The Joy of Coming Home
Sandra Ney, the owner and designer of the new... Read Article
The delectable taste of a craft beer is something to be treasured. That's why locally owned and operated breweries are popping up all around Lake Tahoe. From Truckee to South Lake Tahoe, the opportunity to enjoy a frosty, cold one that was made in house is a pleasure easily obtained. In fact, South Lake Tahoe is quickly becoming known as a craft brewery mecca.
If you are wondering where to go, you are in luck when perusing the shores of South Lake. Local businesses and the Tahoe Chamber have created a fun new way to partake in the craft beer scene. The South Shore Beer Trail highlights all the breweries serving up tasty crafts. Keep reading to learn about the breweries involved and all that they offer.
Picture: AleWorX at the Y makes it easy to kick back and enjoy. Photo courtesy of Lake Tahoe AleWorX
South Lake Brewing Company
1920 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
Owners Chris and Nicole Smith created South Lake Brewing Company with a deep adoration for both the beauty of Lake Tahoe and the delicious taste of a well-crafted beer. Their focus was to create a place that was not only welcoming but also a dining experience that supported great friendships, great times as well as great food and drink. The beer selection varies from a smooth, chocolatey Barrett Brown to a delightful beer made of a mixture of pear, honey and tangerine. South Lake Brewing Company is also a hot spot for weekly events like their popular yoga/beer gathering, Boga, or their entertaining trivia nights.
Lake Tahoe AleWorX at the Y
2050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe AleWorX is an impressive brewery with multiple hopping locations to enjoy. The first one on the trail is their superb location situated at the Y. An infamous intersection in the town of South Lake Tahoe, the Y is a hot spot for dining and shopping. But with AleWorX in the mix, it is considered one of the favorite places to be seen. With a welcoming feel combined with their scrumptious wood-fired pizza and craft beer, it's no wonder it's a cherished spot. To add to the unique factor, they offer a self-serve tap wall that neighbors their impressive patio with live music. They are also very dog friendly and love taking pictures of you and your furry best friend.
The Hangar
2401 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
Voted the best beer in Lake Tahoe two years running, The Hangar is definitely a place to put on the hit list. Not to mention, they also offer Lake Tahoe's largest outside beer garden and are open seven days a week, making stopping by on even the busiest of holidays a breeze. The outdoor patio also offers fun games to pass the time, like corn hole and Giant Jenga. With more than 30 draft beers to choose from and many specialty beers, their drink menu is gigantic, giving an option for all whom enjoy the flavor of a great craft beer. Children are allowed on premises as well as dogs (as long as the dogs are well behaved). There is no food served at The Hangar. They do offer Crowlers, a sealed 32 oz. can of the craft beer of your choosing.
Enjoying Sunday Fun Day at Cold Water Brewery & Grill. Photo courtesy of Cold Water
Cold Water Brewery & Grill
2544 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
Considered Best of Tahoe for five years running, from 2015 to 2019, Cold Water specializes in all-grain brews that are handcrafted and matched excellently with California comfort food. All of the beer offered at Cold Water is brewed on site and is a reflection of the inspiration the comes from the beauty of Lake Tahoe. Their delicious seasonal food menu offers meals made from scratch from the kitchen filled with locally farmed produce. If you are looking to enjoy their beers outside the establishment, they offer 16 oz. cans to go.
Sidellis Lake Tahoe
3350 Sandy Way, South Lake Tahoe
Owners Chris Sidell and Ellwood Ellis took their love of home brewing to the community when they set upon opening the doors of Sidellis. The name represents both sides of the married duo that brought their dream to reality through hard work and perseverance. Joined by brew master Steve Canali, the trio have given the people of South Lake Tahoe a place to truly enjoy the art of craft brew. Beyond the world of hops, the establishment offers tasty appetizers, sandwiches, salads and sausages. They also have a purposeful children's menu as well as a fantastic dessert offering that shouldn't be missed in the form of a hot chocolate-chip cookie embraced in ice cream.
The Brewery at Lake Tahoe
3542 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
The eldest of breweries in the basin, The Brewery at Lake Tahoe is known for keeping things simple since 1992. With a focus on craft beer and food, the handcrafted love that goes into each lager and meal is apparent. Their menu is filled with burgers, pizza, ribs, pasta, salads, steaks and seafood, but what patrons really come for is their incredible signature brew, the Bad Ass Ale.
Revel in a mind-melting Tahoe sunset aside the rejuvenating bouldered stream at Stateline Brewery. Photo courtesy of Stateline Brewery
Stateline Brewery & Restaurant
4118 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
Home to craft brews, artisan cocktails and a dining menu filled with American cuisine, Stateline Brewery offers a comfortable, gourmet experience that rivals competitors. With beer choices that include their own IPA, pale ale, blonde and wit-brews as well as a giant microbrew selection, wine offerings and a whiskey collection, Stateline has proven itself as a major player in offering libations for any palate. A few menu choices that deserve your attention include their St. Louis-style pork ribs or their mouth-watering filet mignon. Be sure to check out their impressive patio area that is adorned with a boulder-framed stream.
South of North Brewing Co.
932 Stateline Avenue, Suite B, South Lake Tahoe
With the motto of being the place to go for, "live music, cold beer, fire pits and a winter wonderland every night," South of North Brewing Co. is known for its hip and welcoming atmosphere. Their dining menu is as large as their craft beer options, with items like handmade pretzels, gigantic sandwiches and grain bowls. Be sure to check out the local favorites, including their impressive hot dog offering and their dessert of a three-pack of s'mores.
Lake Tahoe AleWorX at Stateline
31 U.S. Highway 50 #105, Stateline, NV
The last stop on South Lake Tahoe's Beer Trail is the other offering by Lake Tahoe AleWorX, located at Stateline. This brewery offers both a charming daytime experience as well as a lively late-night option. It prides itself in providing access to all of the action, no matter what hour of the day or night. Their craft beers are unique and can't be found elsewhere. For those that would like something other than beer, they also offer a great list of wine as well as specialty craft cocktails. For the hungry they offer wood-fired pizza. Plan to stay late to enjoy their late-night DJ and silent disco parties.
About the Author Shanie Matthews
A longtime Lake Tahoe local, Shanie is a freelance writer, Vinyasa Flow yoga teacher and positivity warrior. A true lover of the the gorgeous Tahoe region, she connects with the serenity of the mountains via skiing, biking and backpacking. She also believes in the gift of yoga and its way of allowing one to become his or her true best self, a passion she shares with the world with her online yoga studio.
