Easy rider

Desperados Sports Bar
2111 N. I Road
Pharr
(956) 283-9955
Hours: Mon-Sat 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Sun 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

On the Web: www.myspace.com/desperadossportsbar

Rating 3.5 stars 

By Miriam Ramirez
mramirez@themonitor.com 

PHARR - When it comes to nightlife, sometimes you just wanna get away.
Away from the congestion on the road, long lines at the bar and head to a place where you can just sit back and relax.
Then there's a watering hole like Desperados Sports Bar where drinks are ice cold and no one really knows your name.

 Location: Desperados sits on the north west side of Pharr, just a couple of miles north of Expressway 83 on I Road. After the construction clears it will be much easier to get to without any possible detours or lane closures, if traveling from the south side of town. For neighbors to the West, take Pecan east and a left on I Road and the bar will be on the left hand side of the road. This bar is a tiny bit of a drive from McAllen or Edinburg, per se, but really convenient for locals in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo area. In fact, owner Carroll Stewart says they opened the place up to give locals a place of their own. As businesses develop on I Road folks will see a couple more bar and grill type places available if you're looking to bar hop. Otherwise, Desperados is the type of place to stick around.

Atmosphere: From the outside, the bar looks quiet, borderline intimidating, judging by the limo tint windows and remote location. However stepping foot inside, you're greeted by the neon glow of beer signs (which any good bar has to have) a soft red under glow at the bar and a brightly flashing jukebox off to the right. You breathe a sigh of relief and admit to never judge a book by its cover. Desperados has a rustic, Texas traditional feel. The wooden bar top and black sheet metal roof give the bar plenty of character. The room is spacious and allows those who might want to shoot a few games of pool ($1 every night) without bumping elbows with anyone else. Sports fan will appreciate the 70 inch projector screen and eight televisions scattered throughout the room where the bar features Pay per View event boxing and if demand is there, for UFC matches.

For those who like to cut a rug every now and then, Desperados has a decent sized dance floor just in front of the stage. Just follow the disco ball.

Price: The great thing about being away from the mainstream traffic on 10th Street and Nolana is steering clear of those big city prices. At Desperados a 24 ounce draft beer will set you back, $3 ($3.50, Blue Moon) and a 16 ounce costs $2 every day. Monday through Thursday from buckets of beer is $10 (with the exception of Shiner Bock) and well drinks, $3. Happy hour starts at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday through Saturday where domestic drafts jump back to $1.50, imports $2.50.

Social Factor: Desperados attracts an older crowd but don't let that demographic fool you. Men and women who come here are ready for a good time in the company of close friends and those they meet along the way. Ages range from 30 to 50, blue collar workers with some business professionals and school district employees sandwiched in between. This bar boasts a ‘come as you are' dress code so don't worry about dressing to the nine's.

The Verdict: If you're on a mission to find a relaxed atmosphere without all the frills, you might want to make this bar your next destination.

Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.