Enjoy a Drink at Genoa Bar & Saloon: The Oldest Bar in Nevada
Genoa Bar and Saloon opened back in 1853, a whopping eleven years before Nevada even became a state, in the charming town of Genoa, which two years prior in 1851 became the first settlement...
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Genoa Bar and Saloon History
Genoa Bar and Saloon opened back in 1853, a whopping eleven years before Nevada even became a state, making it the oldest bar in Nevada. It was opened in Genoa city, Nevada, which two years prior in 1851 became the first settlement for white settlers in Nevada.
Thousands of people from all walks of life enjoyed a drink (or two) on its historic bar top, from early locals such as Snowshoe Thompson, Genoa’s mailman who delivered mail over the mountains between Genoa and Placerville, California, to well-known celebrities and dignitaries such as actor John Wayne, President Teddy Roosevelt, and author Mark Twain.
Even the prohibition era couldn’t stop the bar, as it managed to survive the devastating years (for alcohol) between 1920 and 1933 by operating under the guise of a soda fountain shop. You have to give the owners at the time points for creativity.
Genoa Bar Hours, Drink Menu, and Food Offerings
The Genoa Bar in Nevada operates every day of the year, opening at 10am with no set closing time, simply stating they’ll, “close when the last patron leaves”. That could be 5pm or 2am. If you’re here during Genoa’s peak season, I wouldn’t worry too much about showing up and finding a locked door (unless you show up during Vegas hours).
However, if you’re visiting during their off season, I would recommend showing up around opening time or soon after if you had your heart set on visiting. While there are plenty of locals in Genoa to keep the bar busy, I’m sure their traffic ebbs and flows with tourism levels, so they likely close earlier than usual during that time.
Their drink specials menu is posted on both the outside and inside of the bar. Many of these drinks are crafted cocktails, including their famous Bloody Mary. Their prices are actually reasonable, as I’m used to seeing prices for cocktails reach the $20 mark and their most expensive (listed) drink costs $11.
During my visit, they had a food truck parked outside of the bar near the parking lot. I’m not sure if this is a regular thing or not but if it is, I’d imagine it’s only during the peak tourism season. There is no food served at the bar itself, just drinks.
I didn’t eat here as my friend and I were holding out for lunch at The Pink House, but I looked them up and it appears as though they offer a variety of burgers and sandwiches, along with optional sweet potato fries.
Genoa Bar and Saloon Interior
As you walk up to the front door, you’ll see historical markers proudly displayed on the brick walls, as well as old signage with vague directions to various places such as Virginia City, Dayton, and Hangtown (Placerville). This is in addition to the, “No Horses Allowed”, sign that’s hung in the window.
Once inside, you’ll immediately take note of the cluttered (in a good way) walls. The historic bar top will be to the left and to the right is some additional seating, a pool table, and select merchandise for sale.
Aside from the collection of random decor on the walls, another thing you’ll take notice of is the smell. It isn’t a bad smell, but you’ll immediately know you’re in a very old building. If I had to describe it, it smells like old cedar wood. Again, not a bad smell, just a distinctive one.
Looking around the walls, you’ll see taxidermist deer and buffalo heads, old clocks, signage with quirky quips, old black and white photos, chandeliers with obvious patina, faded but still very visible boudoir paintings, and more.
They don’t charge you to enter the bar, but it’s always good idea to support local businesses, so my friend and I decided to try one of their featured drinks. I went with the Lavender Lemon Fizz ($9). It’s made with Tahoe Blue vodka, lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, and lavender aroma sugar.
I’ve been into lemon and lavender drinks lately and considering this was already a hot day, I found it deliciously refreshing. I’m definitely going to come back, though, as I live relatively close by and there’s a couple other drinks I want to try. When I do, I’ll be sure to update this post.
You don’t have to order one of the featured drinks if you don’t want to. They have a full bar and can make just about anything. My friend ordered a simple vodka cranberry, for example. They also have most of your usual beers on tap as well.
