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After two years of construction, Napa Valley’s famed Bounty Hunter has finally opened its doors in downtown Walnut Creek. There isn’t a whiff of coconut-lime in the former Tommy Bahama shop on Mt. Diablo Boulevard, which has been re-fashioned into a worthy sister of wine country’s top barbecue destination.
Look for a curated menu of American classics, like fried chicken, smoked prime rib and entree-style salads, plus bourbon flights and a retail wine shop. Judging from our experience — which included stellar service — on the second night of business, Bounty Hunter is the buzziest spot to open in Walnut Creek since Teleferic Barcelona. They also have the best wine list in town.
The vibe: Wine country saloon. Armed brass sconces line the tall wooden dining room walls. There’s suede and leather everywhere, from the U-shaped bar, with its handsome cognac chairs, to the private booths and banquettes fashioned in smart slates and creams. It’s a massive, sexy, beautifully designed restaurant and bar, with just enough taxidermy and outlaw decor to make you feel transported.
The food: Bounty Hunter’s all-day menu is easy to navigate, and features some memorable Southern Pride smoked dishes. It’s divided into Wine Bar Snacks ($6-$18), Salads ($10-$19), Sandwiches ($14-$19) and Signature Items ($18-$38). For lunch, we’re pretty much obsessed with the Chopped Salad ($16), a heap of shaved snap peas, fresh, green garbanzo beans, smoked bacon, egg, avocado and the most addictive poblano-cotija dressing.
Feeding a group? Take my dining companion’s suggestion and order The Bounty Hunter Smokin’ BBQ Platter ($38). It feeds 3-4 people and features piles of spice-rubbed pulled pork, beef brisket that is sliced to order and a half rack of deliciously sweet-and-spicy St. Louis style ribs alongside a kicky coleslaw. Another option: Beer Can Chicken ($28), a Cajun spiced whole free-range bird perched on a Tecate beer can. It’s ready to carve and makes a fabulous snap for your ‘Gram.
Our only disappointment was the Southern Style Pimento Cheese Dip ($10). While flavorful and served with a generous heap of tortilla chips, we would’ve preferred the dip warmed and well-blended.
Don’t miss: The wine program, obviously. Bounty Hunter offers 40 wines by the glass, 12 flights and more than 500 bottles. There’s also a full bar including four classic cocktails, domestic and international craft beers and a big selection of spirits.
Perfect for…Just about anything, including a lunch meeting, family dinner, post-movie drinks or wine and ‘que pairings.
Details: Open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday at 1521 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek; http://bountyhunterwalnutcreek.com
