South Lake Tahoe Welcomes New Restaurant

After months of building, remodeling, planning and prepping, Sonney Bruning has opened "Sonney's BBQ Shack" in South Lake Tahoe.

"We've redone everything from the plumbing to the beer chiller, from the furniture to the floors," Bruning said while taking an unusual break right before the restaurant's soft opening March 22.

Prior to moving to South Lake Tahoe seven years ago, Bruning lived in Chico, CA where he owned two restaurants, a Mexican place as well as one that specialized in shrimp. He bought Cassidy Coatings in South Lake Tahoe but has always wanted to get back into the restaurant business. When the old Rockwater/Murphy's Pub building became available, he bought it and started getting the place ready. The historic building was used as a restaurant for the 1960 Olympic housing in the cabins directly behind it.

He has made his own BBQ sauce for over 20 years and felt the area needed a quality BBQ restaurant with great food and a Tahoe feel.

"We're going to be consistent," Bruning said. "We'll have the kitchen open with a full menu from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and then a bar menu until 1 a.m." He'll have old rock and roll, blues and jazz playing in the bar at all times.

"The locals and visitors deserve a consistent restaurant with great food and atmosphere."

He said all food will be fresh and prepared on site. He's involved another local business in the menu as well. Brian Cohen from Overland Meat and Seafood has prepared a special burger mix for Sonney's.

"We're going to have normal BBQ fare, St. Louis ribs, brisket, chicken and much more," said Bruning. "Our food will be prepared much differently than what people do at home. We have a special smoker that gives quality food every time." Also on the menu will be grits, fried pickles, cornbread and sweet potato fries.

Bruning acknowledged the healthier Lake Tahoe lifestyle and will offer a healthier fare including salads and Portobello mushroom and veggie burgers.

Until everything is up and running and the liquor license arrives on April 15, and you'd like to try out Sonney's, give them a call at 530-541-7427 to find out their hours.

Sonney's is located at 787 Emerald Bay Rd. Locals will get a 10% discount at all times.