STATELINE, Nev. – The legend of Tessie is getting amped up. Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe and Clique Hospitality have announced an early summer 2026 opening of Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords, an all-new cocktail lounge and live music destination inspired by the mythical serpent said to inhabit the depths of Lake Tahoe. Located in the heart of the casino floor, Tessie’s is where rock ‘n’ roll energy meets elevated mixology and Sierra Nevada soul.
Designed by New York-based Celano Design Studio Co., Tessie’s channels the rugged romance of mountain life through an immersive aesthetic that blends vintage ski lodge charm with contemporary sophistication. Antique mahogany, white oak plank walls, black basalt, aged bronze and worn leather set the stage for a warm yet electric gathering place. A monolithic 1886-vintage fireplace anchors the cozy lounge, while tufted leather sectionals, rustic wood tables and cowhide rugs create intimate pockets throughout the room.
At the center of it all hangs a dramatic multi-headed serpent chandelier; a tribute to Tessie herself, fitted with programmable color-changing light that shifts the atmosphere from an inviting amber glow during early evening to a theatrical, concert-ready setting as the night progresses. A Brunswick triple-arch “Empire Bar” from the late 1800s, crafted from mahogany with Corinthian columns, ornate arches and mirrored detailing, serves as a stunning centerpiece, complete with leather stools and two restored horse saddles repurposed as barstools, nodding to Tahoe’s frontier spirit. At the rear, a live performance stage framed with blue velvet drapery and custom serpent-inspired lighting rounds out the space.
“We conceptualized Tessie’s to capture the heartbeat of Tahoe with great music, cocktails and local beers, and rock and roll energy,” said Andy Masi, Founder of Clique Hospitality. “It’s a place for anyone ready to trade an ordinary night for something legendary.”
Tessie’s will serve as a breeding ground for emerging musicians and a stage for top-tier talent, with live music seven nights a week. During ski season, Tessie’s will extend the experience with an Amped Après experience from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, giving guests a high-energy wind-down after a day on the slopes before the evening entertainment kicks off.
The bar menu at Tessie’s spotlights cocktails, champagnes, beer selections and more designed for settling in for a solo act or dancing through last call. Cocktails will include classic preparations alongside signature creations built on elusive and carefully sourced spirits. Guests will find an extensive selection of local draft beers on rotating tap alongside other imports and domestics.
“Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords is the soul of what we’re building at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe. We wanted a space that felt authentic to the region and to the music, the mountains and the stories people have been telling about this lake for generations,” said Karie Hall, SVP and general manager of Harrah’s and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe. “Partnering with Clique Hospitality to bring that vision to life gives us a venue unlike anything else on the South Shore, and we can’t wait to open the doors this summer.”
Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords marks Clique Hospitality’s second collaboration with Caesars Entertainment, following the acclaimed opening of Caspian’s Cocktails & Caviar at Caesars Palace Las Vegas in late 2024. The lounge is one of five new bar experiences coming to Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe as part of Phase Two of the property’s $200 million transformation.
Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords is scheduled to open in early summer 2026. For more information, visit CaesarsRepublicTahoe.com.