Beautiful scenery meets beautiful people. Deep, crystal clear blue waters meet deep pockets full of green. What more can you ask of a very colorful resort bar?
The Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village, Nevada just two miles from the antiquated and dilapidated Stateline that separates California and Nevada on the North Shore offers both. The huge windows that face the gorgeous tides of crystal blue Lake Tahoe nearly touch them, save the small area that has an outdoor fire place and difficult-to- score seating area for drinking and smoking.
The bar is located on the right with an equally difficult-to-score 12 bar stool facing. There is plenty of seating at tables and a large lounge area next to the tall, stone-inlaid fireplace. Above the fireplace is a carving of the signature lone eagle.
When you enter the place, a full four-star restaurant is beyond the bar further right, one is enthralled with the 30 foot high ceiling. An antique canvas canoe, topping a multi level bookcase, is hanging from the left. Across the street from the Hyatt Regency Incline Village, charging privileges to your hotel room are allowed.
Once negotiating the two flights of stairs – take your ski boots off – you enter a lively atmosphere. A local artist is typically playing his tunes, and selling his wares, in the left corner. The people are après ski or après outdoors clad, depending of the time of season. The people are tanned and well dressed although no dress code seems to apply. Recently, I saw a man in a Meadowood Cap. If you have to ask, don’t bother.
The bar has a great spirits and wine selection, and appropriately enough, a large selection of Ports. The restaurant menu is available in the bar and lounge area. Bar staff are friendly and attentive, even if they have to deal with a crowded and often demanding patronage that seem more at home on Rodeo Drive than laidback Lake Tahoe. The presentation for a customer that had too much skiing and consequently ordered a hot tea was something to behold.
Expensive, as it should be, have one and enjoy one of the greatest views in the 48 contiguous states. Stay for another, because you will marvel at the beauty of the crowd as well. – DM