The Ultimate Guide to Lake Tahoe Nightlife: Best Bars, Clubs, Live Music & More!

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Last updated on May 26, 2023 by Wandering our World

Not only is Lake Tahoe the second deepest lake in the United States, but it is also the biggest alpine lake in North America, making it one of the most popular tourist sites in the US.

In 1848, the discovery of gold brought many people to this scenic lake area, but nowadays people come to relax at the beach, participate in water sports, hike, bike, and even gamble on the shores. But what can you do at night in Lake Tahoe?

Quite a lot actually! Whether you’re looking for cocktails, live music, comedy shows, arcades, or a late-night snack, Lake Tahoe’s nightlife scene has all of what you need and more for an exciting night out.

And if you want something more relaxed, the shores of Lake Tahoe have that too! Family friendly options are also available and there are a ton of different bars and clubs you can check out. Each is unique in their own way.

As we know the nightlife in Lake Tahoe well, we share everything we know right here. From the best bars, party spots, live music venues, happy hours, late night food stops and even more. Party on!

CONTENTS:

  1. Our Favourite Places for Sundowners in Lake Tahoe
  2. The Best Places for Live Music
  3. Our Top Seven Bars and Party Places
  4. The Best (And Fun) Places For Late-Night Food
  5. Four Unique Nightlife Spots
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Deagreez

Our Favourite Places for Sundowners in Lake Tahoe

Who doesn’t love a good sunset? If you are looking for nightlife places to watch a scenic sunset then Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer!

1. The Idle Hour

The Idle Hour is a high-quality wine bar well known for its beautiful views of the lake, good food and kind staff. They even host the occasional wine tasting on the shores of Lake Tahoe. How classy does that sound!

They have a variety of outdoor seating options so you can sit back and soak in all of those lovely lake sunset views. Even your dog can enjoy it too as this is a dog-friendly bar!

You can find the Idle Hour at 3351 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe and it stays open from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/AV-Photo

2. Boathouse on the Pier

Boathouse on the Pier is a bar and restaurant located in the Beach Retreat and Lodge in South Lake Tahoe.

The patio has amazing sweeping views of the lake so watching the sunset here is a dream. They also have a variety of food options, so you can grab a bite to eat too. We think this is a perfect start to any Lake Tahoe nightlife adventure.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Fabio Principe

3. Riva Grill on the Lake

The main draw of Riva Grill on the Lake is the atmosphere as well as the lakeside views. As the name suggests, this restaurant in South Lake Tahoe has an amazing water view, but it also has high-quality meals and amazing service.

It is a perfect place to go for sunset viewing, especially as you can enjoy the sunset with their award-winning cocktails. To get your night off to the right start we’d recommend trying their ‘Thunderbird Margarita’ – thank us after you’ve tried it!

You can find this Lake Tahoe nightlife spot at 900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe and it’s open until 9:30 pm.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/santypan

The Best Places for Live Music in Lake Tahoe

If you’re looking to dance the night away or are just looking for a fun vibe while you drink, then Lake Tahoe’s nightlife scene has some wonderful live music options!

1. Whiskey Dick’s Saloon

Despite the questionable name, locals love Whiskey Dick’s for its chill atmosphere, live music, pool table, and kind bartenders.

They host a variety of different bands here from reggae, metal, hip hop and more! Best of all, it’s free to listen to the shows and the drinks are some of the cheapest in South Lake Tahoe.

They also have free pool on Mondays, specials all day on Tuesdays, and a happy hour that runs from 4pm-8pm everyday! And with the small outside terrace here, you can even enjoy their drink deals in the sun.

Whiskey Dick’s claim to be the leader of live music in Lake Tahoe’s nightlife scene and it’s hard to disagree when they’ve hosted bands like Rebelution, Collie Buddz, Eek-A-Mouse, Dirty Heads, Devil Makes Three, Exodus, Dead Kennedys, The Exploited, Afroman, and Living Legends.

The bar is open from 2pm to 2am and is located at 2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/David-Prado

2. McP’s Taphouse and Grill

McP’s Taphouse and Grill not only has great Irish-themed food, but they also have live music every night! That includes acoustic solos, rock bands, country artists and DJs!

Along with the live music this place has become well known for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and for being the largest taphouse at Lake Tahoe. They also have over 20 TVs for watching live sports.

The outdoor seating gives you a great view of the mountains around the south lake too, and with the outside being warmed by fire pits, this is a great spot to try one of their 40+ beers during summer or winter.

They are also kid and dog friendly so your puppy can have a fun night out too! McP’s is located at 4125 Lake Tahoe Blvd and is open from 11am to 11pm.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Mikhail Rudenko

Our Top Seven Bars and Party Places in Lake Tahoe

Maybe all you want on a night out is good drinks and a place where you can dance the night away. Well the Lake Tahoe nightlife scene has plenty of options for that too.

Keep on reading to see the cute, lively, and exciting party spots the lake has to offer!

1. Tahoe Cocktail Corner

The Tahoe Cocktail Corner located at 2042 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe is a charming place to grab a drink or two.