Even if you’re not a drinker, I highly recommend paying Genoa Bar and Saloon a visit for the historic value alone. While you’re there, be sure to visit the historic Mormon Station across the street, the Genoa Courthouse Museum down the street, and enjoy lunch at the historic Pink House nearby.
PSALM 91
Enjoy a Post-Hike Meal at Tunnel Creek Cafe
When searching for the best places to eat in Lake Tahoe, many will point you to the south shore. To be fair, there are a lot of solid options on that side. However, there are many delicious...
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.
When searching for the best places to eat in Lake Tahoe, many will point to the south shore and for good reason, there are a lot of solid options over there. However, there are many delicious options on the north shore near Incline Village as well.
One such option is the Tunnel Creek Cafe. It’s the sole restaurant situated near near two mega-popular hiking trails on the Nevada side of the lake. Those two trails are Monkey Rock and the Tahoe East Shore Trail.
If you’re planning to hike one of these trails during your visit to Lake Tahoe, and depending on when you plan to start and finish, Tunnel Creek Cafe is an excellent option for a pre or post-hike meal, as the food will fill you with the carbs needed to crush your hike and you can enjoy said meal in a relaxing, forest atmosphere.
Tunnel Creek Cafe Location and Parking
As stated above, Tunnel Creek Cafe is located in Incline Village on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. If you’re coming from the direction of Mount Rose Highway, you’ll turn left onto Highway 28 to reach it. From Carson City or South Lake Tahoe, travel south on Highway 28.
When you get to Tunnel Creek Cafe, you’ll notice two sets of parking lots located right off of the highway. These lots are for the hiking trails and there’s a fee to use them. Tunnel Creek Cafe has its own, rather large (and free) lot you can use since you’ll be dining there.
People who use their lot to access the hiking trails are subject to being towed. I’m not sure if they’ll allow you to leave your car there to go hiking after your meal. You can ask, but if you are planning to hike before or after your meal, it’s best to play it safe and use the Tunnel Creek lots.
Parking here is charged by the hour and the amount changes according to day of week, time of day, etc. You can view current rates here. As stated above, you can access the Monkey Rock trail, which begins behind Tunnel Creek Cafe and the famed Tahoe East Shore Trail.
From the paid parking lots, there’s a side entrance near the bicycle rental place to the restaurant that provides quick access to the many outside seating options.
The Restaurant
The restaurant sits on a quiet edge of Incline Village and Lake Tahoe, surrounded by towering pines. It gives the feeling of dining in an old lakeside cabin and blends in with its surroundings quite nicely.
They have both indoor and outdoor seating. The interior portion is minimal and honestly, feels a bit cramped. However, between the multi-leveled decks and ground-level tables, outside seating is not only plentiful, but preferred by most (based on what I’ve observed).
This is one of those restaurants where you order and pay first, and then find a seat. They’ll assign you a number to place on your table and your food will be brought out to you. You’ll queue up through the main entrance and order from the sole register.
Tunnel Creek Cafe Menu
I’ve been to Tunnel Creek Cafe a few times and each time I’ve gone, I’ve always found the food to be pretty good. I wouldn’t rate it as amazing or anything like that, but it does the job. This is especially true if you’ve been hiking and need to replenish.
For the most part, you’ll find a number of burger, sandwich and salad options for lunch. For breakfast, I can personally recommend either the breakfast burrito or the Creme Brulee French Toast. Both of these are solid choices.
The breakfast burrito is decently sized and is filled with your choice of protein (I went with bacon), two eggs, hashbrowns, black beans, and cheese with a side of salsa and piece of watermelon. It’s filling for sure, but I wish it had more flavor.
During my lunch visit, I ordered a cold beer (they have a variety on tap) and their Hoss Burger, which was topped with gouda cheese. Interestingly, fries were not an option as a side. However, you do get a serving of their house-made potato chips, which are delicious.
The burger itself was decent, as the gouda cheese gave it a distinct flavor from the usual American or cheddar cheeses. Unfortunately, the patty was a bit overcooked, though this seems to be the exception and not the rule as past reviews give their burgers high praise. You can view the full menu here.
