Hog's Breath Inn La Quinta
The Legend of Carmel Continues at The Desert Hog

A stunning view of the Hog’s Breath Inn entryway and courtyard, and the mountains beyond.

Becoming as legendary as the Carmel original, Hog’s Breath Inn La Quinta is the quintessence of rustic yet contemporary Western charm. Its second-story balcony vista encompasses the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains and quaint Spanish-style village in the heart of Old Town La Quinta.

Kaiser Family of Restaurants owners Kaiser and Lee Morcus couldn’t resist the prime location or the hearty approval of their longtime friend, Clint Eastwood, to open the Desert Hog. The Kaiser group owns the Carmel restaurant formerly owned by the legendary actor, director, and producer.

Scenes from High Planes Drifter, Fistful of Dollars, The Unforgiven and Dirty Harry throughout the cozy, intimate restaurant are testament to the friendship. “Mr. E” gave the Morcus family carte blanche at Warner Bros studios for memorabilia and a WB set designer created two wall murals. Several menu items are named after Eastwood’s roles or movies. Menus reflect California regional trends with fresh and vibrant Mediterranean influences.

Neighborhood favorites like the Dirty Harry Dinner are made from Certified Angus Beef®. Chef ’s Favorites include Monterey Sand Dabs, Veal Scaloppini, and Fettuccine Alfredo, while Broiler Selections offer a Certified Angus Beef®, Korobuta pork, free range chicken and more.

The warm glow from four fireplaces, hardwood floor, brick walls, and Mexican tile lend a welcoming aura to the indoor/outdoor Saloon and dining areas.

The Hog’s authentic Saloon specializes in some of the desert’s best martinis and margaritas including the Dirty Harry Martini, Hogsmopolitan, Grey Hog, and the Hog’s Breath. Saloon Grub offers the Dirty Harry Burger Done Your Way, Hog’s Spare Ribs, Ahi Tuna Poki, and more. A selection of tequilas, margaritas, draft and bottled beers, and California wines complement the experience.

Warm, inviting, friendly and fun, The Desert Hog is an exceptional drinking, dining, and visual experience. Guests will do a double-take when “the man with no name” stops in to grab a bite.

SHOWN ABOVE: A few of the great menu items served at this tribute to Clint Eastwood restaurant, clockwise from the left — Hawaiian Yellowtail with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes and Tempura Asparagus; succulent Hog’s BBQ Spare Ribs with Cole Slaw and French Fried Potatoes; and an appetizer of Deep-Fried Calamari. The suggested wines are Hog’s Breath Inn, California, Chardonnay; Le Snoot, North Coast, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003; and Le Snoot, North Coast, Merlot, 2002. Photographed before one of many images of Clint Eastwood throughout this popular eatery.

“Rustic charm, weathered wood and Southwestern Hollywood flair has arrived in the Desert via Carmel.”

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

APPETIZERS
Sweet Potato Fries
Stuffed Portabello Mushroom, Crab, Shrimp, Spinach and Brie Cheese
Ahi Tuna Poki, Pickled Ginger, Citrus Soy, Avocado, Toasted Sesame Seeds
Hog’s Spare Ribs, braised with Spices, Honey and Char Grilled with Hog’s BBQ Sauce
Castroville Artichoke Soup

ENTRÉES
In addition to the regular menu, the chef places his personal signature on a variety of daily creations that feature the finest meats and strictly fresh seafood.
Certified Angus Beef ®
Korobuta Pork
Fresh Fish
Monterey Sand Dabs, Chardonnay, Caper Lemon Butter Sauce, Wild Mushroom Risotto
USDA Prime Hangar Steak — Soy, Pineapple, Garlic, Ginger and Zinfandel Marinade
Dirty Harry Dinner, Wild Mushroom, Grain Mustard Sauce, Braised Sweet and Sour Cabbage
Stuffed Sole Florentine, Crab, Shrimp, Spinach and Brie

DESSERTS
Frulatta Italian Sorbet
Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream
Berry and Vanilla Crème Brûlée
White Chocolate Mousse Cake
Chef ’s Dessert/Pastry of the Day

BEST OF THE CELLAR

The affordable wine list showcases an interesting array of international white and red whites with particular emphasis on the wines of Carmel/Monterey and the Central Coast where the Legend of the Hog started.

Draft and Bottled Beers
Extensive Tequila Selection
Martinis and Margaritas
After-Dinner Cognacs, Ports, Grappa, Espresso, Cappuccino, and Specialty Coffee Drinks

HOG'S BREATH INN LA QUINTA
78-065 MAIN STREET
OLD TOWN LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA 92253
(760) 564-5556

More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

BY PAMELA BIERI
PHOTOGRAPHY: ARTHUR COLEMAN / ASSISTANT: TIM CARTER
FOOD STYLIST: ROLAND BIERI