Open air dining? Absolutely! Here’s six of the best outdoor-patio restaurants in Carson Valley to get you started.
It’s been said that given all the activities and the burgeoning food scene in Carson Valley, one could easily eat their way around the valley. To that, we say ‘Yes you can!’ Here are some ideas suitable for summer to prove it.
1862 Saloon, Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley’s Resort
While you’re playing in Carson Valley you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to admire Jobs Peak while fueling up for a day of golf or mountain biking than one of the few restaurants in Genoa Nevada, 1862 Saloon. Located at Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley’s Resort, you can enjoy breakfast and then go for a soak in the naturally fed hot springs if you aren’t feeling up to a day of going big. And let’s face it, you could always use a day of pampering while on vacation.
DST Coffee, Gardnerville
To get that coffee-shop vibe any time of day, you don’t want to miss Gardnerville’s DST Coffee. The siblings behind this hip joint (pun intended) have added ice cream to their menu of locally sourced products. Their new patio on the north side of the building now is open for outdoor dinning with the items they have to offer in their café or from their pizza truck open throughout the year, then note, you’re close enough to Heritage Park Gardens for a leisurely stroll. Spend some time in the shade enjoying your beverage and snacks while you play some life-sized chess or checkers. Be sure to admire the labyrinth as well, it will surely put a smile on your face.
Genoa Station
When you’re ready for some nosh after rocking out to the bands at Genoa Bar’s Porch Parties Genoa Station is the answer. A quick hop across the street from the tunes you’ll find a family-owned restaurant with local meats, and dare I say tater tots! Let your server know about any dietary restrictions, they are happy to do what they can to serve you. After you fill the hump, wander through the Dancing Deer featuring a huge selection of amazing jewelry and Genoa souvenirs.
For a local’s secret hole-in-the-wall that will leave you raving, stop into JJ’s Mexican Food in Gardnerville. There’s plenty of parking and amazingly authentic tacos. Cool off on the patio with a cerveza or margarita.
Overland Restaurant and Pub, Gardnerville
When you want patio service that can’t be beat, check out Overland Restaurant and Pub. Everything they do is great, but we recommend the piggy poppers and their signature cocktail – the Golden Eagle. As it happens, you will want to get your Instagram #selfieswithstatues photo with the ACTUAL Golden Eagle perched above the bar. (Don’t forget to tag your photo with #WhyCV and @CarsonValleyNV). Happy hour means small plate heaven, and the atmosphere means you’ll want to make happy hour last all evening.
Don’t let the absence of a patio dissuade you from enjoying other valley restaurant fare in an outdoor setting. Get your food to-go (we love sandwiches and wraps from Cafe Girasole) and have yourself a picnic at Dangberg Home Ranch or Minden Park.
There are more ideas about nearby restaurants in our post Eat Your Way Around the Valley – Winter Edition.
Need more ways to fill your time between meals? Check out our itineraries page!