Tahoe Restaurants: American Fusion

Elements Eatery & Bar is one of the few restaurants anywhere in the Lake Tahoe Basin that can boast of lake views from its outdoor seating and from every seat inside as well. Even better is the distinctive menu that owners describe as Mexi-Cali. The smash burger has a ton of Latin herbs in it, while the au jus for the French dip is also Latin-based with chili peppers. The menu has shareable items like the Fiesta Nachos, Taco Sampler and Street Fries, a meal in itself with house-made fries and an all-beef hot dog with ketchup, crema, mustard, Tabasco, lime and jalapeno. This South Lake Tahoe restaurant is all about fresh ingredients, from the corn and flour tortillas made in-house to the juices and mixes for the full bar. With the grassy area out front fenced off, adult beverages may be consumed at outside tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available seven days a week. Elements also offers catering for special occasions.

Offering hearty gourmet dining and bar specials in a nostalgic atmosphere, River Ranch is a landmark destination for visitors and a locals' favorite year-round. Nestled on the banks of the Truckee River, River Ranch is poised to catch people tubing down the mellow rapids during the heat of the summer and to capture the après-ski crowd funneling down from the ski resorts during the cold winter nights. Their seasonal patio is home to an outdoor bar that serves the iconic Class V River Rum Punch and their famous nachos, with alfresco dining under the stars. The cozy and intimate indoor bar and restaurant are known for memorable meals, scenic river views and gathering around one of the two fireplaces. Their menu brings together all the summer and winter favorites with California cuisine and rotating specials and is proud to offer game, fish, chicken, burgers and veggie options. They also provide 19 small, boutique-style rooms for guests; reservations are highly recommended.

Spindleshanks Restaurant is housed in a modern lodge on the Old Brockway Golf Course in Kings Beach. Decks out back and around the side provide alfresco dining with a view of the golf course. Inside it’s cozy and light with high ceilings, wood floors and a couple of fireplaces. Dinner options are eclectic with grilled rainbow trout, loin of pork schnitzel and vegan coconut vegetable curry. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a great place to fill up before golf in the summer or to enjoy an après ski or après golf cocktail in the winter.