The same ol’ doesn’t apply to Tahoe South with new restaurants, bars, art classes/galleries that connect indoor activities to the area’s famed outdoor recreation.
The emerging trend in South Shore incorporates dining experiences as part of the adventure, whether it’s before, after or during an activity. For instance, in the morning it can be coffee and a light breakfast before yoga or standup paddle (even SUP yoga); a hike followed by lunch at an outdoor patio with live music; a bike ride to a brewery; cocktails as the sun sets, and the list goes on. Visitors and locals alike are seeking seamless connectivity to summer attractions and eateries that are walkable, bikeable or easily accessible via public transit, shuttles or car/ride-share apps.
The weather isn’t the only thing heating up—the South Shore restaurant scene is on fire with additional dining options that feature unique takes on Japanese, European and health-conscious cuisine.
TEMPT TASTEBUDS
The growing list within the Chateau at the Village (across from Heavenly Village) offers favorites like Ace High Saloon & Smokehouse, McP’s Taphouse Grill, and new additions of Poké Rok and Taste of Europe. Ocean meets mountains with a Hawaiian style restaurant that serves poke, raw seafood served in spicy or tangy marinade over rice and greens, as well as acai bowls and sushi burritos. The owner of Poké Rok also operates Ten Crows at Hotel Becket, and the popular Base Camp Pizza, Azul Latin Kitchen and California Burger Company all located in the Heavenly Village (tahoesouth.com/eat). Serving Czech and European specialties, the family-owned Taste of Europe establishment is opening in June (tasteofeurope.cz).
Tahoe Pourhouse provides coffee shop fare for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with wine on tap within The Crossing at Tahoe Valley located at the “Y” (intersection of Hwy 50 and 89). The establishment opened late May and menu features certified fair-trade coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, pastries, quiche, sweet potato hash bowl, cheese boards, small plates, salads and sandwiches (tahoepourhouse.com).
JoAsis combines Brazilian flare and Tahoe lifestyle with adapted recipes including acai berry and locally grown ingredients to create healthy dishes that prepare individuals for an active day on the water, the trails or golf course. JoAsis located at Stateline, Nev. near the Lucky Beaver, provides options that cater to various dietary choices, including non-dairy and cream versions of classics like the acai bowl, egg muffins and vegan sloppy joes (https://joasis).
El Fresco Mexican Bistro in Meyers (community before reaching South Lake Tahoe) serves fresh and healthy Mexican cuisine for casual dining and takeout. Ahi, Meixcan Seabass, fresh salsas and seasonal produce are just some of the ingredients.
Pick 6 Sports Lounge boasts two-stories with 21 TVs, 150-foot projector screen, full bar, local craft beers on tap and classic pub favorites made from scratch. The sports bar is located on Harrison Ave., near Lakeview Commons, and in the summer/warmer months pet-friendly seating is available.
STAY HYDRATED
The Hangar Taproom & Bottle Shop will open summer 2018 with 30 craft beers on tap and a dog friendly fenced-in park that overlooks the Truckee river adjacent to Magic Carpet miniature golf. (https://tahoesouth.com/).
Tahoe Mountain Brews is a nanobrewery that launched spring 2018 and currently features five beers on tap: Porter, Herbal IPA, Evolution Ale, Imperial Rye, and Belgian Festival. The brewery is open Friday and Saturdays from 4-10 p.m. and is located on the corner of Third Street and Eloise Avenue near the “Y”.
Outpost Brewing Co. brings unique brews to Basecamp Hotel at the former Basecamp Beer Garden. The Horchata Stout is a glowing example inspired by the popular Mexican drink, the Explorer Cream Ale, Buried Hatchet Amber and others (https://basecamptahoesouth.com).
The Cold Water Brewery Tasting Room is located in the same complex as the restaurant of the same name and will offer an area for beer samplers, growlers and merchandise (http://www.tahoecoldwaterbrewery.com/).
A second location for Lake Tahoe AleWorX will open this summer near the Lucky Beaver restaurant. The family-friendly atmosphere will be recreated and feature a similar menu with wood-fire pizzas, cheese platters, salads and for the adults a beer wall with pour your own beverages, and a full bar.
Small batch coffee roaster Black Cabin Coffee sources beans from co-op farms with sustainable harvesting practices and is walking distance from many downtown hotels. Signature drinks include a Fireside Mocha with chile spiced chocolate sauce and Hazelnut Cortado served with organic hazelnut syrup (blackcabincoffee.com).
The family-owned boutique Clyde’s Coffee, located on lower Kingsbury Grade state Route 207, does their own roasting along with daily baked goods. Through their partnership they’re able to provide direct sourced, hand-picked coffee beans attained through sustainable farming practices (clydescoffee.com).
RECREATION TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS
Blue Granite Indoor Climbing Gym the first of its kind on the South Shore, a full-scale rock climbing gym including rope climbing, bouldering and yoga. The newly constructed building is LEED-certified with large windows for natural light and climbing routes for individuals of all skill levels (bluegraniteclimbing.com).
Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Epic Discovery continues its summer operations with East Peak (Silver Rush) Zip Line Tour that takes guests from tree to tree at speeds of up to 40 mph. Overlooking the high desert of the Carson Valley, the last zip line allows guests to gaze over the waters of East Peak Lake. The experience concludes with an ATV ride back to the top of the Gondola. Epic Discovery also has additional zip lines with lake views, hiking trails, summer tubing, mountain coaster, ropes courses for all abilities and a man-made 25-ft. rock climbing wall (www.skiheavenly.com).
GET CULTURED
Emanate Gallery at The Crossing at Tahoe Valley encourages visitors to “experience beauty from its source” with Tahoe inspired artwork from local artists and custom framing services. Locally produced work includes photography, expressionist paintings, sculptures, jewelry and fine woodworking (emanategallery.com).
Let the inner artist out with lessons from experienced painters at Tahoe Brush and Bottle, a studio with a goal for beginner artists embrace their creativity in a comfortable learning environment located just past Tahoe Keys Blvd. near the “Y.” Classes include acrylic painting, screen printing and pastel drawing. Snacks and small plates are provided with beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. (tahoebrushandbottle.com).
