Lake Tahoe has not made a name for itself yet on the craft beer scene, but if you’re a craft beer lover, not to worry. We have the list of breweries you definitely need to visit on your next trip to South Lake Tahoe! In no particular order, here they are:
Sidellis Lake Tahoe Brewery and Restaurant
3350 Sandy Way, South Lake Tahoe
The motto of Sidellis is “Beer first, then everything else,” according to Chris Sidell, one of the brewery’s five owners. As such, the food is basic and affordable though the menu will expand over time.
Brewer Steve Canali has been a fixture on the Tahoe beer scene for years, and he’s the first brewer in the area to do sour beers. He expects to normally have at least one sour on tap, but expect the tap handles to rotate frequently.
On tap/Try now:
- Cluanie Farmhouse Ale: A traditional French style Saison. Farmhouse ales were traditionally brewed in the winter for the warmer months. This beer has fruity and earthy flavors.
- Mangoana- Spicy Mango White Ale
- South Shore Sour
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Cold Water Brewery and Grill
2544 Lake Tahoe Blvd (Hwy 50), South Lake Tahoe
Cold Water Brewery and Grill is owned by Debbie Brown, who was a home brewer for over 20 years. Debbie likes to use her Dad’s old recipes in this all-grain brewery where the beer is brewed on site.
The restaurant was voted as “Best Overall Restaurant” in South Lake Tahoe, and is a favorite of both locals and tourists. Ryan Parker is the brewmaster here; he’s been a commercial brewmaster for 7 years and a home brewer for 15 years.
On tap/Try now:
- Citra-Ass Down: For true hop lovers! 3 lbs of hops per bbl! Citrus, mango and passion fruit flavors balanced on a big malt backbone.
- Toad’s Wild Rye: Copper color beer with a touch of German noble hops to balance the crisp nuttiness of the rye malt.
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Brewery at Lake Tahoe
3542 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe
The Brewery is Lake Tahoe’s original brewpub. Established in 1992, the Brewery looks like a house and feels like a German Gasthaus.
On tap/Try now:
- White-Out Wit: A Belgian White; refreshing wheat beer brewed with German barley, coriander and orange peel. “WOW!!!” That is the usual response from someone trying our Belgian Wit for the first time.
- Bad AssS® Ale: The signature brew, the Bad Ass® Ale is really a style of its own. Brewers handcraft this ale to be the perfect balance between its malted barley and choice hops.
- Star Lake Stout: The Starlake Stout is an oatmeal stout that is extremely dark and full bodied. Opaque in color, the rich roasted flavor and rolled oats give this brew its winning taste any beer drinker will love.
- Paramount Porter®: The Paramount Porter® is a life changing experience. Using a wide variety of specialty malts, this beer fills your palate with a pleasant chocolate essence and a robust malt flavor.
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Stateline Brewery
4118 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe
Located next to the gondola, Stateline Brewery is a fixture of Heavenly and the place where skiers take refreshment after a long day on the hill. They have a rotating selection of ales and lagers, so our list below may or may not be available when you are there.
On tap/Try now:
- White-Out Wit: Light unfiltered wheat beer brewed with Belgian and German wheat malt, orange peel and coriander.
- Acclimator IPA: West Coast IPA. A big hoppy beer with a sweet caramel finish, deep orange red in color.
