Boozehounds, an exciting pet-friendly dining, cafe and bar concept in Palm Springs, is set to open late April. The 3,812-square-foot restaurant with an additional 1,168-square-foot glass atrium and 2,020-square-foot outdoor lounge will open on bustling N Palm Canyon Drive. Boozehounds will feature vibrant design and a welcoming atmosphere with a unique food and beverage menu, including options for dogs. It is poised to quickly become part of Palm Springs’ burgeoning culinary scene.   

“Palm Springs has the best of both worlds when it comes to patrons. There’s a large close-knit local community as well as a massive seasonal and weekend visitor population. We intend to make Boozehounds comfortable for both groups, with a focus on conviviality for all to mingle over a coffee, meal or cocktail,” says co-owner Jimmy McGill. 

This is a deeply personal project for him and co-owners Bryan Rogers and Steve Piacenza. The concept pays homage to their past and present pets with the logo design inspired by Jimmy and Steve’s beloved dog, Striker. Striker was rescued from the Pasadena Humane Society in 1999 and for 18 years he was more than a four-legged best friend — he was a brother. His memory lives on in Boozehounds.

Boozehounds will offer globally-inspired, locally influenced dishes including classics with a twist and daily fresh fish selections, with gluten-free and vegan options. Signature dishes include Miso Chilean Fish and Chips, 48 hour miso-marinated Chilean sea bass, beer batter fried, served with root vegetable chips; Sweet “Spot Prawn” Shrimp Ceviche, red Aguachile, Fresno chili, red onions, avocado, and cilantro served with fried shrimp heads; Adobo Chicken, simmered chicken thighs, steamed rice, topped with adobo broth, and side of spiced coconut vinegar; and Slow Roasted Baby Carrots with Almond Milk Sauce, Crispy Farro and Furikake.

Helming the kitchen is Executive Chef Corey Baker, who has spent nearly two decades training in the art of Japanese cooking. Eight of those years were at Denver’s venerable Sushi Den, along with stints at Sushi Hai and Sushi Sasa. He also credits his Filipino upbringing and mother for influencing his dishes. He skillfully combines fresh produce with Asian flavors, artfully integrating components unique to California with time-honored classic cooking techniques.

“Being from Colorado, I am used to farm fresh produce, ranches and seasonality, and that is what I will be bringing to Palm Springs and more. I will be utilizing local California farms and an abundance of fresh fish delivered daily from coastal markets. Our menu will showcase what The Golden State has to offer, and I am excited to share my approach to dishes inspired by my Asian kitchen experience and heritage,” says Baker. 

In addition to the food menu, Beverage Director Justin Gordon complements the restaurant’s seasonal commitment with thoughtfully crafted cocktails such as Aunt Donna’s Dirty Poodle with Akashi Single Malt Whisky, Nigori sake, house-made yuzu-Meyer lemon shrub, house-made miso-mirin syrup, and chocolate bitters; the San Jacinto, Contratto Aperitivo, house-made locally foraged pine bitters, prosecco, and Topo Chico; and Kitty Mingling Mango Sour with Haku Japanese Vodka, house-made pineapple-coconut shrub, mango puree, and farm egg white. A variety of frozen, crushed ice and spritz cocktails will also be on hand for those hot days and warm nights. Craft beer and wines will be available by the glass or bottle, and the restaurant has partnered with Palm Springs’ Vagabond Roasting Co. for a coffee and espresso program.

“I continually find myself inspired and influenced by communities in which I serve, and my time here at Boozehounds is no exception. In addition to crafting fresh, balanced drinks that complement our chef’s menu, I have found a lot of joy in foraging local herbs and botanicals to include in our house-made shrubs, vermouths, cordials, and bitters. I want our guests to have a taste of Palm Springs and the surrounding areas, and I look forward to continuing that explorative relationship,” explains Gordon.

Inspired by the restaurant’s proximity to the San Jacinto Mountains and the city’s access to the great outdoors, Boozehounds combines desert influences and mid-century design with a laid-back Californian atmosphere. The interior design by Jenni-Kate Rogers, owner and creative director of Raven and the Willow, drew in elements of the brand identity and palette of terra-cotta, mustard and sage to complement the expansive restaurant and create distinct and inviting spaces across the main dining, lounge, atrium, and patio. Using locally sourced fixtures and plants along with velvet booths and natural rattan chairs and wooden tables, the restaurant is warm and approachable. Playful wallpaper, eclectic details, and custom pieces such as the hand drawn signage by owner Jenna Murray of Spilled Milk Creative, add pops of color, texture and pattern. Spilled Milk Creative designed the full brand identity and logo for Boozehounds.

The indoor-outdoor restaurant will feature a mix of communal seating for larger groups, smaller two and four-tops, and individual bar seating, along with lounge seating in the glass atrium and patio.

Boozehounds is committed to connecting with the local community and being an involved neighbor through events, volunteering and partnerships. The restaurant plans to host pet adoption drives with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, and support fundraisers with local charities to raise awareness on animal fostering and adoption.

“Because we’re deeply indebted to our special city, we also intend to give back through events and fundraisers with an emphasis on our friends at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. As a part-time volunteer, I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated their entire team is when it comes to providing love, attention and assistance in fostering and adoptions of cats and dogs,” says McGill.

Boozehounds will combine delicious food, intentional design and exceptional service in an inviting and stylish space. The restaurant, located at 2080 N Palm Canyon Drive, plans to be open seven days a week for coffee, lunch, brunch, and dinner. Boozehounds will also be adhering to Palm Springs’ COVID-19 safety guidelines. For more information, please visit www.boozehoundsps.com. Connect with Boozehounds on Instagram @boozehoundsps.


All photos by Jenni-Kate Rogers / Raven and the Willow