We interrupt the Summer 2021 New Mexico series, to bring you a more current update. We’ll have blog posts about our Fall 2021 Family & Friends Tour once we finish the New Mexico series. But for now, we wanted to give our friend Chris Blackwell and The Bunker Bar in Lake Havasu a stand-alone post.

Our last visit to Lake Havasu was in November 2019. During that trip, we saw the progress made toward a dream. I understood the concept even though it was hard for me to visualize what the blank slate of land would become.

He and his family had worked for years to bring a desert bar to the community of Lake Havasu. He saw the potential to offer a place about 2.5 miles off US Route 95 for people from town and sport utility vehicle enthusiasts to step off the dusty trail for a cold drink, tasty food, and music.

The simple plan turned into one hurdle after another until on January 1, 2020, when the venue opened for business. A few months later the bar closed due to the pandemic. Another tough obstacle to overcome for a business only opened three days a week during the cooler months of the year.

We avoided The Bunker Bar on November 6, 2021, because they were hosting lunch for the Desert Hills PFFA 3rd Annual Side X Side Poker Run event. Come Sunday, we traversed the gravel road and were amazed at the transformation and pleased to see the success of Chris’ hard work and patience.

While the band plays in the background, gals and guys can sit and talk at the tables (if the band doesn’t play too loud), dance in front of the bandstand, or show off their cornhole skills. It looks like there are enough sets to conduct a tournament.

Minnesota Mitch’s Mess Hall serves up hamburgers, sandwiches, and fries. Or one can opt for a hotdog, fish & chips, or chicken tenders. Non-alcoholic drinkers can pick up a Mister Root Beer or fresh lemonade. Step up to the bar for a mixed drink, or choose one of the locally brewed beers.

Stop by the store to pick up a T-shirt, hat, drink cozy, and other products.

Jon created a 360-degree video of the bar while the band played. Click here to watch the video and hear a snippet from the band.

So here’s to Chris and his family who supported him through the process, and play roles to make The Bunker Bar a success. May the guests continue to roll in, may the drinks and food continue to flow, and may the musical bands continue to play on and on for many seasons to come.

Congratulations to all who made The Bunker Bar possible.

Safe Travels