Best Happy Hours in Tahoe City, CA
Everyone loves happy hours. They are a perfect way to check out a new city and its restaurants. Here at ETG we even have our own Happy Hours Page. So, here’s my List of Best Happy Hours in Tahoe City. Now be aware, depending on what part of the year you visit, the happy hour offerings will change. Many restaurants stop their happy hours during the summer, when it’s super busy.
Favorite Happy Hours in Tahoe City
Practically all of the below eateries have incredible views and provide live music as well. So, you can’t really go wrong with these picks. Remember, always check the website or call to confirm HH deals.
Jake’s on the Lake
If you are looking for a hearty selection of eclectic dishes, Jake’s on the Lake has something for everyone with a view to boot.
My top three menu items (in order of preference) were the Filet Mignon Aloha Taco, the Udon Noodle Bowl and the Panko Chicken Sandwich. I always look for HH veggies, and that was found with Jake’s tasty caesar salad. Needless to say, I also enjoyed a glass of red wine, a lovely 2021 Skyside Pinot Noir from the Central Coast of California. Lake Tahoe is east of California’s famous coastal wine regions. Amazing wines are everywhere.
FYI – You must sit in the café or bar section of the restaurant for happy hour. But not to worry, you can still take in the gorgeous view from those seating areas. Get there early for the best spots. Jake’s on the Lake, 780 N Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA, 96145; https://www.jakestahoe.com
Shadyside Lounge
If you like Mexican food, the Shadyside Lounge offers the happy hour for you. The most popular HH items are the Honey Habanero Wings and Al Pastor Tacos with pineapple sals…yum! Plus if you like cocktails, try the Spicy Cucumber Marg-Tini. Or, have one of their classics, a Smoking Gun or the Devil’s Tongue. Shadyside Lounge, 1770 W Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA 96145; https://www.tahoeshadyside.com/
River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant
Situated right on the Truckee River, the River Ranch Restaurant provides a fun outdoorsy vibe with typical happy hour food including a few veggie surprises. The Angus Burger, Spicy Peach Chili Wings and Nachos were all quite tasty. However, I particularly enjoyed the amazing Crispy Brussel Sprouts. Add to that a delicious full-bodied 2019 Johanson Cabernet Sauvignon, and you have a wonderful meal for a reasonable price. River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant, 2285 River Rd., Tahoe City, CA 96146; https://www.riverranchlodge.com/
Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge
Finally, you can find another excellent Tahoe City happy hour at Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge. Yummy fish tacos and fried zucchini are the most popular dishes. Taco Tuesday makes for a fun night at this waterside eatery. Sunny Side Restaurant, 1850 W Lake Blvd Tahoe City, CA 96145; https://www.sunnysidelodge.com/
Christy Hill Sandbar
A wonderful upscale restaurant that I reviewed, Christy Hill offers lunch and an early happy hour. Both are hosted in an area called the Sandbar just outside their main dining room. This also offers a view of the lake. During the Summer, you can enjoy live music here. Christie Hill is considered one the best restaurants in Lake Tahoe, not just Tahoe City. Reservations should be made in advance, if you want to have a full dinner in their main dining room.
One of our writers said she and her husband had a great time at their happy hour. They loved the charcuterie board as well as the brisket sliders and the lobster rolls. Plus, they took advantage of some great HH beer deals. So definitely check it out. Also be sure to read our ETG review of Christy Hill’s Restaurant. Christy Hill, 115 Grove St, Tahoe City, CA, 96145; https://www.christyhill.com
See our Happy Hour Page for more options. Read some of my articles on the Restaurant Wine Reviews Page
