Local favorite McP's reopens in new South Lake Tahoe location

There was no "open" sign in front nor was there any announcement that Wednesday would be the opening day for the new McP's Taphouse in the Stateline area of South Lake Tahoe. Yet, the bar was packed and the outside seating was starting to fill up by late afternoon.

Pete Joseph and business partner, former Navy Seal Greg McPartlin, put a lot of work into the 6,000 square foot found building at the end of the new Chateau and across the street from Harveys.

Joseph has had to move a couple of times due to the redevelopment of South Lake Tahoe. The original McP's in town opened in the old Bella Union restaurant location in 1992. When redevelopment happened and the Heavenly Village and Cecil's Plaza were created, McP's moved across the street in 2001. Joseph then had to close that location in May, 2014 to make way for the Chateau project.

The new location is going to be a popular spot for both locals and visitors with their 40 beers on tap, 20 big TVs and live music Thursdays through Mondays. The outside seating area is dog friendly and everything is family friendly until 10 p.m. The outside patio area is served by an open window bar where seats will soon be placed. Fire pits and outside heaters are planned for next year.

City Councilman Tom Davis was at McP's Wednesday along with business owner John Cristando. They were at the closing in May of McP's and wanted to be there for the reopening. By the looks of the crowd, they weren't alone.

Restaurant Manager Christin Dohm has worked for Joseph for eight years. She said the construction process was long but no detail was left undone. Their staff of 50 includes a lot of long time local service people. "It's great to see it up and running," she said. When asked what her favorite new menu item was, Dohm said she loves them all but the Mac N Cheese with Crab tops her favorite list.

"We have one chance to make a first impression," said Joseph. "We are really, really pleased with the crowd today." They could have done a partial opening for the holiday but McP's wanted it done right and with everything finished.

The inside is like no other restaurant or bar in town. Chair lifts from Sierra-at-Tahoe hang from a ceiling next to a 20-foot fan. Tables are made from reclaimed wood and lots of handmade features are in the place.

You can even see the signs from the last two McP's placed on walls inside.

They are open daily at 11:30 a.m. and will serve food until 10 p.m and the bar will be open until 2 a.m. Parking is available underground at the Chateau.