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Welcome to Cold Water Brewery and Grill

Nestled in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, Cold Water Brewery and Grill stands as a vibrant homage to the New American pub experience. This women-owned establishment marries a welcoming atmosphere with a diverse menu that offers delectable pescatarian and vegan options, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all. With spacious outdoor seating, it’s perfect for enjoying a sunny brunch or cozy dinner. Their commitment to sustainability shines through in compostable packaging and reusable tableware. Whether you visit for happy hour specials or lively evenings of music and dancing, Cold Water Brewery promises memorable moments, great food, and craft brews that elevate every gathering.

Cold Water Brewery and Grill: Reviews & Ratings

Kevin H.
Kevin H.

This is a must try if you are a local and are looking for something new or are just visiting Tahoe! As a longtime local, this is my favorite brewery in town to stop at. The food is incredible, I highly recommend the chicken sandwich, yet you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu (I've almost tried it all!) They have a wide range of beers and a full bar with some amazing signature cocktails which always makes it easy to find something you're in the mood for. The service is always top notch, I've been here several times and each one has been a great experience! Big thanks to the owners, brewers and all the staff that make this place as great as it is!

Matthew B.
Matthew B.

Had an amazing experience here! Sat at the bar solo and was immediately welcomed by the friendly staff. As a big hazy IPA fan, I was excited to try theirs on tap--and it did not disappoint. It was fresh, smooth, and packed with flavor. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, the staff introduced me to their award-winning beers, which were just as incredible, if not better. For food, I went with the fried chicken sandwich and fries, and it exceeded my expectations--crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The restaurant itself was spotless, the bar had TVs nearby so I could catch the game, and even the bathrooms were in great shape. I'll definitely be coming back for the same beer and meal. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for great drinks, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere!

James C.
James C.

Beer was amazing. Tried about 6 of them and all were my new favorites. Their saison was crazy good. Had the chili fries and they were awesome too. The service was phenomenal. Owner came by and chatted with us about the brewing process. Great atmosphere great service great good. If your in south lake this a place you have to go to.

Claire D.
Claire D.

Great stop near Heavenly Ski Resort. Food, service and experience was 10/10. We got the burger, Caesar salad, Mac and cheese and several drinks. Would definitely recommend. Especially an Irish coffee and the Burger!

Barry S.
Barry S.

It was our first time at this fantastic brew pub. What a find in South Lake Tahoe! The menu has something for everyone. Our group of four had shrimp tacos and their famous fish and chips. Food is terrific. The new owner Kevin brought out flights of three beers that are brewed on site. Each was refreshing and great. I mentioned my preference for "darker, hoppy, scotch ales." He recommended one that was the best I've ever tasted! We did a brief tour of the brewery and found clinically clean stainless steel vats that give real confidence in drinking an onsite prepared product. The beer is so good, that they have begun to bottle it for off sale distribution. The restaurant has great ambiance, and a "family feel". The ownership and staff are really together with their goal to provide the best experience for every patron. We were skiing at Heavenly during February when we found Cold Water Brewery. We have another ski trip coming up in March and will definately go there again.

Tom P.
Tom P.

Dog friendly outdoor dining. We were nicely greeted and accommodated with our dog. They gave us a treat and brought a bowl of water for the dog. Service was with a smile and great attentive service. Artichoke appetizer was large enough for 4 people, lightly breaded with a dipping sauce. Fish and chips were two thick tasty slices of cod, well fried and not greasy on a massive bead of battered fries. Chicken salad had large chunks of white moist chicken, with a well spiced vinaigrette. German pork sausage with peppers tasted great on an oversized bun and battered fries. Fast service, great food, outdoor fire pit and dog friendly, can't ask for more.

Haleh H.
Haleh H.

4.5 stars! We had a great experience. The place is nice with lots of seating. Our waiter was great, he was helpful with recommendations and attentive. Food came pretty fast too. - Caesar salad - the salad was really good, good flavor sauce & came with a piece of lemon that gave it a good zest. - Mahi Mahi Taco - I really enjoyed eating them. The fish was good size and cooked nicely. All the goodies on top added good flavor including avocado. The sauce was tasty and just enough, not too dry and not too wet for the tortilla to fall apart. It came with chips and corn covered in cheese, mayo &.... I didn't care for them. - Fried Chicken Sandwich - It had really good flavor, crispy while juicy and good portion. All the add-ons were also great including the coleslaw, well seasoned. Got truffle fries, which were great!

Lee D.
Lee D.

