Top 9 Nightlife Spots in Lake Tahoe

I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves having a good time at some point. This is especially true when you’re on vacation.

As “Wanderers” you’ll appreciate just how much there is to do at Tahoe Slopes in the daytime but also in the night; because when the sun goes down and the fairy lights go up, the Tahoe Slopes fun knows no end.

There are bars, pubs,  fancy restaurants and everything in between to choose from and I’m about to whet your appetite for fun with a little taste of a few of them. Keep reading!

Bars/Pubs/Breweries

Alibi Ale Works

Photo by Alibi Ale Works

• Address: 10069 Bridge St, Truckee, CA 96161 (21 minutes away from Wander Tahoe Slopes)

• Hours: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sun - Thurs); 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Fri); 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Sat)

• Contact Number: (530) 536-5029

• Website: https://alibialeworks.com/truckee-public-house/

We’ll kick things off with Alibi Ale Works where you get a full night of fun living like the locals. Here you are served house-brewed beer made with locally sourced water from Lake Tahoe.

Not only is their beer well-loved by the residents of Truckee, but their live entertainment is something to look forward to each night. Whether it’s the live music courtesy of local talents, the great selections from the house DJ or “Trivia Night with Joe Lew”, you’re guaranteed a great night no matter the day of the week.

Not that you needed an alibi for daily indulgence in ale on vacation, but just in case you did, Alibi Ale works as the perfect one.

Donner Creek Brewing

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

• Address: 11430 Deerfield Dr, Truckee, CA 96161, - at DeerField Plaza (27 minutes away from Wander Tahoe Slopes)

• Hours: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily

• Contact Number: (530) 414-9923

• Website: https://donnercreekbrewing.com/

They call themselves a "pico brewery" but don’t be fooled by that label because they make a mega impact on each patron.

Beer served at Donner Creek Brewing is either made in-house or by other breweries that are local favorites. They have a rotating tap so the likelihood of you drinking the same beer twice while on your vacation is quite slim.

As a side to their great brews, you can enjoy some gourmet grilled cheese. There are also other beers and wines available in the can or bottle that you can enjoy right there or if you want to have a little after party at your Wander home, you have the option of purchasing the bottles to go. 

There is indoor and outdoor seating available so whether you want a more intimate experience with your beau or a more relaxed one with your pals, they’ve got you covered. So if you’re looking for a warm and hospitable spot with good, local vibes, then Donner Creek Brewing should be on your radar.

The Tourist Club (T-Club)

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

• Address: 10110 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161 (21 minutes away from Wander Tahoe Slopes)

• Hours: 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily

• Contact Number: (530) 587-7775

Marry those strong, inexpensive drinks with a good bartender, a pool table, and some televisions and you have yourself a good, old-fashioned time at T-Club.

For those nights when you’re at Wander Tahoe Slopes and feel the urge to just let loose and be you, all neon signs point to The Tourist Club.

Pastime Club

Photo by Pastime Club

• Address: 10096 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161 (20 minutes away from Wander Tahoe Slopes)

• Hours: 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Mon-Thurs), 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Fri-Sun)

• Contact Number: (530) 582-9219

At this establishment, you’re sure to pass lots of time with all the casual and irreverent fun you’ll be having. Pastime Club caters to persons who crave a laid-back vibe around staff that feels like longtime friends.

This, then, creates the perfect set up for you and your actual longtime friends to chat, laugh, dance and sing your favorite tunes from the house jukebox at the top of your lungs. Some nights you can expect a DJ or even a live band playing!

Inexpensive drinks, daring decor, live entertainment, and great characters pretty much sum up the Pastime Club experience - one that sets you up for a magical night in Truckee.

Uncorked Truckee

Photo by Uncorked Truckee

• Address: 10118 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161 (25 minutes away from Wander Tahoe Slopes)

• Hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Sun-Thurs); 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Fri & Sat)

• Contact Number: (530) 550-5200

• Website: https://www.uncorkedtahoe.com/

Enjoying a glass (or few) of wine is one of those perfect ways of ending your night, so I found it fitting to end this list in a similar way with Uncorked Truckee.

