The space now taken by The Deep End restaurant and entertainment center has lived many lives over the years on the west side of Harlingen.

The spacious Business 83 location has been a dance hall, a honky-tonk and sports bar, among other variations. Under new ownership, there is a fresh concept with investments in facilities that have reimagined dance floors and traditional bar setups into a place suited for family fun. Arcades and pool tables attract plenty of attention as do simulated golf games and dart boards that keep scores electronically.

There’s a spacious outdoor patio to cool off in summer evenings with good food and an array of big television screens that are among the 60 broadcasting all manner of sports. A beer wall featuring 36 varieties of alcoholic beverages with taps are lined up near The Deep End’s entrance. Put it all together and it’s an ambiance of friendliness and fun that puts customers at ease.

“We’ve changed the outlook of this location,” said Luis Gonzalez, a bar manager and one of the four supervisors who run daily operations at the restaurant. “We want to be a place where after a long day at work or school, customers can come here with their families and feel fun and safe.”

‘Getting Better Everyday’

The Deep End is owned by Harlingen businessman Juan Ramirez and the general manager is Peter Salazar, who owns the popular El Gallito restaurant in San Benito. 

It’s at El Gallito where a 17-year-old Gonzalez began his career in the restaurant business, working as a busboy at Salazar’s San Benito restaurant. He went from there to working at Texas Roadhouse and Cheddar’s and getting further experience in the industry. He kept in touch with Salazar. When word came of the restart project at The Deep End, Gonzalez took the offer to be part of a new restaurant with a different concept and an opportunity to sharpen his business bonafides.

“I’m entrepreneurially driven,” said the 23-year-old Gonzalez.  “I’ve enjoyed the challenges of helping to get a new restaurant started. We pride ourselves on the quality of product we send out. I feel like we’re getting better everyday.”

The Deep End opened in April 2024 after about two years of preparation and investments. The time spent to get it right was worth the wait. On a recent early Friday afternoon, family groups enjoyed the games and fun offered at the restaurant, from the simulated golf games to shooting pool. Other groups of customers enjoyed the bone-in chicken wings, pizzas and appetizers from The Deep End’s full-service kitchen.

The ease and comfort felt by diners and games enthusiasts is what the restaurant sought when opening last spring.

“We’re not a sports bar,” Gonzalez said. “Our vision has always been a family entertainment place where families can have confidence in coming to a safe environment.”

‘Controlled Chaos’

The Deep End is gearing up for the start of football season.

A preview of what’s to come occurred when the Texas A&M men’s baseball team reached the championship round of the College World Series. Aggie alumni and supporters filled up the restaurant in what Gonzalez called “controlled chaos,” in enjoying the buzz and fun of seeing your team vie for a national championship. It’s easy to see how Dallas Cowboy or San Antonio Spurs fans could spend hours watching their teams on the big screens while enjoying wings, pizzas and tasty appetizers, not to mention beer served from the taps at a frosty 28 degrees. 

Gonzalez says The Deep End strictly follows all state laws regarding alcohol consumption with 100 percent adherence to mandated rules in ensuring there is no underage drinking at the restaurant. The restaurant is more than roomy. It seats 300 customers indoors and outdoors combined. More games and entertainment space are being added and The Deep End owners hope to open a McAllen/Edinburg location in the next few years.

The restaurant with its formal name being The Deep End, Fun, Physical, Family Entertainment, is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week, and is located at 3811 U.S. Business 83 in Harlingen.