank him and he was tipped very good. He deserved it! 2 thumbs up."
T.J. Hunter
"First time that I’ve ever had to wait decades for food. It’s been a long time and gosh the wait was 30 minutes long…. Like dang really. Always go for the chicken finger platter and today tried something new…. BLT. Nope. Cold sweet potato fries. But still great purple shakes."
Grace Turner
"This was a fun experience! The malts were amazing! This was our first restaurant while visiting Hot Springs. We all had a good time here, and everyone enjoyed their meal."
E A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Purple Cow is most famous for its iconic hand-dipped purple vanilla shake, gourmet burgers made from Angus beef, and old-fashioned soda fountain treats.
The Purple Cow operates as a drive-thru only establishment, offering a convenient way to get your favorite meals and shakes.
Besides the purple shake, consider the gourmet burgers, chicken finger platter, malts, sundaes, and specialty sandwiches like the Best Smoked Club.
Some customers report experiencing long wait times, especially during peak hours. It's recommended to visit during off-peak times if possible.
While specific vegan or vegetarian options aren't detailed, they offer salads and a turkey burger, which may be customizable. It's best to inquire directly.
The restaurant has a nostalgic, 1950s diner atmosphere with purple, bovine-themed decor and an old-fashioned soda fountain.
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The Purple Cow Restaurant is a dog-friendly diner and soda fountain in Hot Springs, AR. The restaurant is a popular spot serving gourmet burgers, specialty sandwiches, and old-fashioned soda fountain treats like the famous hand-dipped purple vanilla shake. Menu items include grilled patty melt sandwich, onion rings, the Rodeo Burger, chicken finger platter, and banana split. Brunch is served on the weekend, too.
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The Purple Cow is a family-friendly restaurant with a nostalgic atmosphere of a diner counter, bar stools, and an old-fashioned soda fountain. You will find all the American classics like steak knife hamburgers, chicken finger baskets, chili cheese fries, and onion rings. The food is delicious, but you must remember to order the iconic, hand-dipped purple vanilla shake.
Savor Hot Springs' Diverse Menu of Restaurants
For the young of all ages, this full-service diner is known for its soda fountain and all the specialties that come with it, including malts, shakes and sundaes. The Purple Cow serves a wide spectrum of meals, but the emphasis is on Angus beef burgers (never frozen), sandwiches, entrée salads and of course, MILKSHAKES!
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The Purple Cow Restaurantis an Arkansas staple for burgers, fries, shakes, and other American classics. Be sure to grab some of their well-known onion rings, a steak knife burger, or the house blt, and of course, one of their infamous purple milkshakes!. Location: 1490 Higdon Ferry Rd, Hot Springs National Park // MAP
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Situated at the pinnacle of Hot Springs Mountain overlooking the town, the tower was built in the early ‘80s. A view from the top will give guests an unobstructed view of the countryside. On a clear day, it’s possible to see more than 100 miles away according to locals.
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By now, you’re probably ready for lunch, so take a short detour off Central Ave. to the Purple Cow at 1490 Higdon Ferry. It’s an old-fashioned diner and soda fountain. Try a gourmet burger and their famous hand dipped purple vanilla shake!
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After a day of hiking & exploring Hot Springs, head to Purple Cow for some burgers and fries!. But be sure to leave room for dessert. You don’t want to miss out on their famous Purple Vanilla milkshake.
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Here's the 63 best options (there are more than 63 on this list; some places, such as Big Orange and Purple Cow, have multiple locations) I've found in the Natural State.
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