In conclusion, Tunnel Creek Cafe is a great place to eat on this side of the lake. It’s hard to beat its convenient location next to numerous hiking trailheads and its serene environment. Be sure to give it a shot.
Planning a visit to Lake Tahoe? If so, read my comprehensive guide on Emerald Bay to help ensure a smooth visit. For fantastic pizza on the California side of the lake, read about my experience at Base Camp Pizza. If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, check out these 5 beautiful waterfalls. Lastly, if you’re looking for a beach day, consider Round Hill Pines Beach Resort.
PROVERBS 3:23
Round Hill Pines: An Excellent South Lake Tahoe Beach
When researching the best beaches in Lake Tahoe, popular options such as Sand Harbor, Baldwin Beach, and Emerald Bay often come up. While those are all solid options worth…
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.
When researching the best beaches in Lake Tahoe, popular options such as Sand Harbor, Baldwin Beach, and Emerald Bay often come up. While those are all solid options worth exploring, there’s another beautiful beach you may want to consider - Round Hill Pines.
Located on the famed south shore of Lake Tahoe (on the Nevada side), Round Hill Pines offers its visitors a pristine beach, the same incredibly clear water Tahoe is known for, a beach-side bar, an on-site restaurant, water vessel rentals, and more.
My wife and I recently spent the day at Round Hill Pines for her birthday. I wasn’t planning on posting about this place, so I left my camera at home. I ended up liking it so much I ended up scrambling to get photos with my cell phone so I could share it with you.
In this post, I’ll discuss topics such as how to get to Round Hill Pines, how it costs to visit, the food/drink situation, and more. Let’s get into it.
Getting to Round Hill Pines and Parking Prices
Getting to Round Hill Pines is fairly straight forward, as the entrance to the parking lot is right off of Highway 50 and is well signed. If you’re coming from the Sand Harbor or Carson City area, the entrance will on your right, just a few miles after passing Zephyr Cove.
From the direction of Sacramento or Emerald Bay, you’ll arrive to the exit on your left about 8-10 minutes after crossing the state line into Nevada.
Round Hill Pines’ parking lot is fairly large and multi-tiered, with spaces for many vehicles. The day-use/parking fee is $12, cash only (as of our visit in August 2024). That fee covers your parking and beach access only. Note that if you arrive after 5pm, the parking fee is waived.
As is the case with most things in Lake Tahoe, the earlier you arrive, the better. We arrived right at 8am (when they open) and were one of just a few vehicles. When we left around 2pm, the parking lot was nearly full. This was in August, which is a busy time for Tahoe. If you’re here during the outside months, you’ll have more leeway.
Round Hill Pines Restaurants and Bar
Round Hill Pines has an on-site restaurant called Beach Bums Bar and Grill and Rum Bar on the Beach, a beachside bar. Beach Bums is situated to the left of the main path leading to the beach from the parking lot and Rum Bar is to the left of the stairwell, in front of the restaurant.
The restaurant is walk-up and order style, where they’ll then bring your food out to you. There’s ample seating in the restaurant’s outdoor deck, but if you prefer, they’ll also bring your food to you at your spot on the beach. Simply tell them and they’ll give you a numbered flag to place at your spot.
Rum Bar on the Beach Drinks
Both of the establishments open at 11am. While Beach Bums closes at sunset, Rum Bar doesn’t have a specified closing time. The website states that hanging out at Rum Bar during sunset is can’t-miss (I’m paraphrasing), so it likely stays open well past that.
While Rum Bar serves many specialty cocktails and classic drinks, their two most popular choices are the Pain Killer and Rum Rummer drinks. The Pain Killer is a slushy concoction of pineapple and coconut, topped with a variety of rums and fresh nutmeg.
The Rum Runner is a unique blend of tropical fruit juices, rum, and Round Hill Pines’ signature rum floater. They’re both fantastic and stand out from one another. The Rum Runner packs more of a punch with rum flavor, while the Pain Killer’s flavor favors more of the sweetness from the pineapple and coconut.
