Ultimate Lake Tahoe Happy Hour Guide

By: Cam Schilling

Fire Pit outside of McP's Pub Lake Tahoe

Whoever decided a “happy hour” could stretch into two or three deserves a standing ovation. Around here, we run on Tahoe Time, and that extra-long hour just makes sense.

From après ski pints with friends to winding down after work, happy hour is a favorite time of day for drinking and dining in Lake Tahoe. Early-evening food and drink specials make it easy to settle in and stay awhile, with longtime classics and local favorites offering great deals, laid-back vibes, and plenty of ways to unwind any day of the week.

The article is organized by location: Stateline Area, Kingsbury Grade, Midtown, and the “Y” area, making it easy to find happy hour spots within walking distance of your accommodations.

Stateline Area

Firepit at McP's Lake Tahoe

McP’s Taphouse Tahoe has live entertainment Tuesday, Friday & Saturday nights featuring the most popular local talent. Happy hour is Monday-Friday, 3-5 p.m. McP’s has been a beer and entertainment staple for over 31 years with 40 beers on tap, a full bar of craft cocktails, live music, and never a cover charge. A family-owned and operated establishment, their motto is: children welcome, adults tolerated.

Gunbarrel Tavern & Eatery features a selection of hand-crafted cocktails, including the signature Tahoe Tessie Bloody Mary, along with craft beers and tempting appetizers. A full menu awaits patrons after a day on the slopes or the sandy shores of Lake Tahoe. Happy hour is Sunday-Friday 3-6 p.m.

Friends enjoy happy hour at Lake Tahoe AleworX, Stateline.

Lake Tahoe AleWorX Stateline is a lively spot with daytime charm and late-night energy. Try a new-to-you craft beer or a local favorite, sip a specialty cocktail, dig into one of the area’s standout wood-fired pizzas. Happy hour is weekdays, 4–6 p.m., $12 one-topping pizzas, $6 AleWorX beers or well shots.

Azul Latin Kitchen Beat the Clock happy hour (Bar Area Only) runs Monday–Friday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Start the clock with $4 house margaritas and draft beers, $3.50 wine, $3 tacos, $6 burritos, and $10 nachos. Each hour, every item increases by 50 cents—so the earlier you arrive, the better the deal. 

Tipsy Putt Tahoe

Tipsy Putt has a calendar packed with exciting events and exclusive offers that will make your time here unforgettable. Thirsty Thursday Trivia, $19 pitchers all football season on Sundays, Taco Tuesdays and more! There’s never a dull moment at Tipsy Putt.

Saltgrass Steak House, located inside the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, brings the bold flavors of the open campfire to the table. Steaks, chicken, and seafood are chargrilled to perfection. Happy hour is Sunday-Thursday, 4-7 p.m. Prime Rib is available Friday-Saturday starting at 4 p.m.

Margaritaville Lake Tahoe Resort‘s LandShark Bar & Grill and License to Chill Bar are all about kicking back and leaning into laid-back lake vibes. Happy hour Monday-Friday, 3-5 p.m. featuring $6 margaritas, $6 draft beers, and $9 appetizers, all served up in a lively, easygoing setting. Stick around at License to Chill Bar for live music every Thursday-Saturday, 5-8 p.m.

The Loft Theatre & Lounge in the Heavenly Village

Whether you’re dining at Taste at The Loft, relaxing in the lounge, or catching one of the venue’s award-winning magic performances, The Loft Theatre offers something memorable every night of the week. Free close-up magic throughout the venue adds an extra layer of fun to the experience.

Tap for more information

20% off the entire bill and show tickets for locals living within 60 miles of the Village.

$6 Tahoe Blue drink specials all night. Trivia kicks off at 9 p.m.

Wine and whiskey flights for $10 each, curated weekly by the in-house sommelier.

Guests wearing lipstick enjoy specials all night long, including $5 Cosmopolitans, Champagne, or house wine.

An adults-only magic experience at 9 p.m., featuring Magic Unfiltered.

Sophisticated after-hours nightlife with chill house music, craft cocktails, and cozy indoor fire tables. Open until 2 a.m.

At 4:30 p.m., buy one adult ticket and receive one children’s ticket free (ages 16 and under, based on availability). Weekly rotating programming includes cult classics and action films, plus $5 draft beers.

Jimmy’s Restaurant at The Landing Resort & Spa Jimmy’s offers guests an intimate dining room experience with a seamless transition to the fire pit-lined patio. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and a selection of regionally inspired specials that celebrate each season, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking views while indulging in flavors inspired by Lake Tahoe itself. Happy hour is daily, 3-5 p.m.

Cafe at the Coachman Hotel Lake Tahoe

Coachman Café Part retro social scene, part modern-day gathering spot, this communal hub is made for sipping, snacking, and staying awhile. Think craft beer on tap, plus local wine by the glass or bottle. From 3–6 p.m., raise a glass (or can) during happy hour with a rotating lineup of local craft beers, fine wines, and bubbly kombucha.

