BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse has been a staple of the Coachella Valley since 2002, located at The River in Rancho Mirage. The savory entrees and enjoyable atmosphere is what kept the restaurant a local favorite in the days pre-pandemic. The iconic pig statue situated outside of the entrance was what greeted diners before getting situated at their table and becoming acquainted with the warm-hued interior of the restaurant as the smells of sweet barbecue permeated the air. With eating establishments adhering to take-out and delivery only options, the restaurant experience has been notably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

So while you are social distancing at home, and you get a midnight craving that only a Beef Brisket Burger with a side of fries can satisfy, how do you cope when all your favorite dining options are closed for the night? Fear not, as Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse has launched a new After Dark Menu starting today. These menu options will be available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

“We believe there are people in the Valley looking for upgraded take out, offering late night options,” said General Manager of Babe’s, Andy Artziniega. Artziniega has been general manager of the restaurant for three years.

The new Babe’s After Dark menu includes the following entrees:

Short Rib Sandwich for $19

The Big Pig Sandwich for $13

The Kobe Beef Burger, with one side, for $13

Kobe Beef Brisket Burger, with one side, for $16

Chicken Wings, with a choice of Buffalo, BBQ, Parmesan Garlic sauce, or Naked Wings, for $16

Mac & Cheese for $10

Brisket Mac & Cheese for $12

Lobster Mac & Cheese for $14

Rib Basket, with one side, for $12

Choice of Goat Cheese, Brisket, or Chicken Tamales for $13

Pulled Pork or Chicken Poutine Fries for $14

Garlic Parmesan Fries for $12

Sweet Potato Fries for $6

Garlic Fries for $6

Onion Rings for $12

Sides included in the After Dark Menu are French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Cole Slaw, and Baked Beans.

Beers and cocktails are also available.

While state mandates allowed indoor and outdoor dining, Babe’s implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 plan at the restaurant to keep the staff and customers safe, and even though the restaurant is only open for take-out and delivery at this time, Babe’s is still dedicated to providing customers an enriching dining experience.

“There has never been a more challenging time to be in this already difficult business, so the support of the community is greatly appreciated. The City of Rancho Mirage has been a tremendous support with the Great Plates program. We look forward to getting back to normal and welcoming our wonderful guests back for dining in. We will also continue to work with a great, dedicated staff and meeting so many wonderful guests,” said Artziniega, who has been in the restaurant business for over 15 years in Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley.

Known as the oldest microbrewery in the Coachella Valley, Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse has earned many accolades, such as the “The Brewery of the Year” award in 2015 at the California State Fair and a Silver Medal in the 2014 Great American Beer Festival. Whether you are a Coachella Valley native or just visiting the desert, Babe’s is a must when it comes to deciding what your late night snack might be—from Bar-B-Que to ice cold brews that satisfy every craving.

Placing an order and delivery is available only online at the restaurant website, www.babesbbqbrewery.com, and through Postmates, GrubHub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash. Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse is also offering curbside pick-up for the regular menu and the After Dark Menu as well.