Backyard Bar & BBQ

It’s hard to beat barbecue and beer after a long day shredding the slopes. And the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe nailed the concept with its Backyard Bar & BBQ on the slope-side back patio of the hotel. The goodness starts with wintertime ski-in/ski-out access, an on-site meat smoker, homemade barbecue sauces and a great selection of craft brews and specialty cocktails. Along with the barbecue pork, brisket and St. Louis–style ribs, there are brats and burgers. If meat isn’t your thing, there are wood-fired pizzas, veggie burgers and other decadent fare as well as a children’s menu. Look for nightly happy-hour specials in the winter and summer seasons.