It’s possible there are hundreds, yes you read that right, hundreds of places for you to find something to tickle your taste-buds between our four towns. But when it comes down to making recommendations for the best, we’ll start here. Whether it’s filling the hump after a morning of riding, or finding the perfect gift to bring the host-with-the-most, the businesses on this list will fill the bill with a smile on their faces and farmiliar service.
Read on and lettuce know what you think.
Abby Jo’s Cafe Girasole
Abby Jo’s Café Girasole is the place where friends meet. Enjoy a savory sandwich, hand-crafted soup and luscious salad. Graze on delectable wraps, grilled paninis and sandwiches that include locally grown, organic produce when available, sumptuous vegetarian options and tasty gluten-free bread, soups and desserts.
No meal is complete without indulging in yummy cookies, cakes, and specialty cheesecakes. Stop by Mon.–Fri. 11am-3pm. You can find them on Facebook.
Battle Born Wine & Whiskey
Battle Born Wine & Whiskey facilitates the launch of your taste buds into a new world. Treat yourself to a tremendous selection of fine local and imported wines at this historic Gardnerville store. With more than 3,000 different bottles of hand–selected fine wine, craft beer, and niche spirits we have a taste to please every palate.
With more than eleven years’ experience, Certified Sommelier, Troy Phillips will help you select the perfect bottle for any occasion. Swing by Mon.–Sat. 11am–6pm. 775-782-7684. Follow Troy’s hi-jinks on Facebook and Instagram.
Bently Heritage Estate Distillery
Bently Heritage Estate Distillery creates ultra-premium spirits from grains that have been grown on the Bently Ranch here in Minden. Their products elevate the connoisseur’s passion for luxury spirits, creating an experience that will be treasured by those who truly understand our mission to explore the abundance that nature offers and innovate on traditional techniques. Fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling all take place within their estate. This control results in a true expression of the land, the people, and the artistry that goes into every glass.
Visit the Public House for a cocktail or tasting on Thurs. and Sun. 10am–9pm, or Fri. and Sat. 10am–10pm. For more information and to schedule a tour, visit their website. Feeling Social? Find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Editor’s Note: Bently Heritage Estate Distillery is temporarily closed. Please continue to check back for updates.
The Chocolate Shoppe
Chocolate Shoppe is driven by passion and perfection which is instilled into the wonderful employees! They all take such great pride in their creations – this leads to tastier and more attractive creations. Their motto is “it has to look as good as it tastes” – a big challenge since they believe (and are constantly told) their confections are the best around. The shoppe in Gardnerville, just down the hill from Lake Tahoe, is only 15 minutes from the capital and just 40 miles from Reno, has been in this location since 2012.
All products are produced on site in small batches and by hand. Always free samples and always lots of smiles. It’s a great experience and they always welcome the chance to serve you! Now producing a full line of CBD chocolates! Mon. – Fri. 9am–5:30pm and Sat. 9:30am–5pm. Satisfy your sweet tooth via Facebook.
Coffee on Main
Coffee on Main is consistently voted Best Coffee in Carson Valley. Coffee on Main is a family owned and operated drive-through/walk up shop. They feature locally roasted Alpen Sierra Coffee, as well as blended cold drinks, nitro cold brew, iced everything, chai, matcha, hot chocolate, and iced or hot teas. They also offer the classics such as lattes and a delicious cappuccino with multiple milk alternatives available.
If coffee isn’t your thing they have a mouth-watering selection of 51FIFTY energy drinks and fruit smoothies. Hungry? Coffee on Main has biscotti, scones, croissants, bagels, and a variety of gluten free and vegan cookies. For coffee served with a smile, you don’t want to miss this gem. Stop by Mon.-Fri. 6am-7pm, Sat.-Sun. 7am-6pm. Stay in touch with them on Facebook.
CV Steak, inside Carson Valley Inn
CV Steak inside Carson Valley Inn is a Nevada-style steakhouse serving dinner nightly. Enjoy exceptional value and a comfortable atmosphere perfect for a special occasion, casual gathering with friends, or a let’s-not-cook-tonight escape.
