Welcome to Cutthroat Tavern, Alpine County’s go-to Tavern for craft drinks, live music, and an authentic mountain-town menu. Located in the heart of Markleeville, CA, our rustic tavern is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of hiking, fishing, skiing, or exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains.
We offer a wide selection of delicious food, craft beers, premium whiskey, handcrafted cocktails, and local brews, all served in a cozy setting with friendly service. Whether you’re looking for a casual night out, a community connection, or a place to relax with friends, Cutthroat Tavern delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Join us for live music events, happy hour specials, and seasonal drink menus that highlight the best of Alpine County.
Chef Rich
Had a lovely meal here. Literally the best chicken wings I’ve had (dry rub.) Staff super friendly. Cocktails were perfect!
Update (31JAN26): An amazing meal with my date… again! Telling ya all -> the dry rub wings are the bees knees.
… moreBen Fish
I love this place, you can feel that it’s the center of energy in this cool old mountain town. We’ve been here regularly this year, seeing some bands on the back patio, and other days just to get a burger, fish tacos and fried pickles after biking and fishing nearby. Super welcoming historic place! Can’t wait to see what they do with the upstairs floors.
… moreLanie Choi
As soon I walked in, I immediately loved the vibe. The staff was incredibly nice, helpful, and provided great customer service. They even had a live singer/guitarist performing. The atmosphere felt chill, welcoming, and open-minded. I didn’t feel judged at all, and even the customers added to the positive environment. On top of that, the food and beers were amazing. Love their Mahi Mahi Taco, I can tell it was fresh and the way it was cooked was healthy too. I would highly recommend Cutthroat Tavern.
… moreSteve Perkio
We were there on a busy Labor Day weekend, service was still good and the kitchen got the meal out relatively quick enough.
I had their beef and bacon burger, with regular fries and we shared fried pickles.
My buddy had the carnitas tacos and was thrilled with them!
I wish I’d have inquired, I could have got sweet potato fries for a little bit more and I’m normally a medium to medium well Burger but I didn’t mention that and my burger came out a little on the red side.
Nonetheless, it was excellent!
… moreAmanda
I was traveling and decided to stop by Markleeville and found this place. I was very tired and hungry and right away the bartender Michael made me feel welcomed. I tried his fish sandwich and it was amazing. The owner came over and gave me a little history of the place and also made me feel very welcomed. Even though I live an hour away , I will definitely be back just for the company and great food. The place is amazing inside, very comfortable.
… moreBrittanie Adaire Hikes
I was in the tiny town of Markleeville for business and was staying next door at Creekside Lodge. It was superbowl Sunday, so I decided to stop in at get some food.
The servers/bartenders were really welcoming and fun to talk to.
I asked for a veggie burger and they had one! It’s not on the menu but they have them. It was really good. The fries are seasoned super delicious. Servings are large, I didn’t finish my fries.
They also had non alcoholic Blue Moon, which is cool. They had 4 NA beers to choose from!
I would definitely stop here again when in town.
… moreKaty Jo Caringer
What a gem in Markleeville! The service was warm and friendly, the food was amazing, and the patio made it the perfect spot to relax with friends. We ended up sharing almost every appetizer because they were all so good—we couldn’t pick just one! The Tavern Burger was seriously delicious, with fresh veggies and local meat. Everything about this place feels welcoming and genuine. Can’t wait to come back.
… moreChris McNamara
What a gem! One of the older and cooler buildings: you feel the history when you walk in. Very friendly service and great small town vibe. Big fan of the Bacon Brussels and Beast Burger. And cheese curds. We brought the two families with ages 3-11 and kids had a great time and had plenty of menu options. There are a lot of cool trails and scenic drives nearby. My favorite option is to start at Carson Pass, ride though Hope, Faith and Charity Valleys, past Grover Hot Springs and end right at the Cutthroat.
… moreMomZee Jen
We had already eaten lunch, but my husband’s bike group decided to stop by Cutthroat Tavern to relax and plan their upcoming ride. I shared a fish and chips with my husband—crispy, tasty, and just right for a light bite.
The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff were genuinely warm and attentive. A great local spot to unwind, catch up, and fuel up—whether you’re biking through or just passing by.
… moreDerwin Callen
The Cutthroat had been closed for quite a while before new owners took over. We stopped in for a drink and snack, nice to see they kept the original theme. The sweet potato fries were great along with a good selection of beers and cocktails.
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