STATELINE, Nev. – July 12, 2026 – Throughout the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in South Tahoe this week, the new Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe served as the unofficial hangout for athletes and celebrities, including Food Network icon Bobby Flay, NBA star Stephen Curry, NFL greats Drew Brees and Brian Urlacher and more.
Stephen Curry, who hosted a party on Friday, July 10 alongside Caesars Entertainment President and COO Anthony Carano, treated guests to generous pours of his award-winning Gentleman’s Cut Bourbon and complimentary, custom-made cowboy hats made on the spot. Super Bowl MVP Brees was seen wearing his hat while he caught up with former Chicago Bears linebacker and fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Urlacher. Curry, who was joined by his father, NBA legend Dell Curry, and his brother, Seth Curry of the Golden State Warriors, danced and sang along to Tessie’s live music late into the night.
Flay, along with his girlfriend, Brooke Williamson, a prominent chef in her own right as a “Top Chef” winner, was spotted at Tessie’s throughout the week, as was Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson,who, along with Stephen Curry, had early tee times in the tournament. Emmy-nominated actor Anthony Anderson added Hollywood flair. NBA legend Ray Allen, one of the greatest three-point shooters of all time, and former NBA player and iconic coach Doc Rivers enjoyed post-tournament time and live music alongside other sports legends.
The party got started earlier in the week when Alfonso Ribeiro, known around the world for his moves as Carlton Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” showed off a different set of skills at Tessie’s. Ribeiro grabbed the mic and belted out Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” in front of a packed house, kicking off a full 30-plus minute set that opened with Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and closed with Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”
Tessie’s may even be a good luck charm. Going into day three, Stephen Curry, last year’s champion, was in fourth place, Ribeiro in seventh and Allen in twelfth. This year marks the 37th running of the American Century Championship, taking place July 8 through 12 with more than 80 athletes and entertainers competing, including Charles Barkley, Jerry Rice, Tony Romo, Miles Teller, Ray Romano and Jason Kelce, fresh off serving as best man at brother Travis Kelce’s wedding to Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden on July 3.
Tessie’s features live rock and country acts seven nights a week and is the Tahoe sibling to Clique Hospitality’s Las Vegas hotspots Caspian’s Cocktails and Caviar and The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails, rooms that have seen surprise sets from Rod Stewart, Bruno Mars and Dave Matthews, among others. Inspired by the legendary serpent said to lurk in the depths of Lake Tahoe, Tessie’s blends rock ‘n’ roll energy with elevated mixology and a craft cocktail program inspired by the Sierra Nevada.
Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords is open from 4 p.m. to late Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to late Saturday and Sunday. Parking validation is available to guests with bar tabs of $30 or more. For more information about Tessie’s, visit TessiesTahoe.com or follow along on Instagram, Facebook and X at @TessiesTahoe.
