Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

Name: Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant
Address: 5000 North Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay, CA, United States, 96140
Telephone: (530) 546-3366
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

4257 Reviews

$31 to $50

Californian

Top Tags:

Currently seating on the beautiful lake view deck under Tahoe sunshine or ample cover of heat lamps and umbrellas. Please dress warm!
For 34 years Gar Woods Grill and Pier has been the premier waterfront dining destination in North Lake Tahoe. Floor-to-ceiling windows, large deck and balconies provide breath-taking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. Gar Woods Grill and Pier is an upscale casual restaurant that accommodates groups of 160 just as easily as groups of two. Our Chef has created a menu highlighting California cuisine, hand cut steaks and fresh Pacific seafood, served in a fun-in-the-sun atmosphere. The wine list is a collection of best-known California vintners featuring more than a dozen wines by the glass. Enjoy the waterfront deck while sipping on Gar Woods world famous Wet Woody. With over three million sold, you will be in good company! Or thaw out with a Warm Woody or a Heavenly Bottom. Lake Tahoe sunsets are our specialty.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 44 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Californian, Seafood, Steak
Hours of operation
Lunch (Mon - Fri) 11:30 am - 5:00 pm (Sat & Sun) 11:30 am - 5:00 pm Brunch menu served Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am -3:00 pm Dinner (Sun - Thurs) 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (Fri & Sat) 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Easter - buffet brunch served from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Thanksgiving- dinner served 1:00 - 9:00 pm Christmas Eve- 11:30 am - 9:30 pm, dinner starts at 5:00 pm Christmas Day- 11:30 am - 10:00 pm, dinner starts at 5:00 pm Bar The bar is open during lunch and dinner hours and never closes before 12:00 pm (Sun - Thurs) and 1:00 am (Fri & Sat)
Phone number
(530) 546-3366
Website
http://www.garwoods.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Dean Lennon
Private party facilities
Private party space available for groups of 15 guests up to 450 guests. Gar Woods Grill & Pier is available to close for private functions.
Private party contact
Amy Grigsby: (530) 546-3366

Location
5000 North Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140
Neighborhood
Carnelian Bay
Cross street
Front and Center
Parking details
Plenty of complimentary on-site parking. Visit by boat in spring, summer and fall and enjoy our complimentary valet boat parking, or dock at our handicap accessible, deep water 130 foot pier.
Public transit
All local bus lines drop off and pick up in front of Gar Woods Grill & Pier
Entertainment
Rustler's MoonSteve and TomAcoustic Guitar Duo8:00pm-11:00pmFriday and Saturday Evenings70's through Today
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

33 Tahoe / Reno Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Housemade Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips$14.00
Thin sliced russet potatoes / sea salt & vinegar seasoning / classic french onion dip
Garlic Bread$15.00
toasted french roll / garlic butter / Asiago cheese
Lobster Deviled Eggs$20.00
white truffle oil / Lobster / scallion / Meyer lemon aioli
Zucchini Sticks$18.00
Italian bread crumbs / Asiago cheese / ranch dressing
Barbequed Chicken Quesadilla$23.00
fresh corn off the cob / jack cheese / poblano chili pesto / chipotle sour cream
Beer Battered Coconut Prawns$24.00
5 each / mango-mustard marmalade / grilled pineapple
Ahi Poke Tacos$26.00
3 crispy wonton tacos / mango-ginger relish / unagi sauce / cabbage / wasabi-avocado cream
Dungeness Crab Cakes$26.00
2 cakes / stacked / avocado / Dijon horseradish aioli / cucumber dill salad / basil oil
Steamed Clams$26.00
white wine / tomatoes / garlic butter / Asiago garlic bread
Caribbean Jerk Pork Ribs$24.00
guava BBQ sauce / roasted corn pineapple salsa

Soups / Salads

House, Caesar & Wedge Salads - add grilled chicken $8, salmon or shrimp $11

French Onion au Gratin$16.00
gruyere / grated asiago / sourdough croutons
Shrimp & Lobster Bisque$17.00
lobster cream / rock shrimp / sherry
House Salad$16.00
fresh spring greens / roasted red pepper vinaigrette / feta / candied-spiced walnuts
Caesar Salad$18.00
romaine / classic garlic-lemon dressing / asiago / crostini / sun dried tomatoes / capers
Wedge Salad$20.00
iceberg wedge / red onions / bacon / tomatoes / Point Reyes crumbles / blue cheese dressing

