The Woods, South Lake Tahoe's newest gastropub, opening soon
Submitted by paula on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 6:01pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two brothers who grew up in South Lake Tahoe are bringing an elevated twist on bar cuisine at their new gastropub, The Woods Lake Tahoe.
Dillon and Connor McKeen are putting the finishing touches on the remodel of the old Pick 6 at 3115 Harrison Avenue. This week their chef, Chris Ibarra, unveiled the dishes he created for The Woods, showing them to the new staff. Dish after dish came out of the kitchen Friday, with staff savoring every bite as they heard the chef's story about each one.
Ibarra grew up in Huntington Beach and has taken flavors from Hawaii to New Orleans to star on the new menu. He came to South Lake Tahoe after Dillon convinced him to leave Southern California where he was the chef of the Los Angeles Angels.
The Woods will have several televisions where customers can catch their favorite games. The McKeens plan on having live music, both inside and out. The upstairs will have a walk-up bar and limited menu with a great deck for seating and enjoying the Tahoe weather. Downstairs is where the epicurean delights will tease your taste buds with craft cocktails and a menu with Ibarra's dishes including Duck Confit Chicken Wings with sauces like mango habanero, Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos, Tater Kegs, Seared Ahi salad, Desolation Caesar, Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese, Ribeye Steak Sandwich, Woods Fried Chicken & Beignets, Baja Fish Tacos, and Pork Belly Mac & Cheese. There is a special kid's menu, and many items will be available as gluten-free and vegan. Oh, I forgot to mention dessert - Woods Beignets with bourbon caramel sauce, or the Salted Carmel Brownie a La Mode.
"The food is amazing," said Dillon. "It will set us apart!"
Ibarra said his dishes will always be from scratch and nothing out of a can.
Dillon McKeen graduated from South Tahoe High in 2011 (the same year as another local restaurant owner Luca Genasci), and Connor followed in 2014. They are working hard to eliminate any memory of the former Pick 6 building. The mural will stay for now but a new one is in the works. Also in the works in beer brewed in-house - it should be ready shortly after opening day.
The McKeen brothers are planning on a June 10th opening. Hours will be Sunday-Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and THursday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. They will be hosting a post-Live at Lakeview party with live music indoors.