Personally, my favorite was the Pain Killer (I ended up downing a few of these). If you’re someone who likes your drink on the stronger side, you’ll likely favor the Rum Rummer. Honestly, you couldn’t go wrong with either option. They’re both great.
Beach Bums Bar and Grill Menu and Food
Unfortunately, the great drinks at Rum Bar is where my excitement ends as it pertains to the food and drink options. The resort’s on-site restaurant, Beach Bums, offers many selections for all sorts of palettes but the items we tried left much to be desired.
For starters, we ordered the chicken wings with guava habanero sauce ($11.75). I have to be honest, these were the worst wings we’ve ever had. The chicken itself was so bland the sauce couldn’t save it. There was no seasoning at all, and it tasted as if the chicken was boiled, instead of baked or fried.
For our entrees, I ordered the Smoked BBQ Bacon Burger ($24.75) and my wife ordered the Mahi-mahi Tacos ($21.75). The burger came doused in bbq sauce and topped with applewood-smoked bacon, white cheddar, muenster, and an onion ring.
It was decent, but nowhere near worth $25 and had way too much cheese on it. Additionally, the bun was practically worthless as the burger itself was more than twice its size. Additionally, I paid an extra $2.00 for sweet potato fries that were bland and soggy.
My wife said her Mahi-mahi tacos were just ok, as the fish had decent flavor, but there were two different sauces on the tacos and way too much of it. So much so, that the sauces practically drowned out the flavor of the seasoned fish.
Of the three offerings, the tacos were the winner, but only by a slight margin. As stated above, my burger was decent, but definitely not worth $25. The soggy fries only made it worse. They deliver your food to you in these plastic containers which to be fair,, does trap the heat, but often results in soggy food.
Your milage may vary, but my recommendation is to pack a picnic and enjoy that with a Pain Killer (or two) on the beach. My opinion of the taste of the food is my own and a matter of perspective, but the prices are far and away what I would consider “par for the course”…even by Tahoe standards.
Round Hill Pines Beach and Rentals
There are many activities to partake in at Round Hill Pines. The favorite among many being just hanging on the beach itself. In comparison to other South Lake Tahoe beaches, it’s on the smaller side, but spacious nonetheless. Sand Harbor has it beat as far as visual standards go, but that’s about it.
As stated earlier in this post, we arrived early (8am) to secure our choice of beach space. There was only one other person here when we arrive but as the morning progressed, it became more and more populated. In the photos below, the first one was shortly after we set up (about 8:30) and the second was around 10am.
While this fairly minor by Lake Tahoe standards, it just goes to show how quickly the crowds at these beaches get dense. I forgot to take another photo of the same angle, but the below photo was from the dock and was taken shortly after 12pm. Again, I stress to you the importance of arriving early. Especially in July or August.
Aside from hanging out on the beach, there’s a hut near the marina where you can rent a variety of water vessels. Round Hill Pines recommends securing your rentals online ahead of time. You can do at this link. Rentals include:
Boats
Sea Doos
Kayaks and SUP Boards
Pedal Boats
and more
Additionally, you can book a cruise around Lake Tahoe (including Emerald Bay) on a 63-foot yacht, called the Tahoe Serenity. Cruises are 2.5-hours long and include snacks and beverages. If you place an order ahead of time from Beach Bums, you can enjoy an onboard lunch. You can book cruises here.
Lastly, further down the beach is a volleyball net available for all guests to use. Pretty sure you’ll need to bring your own volleyball, but it doesn’t hurt to ask one of the employees if they have any on-hand. By the way, the photo below showcases our beach set-up. I’ve provided Amazon links to nearly everything in the photo if you’re interested.
OOFOS Sandals (the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn)
Citronella Spray (a DEET-free way to keep bugs away - bees are everywhere in Tahoe)
Round Hill Pines Common Questions
Does Round Hill Pines Beach allow dogs?
No, dogs (or any pet) are not allowed.
Is there a lifeguard on the beach?
No.
Can I BBQ on the beach?
For the protection of the surrounding environment, gas and charcoal grills are not allowed on the beach.
PROVERBS 3:23