So good to be back in the old neighborhood; we do miss this area. Quality/Quantity - Ahi Poke Bowls - The wives got the same dish. They both REALLY liked this. It did look good. But as you know, I eat a lot of poke as it is. Fish and Chips - This looked REALLY good. And a generous quantity. My friend was not able to finish either the fish or the chips. And he is typically a big eater! Normally I would order this dish, but I am trying to eat healthier; wish me luck. Blackened Mahi Mahi Taco - My dish, and I was kind of disappointed. The mahi was NOT blackened, but I did not mind that. However, my portions of fish were so little. And the red cabbage was VERY generous. So the taste was really thrown off for me/unbalanced. Well, I did say I wanted to eat healthier. Got me a red cabbage taco, lol. And of course, I got their beer. Tasters were - Red Ale, Pine Acres Pale Ale, Freel Good IPA. As you already know because you are following, I have gone back to being a Red drinker. But their IPA was really smooth, too smooth, dangerously smooth. If I had time and was not trying to be healthier, I would have gotten that one also (or two, or three...). Atmosphere - Good size location, with both indoor & outdoor seatings. Indoor seating has tables and bar seating and a semi private room. The outdoors has tables and table top (barrel) seating; see pictures. Clean bathrooms and right as you enter. Open 7 days a week from 11:30am to 8pm or 9pm. Plenty of mall parking. Service - Good. Tyler did a good job. He checked on us frequently. Price - $121 + generous tip. Reasonably priced for what we got, well not for my red cabbage tacos, but thanks for making me eat healthier, ol. Owner Comments - Congrats on your success since 2014; sorry it has taken me 10 years to visit. But we are coming back more and more to the old neighborhood. :)

Charon R.
Charon R.

Our first night in the Lake area and we were wanting a good craft libation and some tasty food! I started with the Ski Bum Sour which was fabulous. Love the milk washed bourbon! My husband had a sampler flight and then moved on to a pint with dinner. Fish and chips for him and the Ahi Poke Bowl for me. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Quite pricey for what we had but this area is known for pricier food from what we read ahead of time. We normally like to share meals but after a long day of travel from the east coast we were famished. The bartender served us and she was super sweet!

Carolyn S.
Carolyn S.

Great place to grab a burger, watch a game, and chat with locals and folks passing thru. We both got the CW burger med well because the waitress said the chef cooked it on the rare side - don't make our mistake! Order it the temp you want. We ended up with more well done than medium. Fries were yummy and my hot cocoa was great. Would go back to try the fried chicken sandwich for sure.

Location

Welcome to the vibrant culinary landscape of South Lake Tahoe, where a hidden gem awaits at Cold Water Brewery and Grill. This beloved establishment perfectly marries the comfort of a casual pub with the exciting depths of craft brewing, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. Nestled at 2544 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Cold Water offers a diverse menu that ranges from scrumptious pescatarian and vegan options to delightful classics that cater to all palates.

As you step inside, you're greeted by an ambiance that is both lively and inviting. The friendly staff quickly makes you feel at home, setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience. Here, you can enjoy outdoor seating options that are beautifully heated and covered, making it a perfect spot regardless of the season.

The menu is nothing short of impressive. Customer favorites like the fried chicken sandwich and chili fries have garnered rave reviews, highlighting the meticulous attention to flavor and presentation. Whether you're in the mood for brunch, lunch, or dinner, there’s something for everyone—from hearty burgers to delectable shrimp tacos.

  • Beverage Selection: The brewery excels with its extensive range of craft beers, including the much-lauded hazy IPA and refreshing saisons, offering a perfect pairing for any dish.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Cold Water Brewery proudly welcomes groups of all sizes, making it an excellent choice for family outings or a night out with friends.
  • Commitment to Quality: Patrons can witness the brewing process firsthand, showcasing the commitment of the owners and staff to provide quality food and drink crafted in-house.

As you embark on your culinary journey at Cold Water Brewery and Grill, don't miss the chance to explore their innovative drink specials during Happy Hour. With a full bar serving up signature cocktails and an array of award-winning brews, your options are endless. Plus, ADA-compliant facilities ensure that all guests can enjoy their experience comfortably.

Cold Water Brewery and Grill isn't just about great food and drinks; it's about creating unforgettable experiences. The warm and accommodating service, coupled with an inviting atmosphere and a menu that truly excites the senses, makes every visit memorable. Whether you’re heading there post-skiing or looking for a chill spot to unwind, Cold Water Brewery offers a slice of what makes South Lake Tahoe special. Join the community of satisfied patrons and discover why this brewpub is a beloved staple in the area.