Chowing Down At The Q Eateries offer great food in a rustic setting

By Dave Ficere

They may bill themselves as the home of “Warm Beer and Bad Food,” but The Q Bar & Grill and The Other Q Bar & Grill are anything but! Boasting two locations “where the chow is more important than the china,” both venues offer a wide range of menu items including sandwiches, burgers, sausage, fresh salads and much more as well as a variety of beverages… but no warm beer!

As you make yourself at home in one of their custom crafted booths, you’ll be surrounded by a rustic hunting and fishing décor. You’ll enjoy dining on the best fish in Phoenix, a fabulous burger topped with famous chili or one of the Q’s signature appetizers or specials of the day. Along with your delicious food, you can enjoy a cold beer or a premium cocktail. All in all, a great place to dine, drink and relax with family or friends.

The original Q bar was opened in 1987 by founder and owner, Chuck Rohlfing, who is now semi-retired. A food expert, butcher and one-time commercial fisherman in Alaska, he launched the first location with homemade sauces and a lot of family recipes and word quickly spread about their famous all-you-can eat fish fry. The second location—in Deer Valley—opened in 1996, and between them they sell about 500 pounds of fish per week!

Since those early years, daughter Julie Rohlfing—who cut her teeth by working for her dad—has taken over the day-to-day operations of both locations as the General Manager and her sister, Laura Post, handles the marketing for both restaurants. In addition to their fish fry, both establishments are known for their old style, Midwestern type menu, friendly atmosphere and different food specials every night of the week.

“Our personal service, fresh food and friendly staff set us apart from other restaurants,” Julie says. “My cooks have been with me for 16 years and many of the wait staff have been with the restaurants for more than 20 years. We cater to a lot of families, promote the outdoors and have carved out a niche for those things in our decor,” she adds.

There’s only one rule at Q Bar & Grill: NO SNIVELING! Those words—branded over the cooks grill—say a lot about founder and owner, Chuck Rohlfing. Raised in the Midwest, Chuck found a love for hunting, fishing and great down home cooking at a young age. And, for more than twenty years, he has taken great pleasure in sharing his family recipes and choice selections of fresh fish with locals as well as visitors from across the country.

“My dad is really the backbone of the business and such a dynamic person,” Julie says. “I have simply taken over what he built and manage the facilities and staff. Our customers love the Midwestern feel and family atmosphere at both restaurants.”

“We are committed to providing our customers with exceptional value at the Q and the Other Q Bar & Grill,” she says, inviting customers to “take advantage of our great specials the next time you visit!” Those specials include Catfish, Taco Tuesday, Chicken-Fried steak, pork chops and Friday’s all-you-can-eat fish fry served with coleslaw and fries.

The Q Bar & Grill is located at 6750 W. Olive Ave. in Peoria, while The Other Q Bar & Grill can be found at 20818 N. 19th Ave. (19^th & Rose Garden) in Deer Valley. Both locations are open from 11am-12 midnight, Monday through Saturday and 11am-9pm on Sundays. For more information, call the Q at (623) 878-2079, The Other Q at (623) 580-0588, or visit their website at: qbarandgrill.org.