This mountainside cocktail bar’s exterior is cute and cozy thanks to the outdoor patio which have tables complete with fires, so you can stay warm as the night draws on – that’s good as this place stays open until 2am! They also have a wide variety of handcrafted drinks available served by attentive, friendly servers and bartenders.

Set amongst trees, this place is cosy and picturesque. It’s also part of Lake Tahoe AleWorx so if you’re not in the mood for a cocktail there’s plenty of craft beer you can grab too!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Alessandro Biascioli

2. The Pioneer Cocktail Club

The Pioneer Cocktail Club describes itself as “a bar that happens to have food, not a restaurant with a bar.” That shows in the high quality and unique cocktails they have available. And you can taste it too, as their mixes are fresh and not sugary or fake.

But that’s not to say the food isn’t good – they do great pizzas in the pizza oven. So grab a fresh pizza, some handcrafted cocktails and enjoy the lake view you get here. If you’re looking for a laid back Lake Tahoe nightlife option, this is one of the best.

On top of that the staff are ridiculously friendly and the owner bartends the bar himself and loves to tell his story to newcomers.

The Pioneer Cocktail Club is located at 521 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City and is open from 5 pm to 11 pm.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/iMaximFesenko

3. Tahoe Club Crawl

Now for a more wild Lake Tahoe nightlife experience!

The Tahoe Club Crawl is a guided tour that takes you around some of the most energetic clubs and bars that Tahoe has to offer!

This tour includes complimentary welcome drinks, appetizers, free Putt-Putt Golf at Flatstick Pub and VIP Entrance into Opal Nightclub.

The tour is a fantastic way to learn about the best party spots in town and enjoy a variety of experiences on your night out! You will get the chance to meet and hang out with a ton of new people as well. All of them looking to party and have fun too! This tour is especially popular with bachelorette parties!

To kickstart your experience, the tour starts at 31 US HWY 50 Stateline, NV.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/shironosov

4. Opal Ultra Lounge

If you’re looking to dance the night away to some of the biggest DJs in the state and the US, where the music is loud, the dancing is energetic, dancers get sweaty on stage, and the aim is to party until sunrise, then Opal in Stateline is for you.

This is where the Lake Tahoe nightlife scene gets into party mode, so it’s little surprise this is one of the top spots in the region for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

It’s the sort of place you’ll either love or hate as soon as you walk in. But if you’re in the mood to drink, dance, and get rid of your inhibitions, this is the spot.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/bernardbodo

5. The Social House

The Social House is a fun experience that comes with excellently crafted cocktails. Though it looks like a regular restaurant/cafe when you first enter, The Social House has a secret. A secret that you can’t even see on their website!

What is it? Well if you ask to see ‘what’s in the fridge’ the staff will direct you to a secret atmospheric and dimly-lit speakeasy section in the building!

Expect great drinks and live music in the background as The Social House takes you back to the prohibition era in a memorable way.

You can find them at 1001 Heavenly Village Way, Ste 3, South Lake Tahoe between 6pm and 11pm.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/NikiLitov

6. Harrah’s

Harrah’s is the nightlife trinity of a hotel, casino and entertainment venue! The casino sits centre stage at Harrah’s and hosts a variety of shows including blues shows (specifically on Tuesdays), as well as other live music.

There’s also the PEEK nightclub at Harrah’s which is a hub for dance and fun. There’s 40 VIP sections there and 6,700-square-feet of nightlife fun which has hosted major celebrities in the past. People such as Paris Hilton, Shaquille O’Neil and Lil’ John have all attended!

If you’re looking for a Lake Tahoe nightlife option with gambling, live music and dancing, then this one is hard to beat! Of course you can stay the night here too.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/alexkoral

7. Harveys

Harveys is a casino hotel that offers a variety of different entertainment options! There is gambling available with blackjack tables and over 900 slot machines, but there is also a comedy club, cafes, restaurants, and a performance venue.

If you are looking for a lot of fun in one place then this is a great stop. Harvey’s Lake Tahoe is located at 18 Hwy 50, Stateline, NV – you can also stay the night for full enjoyment!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/welcomia

The Best Places For Late-Night Food in Lake Tahoe

Okay, we’ve got you sorted for the best views, best drinks and the best parties. But we need to show you where you can grab the best food and midnight snacks!

Get ready because these restaurants in Lake Tahoe will get your mouth watering – they’re also all fun nightlife spots too!

1. Rojo’s Tavern

At this eclectic restaurant/tavern you will find amazing food, great service, live bands and music, and even a DJ!

There’s plenty of variety on the menu, however this place is mainly known for its BBQ and Italian dishes.

But if you’re looking for fun, Rojo’s Tavern is a great choice. The rustic interior complete with dance floor and DJ, alongside midnight karaoke and live entertainment, makes this place a great fit for any Lake Tahoe nightlife adventure.

