What better way to escape summer heat than to slip into a seat at Northwest Arkansas' favorite sports bar, Boar's Nest, for a frosty glass of craft beer, like the flavorful new Karbach Blood Orange Radler served nowhere else in Rogers. "We keep quite a few local beers on tap," said John Hudec, who, with his wife Heather, is Boar's Nest's owner. He's also the executive chef. Besides 18 taps, the full bar features favorites like Long Island Iced Tea, Bahama Mamas and Vegas Bomb.
But don't stop with a cold one. The restaurant has "the best bar food in town. Everything is made to order and most items are made fresh, not frozen," John noted. "There are plenty of TVs and other things to do, but this is what sets us apart."
The most popular menu items are smoked and dry-rubbed wings, cheese fries with barbecue and the mouth-watering Pappa Joe Po Boy -- a blend of brisket, smoked sausage, red onions, pickles and spicy barbecue sauce. Guests love the daily lunch blue plate specials, too, with tempting meals like Smoked Meatloaf, Stuffed Pork Loin, Shepherd's Pie and Beef Tips -- downhome food for only $7.99.
John can't help being enthusiastic about the new summer menus. In mid-July, "we'll be adding a Brewhouse Pretzel, Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, and the BBQ-Stuffed Mac and Cheese. In August, we'll be starting our Sunday brunch, with items like Praline French Toast, Southern Eggs Benedict and Chiliquilles." The $3.99 kids' menu lists hamburgers, grilled cheese, mac and cheese and chicken strips. Actually, kids eat free -- one free meal for every child 10 and younger with a paying adult.
But Boar's Nest isn't just about their exceptional food. According to John, "the atmosphere and the people also are what makes us stand out. We're a family-friendly bar and very laid back. We have plenty of room for people to just hang out without feeling like someone is sitting on top of them [the restaurant seats 180 people]. We want customers to feel like part of the family. Most people are hooked once they come in." He said well over half of the customers are regulars.
Sixteen flat-screen TVs bring home the games, and customers can change channels as they like, though currently, the Women's World Cup is dominating many channels. "The Razorbacks are always on," John said. "This fall we'll have the NFL Sunday ticket, so we will have all the NFL games." Darts and pool are available, too.
Every other Friday night, the enormously popular Odd Key Party gets the crowd jazzed with dueling pianos fun. They'll be back on July 12. "Our Friday night dance party with a DJ and Wednesday night karaoke are popular attractions too." John mentioned that tryouts were just held "for singers to represent NWA in the World Karaoke Championships. We had two singers from Boar's compete in the state finals, and one is going to Vegas for the national finals."
Live music on Saturday nights is also a big draw, with local bands like Morgan Squared, Kevin Upshaw (coming July 13) and Blew Reed (performing on July 27). Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
There's something for everyone at Boar's Nest, as Julie Marie Bonnifet from Bentonville makes clear in her Facebook review:
"I love to play pool and bring my boys before it gets too crazy ... it's a great place. We come here at least 3 times a week if not more, I like their food and I always have a good time! The cooks always come out and check to make sure the food is right. I love this place -- 5 star all the way!!"
John and Heather are looking to open another Boar's Nest in the region and developing their new concept.
FACT BOX
Name
Boar's Nest Bar, Grill and Barbecue
Location
4404 W. Walnut Street, Rogers, AR
Phone
479-899-6282
Online
boarsnestnwa.com
facebook.com/BoarsNestRogers/
NAN Dining Guide Spotlight on 07/07/2019