Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in North Lake Tahoe

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in North Lake Tahoe? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (4719)

$31 to $50

Californian

Carnelian Bay

About the restaurant

For 36 years Gar Woods Grill and Pier has been the premier waterfront dining destination in North Lake Tahoe. Floor-to-ceiling windows, large deck and balconies provide breath-taking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. Gar Woods Grill and Pier is an upscale casual restaurant that accommodates groups of 160 just as easily as groups of two. Our Chef has created a menu highlighting California cuisine, hand cut steaks and fresh Pacific seafood, served in a fun-in-the-sun atmosphere. The wine list is a collection of best-known California vintners featuring more than a dozen wines by the glass. Enjoy the waterfront deck while sipping on Gar Woods world famous Wet Woody®. With nearly four million sold, you will be in good company! Or thaw out with a Warm Woody or a Heavenly Bottom. Lake Tahoe sunsets are our specialty.
Service dogs/bunnies/parrots welcome- with appropriate credentials under the ADA.

Top review

KARIANN

Dined 3 days ago

Our server was super friendly and attentive. We sat outside on the lake and she brought over a heater. Beautiful views and nice ambiance. So glad this place lets you sit outside during the winter (many outdoor patios aren’t utilized during this time). My husband loved his French dip sandwich (Tahoe does this well as he liked it at other restaurants in the area but this was his favorite!) also his favorite drink of our trip was here, the signature Woody. I had the ahi tacos and they were good also! We walked around in the snow and pier after. Lovely and not too crowded during winter. Highly recommend and would be great for sunset if no fog!

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Lobster Bisque

Popular dish

Lobster Deviled Eggs

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1054)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

Located on the banks of the Truckee River between Truckee and Tahoe City, this rustic old Tahoe lodge has been a Tahoe dining favorite for many, many years. Choose between a cozy table in our Alpine Dining Room or along the river in our River View Dining Room. In the summer, dine on our patio that overlooks the river. Enjoy great food and drink that is creative and interesting while being delicious and familiar. The menu changes seasonally to ensure use of the most available sustainable, fresh ingredients.

Top review

Tracy

Dined on 30 Nov 2024

Excellent, as always! Love the staff and delicious food.

Bar of America

4.6

4.6 (871)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Truckee

About the restaurant

This comfortable Bar and Restaurant in Historic Downtown Truckee welcomes diners with its warm interior and friendly efficient service. The All American menu has a wide range of classic and modern favorites, from sandwiches to steaks and seafood all distinctively paired with an award winning wine list satisfying a broad taste palate at reasonable prices.

Top review

Bibi

Dined on 30 Nov 2024

Excellent service and our dinner and dessert were delicious! Our server was very friendly and attentive. Another great dining experience at Bar of America!

Six Peaks Grille

4.6

4.6 (297)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Olympic Valley / Squaw Valley

About the restaurant

Six Peaks Grille redefines Lake Tahoe fine dining, offering a feast for your eyes as well as your palate. Surrounded by spectacular views of the majestic six peaks of Olympic Valley and the meadows below, Six Peaks Grille presents an innovative menu of distinctive regional cuisine that features the freshest produce, seafood and steaks. Enjoy romantic indoor dining by our beautiful stone fireplace and panoramic views through our floor-to-ceiling picture windows. Six Peaks Grille also features signature cocktails and martinis, as well as an extensive wine list. Our relaxed mountain atmosphere provides a family-friendly setting for dinner. We recommend reservations. Please note that days and hours of operation may vary based on business levels and seasonality.

Top review

JenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic dinner with extended family! The Granite Chief cocktail was refreshing and complex. Highly recommend the duck starter. The cut of the day was the bison rib-eye, which was delicious. If they have it, definitely opt for it. My dad had the pork chop, which he praised as better than what he recently had at a 1-star Michelin restaurant in the Bay Area. The catch of the day, sea bream, included Kauai prawn, mussels and delicious mushrooms. The grilled lemon cheesecake was amazing, while the chocolate mousse was shockingly too chocolately for the chocolate fans in my family. Overall, the tastiest meal in the Tahoe area we’ve had in a while. Definitely plan to come back!