Deck Favorites

Slider Along the Pier$22.00
three classic mini burgers / grilled onions / ketchup / mayo / pickles & lettuce on the side
Teriyaki Salmon Salad$29.00
soy marinated King Salmon / arugula / avocado / Mandarin oranges / red bell peppers / red onion / cucumber lime dressing / crispy wonton strips
Tossed Cobb Salad$28.00
blackened chicken / roma tomatoes / Point Reyes blue cheese / egg / bacon / avocado / olives / cucumber / balsamic vinaigrette
Peppered Tenderloin & Blue Cheese Salad$31.00
served chilled over mixed greens / Point Reyes blue cheese / roasted tomatoes / candied-spiced walnuts / Granny Smith apple salad / balsamic vinaigrette

What 4,257 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tahoe / Reno Area
Hot spot
Tahoe / Reno Area
Great for outdoor dining
Tahoe / Reno Area
Great for scenic views
Tahoe / Reno Area
Lively
Tahoe / Reno Area
Most Booked
North Lake Tahoe
Best Overall
North Lake Tahoe
Best Food
North Lake Tahoe
Best Service
North Lake Tahoe
Best Ambiance
North Lake Tahoe
Best Value
North Lake Tahoe
Kid-friendly
North Lake Tahoe
Good for groups
North Lake Tahoe
Hot spot
North Lake Tahoe
Great for outdoor dining
North Lake Tahoe
Great for scenic views
North Lake Tahoe
Lively
North Lake Tahoe
Most Booked

