Fisherman's Wharf on Lake Hamilton: Some of the Best Seafood in Hot Springs, Arkansas

I love seafood. I don't think I've ever met a shrimp I didn't like. Having been a military wife and living most of our career on the east coast, I was able to get fresh seafood everyday of the week. When we moved back home to Arkansas, it became a little harder to do. Since I discovered Fisherman's Wharf, that task just got easier.

Located at 5101 Central Avenue, right on Lake Hamilton, large windows offer a beautiful view of the water while you eat. We've watched a family teaching it's teenaged son to water ski, an angler land a big bass and a young couple kiss in the sunset, all while enjoying scrumptious food in a relaxed atmosphere.

We usually eat in the dining room. They have added a new 7,000 square foot covered dining area outside, but we've not eaten there since they opened it to the public. It has been too cold to eat outside on the water. I can't wait to go back and listen to the sound of the waves lapping against the dock as I munch on a Wharf Burger and french fries; which by the way, you can get at lunch for just $6.95.

But that's not seafood! No, it's not, but not everyone like fish, so they offer other things for those with varied tastes. For those meat and potato lovers, they offer a Beef Tenderloin fillet or their Dockside Ribeye, which are both so tender that you don't need a steak knife. Add to that a baked potato that is loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, and even bacon bits if you want them...and you have a meal fit for a king. They also offer the standard grilled chicken fillet and a Chicken Caesar Salad that is so fresh, you'll be looking for the garden they picked the lettuce out of.

I could live on fish. Wait, didn't I say that already? I counted up on the menu and I could eat at Fisherman's Wharf every day for 2 weeks and not get the same fish selection twice.

My recommendations is the grilled Mahi-Mahi. For those not familiar with Mahi-Mahi fish...it is commonly known as a dolphin fish. Not to be mistaken with Flipper, who is a mammal, not a fish. Mahi-Mahi is a delicate white fish, with a very good flavor found in tropical waters. It can be prepared and served many ways, but I've found that grilling brings out the best flavor for this particular fish. I would consider it as kind of a middle of the road dish.

If you're looking a little lower on the price range, try the Broiled Cod. Cod is also a very white meat entree. You see it used a lot in fish sandwiches served at fast food establishments. It has a little stronger flavor than then mahi in my opinion, but is still a good choice for fish lovers.

Since we're in Arkansas, we simply have to talk about Catfish. Fisherman's Wharf does it well. Battered in corn meal and deep fried, it's crunchy on the outside and flaky and tender on the inside. Served with french fries and cole slaw, that tastes like my grandmother used to make, it's a meal choice that's sure to please even the most southern gentleman.

What would a seafood restaurant be without shellfish? Not a very good one! You've got several choices here. From a simple but tasty Shrimp Salad, to buttery Shrimp Scampi to large butterfly shrimp served with a Tenderloin Steak. The shrimp lover in you will be in paradise. Take it a step further and order the Crab Cake Sandwich that's offered on the lunch menu. Combine two of your favorite tastes and order the Crab Stuffed Shrimp. Extra large shrimp, are butterflied and a wonderful, slightly spicy crab stuffing is inserted in the layers. Or go all out and order a lobster tail, cooked to perfection and served with melted hand churned butter for dipping.

They also offer a few selections that you might not find at your main stream seafood restaurant. Walleye, is a freshwater fish found mostly in the cold waters of the lakes in Canada and the northern United States. It is the number one freshwater fish for eating in Canada, for good reason. The taste is incredible, there are few bones, and you can prepare it any number of ways, and it's always good. Fisherman's Wharf gives you the choice of broiled or pan fried.

Frog Legs anyone? The delicacy, is one that I've never been able to acquire a taste for. My husband loves them, and takes great delight in ordering them when I'm with him and talks about eating Kermit the Frog, the whole time keeping up a bantering discussion that includes statements like "tastes like chicken".

Fisherman's Wharf is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. They offer a full bar with a large selection of beers, wine and specialty drinks. Their prices are reasonable enough that you can take your family there without emptying your wallet. Lunch prices start at just $6.95 and dinners range from the Fried Catfish at $11.95 to the Lobster Tail at $28.95.

Hot Springs is a great place to visit and once you visit her warm hospitality, and eat at some of her best restaurants...like the Fisherman's Wharf...you might just decide to stay here. I know I did.