Top 10 Lake Tahoe Decks for Summer Sipping

By Toby Baird

As we head into the summer months and the weather turns warm, nothing beats taking in the majestic mountain and lake vistas while enjoying an ice-cold beverage on one of the many great restaurant decks in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.

Here’s a round-up of our top-10 personal favorites (in no particular order). Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

In Truckee, Cottonwood is set within one of the nation’s oldest ski lodges which was hand built from salvaged railroad ties in 1928. The expansive deck offers spectacular views of downtown Truckee and the surrounding Sierra.

Located mid-mountain at Northstar California, the Backyard Bar & BBQ at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe has an on-site smoker and wood-fired oven accompanied by a seasonal beverage program with saloon-inspired cocktails and local craft beer selections.

At the intersection of River Road and Alpine Meadows Road, the River Ranch Lodge sits on the banks of the scenic Truckee River. Whether you’re finishing up a Truckee River float from Tahoe City or just want to relax on the deck and watch the thrills and spills of other rafters, the River Ranch deck scene is a weekend tradition.

The Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village offers incredible north-to-south lake views and a seasonally changing cocktail menu. At the lakefront fire pit, guests will enjoy cocktail and wine service year-round. Take a stroll onto the beach or the super-sized dock.

Off to King’s Beach? After a day in the sun, head to Jason’s Beachside Grille. They have a lakefront patio that offers a fantastic view of Lake Tahoe, a creative specialty cocktail menu and a casual, low-key atmosphere.

In Carnelian Bay, Gar Woods is a comfortable dining and bar environment that captures the nostalgic and classic atmosphere of Lake Tahoe’s wooden boat era. But all you really need to know is “waterfront deck” and “world-famous Wet Woody.”

The deck at Jake’s On the Lake, in Tahoe City, overlooks the Tahoe City Marina. Come for the views, stay for the great atmosphere and, of course, a Mai Tai.

Just south of Tahoe City on the West Shore, Sunnyside is a Lake Tahoe institution. The fish tacos are a Tahoe mainstay, and it’s recommended they’re washed down with a famous Sunnyside Margarita.

In Homewood, the West Shore Café boasts an incredible deck and pier scene on Tahoe’s tranquil West Shore. What to choose from the extensive craft cocktail list? Try the Tahoe Mule, featuring locally made Tahoe Blue vodka.

Whether coming by boat or car, Chambers Landing, located between Homewood and Tahoma, is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. The famous Pier Bar is truly a unique Tahoe experience, and the Chambers Punch is a legendary tropical concoction that can’t be beat on a sunny summer day.