By Denise Ortuno
The popular La Quinta sports bar The Beer Hunter is better than ever! Sporting a crisp clean look, an increase in TV’s, phenomenal beer and food selections, it retains its spot as the top place to be for televised sports spectating in the Coachella Valley.
It had been a while since I’ve stepped into The Beer Hunter. I used to frequent it in the past, mostly for their famous Nacho’s, and dare I admit it, an Irish Car Bomb or maybe two. But the tendency for it becoming a little rowdy at night, and some other dissuading factors ( beer soaked carpet that had been neglected to be changed) made it a maybe, once in a great while place to stop into.
But recently, my boyfriend and I decided to pop in on New Year’s Day, for a little mid-afternoon libation. We walked in and seriously did a double take. The place looked fantastic! Gone was the old carpet in the entrance, and along with it, that old beer smell. It had been replaced with sleek wood style flooring, making the space look modern and larger. The area where the video and basketball hoop games once stood (the cause of some of the late night rowdiness), had been switched out for high top dining. The bar itself had been spruced up as well, with cool industrial metal siding. The whole place looked newer, fresher….better.
As we looked around in amazement, I had to find out more about this transformation, and was able to speak with Manager and resident Beer Guru, Jared Moyer. He elaborated on the changes that had been made ever since the new owners, Kevin Steele and John Barber took over. The new owners, who officially took over in October 2016, have a love for sports, and a genuine desire and aptitude to be in, and succeed in the restaurant industry. Their combined drive set them on a course to put their energies together in The Beer Hunter’s resurrection, and the result turned out to be more than beneficial to the local sports bar scene. “People who haven’t been here for a while are pleasantly surprised, giving us positive feedback,” said Moyer.
The new and improved sports bar has incorporated changes besides the interior décor. They now have 52 TV’s located throughout the space, for the convenience of their patrons. You can basically be anywhere in the restaurant, and have a clear view of a TV. Their beer selection has also been elevated by including specialty craft beers not readily available in other bars. Beers such as Hangar 24 Barrel Roll Series, Galaxy, Gardner and Goose Island Bourbon County Barrel-aged Stout (BCBS), give their beer menu an added edge. In total, they offer 27 draft beers and 175 bottled beers. For those who take their beers seriously, the TapHunter phone app gives alerts to what’s new in beer at The Beer Hunter.
Guests can still find classic Beer Hunter favorite food items on the menu. Selections such as their gooey, cheesy Classic Macho Nachos are still mouthwatering, as well as their famous Ain’t No Thing But a Chicken Wing, wings. Executive Chef Justin Hilton has also thrown some menu twists to the selections, with items which include, Brussel Sprouts (bleu cheese, bacon, balsamic and roasted tomatoes), Loaded Tots ( BH famous melted cheese, bacon, scallions, sour cream), Mexican Street Corn Bites (roasted corn, 4 cheese, peppers, golden fried, salsa and guacamole), Short Rib Sliders (gouda, roasted peppers, arugula, chipotle aioli), Dr. Feelgood ( house-made cauliflower patty, onion marmalade, bleu cheese, aioli), plus a variety of Burgers, Stone Baked Pies, Salads, Sandwiches and so much more.
If the above items go beyond your diet plan, not to worry, as they also have a Live Well menu. Health conscience options include, California Chicken Wrap (free range organic chicken, turkey bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato and e.v.o.o mayo), Dr. Myers Healthy Hash (2 scrambled eggs, bacon, spinach, goat cheese and avocado), and Flower Child (local organic mixed greens, tomato, cucumber sunflower seeds and choice of dressing) among other selections.
By chance if you enjoy dining out and watching a game with your pooch, The Beer Hunter has both of you covered. Their renovated patio is pet friendly, even offering a Pet Menu with available items such as a Hamburger Patty, Chicken Breast, Doggy Treats and more, all served in little doggy bowls of course. They really do have something for everyone.
Like every respectable sports bar should, The Beer Hunter offers up a Happy Hour Monday thru Friday, 3pm to 6pm and again from 9pm to 11pm, with hefty drink and food discounts. Come by for their Late Night menu served until 1am, while playing some pool, shuffle board, or just hanging out being social by the Jute Box (21 and over please). Make sure to check out their website for special events.
It’s always great to see local businesses improve and thrive, and The Beer Hunter in La Quinta is a perfect example of that. With an updated look, fresh take on their beer and food menu and a sincere enthusiasm to put forth the best to their guests, The Beer Hunter is truly, better than ever!
The Beer Hunter is located at 78-483 Hwy 111, La Quinta, Ca 92253
For more information visit www.thebeerhunter.com