Here you’ll get a taste of wine from all around the world. If you’re not a wine connoisseur, there’s no need to worry as you’ll find solace in the knowledgeable and accommodating staff who will guide you along the wine selecting process.

This is a good spot to wind down in the evening with its quiet and relaxing atmosphere; plus with every bottle you uncork, you’re supporting “small production producers who farm mindfully” from all over the world.

You get a light buzz in a serene environment all while contributing to sustainability? It sounds like the best of both worlds to me!

Restaurants

Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar

Photo by Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar

• Address: 10142 Rue Hilltop, Truckee, CA 96161 (20 minutes away from Wander Tahoe Slopes)

• Hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Mon-Thurs); 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Fri); 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Sat); 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Sun)

• Contact Number: (530) 587-5711

• Website: https://www.cottonwoodrestaurant.com/

At Cottonwood Restaurant, you’ll enjoy great food and bask in the property’s  historical significance and beauty. The restaurant is housed by one of America’s oldest ski lodges and they hint at this by decorating the cozy spot with pictures from ye olden days.

The rich history here is matched by the richness and tastiness of each plate. You can enjoy your meal indoors, but I’d recommend opting for outdoor seating where you’ll have a killer view of the mountains and downtown Truckee.

They recommend making a reservation ahead, so if you choose to pay them a visit, remember to call ahead!

Bar of America

Photo by Bar of America

• Address: 10040 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161 (20 minutes away from Wander Tahoe Slopes)

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Mon-Thurs); 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Fri); 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  (Sat); 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Sun)

• Contact Number: (530) 587-2626

• Website: http://www.barofamerica.com/

This former home to a Bank of America and many other businesses, now houses one of Truckee’s favorite watering holes. This is where the locals, and visitors alike, go to enjoy great eats, drinks that never stop pouring, and live music.

There are seats available both indoors and outdoors for patrons who wish to enjoy the dining experience. But don’t worry, if you just want to say “bottoms up”, there are bar stools available for you right at the bar.

The cocktails (pro tip: discounts apply on a Tuesday) are usually garnished with the tiniest American flag which only enhances the All-American dining experience. 

Also, if you visit in the winter on a Friday night, you’ll walk into Fish Taco Friday where there are food and drink specials, snow gear giveaways and a bunch of other prizes.

Manzanita

Photo by Manzanita

• Address: 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, CA 96161 (5 minutes away from Wander Tahoe Slopes)

• Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

• Contact Number: (530) 562-3050

• Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/lake-tahoe/dining/manzanita

For a more fine dining experience, you can check out Manzanita at the Ritz-Carlton. You'll enjoy complex flavor profiles, a sophisticated ambiance, and pleasant staff.

They are vegetarian and vegan-friendly and they also have gluten-free options. There are both indoor and outdoor options that are absolutely gorgeous, so you have your work cut out for you with choosing between the two.

Again, reservations are required, so make sure to give them a call ahead of time! There is also the option of having a private dining experience - so if you want to do a private dinner with your family or with your team members on the corporate retreat, then this can be a good option for you.

More Nightlife

Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema

Photo from Pixabay

• Address: 475 N Lake Blvd Tahoe City, CA 96145 (30 minutes away from Wander Tahoe Slopes)

• Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Mon-Fri); 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Sat & Sun)

• Contact Number: (530) 584-2431

• Website: https://tahoearthauscinema.com/

The Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema is an independent theater that shows major motion pictures, independent films, and also hosts filmmakers, speakers, dance performances, and live music making it live up to the title of “Tahoe’s entertainment hub”. They sell craft beer, wine, locally-brewed kombucha as well as non-GMO popcorn popped with coconut oil.

There is only one auditorium and it’s smaller than what you may be used to, but you’re guaranteed a unique theater experience, so the size will quickly become a non-issue.

You might be looking to fill in the time before you hit up local breweries and bars around Tahoe! If that's the case, you and your friends might love to explore the area through an e-bike tour, or a 2-hour cruise! Don't forget that your Wander Concierge is available to chat 24/7 and assist you on the vacation of a lifetime!