Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Carnelian Bay, CA, offers an unforgettable dining experience with a focus on American cuisine. Indulge in our renowned prime rib, delectable Spanish seafood pasta, and tantalizing crab cakes while enjoying breathtaking lake views. Our commitment to fresh ingredients and exceptional service has earned us a reputation as a top destination. The lively atmosphere is perfect for families and friends alike, making every visit memorable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a meal, Gar Woods promises a delightful experience by the water that you won’t want to miss.
Californian fare & fruity rum cocktails in a lakeside space with a deck & a long, romantic pier.
Mark Filler
My wife and I have driven around Lake Tahoe twice and stopped here each time. You definitely can’t beat the view of the lake, and it is worth a stop by for that regardless. We caught a cloudy day this time, but enjoyed the unobstructed view our last time a few years ago. Some locals, lots of tourists. This time, we stopped by for a snack and drink before heading to the airport. The wife got the Mai Tai, and it is a legit Mai Tai, as advertised. They didn’t have the greatest selection of beer for me, but I landed on the non-local, but still quality Deshutes IPA. Alexis was our bartender, and she gave us great service. The bar area is pretty cool, and it wraps around between the two inside dining room. For nicer days, they have a great patio…with that view. We got the lobster shrimp bisque as our snack, and it was solid. There are lots of TV’s, energetic background music, and the place will brighten your mood. The place is fun. It is a little pricey, and doesn’t have as much as a local vibe as other places, but that is to be expected for its location, view, etc. I definitely recommend swinging by this place if in the area, and see you there (the NEXT time we are driving around the lake)…
… moreHarrison Broker
Gar Woods Grill is a staple in Tahoe city as you see large families gather here for dinner. The upbeat vibes are there to make every guest feel at home. The staff are friendly and serve well. The menu is very American and serves some hearty portions with traditional flavors. A great place for a family outing or a nice date. At Christmas time, they really let the holiday shine and feels like coming home for the best Christmas party. A definite must try in the area!
… moreZoya
Wonderful experience! Delicious food, the pasta seafood dish was amazing, and the french dip was delicious with tender juicy meat. Great service! It’s right in the water so the view is beautiful, you can see the water from most tables.
… moreRob Brown
Hayden, our server, did something extremely important at the beginning of our experience at Gar Woods. They were very busy on a Saturday evening and it was taking a while to introduce himself, so he stopped by to let us know he would be back in just a few. A true professional to let us know we were on his radar. Suffice to say service was great, food was good (We’ll be back) and the desserts were amazing. We had the White chocolate snickers, the creme brulee and the mocha ice cream cake. Ridiculous trying to choose one of them. BTW…we had a reservation and as busy as they were, we had zero wait! They sat us immediately upon arrival. Check out Gar Woods when in North Lake!
… moreMiguel Carag
What an EXPERIENCE! Took my wife to here for her birthday and they did not disappoint! For appetizers, we had the ahi poke tacos and the beer battered prawns! They were both a hit! The crunch of the prawns and the fresh ahi poke were very delicious! As the main course, we had the evening special, Wagyu Short Ribs with mashed potatoes and vegetables, and the Tagliarini Seafood pasta! The Wagyu short ribs was cooked to perfection and it melted in your mouth! The fine mashed potatoes with the dish was such a great compliment to the short ribs! I highly recommend asking about it during your next visit there!
The staff was just as amazing as the food! Shout out to William, Chef Lenslie, Chef Fatima, Alexis, and Joey! Such an amazing staff!
They also have their own pier and a lit Christmas tree at the end of the pier!
… moreAyidh AlQahtani
It is a really nice place to visit especially for families. The beef burger was good and the clam chowder was truly delicious. We also tried the fried prawns which were great.
I highly recommend the restaurant, particularly for the beautiful view. However, the service was not up to expectations and could be improved.
… morebehn farahpour
This place feels like an old, well‑established spot with lots of history — and the quality matches the atmosphere. They offer a full cocktail menu, though many drinks are rum‑based, so not all suited my taste.
I ordered the house salad, which was nicely done with plenty of dressing and roasted walnuts. My friend had the prime rib, which he thought was excellent. We also shared crab cakes and lobster soup — both rich and flavorful, though a bit on the salty side.
Overall, the food was great and the restaurant has a classic, timeless vibe. Just keep in mind it’s on the expensive side, so if you’re focused on value, this might not be your place.
… moreTha R
This is a fun spot to stop at for a great lunch on the Lake. You’ll find a dish on the menu that will satisfy you too. Don’t forget to try the deep fried oreo beignets for desert. It was also great to hear and learn about the namesake of this location that honors Garfield “Gar” Wood. The food and atmosphere is great and it’s also fun talking to the locals and visitors alike. Sitting on the deck and looking over the Lake is a relaxing and peaceful time. After lunch, take a stroll down the little pier and look out to the sierras and look down at the crystal clear water.
… moreJared Vanore
This restaurant had the perfect balance of good food, great views, and exceptional service. Excellent place to grab drinks after a day of skiing in the winter, or about ride or bike trip in the summer. You are guaranteed to have a quality meal regardless of the season. You absolutely have to try their homemade salt and vinegar chips!
… moreChelsi Hornbaker
Après-ski vibes at GarWoods, a Lake Tahoe icon. Nestled in Carnelian Bay and inspired by the legendary GarWood boats that once ruled these waters, this spot perfectly blends lake history with jaw-dropping views. Home of the famous Wet Woody—and yes, some of us may have enjoyed a few extra —it’s the ultimate way to cap off a ski day: lakefront, relaxed, and zero regrets. ❄️ Shoutout to our super friendly waitress and the amazing happy hour—thank you for hosting us!
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