About Patty’s Down the Road

Our Story

Patty’s Down the Road has been feeding locals, lake regulars, and road-trippers for more than two decades. We started as a tiny lakeside spot on Lake Hamilton, then moved into a slightly bigger leased location in Royal. After years of steady growth and a whole lot of plates served, we finally built a place of our own. Our custom-built diner opened in November 2023, right here in Royal, Arkansas.

From day one, our goal has been simple: serve honest, comforting American food with a Southern backbone, treat people like family, and give Royal a place where everyone feels welcome.

Built on Family & Real Food

Patty’s is and has always been a family-owned and operated diner. You’ll see it in the way we greet you, how often you see the same faces working here, and how much care goes into every plate. We cook the way people actually eat in this part of Arkansas—hearty, satisfying, and made from scratch where it counts.

Right Between Lake Ouachita & Lake Hamilton

Located right outside of beautiful Hot Springs, in Royal, Arkansas, Patty’s sits between Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton. If you’re headed out for boating, camping, or a long weekend near Hot Springs, there’s a good chance you’ll pass our bright teal container and our busy parking lot.

Inside Patty’s

When you walk into Patty’s, you know immediately it’s not your typical diner. The floor is covered in vinyl records, and the walls are filled with sports memorabilia, concert posters, album art, and fun pieces collected over the years.

What We Serve

Patty’s is a purveyor of American dining with Southern staples and twists on classic plates. We keep an extensive menu so everyone can find a go-to meal or a brand-new favorite.

• Breakfast served until 12:00 p.m.
• Two-handed burgers and hearty plates.
• Hand-breaded chicken fried chicken.
• House-made sides, including scratch-made coleslaw.

Dinner Specials Worth Planning Around

Friday nights feature fried fish with all the fixin’s, and Saturdays are all about a heaping portion of prime rib. These specials tend to sell out, so coming early never hurts.

The Pie Case

Our pies are baked fresh every day. You can grab a slice with your meal or take a whole pie home. Whole pies can also be ordered in advance, and holiday pre-orders fill up fast.

Catering & Events

We offer catering for weddings, office lunches, lake weekends, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, and more. We can bring the food to you or host your group at Patty’s. Menus are flexible and can include custom dishes, charcuterie, or full buffets.

Come See Us

Whether you’ve been with us since the early days on Lake Hamilton or are visiting for the first time, you’ll leave full, welcomed, and treated like family.

And yes—there really is a Patty.