Big Water Grille

4.6

4.6 (1271)

$31 to $50

Californian

Incline Village

About the restaurant

Nestled in the mountains of the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the Big Water Grille has spectacular panoramic lake views that are among the best around. Our Chefs are impressing diners with his fresh/seasonal menu. Join us for a martini in the lounge, a glass of wine on the deck or a fine dining experience in the dining room. Choose from our craft cocktails or extensive wine list from around the world.

Top review

TadVIP

Dined on 10 Dec 2024

We come here regularly. We request a window table and Jordan as our server, and we are obliged every time. The food has been getting even better, and Jordan is the best server in the Tahoe Basin. Very pleased with our experience.

Spindleshanks

4.6

4.6 (91)

$30 and under

American

Kings Beach

About the restaurant

Spindleshanks American Bistro and Wine Bar represents the best of both old and new Lake Tahoe. Opened in 2000 by partners Steve Marks and Harman Schuchmann, the restaurant has become a Tahoe Vista institution in a short amount of time. By offering regional American cuisine and a variety of wines in a casual atmosphere, the pair created a dining experience that caters to both large families and couples seeking a romantic evening.

Top review

Rosalie

Dined on 12 Dec 2024

This is a solid “old Tahoe” decor and menu. The portions were very generous and the waiter was friendly and efficient. This was a perfect place to relax and enjoy.

Sunnyside

4.5

4.5 (1663)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Tahoe City

About the restaurant

We will be hosting a wedding on Sunday, January 14, 2024 and will be accepting walk-ins only at our Mountainside Bar. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you!

Welcome! We are open for lakeside dining. Visit our website for the latest Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge updates!

This iconic lakeside lodge and restaurant is the ideal Tahoe getaway. With a charming lakeside hotel, fantastic food and a panoramic lake view, it is nothing short of a magical mountain experience. It’s everything you hoped Tahoe would be and more, from the mouthwatering cuisine to the largest seasonal lakeside deck in all of Tahoe. With community farmer’s markets, a lakeside bike path and some of the best ski resorts in California, life on the lake never gets boring. There’s always something fun and exciting for the entire family at Sunnyside.

Top review

BarbaraVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Outstanding on every level. Great service from Stephanie - stunning views - halibut fresh and delicious - our favorite spot year round.

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Chambers Landing Bar & Grill

4.5

4.5 (112)

$31 to $50

American

Homewood

About the restaurant

Where modern elegance and rustic Tahoe charm, align. Enjoy an open air unparalleled lakefront dining experience! Choose from three different menus. Lunch and dinner are two separate services offered in the restaurant. Poke on the Pier is served dockside. Checkout the oldest bar on the lake and try the famous Chambers Crush- our signature fruity frozen rum cocktail!

Top review

Kathryn

Dined on 28 Sept 2024

Great restaurant with a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe!

Austin's

4.2

4.2 (80)

$30 and under

American

Incline Village

About the restaurant

At Austin's, we are committed to using only high quality fresh ingredients to create our homestyle American cuisine. Our commitment is also to the health of our community and environment. We proudly feature seasonal, local and organic ingredients and produce from various sustainable farms. We support abundant oceans and serve only sustainable seafood. Our disposable service ware, from straws to takeout bags, is biodegradable and compostable. Our trans-fat free oil is used to make biofuel and all of our cardboard, paper, glass, plastic and tin is recycled.

Top review

DianeVIP

Dined on 3 Oct 2024

The hostess was less than friendly she may need to rethink this job for her! Server was better. I ordered chicken fried steak and my husband got the chicken sandwich. We both shared a side Cesar salad. Food was delicious.

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub

4.1

4.1 (1440)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Truckee

About the restaurant

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub is an award-winning neighborhood bistro with plenty of outdoor seating and spectacular views. They offer a hand-picked wine selection and craft cocktail menu as well as serve local and organic meat and produce. Order dinner, drinks and desserts the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Top review

Denise

Dined on 21 Nov 2024

We had the roasted chicken breast and short ribs. Delicious. Our waiter, Michael, was very pleasant and attentive.

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