Bear Creek Tavern

Owner Martha Koch took over Bear Creek Tavern in 1980, when it was still a country-fried roadhouse and bona fide biker bar. Today, their locals’ clubhouse is a full-on restaurant. There’s still plenty of character, but the Koches have upped the quality of what comes out of their kitchen. Look for hearty breakfasts, good steaks […]

Switchback Smokehouse

Head to the foothills for this creekside barbecue joint. Your jaunt will be rewarded with specialties like Switchback’s Montreal-style brisket, which is cured with spices before being smoked. Other surprises await on the menu, too, like rich duck breast, housemade bacon, chicken legs and smoked salmon. Buy them by the pound, butcher shop-style, or try […]