The Bar of America Story
The building where the Truckee bar is located has had many faces throughout the years. Prior to 1891, early photos show a stove and tin-ware shop at this location where Bar of America stands today. Following a fire in 1891, a four-story Victorian hotel was built on the Bar of America site. Since then, it has been the California Restaurant owned by Antone Mahne and Joseph Filipic, the California restaurant later owned by the Bretthauers, and Essie Polyanch’s Restaurant. Eventually, it became the downtown Truckee bus station and, yes, even a Bank of America. In 1974 Jack Leonesio leased the building and opened Bar of America. For five decades, Bar of America has been recognized as the iconic watering hole in historic downtown Truckee.
When Ed Coleman and Robyn Sills purchased the space for Pacific Crest Grill, the adjacent Truckee restaurant, they also negotiated the option to purchase the adjoining bar, Bar of America, and two years later they did just that. In 1999, Ed and Robyn revitalized the Truckee bar and created a casual, fun atmosphere catering more to locals and providing a perfect alternative and complement to the white tablecloth dining in the adjacent Pacific Crest Grill.
In March 2012, Tom Turner (and his partners) acquired Bar of America & Pacific Crest Grill and continue to operate the popular bar and restaurant as Bar of America. Bar of America becomes part of the family that includes Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Riva Grill on the Lake, and the newest restaurant in the family, Sparks Water Bar.
In 2024, with the help of Jones Corda Construction, Bar of America acquired the adjoining business next door and seamlessly connected the spaces, adding another stunning dining room and enhanced kitchen facilities.
Synonymous with live music, good food and plenty of free-flowing libations, Bar of America has been a popular hangout and watering hole for locals and visitors alike and will proudly carry that long tradition into the future.
Bar of America ®, “Where Drinking is a Tradition”
When Ed Coleman and Robyn Sills purchased the space for Pacific Crest Grill, the adjacent Truckee restaurant, they also negotiated the option to purchase the adjoining bar, Bar of America, and two years later they did just that. In 1999, Ed and Robyn revitalized the Truckee bar and created a casual, fun atmosphere catering more to locals and providing a perfect alternative and complement to the white tablecloth dining in the adjacent Pacific Crest Grill.
In March 2012, Tom Turner (and his partners) acquired Bar of America & Pacific Crest Grill and continue to operate the popular bar and restaurant as Bar of America. Bar of America becomes part of the family that includes Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Riva Grill on the Lake, and the newest restaurant in the family, Sparks Water Bar.
In 2024, with the help of Jones Corda Construction, Bar of America acquired the adjoining business next door and seamlessly connected the spaces, adding another stunning dining room and enhanced kitchen facilities.
Synonymous with live music, good food and plenty of free-flowing libations, Bar of America has been a popular hangout and watering hole for locals and visitors alike and will proudly carry that long tradition into the future.
Bar of America ®, “Where Drinking is a Tradition”
Our Mission
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, serve delicious meals from sustainable harvests, provide friendly and embracing service, and offer an irresistibly fun music and special events calendar.
© Bar of America. All rights reserved. 10040 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, California 96161. 530.587.2626 map www.wetwoody.com #cock_tail
