The South Lake Tahoe Brewery Scene is Growing

South Lake Tahoe has jumped on the ever-growing brewery train in recent days.  We are fortunate to now have a large handful of breweries located from one end of town to the other.  From signature taps, craft beers (IPA’s, rye beers, specialty beers, sours), the South Shore is flowing with options to satisfy even the most picky connoisseur.  You’ll find some of the breweries prefer to stick to the basics and only focus on their fine brews, whereas others boast a full restaurant setting as well with beer inspired eats and pairings.  Without further ado, here are the fine breweries you can expect find throughout South Lake Tahoe:

Sidellis

Tucked away off the beaten path in midtown is Sidellis Brewery & Restaurant.  With a basic, “no frills” concept throughout, their beers really get the chance to shine.   Sidellis is known for their specialty beers like Sticky Fingers (porter aged in whiskey or rum barrels), as well as their delicious affordable eats.  During the warmer months, enjoy the outdoor beer garden with giant Jenga and corn hole (as well as many other games inside).  Offering a casual setting, family-friendly atmosphere, a visit to Sidellis is something the whole family can enjoy.

Cold Water Brewery

One of the more well-known breweries (because of its highly visible location directly on Highway 50), Cold Water Brewery offers the full beer tasting experience for someone looking for craft brews and delicious eats.  Enjoy a wide range of beers like their Mr. Toad’s Wild Rye or Stillwater Stout in the new tasting room, dining room, or at the bar, and pair it with their “California comfort food”-style cuisine.

Lake Tahoe AleWorx

With two locations in town (by the Y, and at Stateline), AlexWorX has taken off with their “pour your own beer and wine” concept.  In addition to featuring numerous beers from various breweries, AleWorX also crafts their own beers: Cali Common, a pale unfiltered hoppy lager, and Bretted Belgian Pale, a collaboration beer with Alibi Ale Works.  Both locations offer creative and delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, as well as salads and shareable appetizers.  The location by the Y has a large outdoor dining and lounge area, with fire pits, and live music during the warmer months.

South Lake Brewing Co.

Also located near the Y, South Lake Brewing Co. is as purist as it comes.  With its warehouse feel, no bells or whistles, no food, just letting the beers be the stars of the show, you get a true brewery experience.  The brewing tanks are highly visible so patrons can enjoy watching part of the process.  Take pleasure in their wide selection of house crafted brews: sour, pale ale, pilsner and more.  During the warmer months, enjoy drinking your brew in the outdoor seating area, along with some local fare from food vendors who set up camp in the parking lot.

The Brewery at Lake Tahoe

As Lake Tahoe’s original brewpub established in 1992, the Brewery is centrally located near Ski Run Boulevard directly on Highway 50.  Their signature brew, Bad Ass® Ale, has gained a lot of popularity over the years with its perfect balance between its malted barley and choice hops.  Some of their other brews include a porter, pilsner, IPA, and a Belgian white.  Enjoy your pint inside their large dining area or spacious bar area with brew tanks directly behind it, as well as their front yard beer garden area during the warmer months.  Famous for their pizzas, happy hour specials, and sizable menu, you can enjoy some good eats while tasting the delicious brews!

Stateline Brewery

Located in the heart of downtown in the Shops at Heavenly, sharing a building with the legendary Cecil’s Market, you will find Stateline Brewery. Offering a few signature brews (wheat beer, IPA, and American-style pale ale), seasonal brews, and a varied menus for lunch and dinner, you can incorporate a tasting and bite to eat while taking in the downtown sites and visiting the casinos.

The Hangar Taproom & Bottle Shop

If you’re looking to try some of our local brews, but only have time to make one stop, check out The Hangar.  Located near midtown, they offer a hand selected list of beers that are unique and exclusive to the Lake Tahoe area.  With thirty taps, rotating beers, and bottled beers, you’ll be sure to try all of the best brews the area has to offer.  Be sure to make a visit to The Hangar during the summer months as they have a large beer garden, are pet friendly (one of the best in town!), and have games like bocce ball, horseshoes, and corn hole.

Some other options here on the South Shore to get a taste of the brews our area has to offer are:

• Do-it-yourself brewery tour from one end of town to the other.   The South Tahoe Beer Trail map was created by the Tahoe Chamber to aid visitors with the names and addresses of each brewery.
• Book a brewery tour bus (yes, this exists!).  Get behind the scenes tours with the brewmasters, appetizers, beer flights, a designated driver, and tour guide.  This is a popular activity for a guy’s weekend getaway, bachelor party, birthday celebration, or just a fun group outing!
• Attend the annual Tahoe Brewfest in June.  Join in the festivities celebrating our mountain culture, our beer, our crafts, our environment and most of all, our community.

So there you have it!  We hope this information will be helpful in aiding you in finding the perfect brewery or brewery trail for you and your group during your next visit to South Lake Tahoe.  Start planning your brewery getaway today and let us help you find a vacation rental here on the South Shore!  Give us a call at (800) 503-0051, and one of our reservation agents can assist you in finding the perfect Tahoe vacation home!

Please drink responsibly.