Rojo’s Tavern is open from 11am to 2am, so it’s a great option for any late-night snacking habits. You can find it at 3091 Harrison Ave, South Lake Tahoe.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Pro2sound

2. Himmel Haus

Himmel Haus is a favorite restaurant of many in Lake Tahoe thanks to their focus on German cuisine, German and Belgian beers, Bavarian dishes, and fun live events!

They are especially well known for their pretzels, wieners, and schnitzels. The interior creates a German atmosphere, the service is always good, and the beer is as delicious as you’d expect. And of course their Oktoberfest is not to be missed.

If you want a unique place to grab a drink and food, Himmel Haus is a fantastic choice. You can find it at  3819 Saddle Rd, South Lake Tahoe, while it’s open from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/ViewApart

3. California Burger

Sometimes all you want is a burger, and if that’s the case then California Burger is the place for you.

This modern-day tavern specializes in classic American cuisine, but not only do they serve delicious burgers, they also have sweet milkshakes too!

But if you want some alcohol with your meal instead, California Burger has a large selection which includes ten draught beers and over 100 whiskies. They also have live bands playing so you can dig into that gourmet burger in style.

California Burger is open from 11am to 10pm daily and you can find them at 1001 Heavenly Village Way #2b, South Lake Tahoe. They have a nice outdoor patio for when the weather is nice too – always a bonus!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/karandaev

4. The Divided Sky

A cafe, a bar, a restaurant: The Divided Sky in South Lake Tahoe is a combination of all three!

This place has a laid-back vibe but the food is super high quality. A lot of the menu is soups and sandwiches which makes it seem like a lunch place, but The Divided Sky is actually open from 12pm to 2am the next day!

That makes it perfect if you want a casual light late night snack. They also have live music on some nights as well.

5. Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger

The Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger is a sports bar with a party atmosphere (and even dancers) that is open 24 hours a day! So you’re not going to miss any big sports event no matter where it’s happening in the world.

They have 11 HD TVs and 15 video poker machines situated around the sports bar, but one of the main highlights is actually the meat-heavy dishes.

From steaks to burgers, this restaurant serves high quality beef and meat at all hours of the day. Their three featured prime steaks are 10oz Filet, 16oz Bone In NY Strip and a 24oz Tomahawk, but their signature burgers are well worth ordering too.

They also have all beef hot dogs, chicken wings, calamari, salads, Chili and Breakfast Sandwiches and more. If you’re looking for a meat-heavy meal to start your Lake Tahoe nightlife adventure, this is one of the best places to go.

To visit the Lucky Beaver head to 31 US Hwy 50 Ste 104 Stateline, NV.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Maksim Krisanov

6. Emerald Bay Bar and Grill

Emerald Bay Bar and Grill is another fantastic sports bar and grill that is open from 8am until 2am the next day. Some of their most popular dishes include the Eggs Benedict, Fish and Chips, and their exceptional Buffalo Wings.

With great food, drinks, friendly staff, an amazing atmosphere and a good sized outdoor patio complete with fire pit, a visit here is never a bad idea. You will find them at 888 Emerald Bay Rd South Lake Tahoe.

Four Unique Lake Tahoe Nightlife Spots

We’ve shown you all the regular places you may want to go on a night out, but what about some more unique Lake Tahoe nightlife spots?

From dinner with magic shows to arcade rooms, Lake Tahoe has some really fun and different places to spend your evening at.

1. The Loft Theatre

If you are looking for dinner and a show, this is the place to go!

Whether you want theatre or a magic show, The Loft Theatre in South Lake Tahoe has the best live entertainment at the lake, and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

It also features a full bar with award-winning wine options and a fantastic menu of delicious meals.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/aerogondo

2. Flatstick Pub

From the outside, Flatstick Pub might look like any old average place to grab a beer on a Friday night. But that’s definitely not the case!

What makes this pub so special are the games here. Not only do they have their own original game called Duffleboard (a mix of mini golf and shuffleboard) but they also have their own mini-golf course in the establishment!

Drinks-wise Flatstick have more than thirty taps and delicious food options too. If this sounds like the place for you, head to 4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd Suite # 101, South Lake Tahoe between 11 am and midnight.

3. Harvey’s Arcade

Located at Harvey’s Hotel and Casino, Harvey’s Arcade provides a classic arcade experience to people of all ages.

They have almost every arcade that has graced your childhood, including air hockey and ski ball, but they also have new experiences like Overwatch and a Walking Dead themed game. Honestly, this place is one of the easiest spots to burn an hour of your time.

You can visit Harvey’s Hotel and Casino at 18 Hwy 50 Stateline, NV. They’re open from 10am to 1am.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Suntharin Permpoon

4. Lake Tahoe Paint and Sip

Are you looking for a creative experience flavoured with a side of drinks? Well,, the Lake Tahoe Paint and Sip could be the place for you!

Sit down with an experienced teacher as they guide you through the experience of painting. And if you’ve got a few nerves then don’t worry, that’s what the complimentary drink is for.

They have several different kinds of workshops you can check out, and the only expectation is that you have fun with the people around you. You can visit Paint and Sip at 900 Ski Run BLVD #104 South Lake Tahoe and book a workshop on their website.

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.