Henderson’s Water Street District Restaurants and Bars Adapt to a Viral World

For health and safety, Henderson’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival was cancelled over the weekend, depriving the Water Street District of a guaranteed influx of thirsty and hungry locals. Previously on schedule for a banner year for the neighborhood's food and beverage industry, the City of Henderson has now also postponed all large community events through the end of April.

To rise to the current crisis, operators are working hard to create safe environments and find new ways to encourage visitors to support the area. A number of local businesses are actively updating customers via social media about their fluctuating opening hours, serving changes and frequent special deals as they brave the days ahead.

Craft beer fans can head to Mojave Brewing Co. at 107 S. Water St. and its limited-seating taproom, shrunken in size to encourage social distancing. Customers in a hurry can opt to pick up an already filled growler, or a howler, Mojave’s half-growler container filled with house creations including a Belgian style Tripel and a brown porter.

A short distance away on Pacific Avenue, the seven month old Pacific Diner remains open “as much we as we can safely,” and is encouraging fans of its breakfast-and-lunch classics to continue to place orders for delivery or pick up. A phone number for credit card orders and its daily hours are updated online.

Looking to chill down? The Purple Penguin Snowcone Shack at 129 S. Water St. recently debuted and continues serving customers at its walk up window only, with no indoor seating. The shack is famous for its super-sized collection of shaved ice favorites including coconut Tiger’s Blood, wedding cake, and pink cotton candy.

For early risers, Public Works Coffee Bar is also implementing a pickup and delivery only policy, pouring its popular menu of coffee, teas, and barista specials from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, with shorter hours on the weekend. Pre-orders can be made online.

At the far end of Water Street, Lovelady Brewing’s solution has been to cut its capacity by 50 percent and suspend tavern activities including trivia, games, and shuffleboard. They are well rehearsed in offering beers to go, with the option of placing an order ahead of time on its dedicated website, and pick up the red ale, IPAs, or amber lager in the taproom.

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