Sharing a Love of Tahoe
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According to the locals and dedicated visitors who frequent the epic ski resorts of Tahoe-Truckee, you must try après here at least once. We all know that skiing and snowboarding here is legendary, but the action doesn’t end once the lifts stop spinning. Your legs might be tired, you might be cold, you might be hungry and you might just want to head back home or to your hotel. But I’m here to convince you to check out our incredible spots for après, which include great food, warm drinks and an unbeatable atmosphere to lift your spirits.
From family-friendly options at the villages of Palisades, Northstar and Heavenly to the lively party vibes at Le Chamois to the locally loved Alder Creek Cafe in Tahoe Donner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here in Tahoe-Truckee.
Below, I have curated a guide to help you navigate the legendary après scene in Tahoe-Truckee. These are only a few suggestions. For a full list of places to enjoy food and drink the Tahoe-Truckee region, see our Restaurants listings.
Enjoy (responsibly)!
The Village at Palisades has many delicious food and drink options, complete with a view and vibes. Photo credit: Palisades Tahoe
The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Located in the heart of Olympic Valley, the Village at Palisades has something for everyone to enjoy, from world-class shopping and dining to accommodations right by the tram and ski lifts.
After a full day on the slopes, the restaurants here are the place to be. Families love Fireside Pizza and its cozy atmosphere. For a more upscale experience, head to Plumpjack. For Mexican cuisine, Tremigo hits the spot. Want fun Irish fare? Head to The Auld Dubliner for more traditional pub food and drinks.
The village also hosts an exciting array of events throughout the ski season, including live music, DJ sets and various festivals. See the link below for the complete lineup.
Le Chamois and The Loft Bar
We can’t talk about après at Palisades without mentioning Le Chamois and The Loft Bar, fondly known by locals and frequent fliers as “The Chammy.” Considered THE place to be in the North Lake Tahoe region for the après experience, Le Chamois offers food, drinks a lively atmosphere, live outdoor music on specified weekends and the biggest party to celebrate the end of the season.
The Village at Northstar is a charming collection of restaurants, shops and an ice rink. Fun for the whole family!
The Village at Northstar
This charming village, located right in the heart of Northstar California Resort, offers a plethora of activities beyond shopping and dining. Visitors of all ages can enjoy laps on the delightful ice-skating rink, roast s’mores by their fire pits, watch a movie at the cinema or enjoy a lovely stroll around the village.
For dining, you can find exactly what you’re craving after a long day on the slopes. From casual and family-friendly Rubicon Pizza to more upscale Mediterranean-inspired dining and wine at Petra, there’s an option to satisfy every palate and style.
The village also has a great lineup of family-friendly events throughout the season, so make sure to check their website for their calendar and updates.
Heavenly Village
Located at the base of Heavenly Ski Resort, Heavenly Village is a high-energy destination for skiers and visitors. Featuring a wide variety of restaurants, storefronts, a movie theater, an ice-skating rink and weekly events, this is the spot to be in South Lake Tahoe after a day on the slopes.
Families will love creative comfort food at Basecamp Pizza and California Burger Co., while those looking for a more high-energy vibe will enjoy the tapas and live entertainment at The Loft Tahoe. Other delicious options include Fire + Ice Interactive Grill and Bar, Azul Latin Kitchen and Gunbarrel Tavern and Eatery, among many others.
Heavenly Village hosts an exciting family-friendly lineup of events, including live music entertainment, throughout the season. Click the link below to see the full schedule.
JWB Prime Steak and Seafood
Just steps from Heavenly Ski Resort and its charming village, JWB Prime Steak and Seafood can be found inside Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, a laid-back tropical-themed hotel with high-quality restaurants, family-friendly events and cozy accommodations.
JWB Prime Steak and Seafood is a great spot to refuel and relax after skiing with fresh and flavorful entrees, creative drinks and decadent desserts.
Take in the incredible views at Diamond Peak's Snowflake Lodge. Photo Credit: Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Snowflake Lodge at Diamond Peak
Après with a view! After a day of skiing the slopes of Incline Village’s beloved ski resort, head to mid-mountain to Snowflake Lodge, featuring food, drinks and some of the best panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras in the region.
Plan for an earlier après here, as the lodge closes at 3:30 p.m. (unless specified for an event). Luckily, Diamond Peak Ski Resort doesn’t experience some of the chaos and longer lines some of the other resorts can sometimes have, so you can go early and get lots of turns in before heading to Snowflake for a meal or drink while taking in the views.
If you want a later time to enjoy après, the Base Lodge is open until 4:30 p.m. and can be a great place to take in the afternoon sun and meet some friendly locals.
Alibi Ale Works
With two locations, one in downtown Truckee and the other in Incline Village, Alibi Ale Works is a locally loved hub for beer, hearty meals, events and a welcoming community. In fact, Alibi has been voted Best Brewery in the region nine times! It’s not just a brewery, it’s an entire experience.
Alder Creek Cafe
Don’t worry, we have a spot for cross-country après too! The Alder Creek Cafe is a great spot to unwind after a long day on the trails and offers a variety of healthy and delicious options to help you refuel.
Just steps away, you can find the Trailside Bar, which offers coffee, wine and beer to pair with your meal. Outside, you can find fire pits to take in the views and enjoy your food and drink.
Come for the food and drink, stay for the views of Lake Tahoe at Garwoods. Photo Credit: Garwoods Grill and Pier
Garwoods Grill and Pier
This waterfront restaurant is legendary in the North Lake Tahoe region for creative California cuisine, specialty cocktails and drinks and a postcard-worthy view of Carnelian Bay.
For those 21 and over who enjoy drinks, try the Wet Woody, their signature drink. Non-alcoholic options are also available.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
