The New Neighborhood Hangout

FOOD & DRINK The New Neighborhood Hangout

Since 1985, the quaint little Village Shopping Center on California Avenue has been home to Truckee River Bar & Grill, a local’s favorite. Nestled between CVS and the coin operated laundromat, the grill served classic America fare and cocktails. Sadly, Truckee River Bar & Grill closed in September 2020. Then, in September 2021, the space reopened and is now home to another eatery known as Old Southwest Social House.

Gone is the dingy, cigarette-soaked interior of the former establishment. The new decor is a cross between sports bar and retro-chic. Seating is a mix of comfy booths and high tables with stools. There are plenty of TVs to gaze at while you’re waiting for your food. One carryover from Truckee River Bar & Grill is the bar, complete with video gaming machines.

The menu is diverse and loaded with interesting items. The list of starters includes wings, truffle fries, bacon and Brussels sprouts, and a very unique “Trash Can Nachos” served in a rather tall tin pitcher. There is also a collection of salads, plenty of things termed “between the buns,” and even a slightly Americanized version of Poutine. Oh, and there are desserts, too!

If you’re looking for a new local hangout for lunch, dinner or just a cocktail, give this place a try. You never know which of your neighbors you’ll run into. And who knows, if this place catches on, maybe it’ll become the place to be seen at lunch on a weekday like Truckee River Bar & Grill used to be.

Old Southwest Social House is open 11:00am to 9:00pm, Monday–Thursday and 11:00am to 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday. You can preview the menu on their website at oswsocialhouse.com.