Where to get an Arnold Palmer (at Palmer's) or something a little stronger after golf in the Palm Springs desert

By Mike Bailey, Senior Staff Writer

Heading to the Palm Springs, Calif., area for a desert golf vacation? Make sure to know where all the post-game hang-outs are, such as Arnold Palmer's Restaurant and The Beer Hunter, The Yard House and Las Casuelas Terraza.

For an upscale happy hour, check out Arnold Palmer's Restaurant in La Quinta, which is a veritable museum to the King of golf.

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If you go

LA QUINTA, Calif. - Recounting a golf round can almost be as fun as playing it. And usually, as you replay it in front of friends, the shots get better and better, especially with a few cocktails.

That's why where you go after a great round of golf - or even one that's not so stellar - can almost be as important as where you play.

While the clubhouse at many resorts and courses is often a good option, sometimes it's just good to get away. In the Palm Springs/Palm Desert/La Quinta area, there are plenty of great venues with their own unique atmosphere, and many of them showcase plenty of local golf memorabilia.

Here are a few options ...

Arnold Palmer's Restaurant

Arnie's place (78164 Ave. 52 in La Quinta) has only been open for a little more than five years, but it looks like it's been a La Quinta institution forever. Outside, the grounds are maintained like a golf course with a large putting green in the back, complete with putters in case you need a little extra work with the flat stick or want a quick putting competition.

Inside, the restaurant and pub is a museum to the King. You'll find replicas of the major championship trophies Palmer won in his career, as well as photos and other memorabilia.

On top of that, there's live entertainment most nights, great food and just about anything you can think of in Arnie's Pub. (Try the rack of lamb.) And during the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, there's a good chance you'll see the King relaxing at his own place.

The Beer Hunter

You'll find a great mix of locals and out-of-towners at this colorful sports bar. Besides dozens of screens to watch your favorite sport, the bar is lined with autographed golf bags from not only the greats in the game of golf but the celebrities who have played along with them at the Hope Classic over the years.

The Beer Hunter (78-483 Highway 111 in La Quinta), as you might suspect, also has one of the largest collection of brews available anywhere - at least 100 different bottled brands and 25 different tap choices.

Here you can see just about any game from the NBA, NFL, NCAA, NHL, Major League Baseball and, of course, golf. Featured events are shown on wide-screen, high-definition monitors. There's a nice selection of appetizers and bar food, including sliders and wings. There are plenty of games, too, from shuffleboard to billiards.

The 19th Hole Sports Bar and Restaurant

Located in a strip mall, looks can be deceiving. The 19th hole (42305 Washington St. in Palm Desert) has the charm of local neighborhood bar and is a great place for a tired foursome to settle wagers.

Fairly low key - even during karaoke - the 19th Hole offers a good selection of spirits and a decent food menu, including burgers, steaks and perhaps the best fish and chips in the area.

The 19th Hole also has a good happy hour, usually featuring free hors d'oeuvres and competitions for the patrons to enjoy.

The Yard House

The California desert location of this popular franchise offers the world's largest selection of beer on tap, a weekday happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and an American fusion food menu that features more than 100 items.

From Black Dog Ale to Red Wolf, you can find pretty much everything at the Yard House (71800 Hwy. 111 in Rancho Mirage), which serves its brews in half-yard tall glasses or pints.

Appetizers are half price during happy hour, and there are drink specials, as well. In addition, the Yard House has a late-night happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays, plus a full bar and martini menu.

The food menu, created by partner and award-winning Executive Chef Carlito Jocson, is enhanced with an array of Asian flavors and seasonings. Classics such as the Caesar salad are updated with seared ahi, and Jocson's version of the California Roll is a stacked appetizer that can double as a meal.

Las Casuelas Terraza

The cantina at Las Casuelas (222 South Palm Canyon Dr. in Palm Springs) features one of the most extensive collections of tequila north of Mexico with new varieties added regularly. Perfect for a shot or one of the restaurant's famous margaritas.

Located on the Strip in Palm Springs, the restaurant also features an outdoor patio and live music.

You might want to stay for dinner as well. Since 1958, Las Casuelas has been serving great authentic Mexican cuisine in Palm Springs and throughout Southern California. Las Casuelas Quinta (8-480 Hwy. 111) is the sister restaurant located in La Quinta.

Devane's Old Town

Named for actor William Devane, who is an avid golfer, Devane's Old Tour restaurant and bar (78-065 Main Street in La Quinta) has thrived since it opened in January 2009.

When not filming a movie or TV series, Devane is a regular in his own place, which is located in the heart of Old Town La Quinta.

The beautiful old-style bar at Devane's features an old-school collection of specialty cocktails and martinis, domestic and imported beers on tap, and a wide selection of wines by the glass.

Already, Devane's has a reputation for its New York-style Italian dishes, such as lasagna and veal parmigiana, but dishes, such as Bill D's Hollywood Shishitto peppers and the gnocchi with bacon and cheese, have become favorites.

April 28, 2009