It's cocktail time at the Cutthroat
by Arthur Pines, Outpost Staff
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If having a cocktail in a rough-hewn watering hole is your idea of a good time, a 20-minute drive from Carson Valley into the mountains will bring you to a great bar. The Cutthroat Saloon, which is part of the historical Alpine Hotel, sits in the middle of
The Cutthroat plays an oxymoron for customers. Photo by Art Pines. |
When I walked into the joint, I noticed two large burly guys seated at the bar sipping beer and talking to Tony, the tender of spirits a.k.a. Mr. Bartender. Tony can be a little gruff, but that is his hospitable charm.
The L-shaped place can pack in a crowd during summer months, but things were calming heading toward winter. A handful of customers some city folk, Europeans ( I think they were Germans) and a biker couple were listening to the blastings of rock 'n' roll and the blues. Ah yes, the sound of music in the mountains. I looked around the corner and saw the free popcorn stand and shuffle board that I remembered from years past.
The cutthroat catches customers from all over the World. Photo by Art Pines. |
Having a drink and taking it easy is what this place is all about on a weekend afternoon. One signature feature I have yet to find anywhere else but at the Cutthroat is the 200-plus bras hanging from the ceiling. Legend has it that, on crazy nights, women freely give up their supports for prosperity, having them stapled to the ceiling. In return, they get to drink for free.
This place has a pool table, but I have rarely seen anyone use it. Drinks are moderately priced $2 for domestics and $3 for microbrews and imports. Mixed drinks are about $3 to $4. Those who are hungry again can pop into the adjoining restaurant. Be advised that this bar rates higher than PG, and the ill at heart should stay away from this classic, must-experience mountain bar.
Not for everyone, the Cutthroat caters to adulthood. Photo by Arthur Pines. |
To get there: From Reno, take Highway 395 south about 50 minutes to Highway 88 West in Minden. Drive 10 or so minutes to the Woodfords junction and take a left on Highway 89 South toward Markleeville, less than 10 minutes from the junction. Altogether, it is about 70 miles to Markleeville.
From Genoa, take Foothill Road continue along the mountains away from Carson City and Highway 395 until it intersects Highway 88. Take a right and go to Highway 89 and take left toward Markleeville, which is about 20 minutes from Genoa.
Close to Grover Hot Springs
copyright 12/10/97 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost
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