Savor the season at Diamond Billiard Club

Jesse Howard, Julia Askew and Heston Mercer stand with their famous wings behind the bar at Diamond Billiard Club. (Photo By Mark Gilliland)
Jesse Howard, Julia Askew and Heston Mercer stand with their famous wings behind the bar at Diamond Billiard Club. (Photo By Mark Gilliland)

DIAMOND BILLIARD CLUB

Address: 3600 Hixson PikeHours: Monday-Sunday from 11- 3 a.m. (Kitchen open until 2 a.m.)Phone: 423-877-5882

AIM TRUE

Diamond Billiard Club, along with Mayo’s Bar & Grill and various chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, is hosting Chattanooga’s “Vegas Dart Vacation” competition. Each Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. the competition is held at a different location. Entry fees help raise the money to send the winner to Las Vegas, and anyone can participate by cheering on the dart-throwers!Competition scheduleApril 15: VFW 4848, at 2402 Amnicola HighwayApril 22: VFW 1289, at 6011 Lee HighwayApril 29: Diamond Billiard Club

photo Blackberry bourbon Sriracha and El Flamo Del Gato wings at Diamond Billiard Club. (Photo By Mark Gilliland)
photo The 'Rise 'n Swine' Burger at Diamond Billiard Club. (Photo By Mark Gilliland)
photo Plate full of Diamond's award-winning wings. (Photo By Mark Gilliland)

As spring blossoms, so do the offerings at Diamond Billiard Club.

For example, its signature cocktail menu is shedding its winter skin to feature a trio of new, fresher seasonal drinks. During the time of my recent interview, Julia Askew, described by General Manager Jesse Howard as "the person who keeps the place moving forward," had not finalized the menu upgrade. However, she did know one new recipe: the Moscow Mule, an ideal warm-weather cocktail, made with ginger beer and lime among other ingredients.

Meanwhile, Diamond is also freshening up the options available on its 13 taps to feature more summer ales and crisp IPAs from both national and local breweries. Currently, one of its best-sellers is the Irish red ale from Chattanooga-based Oddstory Brewing Co., said bar manager Heston Mercer. Though Heston could not say how long that blend will be available, he said Diamond always keeps at least one local beer on tap.

Booze and brews aside, Diamond Billiard Club's most anticipated new feature this season is likely its weekend brunch. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Diamond's brunch will showcase recipes such as hashbrown casserole, shrimp and grits, and - of course - mimosas.

Just like the juicy oranges used in those mimosas, Diamond continues to ripen throughout the spring. Then, on May 20, it hopes to harvest the fruits of its labor during Chattanooga's annual "Whiskey n Wings" competition.

"We took third place last year, but we're gonna get first this year," Jesse said confidently, and with good reason: The flowers aren't the only things flourishing in the Scenic City.

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