Nestled in the heart of Hot Springs, in a single welcoming building on River Street, a restaurant and bakery duo have become a hometown favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Joined not only in location, Roxanne Stewart, owner of Upper Crust Cafe, and Dianne Youree, owner of Heaven Scent Bakery, also share a commitment to quality, flavor and exceptional customer service.
Step through the front door and you’ ll be greeted by a charming, yet nostalgic cafe atmosphere, complete with the sizzle of hand cut and cured beef bacon and the smell of fresh baked bread.
Serving breakfast and lunch options from 6:30 a. m. to 2:00 p. m. you can satisfy your sweet or savory cravings no matter the time of day.
“ It’ s full menu all day,” said Roxanne.“ You want a cheeseburger at 6:30 in the morning, you can order a cheeseburger.”
Diners rave about the homestyle cooking and standout dishes like the carefully crafted pancakes, smothered breakfast burrito, generously filled and smothered in green chili, or the hand-breaded chicken fried steak that is finished on the grill instead of deep fried, proving that comfort food can be hearty without being heavy.
The lunch menu boasts both hearty and wholesome options with a variety of burgers, hot sandwiches and savory sides, as well as homemade soups.
The cafe doesn’ t serve your everyday run of the mill bacon. They serve a specialty beef bacon that is cured and sliced in house from a beef brisket.
“ Dianne cures it and we process it ourselves,” said Roxanne.
Either Roxanne or Dianne, or sometimes both, are behind the grill of the cafe, making sure every dish that leaves the kitchen is up to Upper Crust standard. Dianne says she“ grew up cooking,” crediting her mother with great cooking and baking skills that obviously rubbed off. She worked in many different restaurants throughout her life, growing her culinary knowledge and skills along the way.
“ I tried different styles of restaurants, buffets, shortorder, just to see what there was and this is where my passion was. I love to be on the grill. The busier the better,” she laughed.
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