A variety of new tap houses have appeared around the lake offering their own handcrafted brews and a range of California cuisine.
Alibi Ale Works
Alibi Ale Works has something for everyone. Located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the space features an onsite brewery and taproom, a wide range of European and American style beers, and a friendly atmosphere to grab a brew and play a game of Connect Four. Known for their snappy Saison and crispy Kölsch, Alibi celebrates their brews with nightly special events and live music. It's a must-visit. // 204 E Enterprise St. (Incline Village, Nevada),alibialeworks.com
Old Town Tap
If you find yourself in Truckee this summer, head over to Old Town Tap for the perfect combination of beer and pizza. Old Town Tap is owned by former Bay Area residents turned mountain entrepreneurs, Marlena John and Luke Bill. In the kitchen Chef Adam Hinojosa, who was invited to compete on Food Network's Cutthroat Kitchen with Alton Brown, serves up contemporary cuisine made to satiate real hunger such as fried cheese curds, house-made charcuterie, and Neapolitan-style pizzas with local, organic ingredients. They have 16 beers on tap as well as signature cocktails, so drink up. // 10164 Donner Pass Rd. #1 (Truckee), facebook.com/oldtowntap
(photo via Facebook)
Cold Water Brewery & Grill
Cold Water Brewery in South Lake Tahoe features all-grain brews with cheeky names handcrafted on site—we like the Citra-Ass Down and the Hall of the Gods Porter. The menu features hearty dishes and snacks such as cast iron nachos, south shore fish tacos with Mexican street corn, and a homemade ice cream sandwich with caramel stout ice cream. There for the weekend? The Sunday brunch features a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. // 2544 Lake Tahoe Blvd. (South Lake Tahoe), tahoecoldwaterbrewery.com
Sidellis Lake Tahoe Brewery and Restaurant
Named after the surnames of the two owners (Chris Sidell and Ellwood Ellis), this brewery serves homemade beers such as the Red Tape IPA, Clockwork White Ale and Tahoe Moonshine Rum Barrel Stout—all delicious! If you're there for more than brews, the menu includes a variety of sandwiches, from the portabella French dip to the Peri-Peri pulled pork with barbecue sauce made from their OB Amber beer. Best of all? There's a sunny patio out back. // 3350 Sandy Way (South Lake Tahoe), sidellis.com
(photo via Facebook)
Virginia City Brewery and Tap House
If you're willing to travel for beer, consider a short road trip to Virginia City, Nevada. We know, it's not in Tahoe, but the Virginia City Brewery and Taphouse brings American craft style beers to this Wild West town which has not seen a brewery since 1995. Named after locations in VC, the handcrafted beers (made with water from Marlette Lake) include YellowJacket Honey Pale Ale, Steampunk Extra Pale Ale and Poltergeist Baltic Porter. They're worth the gas money—promise! // 62 N C St. (Virginia City, Nevada), virginiacitybreweryandtaphouse.com
