Walk down Commercial Row in downtown Truckee and you’ll see it. The red brick building at the corner of Donner Pass Road and Bridge Street isn’t just another historic landmark. It’s the Bar of America.
Honestly, most people just call it "B of A."
Back in the day—we’re talking way back—this spot was a Bank of America. Before that? It was a bus station, a department store, and even a tinware shop. In 1974, a guy named Jack Leonesio decided to turn the vault into a liquor cabinet and kept the name, just swapping "Bank" for "Bar."
Brilliant move.
Fifty years later, the place is still humming. It’s survived fires, economic busts, and the slow transformation of Truckee from a rugged rail town into a high-end mountain getaway. But somehow, the Bar of America has kept its soul. It’s that weird, perfect mix of upscale lounge and "I just got off the ski hill and I’m covered in snow" dive.
The History Behind the Brick
Truckee was once a place of "Whiskey Row," a stretch of town famous for having more saloons than churches. The building that houses Bar of America Truckee anchors this history.
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If you look closely at the bar itself, you’re looking at a piece of the 19th century. This massive, carved walnut-and-oak Brunswick bar didn’t start its life here. It actually came from a ship that sailed around Cape Horn before the Panama Canal was even a thing. Later, it sat in a San Francisco establishment that never actually opened. In 1999, the owners at the time hauled it up the mountain and gave it a permanent home.
The floors? They’re reclaimed wood from an old airplane hangar.
Walking in feels like stepping into a time capsule that someone accidentally left a modern sound system in. You’ve got the exposed brick, the vintage sleds on the walls, and that slightly Hopper-esque mural by Tom Sweeney. It’s cozy, but it’s loud. Especially on a Friday night when the bands start.
What to Eat When You’re Actually Hungry
Forget the standard "bar food" expectations. The kitchen here leans into what they call "campfire cuisine."
Basically, it’s hearty, mountain-man portions with a chef’s touch. You can get a standard burger, sure, but most locals are there for the Bison Burger or the St. Louis Black & Tan Ribs. The ribs are glazed in a Guinness-based BBQ sauce and, in a dark bit of local humor, are frequently referred to as a "Donner Party favorite."
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A Few Standouts on the Menu:
- 6 Shooter Poppers: These aren't your freezer-aisle jalapeño poppers. They’re stuffed with Italian sausage and cheddar, beer-battered, and served with a habanero aioli that actually has some kick.
- The 'Shrooms Pie: The wood-fired pizzas are a relatively recent addition (the last decade or so), and this one uses a pesto cream sauce and wild mushrooms that makes it feel way more sophisticated than it has any right to be.
- The Wet Woody: If you’ve spent any time at Lake Tahoe, you know the Gar Woods family of restaurants. Since Bar of America joined that group in 2012, you can now get their signature blended rum drink here. Be careful. They go down like fruit juice, but they’ll put you on the floor if you aren't paying attention.
The Vibe and the "Corner Office"
There’s a section of the bar locals call the "Corner Office." It’s where the real deals happen—or where the best stories are told over a Truckee 76 cocktail.
One thing that surprises people is the expansion. In 2024, the owners took over the Sotheby's office next door. They knocked out the walls and created a massive new dining space. It was a risky move—sometimes when these historic places grow, they lose that cramped, "everybody knows your name" energy.
Miraculously, they pulled it off. The new wing feels like it’s been there since the 1800s.
Music and the Nightlife Scene
If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner, don't come here on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night.
Music is the heartbeat of this place. The stage is small, but the sound fills the entire room. You'll see everything from local bluegrass acts to touring rock bands. There’s no cover charge, which is a rarity these days. People just crowd into the bar area, spill out onto the patio if the weather is halfway decent, and dance until the "Late Night Menu" kicks in around 11:30 PM.
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How to Do Bar of America Like a Local
Look, the secret is out. In the summer and peak ski season, this place gets slammed.
If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday in July, you’re going to be waiting a while. My advice? Hit the "shoulder season." Late October or early May in Truckee is magical. The tourists are gone, the air is crisp, and you can actually snag one of the stools at that historic Brunswick bar without throwing elbows.
Also, keep an eye on the "Wet-Tail-Chupa Challenge." If you’ve visited their sister restaurants—Gar Woods or Riva Grill—and you have the receipts to prove you’ve had their signature drinks there recently, they sometimes offer deals on the house specialty "Cock-Tails."
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Parking is a nightmare: Just accept it. Don't try to park right in front on Donner Pass Road. Head a block or two back toward the train tracks or use the public lot behind the shops.
- The Sourdough Bowl: If it's snowing, order the Crab, Spinach, and Artichoke dip. They serve it in a warm sourdough bowl and it’s basically a hug in food form.
- Happy Hour Value: This is the best-kept secret for budget travelers. The bar menu (burgers, pizzas, appetizers) often sees significant price drops during weekday happy hours.
- Check the Train Schedule: Since the bar is right across from the Amtrak station, you can literally watch the California Zephyr roll through while you sip a bourbon. It’s a classic Truckee moment.
The Bar of America isn't just a place to get a drink. It’s the living room of Truckee. It’s where the town’s history as a gritty railroad hub meets its future as a world-class destination. Whether you’re there for a bison burger or to dance to a local band, you’re part of a tradition that’s been going strong since the vault doors first swung open as a tavern.
Next time you're in town, look for the red brick. Grab a stool. Order a stiff one. You'll see why we all keep coming back.