The Local Lens – Celebrating Our Best of North Lake Tahoe Winners
October 1, 2025 | Kristin Derrin
Results published in the Sierra Sun, Best of Sierra
We’re proud to share that so many of our IVCBA members were recognized in the 2025 Best of North Lake Tahoe & Truckee awards. These awards celebrate the people and businesses that make our region such a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. From lively music venues and family-friendly entertainment to award-winning dining, unique shopping, and trusted local services, our members were highlighted across nearly every category.
Whether it’s enjoying a night out at Crystal Bay Casino, grabbing coffee at Happy Tiers, dining at Rosewood or Sage Leaf, exploring Thunderbird Lodge, or enjoying some fun at Bowl Incline or Iron and Wood, these businesses and individuals represent the best of who we are. Their recognition is a win for all of us — locals, visitors, and the greater community that supports them.
Here’s a look at the IVCBA members who were honored as winners and finalists this year:
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
Casino: Crystal Bay Casino
Family Entertainment: Bowl Incline/Ohana Diner
Live Music: Crystal Bay Casino and Alibi Ale Works
Live Theater: Boys and Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe: Great Futures Production
Museum/Historic Site: Thunderbird Lodge
Night Scene: Crystal Bay Casino
Kid’s Birthday: Bowl Incline/Ohana Diner
AUTO
Auto Parts Store: NAPA Auto Parts – Incline Village
Car Wash: Incline Car Wash & Storage
Towing Company: North Shore Towing
BEAUTY
Nail Technician: Norma Duran – Luxe Nails
COMMUNITY
B&B or LODGE: The Incline Lodge
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION: Sierra Community House
FOOD & DRINK
APPETIZERS: Rosewood Tahoe
BBQ: T’s Mesquite Rotisserie (first place)
BAR: Rosewood Tahoe
BEST BARISTA: Cristian Neacsu – Happy Tiers Cafe and Bakery (First Place!)
BEST BARTENDER: Joey Picchi – Rosewood Tahoe
BEER SELECTION: Incline Spirits & Cigars
BEST BLOODY MARY: Sage Leaf Tahoe
BEST BREWERY: Alibi Ale Works
BRUNCH: Sage Leaf Tahoe
BURGER: Inclined Burgers and Brews
CHEF: Charlie Soule – Soule Domain
COFFEE SHOP: Happy Tiers Cafe and Bakery
CRAFT COCKTAILS: Rosewood Tahoe
DELI: Incline Bak’d
DESSERTS: Happy Tiers Cafe and Bakery
FINE DINING: Soule Domain
FRENCH FRIES: Rosewood Tahoe
HAPPY HOUR: Sage Leaf Tahoe
ICE CREAM: Susie Scoops Ice Cream and Smoothies
KID FRIENDLY: Bowl Incline/Ohana Diner
LOCAL SPOT: Rosewood Tahoe
MARGARITA & MARTINI: Rosewood Tahoe
MEXICAN RESTAURANT: Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant
MOCKTAILS: Sage Leaf Tahoe
BEST NEW RESTAURANT: Incline Bak’d
OUTDOOR SPACE: Alibi Ale Works Incline Village
OVERALL BEST RESTAURANT Incline Village: 1. Rosewood Tahoe 2. Bite Restaurant 3. Sage Leaf Tahoe (Best Server: Taylor Diaz)
PIZZA: Incline Bak’d
SPORTS BAR: Crosby’s Tavern and Gaming
HEALTH
PERSONAL TRAINER: Shana Moore – Tahoe Fitness Loft & Core Pilates
HOME SERVICES
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: SQ Enterprises Inc
CLEANING: North Lake Tahoe Cleaning
INTERIOR DESIGN: Bridget Giroux Design
SNOW REMOVAL: Tahoe Workz Painting & Snow Removal
TREE SERVICE: Rockwood Tree Service
SHOPPING
BOUTIQUE STORE: Tahoe Gifting Co
FLORIST: Wyld Peony Floral Boutique
GIFT STORE: Tahoe Gifting Co (first place)
HOME IMPROVEMENT: Mountain Hardware & Sports – Incline Village
JEWELRY: Tahoe Gifting Co.
LIQUOR STORE: Incline Spirits & Cigars (first place)
SHOPPING CENTER: Christmas Tree Village Shopping Center
SKI/SNOWBOARD SHOP: Village Ski Loft
THRIFT/CONSIGNMENT SHOP: Karma Tahoe
TOY STORE: Village Toys
BIKE SHOP: Village Ski Loft
GOLF: Iron & Wood Golf
WINTER RENTAL EQUIPTMENT: Village Ski Loft
OTHERS
DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT: Tunnel Creek Cafe
ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY BUSINESS: Tahoe Gifting Co
HOTEL: The Incline Lodge (First place)
TRAVEL & TOUR SERVICES: Around Tahoe Tours
WEDDING/EVENT VENUE: The Chateau at Incline Village