Brooks’ Bar & Deck at Edgewood Tahoe Resort Kick back at Brooks’ Happy Hour, where great drinks, tasty bites, and lake views make every afternoon feel like a mini vacation. Monday through Friday, 3:00-5:00 pm. Half off beer, specialty cocktails & appetizers, some exclusions apply.

Kingsbury Grade

Find more information by clicking on the plus sign to the right of the businesses.

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Chart House Lake Tahoe The Happy Hour menu offers a well-rounded mix of food and beverages, Monday-Friday, from 4-6 p.m. From shareable bites to heartier plates, including Truffle Skinny Fries, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Steamed Mussels, Coconut Crunchy Shrimp, Lobster Tartare, Prime Rib Sliders, and more. Paired with sweeping lake views, happy hour is an ideal time to enjoy cocktails, wine, or beer while watching the sun dip behind the mountains. One of THE best happy hours around.

Tahoe Tavern & Grill Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m. Friday, 2-5 p.m. Includes $8 Appetizers: Truffle Fries, Popcorn Cauliflower, Onion Rings, Soft Pretzels with Spicy Mustard, and Baby Wedge Salad. $4 each Street Tacos: Chicken, Pork, or Tri-tip. $5 Mimosa or Champagne. $6 House Wine, House Margarita & Well Drinks. $7 Cocktail Specials.

Fox & Hound Smokehouse Grill & Bar Happy Hour runs Sunday–Friday from 2–6 p.m., with $1 off rotating beer, glasses of wine, seasonal cocktails, and signature drinks. Make it a double for $2 off (all day). Enjoy $3 off all beer pitchers, $5 “you call it” pours of Jameson, SAUZA® Gold Tequila, or Fireball, plus two Blasters for $14. Appetizers include $4 off the Giant Bavarian Pretzel served with stone-ground mustard and nacho cheese sauce, and $4 off BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Fries.

The Bear Trap Lounge & Bar, voted one of the best happy hours in Tahoe, is a relaxed spot to unwind. Bartender Jim has been pouring drinks at Tahoe Ridge Resort for more than 40 years, adding a familiar, local touch to every visit. Thursday-Sunday, 2-9 p.m. Happy hour: 4-6 p.m. Check out their virtual tour.

Mid-Town

Riva Grill on the Lake Aerial of the Outside Deck

Riva Grill on the Lake Happy hour runs Monday–Friday from 4:30–6:30 p.m. and features all 16 oz. draft beers, well drinks, Josh Chardonnay and Cabernet, Rombauer Chardonnay, the Thunderbird Margarita, and The Wet Woody, plus 25–30% off appetizers and wood-fired pizzas. Topless Tuesdays bring discounted “topless” Wet Woodys, served with nearly twice the rum float on the side. Fish Taco Fridays, famous to locals and repeat visitors alike, are 6–10 p.m.

Yugen Cuisine offers fresh sushi and a variety of delicious house specialties. Hot or chilled sake, draft beer, and a great time! Happy hour is Monday-Saturday, 4-5 p.m., view their happy hour menu here.

Idle Hour Wine & Bubbly Bar A hidden gem on the South Shore, Idle Hour is best known for its expansive wine list and sweeping views of the lake. Happy hour is Monday-Friday, 12-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. featuring $10 glasses of wine and $10 small plates, including shrimp cocktail and spinach and artichoke dip.

Elements Eatery and Bar at Lake Tahoe

Elements Eatery & Bar offers a relaxed setting, a globally inspired menu, and a lively yet laid-back vibe. Known for creative cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an easy spot to settle in and savor the moment. Happy hour is Monday-Friday from 3-5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2-9 p.m. View full happy hour menu here.

Cold Water Brewery and Grill. This welcoming spot offers a lively atmosphere for families, trail-weary adventurers, or a relaxed date night. Settle in on the open-air heated patio, grab a seat at the bar, or cozy up by the indoor fireplace. Happy hour is Wednesday–Friday, 3–5 p.m. $2 off CWB pints. $1 off all other spirits and wine. 10% off any appetizer.

The “Y” Area

The Grove at Camp Rich on the Lake

The Grove, located at Camp Richardson Resort just steps from the lake, offers expansive Lake Tahoe views and a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The menu features approachable favorites, standout entrées, indulgent desserts, and a solid lineup of cocktails and mocktails, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Happy hour is Thursday–Monday from 3–6 p.m.

Classic Cue Sports Bar & Grille Join the Cue Crew on any given day and you can expect one of their specials or activities to be underway. Happy hour and pool run daily from 3–6 p.m. Mondays are a local’s favorite at The Cue, with two fish or chicken tacos for $8 from 11 a.m.–10 p.m., plus $3 cans of Miller from 11 a.m. until close. Many say they’re the best fish tacos in town.

Emerald Bay Bar & Grill is a go-to spot for outdoor dining, with a spacious patio anchored by a central fire pit. Stick around for a game of horseshoes, then head to the bar where a jukebox, nine flat-screen TVs, and a massive 110-inch outdoor projector make it a prime place to catch the game. Happy hour every day from 3-6 p.m. Late night happy hour is 9 p.m. to close (Friday–Sunday).

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