The menu features a selection of appetizers, a generous range of entrees including steaks, chops, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes, desserts, wine, and a specialty martini menu. Open daily at 4:30pm. Find Carson Valley Inn on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Genoa Bar and Saloon
Genoa Bar and Saloon, Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor, is a step back in time you have to see to believe. Featuring world famous bloody Mary’s, pool, live music and porch parties you won’t want to miss a chance to belly up to the bar. Open daily at 10am. Check out their upcoming events on Facebook.
Jacobs Family Berry Farm
Jacobs Family Berry Farm is a busy place – growing luscious blackberries and raspberries for sale on the farm as well as to restaurants. It’s also a venue for special occasions like weddings, family reunions, and corporate events. Spacious lawns and flower beds provide a beautiful backdrop for a variety of events – country chic at its best.
Honk for berries, jam, berry essence and honey by appointment until July. July-September Tues.–Sun. 10am–6pm. Get the latest berry good news on Facebook.
J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room
J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room is a Gardnerville tradition with roots stretching back well over a half-century. The J.T. is a Nevada icon. Bring your appetite! The multi-course family-style meals are plentiful and palate pleasing. Voted Best Basque Restaurant in the Carson Valley for more than a decade running.
This locals’ favorite is festive, family-oriented and fun. Mon.- Fri. lunch – 11:30am–2pm, dinner – 5pm–9pm. Sat. lunch – 11:30am–2pm, dinner – 4:30pm–9pm. Follow along with them on Facebook and Instagram.
Minden Meat and Deli
Minden Meat and Deli is a butcher shop specializing in craft beers (31 on tap and hundreds more available), tri-tip sandwiches, burgers (including a Bently Ranch beef option) and other made to order sandwiches. They also sell locally made Hoch Family ice cream, and serve Truckee Sourdough brioche buns and rolls.
Open every day 9am–8pm. Find Minden Meat and Deli on Facebook and Instagram.
Overland Restaurant & Pub
Overland Restaurant & Pub is located in an old Basque hotel originally built in 1902, and was remodeled into the restaurant and pub it is now in 2015. Its historical significance is one reason why Mark Estee was drawn to the restaurant. This unique location stays true to Mark’s food and service ethos with a menu that has a distinct smokehouse inspiration to it.
Cruise by Sun.–Thurs. 11am–9pm, Fri.–Sat. 11am–10pm. Keep up with their specials, happy hour, and events on Facebook and Instagram.
Sierra Chef
Sierra Chef’s Cynthia Ferris-Bennett loves cooking and started Sierra Chef to bring hands-on culinary classes to Carson Valley. Since then she’s added a Gourmet Market and Italian Bakery.
May–September she manages two Farmers Markets on Wednesdays at Lampe Park in Gardnerville, and Saturdays at the Orchard House in Genoa. Sierra Chef is open seven days a week 7am–6pm. Find daily specials, classes and events from Sierra Chef on Facebook.
The Pink House
The Pink House Offers a fine selection of artisan products, including cheese, charcuterie, beer, wine, and specialty coffee. They feature a seasonal lunch and dinner menu as well as special events. The house, known to locals as The Pink House well before the stunning remodel, was built in 1855 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Open Tues.-Sat. 11am-8pm, Sun. 11am-5pm. Don’t miss out on their announcements, hop over to Facebook and Instagram.
1862 David Walley’s Restaurant & Saloon
1862 David Walley’s Restaurant and Saloon’s rustic elegance delivers the warmth and ambiance of a historic lodge with beautiful mountain views. Enjoy casual fine American dining that entertains your palette. The inspired creations include steak, fish, delectable desserts and an extensive wine selection.
In warmer months, enjoy outdoor dining by the fire pit. Or make it a little more casual at the attached saloon, a rustic, old-world-style lounge of hardwood, leather and great spirits. The restaurant is open Sun.- Thurs. 7:30am–9pm, and until 10pm Fri. and Sat. The Saloon is open Sun.–Thurs. 2:30pm–9pm and Fri.-Sat. until 10pm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served seven days a week. Stay social with them on Facebook and Instagram.
#15 is up to you. Check out more of the tantalizing nosh Carson Valley has to offer here, and lettuce know some of your favorites. You can even download a handy Google Maps List here since you probably wont be able to meat all 14 in one day, but if you do we want to hear about it.
