Rogers foodies, sports fans and party people alike have a favorite spot they've been keeping from you. It's where they go to relax, be entertained, and get the unique food and drinks that truly satisfy their one-of-a-kind cravings in a fun, family-friendly, laid-back atmosphere. It's called Boar's Nest, and it's about to be your new favorite hangout.
Fresh, made-to-order choices
Owners John Hudec and his wife Heather believe they have created a menu with something for everybody.
"Our focus is on making sure everybody is taken care of and our food is topnotch," John said. "We offer great food, great drinks and a comfortable, fun atmosphere."
Besides smoking their own BBQ, the restaurant also smokes their own pork belly, pastrami, and tenderloin for sandwiches.
"It's a family friend bar with great food. Everything is made fresh and made to order," John pointed out. "We make our own chips and hand cut fries. Our bread is sourced locally from Stone Mill Baking. Our burgers are hand-pattied daily."
The establishment features TVs in every booth with personal remotes. Kids can eat and watch what they want and parents can entertain themselves with hard darts, pool or mixing with friends.
"We have a great menu for kids," Heather said. "Children 10 and younger eat free, as long as they are with a paid adult. They can order off the kid's menu; sliders, mac and cheese, grilled cheese and chicken tenders - all free."
John and Heather moved from Texas for the opportunity to have their own restaurant in the beautiful Ozarks and raise their twins closer to family. John is the executive chef, but the Hudecs have enlisted the help of their kitchen manager and other employees to be the culinary masterminds behind all of the delicious creations on the menu. A jalapeño and cream cheese stuffed burger? Yes. They do that here.
It doesn't stop there either -- not even close. Their hand-pattied burgers, in addition to veggie and turkey burgers, can be topped with their Texas-inspired three-bean chili, fresh bacon, or an egg. Their Rosco Burger is a 1/3 lb. patty caramelized in their own bbq sauce, topped with pulled pork, onion rings and queso, and is served on Texas Toast. "It was named after Boss Hogg's right hand man, the Sheriff, from Dukes of Hazzard," John says of the mouth-watering masterpiece, "It's a lot of burger!"
Even their appetizers are mind-blowing. In addition to the local crowd-pleaser: Fried Gator Tail Bites served with spicy mustard and remoulade sauce, they have fried pickles and okra, nachos with your choice of several meats including pulled pork, and many more! John's passion for food inspired him to create. He spent a short time in culinary school before realizing, "they're not gonna teach me anything I don't already know." Look no further for proof of this than their wildly popular Pork Belly Pops that are shaking up the local culinary scene. You may need a reminder that you got them in a sports bar.
"We smoke the pork belly in house and cut it into cubes and skewer it so it looks like a popsicle," Heather said. "Then we deep fry it and dip in in our BBQ sauce. Pork belly bacon...just really good smoked bacon."
Needless to say, the wing game at Boar's Nest is in a league of its own. Extra large and tossed in a dry rub with (optional) wing sauce on the side, their wings are smoked before they're flash-fried, and you can upgrade to a basket with chips and dip for only two bucks. Did we mention they have Cheese Fries? You can add any of their smoked meats to make this favorite starter dish a real game-changer. John's favorite item on the menu is easily overlooked by the uninformed patron: Boar's Nest Chili Mac. "Our macaroni and cheese is to die for," John said.
There is something to look forward to every night of the week at Boar's Nest. They have Pool League, Dart League, and Cornhole League Nights, Karaoke Wednesdays, DJ Dance-Party Fridays, Live Music Saturdays, and all your favorite sports on Sundays.
Happy Hours are Monday-Friday 3:00pm-8:00pm, and Saturdays 11:00am-3:00pm; and include deals like $2.25 Domestic Bottles, $2.50 Wine and Wells, and half-price on select appetizers. Kids under 10 eat free with a paying adult, and they won't be disappointed with the kids' menu either. On their website, boarsnestnwa.com, you can find a list of upcoming events and daily specials, such as Monday's Wings and Mug Night [32oz mugs/$3 refills]. If you can't make it in to Boar's Nest for any reason, fear not. They've partnered with Bite Squad and Uber Eats, so you can still get their signature grub in the comfort of your own home or office.
FACT BOX
Boar's Nest Bar, Grill and Barbecue
Location
4404 W. Walnut Street, Rogers
Hours
11:00am-2:00am seven days a week
Phone
(479) 899-6282
Online
boarsnestnwa.com
facebook.com/BoarsNestRogers
NAN Dining Guide Spotlight on 12/08/2019