Tahoe’s Historic Eateries

By Monique Reidy

Rick Brown, a longtime West Shore community member whose grandparents owned the former Homewood Resort, spends much of his time ensuring the Lake Tahoe community is wellfed. Brown secured the lease to Chambers Landing Bar and Grill in 2009. The iconic venue was founded in 1863 by John Washington McKinney and originally forged as a hunting and fishing camp in the Sierra Nevada known as “Hunter’s Retreat.

Also in 2009, Brown acquired the Swiss Lakewood Restaurant, where he had spent his childhood summers and winters visiting, since it was adjacent to his grandparents’ resort. In 2020, he purchased Fire Sign Café.

Today, the landmark restaurants are providing Tahoe locals and visitors with delicious food and cocktails, while Brown drops in to serve up his authentic Tahoe hospitality.

Homemade dishes prepared daily is what comfort food is all about and at Fire Sign Café, a delicious meal is always ready to serve. The restaurant has been feeding the Tahoe community since 1978 and although it has evolved through the years, the freshness and quality have remained consistent.

Fire Sign Café features traditional fare and offers gluten-free, non-dairy, and vegetarian options. Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu features favorites such as the Avocado Sandwich, Fire Sign Reuben, Greek Salad, and Breaded Chipotle Chicken Sandwich.

Fire Sign Café is a longtime tradition in Lake Tahoe that continues to maintain its charm and sense of home through the years. H

Fire Sign Café 1785 W. Lake Blvd. Tahoe City, CA 96145 (530) 583-0871 www.firesigncafe.com

Still serving their signature Chambers Punch, a recipe developed in 1976, Chambers Landing Bar and Grill is a local landmark. In addition to a variety of other cocktails, beers and wines, Chambers Landing features appetizers such as Street Corn and Fried Zucchini as well as grill favorites like Ground Turkey Tacos, Lobster Roll, and Pulled Pork Sandwich.

The Bar is closed in Winter, but the iconic Chambers Landing is a favorite summer hangout and a must-visit destination for those who appreciate good food in a social environment.

Chambers Landing Bar and Grill 6300 Chambers Lodge Rd. Homewood, CA 96141 (530) 525-9190 www.chamberspunch.com

A part of the West Shore Lake Tahoe community since 1920, Swiss Lakewood was originally built as a restaurant with a windmill at the front. In 1965, Swiss immigrants Peewee and Milos Smika took over the business and named it Swiss Lakewood. Now owned by Rick Brown, the restauranteur has kept many of its authentic dishes on the menu, such as the Wienerschniztel and the Veal Emince. He has also added traditional faves to the menu like Oysters Rockefeller, Lobster Ravioli and Prime Rib.

The Vodka Garden was added to the property in 2021, adding a large outdoor dining experience to the restaurant. Swiss Lakewood has been a part of the West Shore community for a century and is a premier restaurant in the Lake Tahoe community. v Lakewood Restaurant 5055 West Lake Blvd. Homewood, CA 96141 (530) 525-5211 www.swisslakewood.com

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