It excites me to find a venue that is uniquely different; indeed Hunters’ Lair is Katy’s newest “best kept secret”! If you like a venue with a relaxed sophistication, adventurous menu and a handsome off-the-beaten-path decor, I’ve found it. If you prefer something dainty, pretentious or predictable, search on.
Don’t let “Hunters Lair” conger images of a smoky hunting lodge with canoe-paddle curtain rods and barstools made from rough-hewn timber. Instead, picture a cocktail party at a taxidermist’s uptown loft. I guess you’d have to classify this a “sports bar” due to the numerous video screens set to sports networks. But, unless you came to watch those TV’s, they are not what attract attention in the décor.. The TV screens alternate along the walls with glass cases full of awesome wildlife displayed in scenic natural settings. It’s like a trip to the nature museum! This uniquely classy setting is complete with glass top tables, ornate wrought iron chairs, tile floors, and ambient lighting. Perhaps it is the obvious absence of neon beer signs and NASCAR memorabilia that gives this place a testosterone matured to a delightfully tasteful level.
As the name implies, you can come here to watch televised sports. But you’d be equally comfortable meeting associates to conduct business or joining friends for laughs over a flight of wine, or a round of pool in the whimsically pink neo-classic pool “parlor”. And although sports and hunting are typically “male themes” I noted that women were comfortable gathering here. And I was delighted at the ceiling full of smoke eaters working effectively to eradicate any evidence of tobacco products. (Isn’t nice when we can all live together?)
The difference doesn’t stop there. You don’t want to miss the MENU!
More than just your typical pub fare, Hunters Lair has a wonderfully adventurous menu with offerings of exotic game… bison, ostrich, venison, quail, boar,…. even rattlesnake fritters! For the less adventurous, they also offer a selection of the standards, hamburger, pizza, shrimp po boys and salads. These are expertly prepared by renowned chefs. It is also fun to sample the “flights” of wine or cheese.
They have an impressive selection of beer on draught, as well.
Where is it? Old Katyites will recognize the locale if I say: “next to Landry’s” or formerly Charlie’s Pool Hall. It’s on the eastbound feeder road of I10 east of the Grand Parkway. Free Wi-Fi.
Check their website at: http://www.hunterslairkaty.com/index.html
