Just relax

I’ve been sick with some nasty virus, which put a damper on things like leaving my house or breathing normally. Once I started to feel better, I figured it was time to get back on the horse and head out into public for a meal other than chicken soup. I don’t live in Spanish Springs, but my friend Brett just moved out there, so after visiting his new home, I took him out for a celebratory meal at The Lake.

The Lake is actually a bar and a restaurant, separated by a glass wall. We decided to just sit in the bar and watch a football game on one of the many flatscreen TVs. The bar is covered in sports memorabilia and hunting décor—a man’s bar, if you will. It made me want to go out and shoot something, then bring it in for The Lake to grill up for me. Overall, though, the Lake has a really relaxed, local feel, which was strengthened by people in the crowd who all seemed to know each other and chatted while sipping beers and watching the game. This seemed like a fine plan, so we ordered some Sierra Nevada beers ($4.75 for the large) while we perused the menu, which was huge, with Mexican food, steak, sandwiches, pasta and typical bar food. The Lake also serves breakfast and the choices looked good. Sometimes an expansive menu can be off-putting, but I liked the variety here because it seemed like you could bring a crowd that wanted different kinds of food, and everyone would leave happy.

We decided to start with some wings (six for $6.95 during happy hour). The wings were super meaty and tender, and the hot sauce had the perfect amount of heat. We polished the wings off in no time, but our entrées arrived shortly after. I ordered the grilled roast beef sandwich with a side of house-made chips ($8.75). The sandwich arrived on toasted sourdough and a large pile of tender roast beef and jack cheese. The thing I liked best about this sandwich was the entire Ortega chili on it, which gave it a little spicy sweetness. There was a side of au jus that was really flavorful and not overwhelmingly salty. The homemade chips were large and crispy.

Brett ordered the Pyramid burger ($8.95), which is an open faced burger topped with chili. The chili was piled on the large burger, and it was like a beautiful heart attack waiting to happen. The chili had chunks of ground meat and whole beans. On top was a pile of chopped onions and shredded melted cheese. The burger was thick and moist, and the chili soaked into the double bun beneath so each bite was really flavorful. Brett got fries, which were crispy and hot and tasted really good dipped in the chili. In fact, next time I think I’m going to order the chili fries.

Service throughout the visit was a little slow but very friendly. With a game on to watch and a belly full of food, I didn’t mind waiting a little extra anyhow. The Lake offers solid food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, so anytime I’m out in Spanish Springs, I’ll go back.