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WARMING DOWN AT TAHOE HOT SPOTS Something about clambering out of ski boots at the end of the day makes for instant relaxation. It's time to kick back and help out those aching muscles. Keep in mind what the worldıs greatest skier, Alberto Tomba, would say. Cogito, ergo sum capax fruniscandi. (I think, therefore Iım still able to party.). Assuming you're up for getting down, one question remains. Where? Here's a guide around Lake Tahoe to ten popular hot spots after a long day carving down chilly snow-mantled slopes. Belt Room Bar Sugar Bowl Old Highway
40 During the 1940s, Sugar Bowl was a rarefied Hollywood outpost where movie stars like Errol Flynn, Sterling Hayden, and Robert Stack rubbed elbows with the swells of San Francisco society. Sixty years later, the Belt Room Bar, located inside the Village Lodge, still retains a landmark of distinction. The glitterati has been toned down, but a social impreserio of old and new mixes as smooth as the taproomıs signature Bloody Marys. A small bar menu, highlighted by light dinner entrees, compliments an outstanding back bar. Bullwhackerıs Pub 400 Squaw Creek Road
This establishment would have hastened the fall of Rome. The "Screaming Bull" and "Bullwhacker's Coffee" are signature drinks, but these offerings are reinforced by an impressive array of microbrews, including Bullwhacker's house pale ale, and a selection of single malts and vodkas. Located within the five star Resort at Squaw Creek, a short walk from Squaw Valley's mighty slopes, visitors are treated to free pool and shuffleboard, a giant screen television, and a premier cigar selection for outdoor enjoyment on the Pub Deck. A vast menu featuring spicy wings, nachos, and homemade pizzas compliments the fun. Jakeıs On The Lake 780 North Lake Blvd.
Jake's offers the would be refugee extra assistance from the quotidian. The atmosphere, part hama'aina, or beach house, part rustic mountain lodge, takes on the look and fevered pitch of a prohibition speakeasy. A wildly ecletic crowd of old-time locals, die-hard regulars, fledgling collegians, intrepid SoMa types, sprinkled by long hairs and some mega-babeosity, adds to the party. By dropping in for a drink one can always discover the skinny: where the best off-marked ski trails are located, or the sweetest surf on the coast, or what yacht's skipper needs crew to Hawaii. Tuesday night "Mai Tai Madness" offers half-price sashimi, poki rolls, crab won tons, and, of course, Mai Tais. River Ranch Resort and Restaurant 2285 River Road If satisfying the appetites for nourishment and social chatter were the only goals, the River Ranch would be probably just another roadside attraction. Instead, the roadhouse spawns a fun, liberating outpost, a wilderness showplace offering the affordable soft bed, home-cooked food, and enveloping warmth of friendship. Late afternoon in the bar itıs axiomatic to discover a wonderful collection of customers; ski bums, velocity cultists, and world class athletes, some whoıve been ripping turns since the days of Northland Skis and Jet-Stix, and who know the local terrain better than a beat cop. Grab a table near the windows that overlook the roaring Truckee River or snuggle up around the cozy stone firplace with a "River Run Heater," an in-house hot buttered rum guaranteed to sooth. "Wild Winter Wednesdays," 4 p.m.-7 p.m., offer discounted drinks and raffle prizes. Naughty Dawg Saloon and Grill 255 North Lake Blvd.
Partying at the Naughty Dawg is sometimes like riding the dysfunctional metal horse in front of the K-Mart that bucks hard and irregular. Babes and buckeroos burnish their edges tossing back a selection of fourteen beers on tap, or grab five of their closest friends to share a "Shotski," six shot glasses mounted on a downhill ski. Party dog bowls are a favorite of grommets in search of tail-bonking table tops. The watering hole becomes especially busy Friday nights from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. for "Beat The Clock," when drinks start at 50 cents and gradually work their way up to normal prices as the clock ticks away. Cottonwood Restaurant State Hwy 267 at Hilltop
Lodge Situated within the original Hilltop Lodge, California's first ski resort, Cottonwood offers daily happy hour specials to fresh faced wanderers heading back to Truckee from their rumblings down the slopes of Northstar-at-Tahoe. Views overlook the rustic burg first settled in the mid-1800s. An outstanding wine list offers refreshing wines by the glass.The back bar displays a symphony of single malts, small batch bourbons, and micro brews. Known for its jerk fried rock prawn appetizer, customers are also lured by the eatery's signature drink, "Knuckle Dragger," a concoction made up of Baileys, Kahlua, brandy, Godiva chocolate liqueur, topped with homemade whipped cream. Mott Canyon Tavern and Grill 259 Kingsbury Grade Called by many the "Cheers of Southshore," this tavern, located down the road from Heavenly's Nevada side, welcomes guests with the simple mix of genuine smiles, hearty food, cold beer, and spirits. You won't find dart boards, pool tables, or live music - this is a place to socialize rather than be entertained. A 300-gallon saltwater aquarium full of lion fish greet visitors entering the high-ceilinged establishment. Feel the warmth sitting near the solid granite fireplace and watch sports from several TVs. The saloon offers thirteen tap beers and homestyle cooking that features items such as beer battered onion rings, tacos, and the popular "Mott Melt," a turkey, bacon, cheddar, and avocado sandwich served on sourdough. Nepheles 1169 Ski Run Blvd.
For twenty years, Nepheles has extended a warm welcome and cushy digs to guests on their way down from Heavenly. The restaurant is fairly upscale, but jeans and flannel shirts are acceptable dress code in the convivial bistro bar. For the more daring, open-sky, private hot tubs next door offer relief after a day's workout, complete with cocktail service. The knack for rustic improv is evident in the lounge area that offers full length padded benches against the walls and a cozy ambiance from the horseshoe shaped bar. Nepheles offers alluring appetizers including swordfish stuffed egg rolls, escargot, and a dynamite seafood cheesecake. Christiana Inn 3819 Saddle Road A cheerful cozy place always packed with old country expatriates, the Christianaıs sunken lounge, fireplace, and chalet style ambiance offer a calming retreat from a hectic day's pace. Happy Hour begins at 2 p.m. offering two for one mixed drinks and $2 drafts A bistro menu provides hot wings, sandwiches, poppers, and other items served promptly by a veteran staff. Try the bar specialty, "Lochness Monster," a killer hot coffee drink so deadly it was once thought to be outlawed by the Geneva Conference. Riva Grill 900 Ski Run Blvd This large lakeside eatery, located where Ski Run Blvd meets the beach, is an international port of call and welcome center for the watch-me scene. It's jocular staff, most of them season pass holders, have the inside track on snow conditions. Yupster to youthful crowds concentrate in the lounge out-fibbing each other about their carving expertise in between checking out the lakeviews and sports on TV. House cocktails come with names like "Bilge Water," "Bent Prop," "Italian Torpedo," and the house specialty, "Wet Woody." Riva offers specials Monday and Friday nights. Happy Hour runs from 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with $2.50 pint draft beers, $2.75 well drinks, as well as phat discounts on food items. |
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