Doppelgangers opens doors off Airport Road

According to Merriam-Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, "doppelganger" means a ghostly counterpart of a living person, from the German "doppel," or double, and the German "ganger," or goer.

A slightly different definition is written on the menu of the new Doppelgangers Brew Pub & Grill Minden: "In the vernacular, the word 'doppelganger' has come to refer to any double or look-alike of a person."

Fittingly, one could say Doppelgangers Minden is the slimmed-down, small-town double of the popular Doppelgangers Brewery in downtown Carson City, which opened in the historic Lucky Spur in 2007.

"This is the right community to exemplify what we do," said Miles Smith, Doppelgangers director of operations. "It's fairly centrally located, and there is nothing like Doppelgangers in the area."

On Friday, Smith and banquet manager Cyndi Davis were in the new restaurant located off Airport Road, in what used to be Backroads Bar & Grill.

"We've decided that quality food and the experience of entertainment and diversity is the concept of the Doppelgangers prototype," Smith said. "The new look and feel of this place is the direction we're headed. We're looking forward to expansion to other markets in the future, to similar areas and communities like this, but, understandably, we want to keep our namesake synonymous with high quality."

Smith said the renovated 5,000-square-foot Minden facility can now hold private parties of up to 80 people, not to mention a separate 35-person banquet room in the rear of the suite.

"Virtually every surface in here has been touched and reconfigured," Smith said.

He pointed to a brick facade at the west end of the building, where a stage will soon be erected for musical performances. He also noted the hardwood floors, the new tile, and the refurbished bar over which hang two flat-screen televisions.

"Soon we'll be bringing in three more," Smith said. "We offer Sunday and Monday night football."

Also in the works is an outdoor covered patio with a fire pit and waterfall, he said. But even a top-notch facility won't succeed without a strong menu. On that point, Smith and Davis are confident Valley locals will fall for Doppelgangers' food and brew.

"We have a fabulous breakfast, from the coffee to the omelets," Davis said. "I don't think people know we are open for breakfast."

A country skillet combo, chicken fried steak and eggs Benedict are just a few of the breakfast items. The restaurant's appetizers include crab and lobster cakes, baked artichoke dip and firecracker shrimp. Salads range from the seared ahi tuna to Doppelgangers' signature greens mixed with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, grilled chicken, bacon and cheese all served with homemade creamy Italian.

For lunch, Davis said she likes the grilled portabella sandwich, while Smith prefers the Doppel Cluck: chicken tenders topped with avocado, smoked bacon, jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and onions served on a toasted ciabatta with garlic aioli.

Besides a handful of burgers, including the famous, double-patty Awful Awful, patrons will find entrees like Havana chicken, pan-seared ribeye with wild mushrooms, and four different kinds of pasta.

"We've found a good balance of fish, steaks, poultry and pasta," Smith said. "We can create anything, from causal sandwiches to extravagant buffets to elaborate dinners."

However, no food review would be complete without mention of Doppelgangers' microbrews, which are produced in Carson City. On tap at the Minden bar are the Nevada Amber Ale, the V & T Honey Ale and the Battle Born Blonde. The Genoa Pale Ale is also coming soon, Smith said.

"It's important to be flexible with the local community and consistent in what we offer," he said.

Part of that flexibility is Doppelgangers' Ford Excursion limousine that transports patrons in the surrounding Meridian Business Park.

"We're always happy to work out transportation needs of groups and banquets," added Davis.

While the business park may provide Doppelgangers with a steady stream of lunch-time customers, Smith is hoping residents in town will visit the establishment as well.

"People think that because the previous place failed, we won't be around long," Smith said. "But we've had time to develop Doppelgangers, and we've made an investment in this facility, in the landlord and this community. In my experience, people are willing to go where there is consistent quality and an experience that feels like home."

Doppelgangers Minden is located at 2244 Meridian Boulevard, Suite A. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant opens earlier on weekends for football, and the bar stays open later depending on customers. For more information, call 782-6633.