Heavenly — Apres-ski and nightlife

The gondola changed the apres-ski scene here at Heavenly. Fire and Ice right at the gondola base has fire pits to provide warmth on the deck spreading from the restaurant. The Blue Angel Cafe on Ski Run Blvd. has affordable bears and reasonable pizzas. Blue Moon, in front of the Tahoe Beach & Ski Club, also has good immediate apres-ski.

The Mulligan’s, a great Irish pub near the state line, has terrific live music (listenable rather than danceable), pool tables on the first floor, giant TV screens and is packed every night. McP’s across from the gondola has great music as well seven nights a week.

Later in the evening, blu in the Montbleu Resort Casino and Spa is a spectacle of light, sights and sounds as their DJs provide the rhythm track for an evening of hip-swinging. The Pub at Tahoe, a great Irish pub near the state line, has terrific live music (listenable rather than danceable), pool tables on the first floor, and is packed every night.

If you’ve been to rocker Sammy Hagar’s legendary Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, or always wished you could visit, you’ll want to head to his Tahoe nightclub inside Harveys Resort Casino. Everyday drink specials make this a great gathering spot. Try one of the many selections of premium tequilas straight up or in an innovative tequila-based cocktail. It really starts rocking at 10 p.m. Live entertainment most nights sometimes means impromptu appearances from big-name musicians in the area to perform in concert at other venues.

Other spots recommended by locals are Divided Sky and Hoss Hoggs. Both have a loyal group of local bands that play most weekends. Dixon’s features some good and not so good open mike nights plus the town’s largest beer selection and happy hours from 3–6 p.m. Whiskey Dicks also has occasional live music.

The bargain spot is the Lakeside Inn and Casino with $1 beers at happy hour and $2 beers the rest of the time. Food is also a grand bargain.

Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill (775-588-8989;$) has 13 beers on tap, late night food and a late night happy hour from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.

And of course, the casinos have musical reviews that are extravaganzas of sight and sound. Some shows run through the season; others are top-name singers and comedians who do one or two shows. Check a local newspaper for up-to-date listings.