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.
While you’re playing in Carson Valley you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to enjoy small town ambiance while fueling up for a day of golf or mountain biking than one of the newer eateries in historic Genoa, Flutter & Buzz Cafe. This bright and homey spot features a menu of classic and contemporary favorites for breakfast and lunch, from pastries and avocado toast to panini sandwiches and specialty soups. And that’s not to mention a very impressive variety of coffee, tea, sodas, and cocktails on offer! On warm summer days, their ice cream may just be the perfect thing to stave off the heat.
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 patio on the north side of the building is open for outdoor dining with the items they have to offer in their café, and from there, 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.
When you’re ready for some nosh after rocking out to the bands at Genoa Bar’s Porch Parties, Hungry Hearts is the answer. Right in front of the bar, just by the tunes you’ll find a seasonal food truck open on weekends serving up burgers, fries, and seasonal items like wraps and chicken sandwiches. After you’ve had your fill, 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 or their beer battered cheese curds, along with anything from their seasonal cocktail menu. Their range of appetizers are a sort of small-plate heaven, meant for sharing with good company, 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!