4,257 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined today
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful service and great tasting food. A full moon riding over the lake and an evening with old friends. It couldn’t have been any better. The history of Gar Wood is facinating
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DM
DeborahM
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great dinner again! Have been here many times over past 20 years! Food was excellent..our waiter was exceptional! Interior of restaurant could use some love. Remodel..looked a little rough..but food and service made up for it! Overall great dinner and experience..
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first trip to Gar Woods was amazing. Our party of 10 was greeted warmly and we were seated immediately. My husband and I shared a wedge salad and the prime rib dinner. They both tasted delicious. The salad was large enough for two. The prime rib was extremely tender and flavorful. The hot fudge sundae was a perfect ending to our meal.
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H
Henry
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service. Great food. Enjoyed the marvelous view from the deck. Heat lamps kept us warm and comfortable. Our 7 year old loved walking out to the pier and climbing the rocks along the shore.
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AB
AngieB
Sacramento
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect day...the weather was absolutely beautiful great drinks and food never disappoints!
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AA
AvieA
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
1.0
11 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall1food3service1ambience5
We’re from SFO and every time we go here in Tahoe, we always stop by and dine at Gar woods. But today, this is the first time we had a very BAD and disappointing service. So We were sat to our table at around 4:40. The waiter handed us the menu for dinner. So when he asked for our order, he said he can’t get the Salmon or Halibut yet because it’s still lunch time menu. He said dinner menu starts at 5PM. So why would he gave us a dinner menu then? 😣 So we just let it go and just ordered the French Dip and Crab Sandwich, which was btw served to us at 5:20.It took 40 minutes just for 2 sandwiches! I even have to ask the waitress to follow up on our meal. This is BAD service!
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AP
AnnaP
Sacramento
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our favorite places to drive to from Reno. Love the view and when we asked them to close the windows, they closed them all. The birthday dessert was so yummy! The service was great and Juana was very patient with us.
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TA
TomA
Los Angeles
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really enjoyed the outdoor seating with super friendly wait staff. Bartenders did a great job with their drinks, too.
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k
kcoppo
Denver
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic experience 👏 We loved our server Jen and the food was delicious 😋
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Pretty empty on a Monday after Labor Day so seating and service was prompt and efficient. Not dirty like I feared from other reviews, but well worn from the masses. Food (we each had salads with a protein) was quite good so 5 stars on the food. It is super expensive for what you get ($31 for a wedge with 3 oz of Salmon). It has a good view of the lake. Did not try any of the drinks.
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P
Philanthrophy
Tahoe
24 reviews
2.0
24 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience5
Drink was decent. Views are outstanding. The salmon was over seasoned. The filet mignon was undercooked. Blood Red is not medium. The asparagus was woody, not trimmed correctly or cooked correctly. The Halibut was overcooked and dried out. The Korean BBQ rib tacos were rubbery and chewy. To charge the prices this place charges the food should be perfect but it wasn't average.
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GB
GarrettB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A North Tahoe institution. Great food and great drinks per usual. A must-stop if you are anywhere around Carnelian Bay.
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RF
RuthF
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic as usual! My favorite place - especially because we were married on the beach at Garwoods, with the reception held upstairs...21 years ago.
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PD
PattiD
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
The food and service were great. We went at lunch time on a Saturday so it was EXTREMELY loud. Our fault, not theirs.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding place! Beautiful location. Great fast friendly table service.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome. Good food and great service. We will be back.
Is this helpful?
KB
KeithB
Salt Lake City
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Denisa was awesome! Attentive, and pleasant! The food was superb as well. The entire experience guarantees we will be back when we are in the area again! Now we know how it’s gotten it’s fine reputation!!
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MP
MatthewP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The location and the ambiance are unparalleled. The food was top notch and the service was perfect. You will pay handsomely for the experience, and it’s worth it!
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SW
SusanW
Greater Boston
19 reviews
vip
3.0
19 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
The views are amazing but the food was okay with very high prices.
Is this helpful?
J
Jack
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Great views and vibe. Service is excellent. Pork chop was tough and dry. Crab cake was vey good
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DF
DonF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful views of Lake Tahoe! We just enjoyed appetizers!! Got to try the Wet Woodie!!
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A
Allioop
Chicago
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and service and beautiful view of the lake. We will be back!! Our waiters suggestions were all spot on.
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J
Justin
San Diego
23 reviews
vip
2.0
23 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall2food1service1ambience5
Undercooked burgers with a side of long black hair. Very poor service - we waited 18 minutes upon being seated for an initial order. The best part about this establishment is the Al fresco dining and lake views.
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SC
SusanC
San Diego
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Deck seating was great as usual. Fish taco was smothered in chopped fresh tomatoes. Delicious!
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BR
BillR
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great. Service was spectacular! Atmosphere very enjoyable. Everyone in our Party had a great time! Will definitely visit again.
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PD
PatriciaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it! The food was wonderful with a good price point for wha we received. Wine choice somewhat limited and a bit pricey. Our server was top notch!
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LA
LynnA
San Francisco
26 reviews
vip
4.0
26 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
Been to Garwoods over 20 times. It’s a fun place with lots of great food options. Certainly not an inexpensive place to grab a bite, but fun and the view is beautiful. I was a bit disappointed this time, however. The Halibut was delicious… but the tacos very mediocre and the Cobb salad was a complete miss. It didn’t have any hard boiled eggs and only four small slices of avocado. I felt it was an error and would have mentioned this to our server if she would have returned to see if we were happy with our meal. Normally the service is pretty attentive. What really surprised me is the recent change in kids meals. For 17 dollars each …all of my grandkids got a small portion of …Kraft Mac n Cheese. It’s been awhile since we ordered off kids menu but honestly that took me back a bit. I recall the Mac n cheese being a bit more “home made” in years past…so be aware of this fact before ordering.
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c
cooknclean19
Orange County
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is one of our Top 3 favorites ever!! LOVE the food here, & of course the ambience, being located right on the lake. Every time I come here, I order the Diver Sea Scallops! SOOO good! Even the simple salads are so fresh & crisp. This place gets very crowded, so definitely make a reservation. Outdoor deck is awesome. We got a table next to "window" with a great view
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RC
RichardC
Sacramento
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall3food4service5ambience3
Made reservations two months in advance specifically for patio and noted that on form but was not honored
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K
Karl
San Francisco
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Waiter missed on allergy issues... food was good but pricy.
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M
Magcar
Phoenix
14 reviews
vip
2.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience5
The worst experience we have had since we been going to Gar Woods for the last 8 years. The service was just terrible! Sat down and after 15 minutes waiting had to ask one of the staff if we had a waiter! After the meal, we waited and waited to see if our waiter would come over! But she didn't, so after 15 or 20 minutes, we again asked a staff member if we could get our bill! Our waiter finally gave us our bill and after and never came back again! So once more we had to ask another staff member if anybody could take our payment!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience3
Staff are friendly and accommodating. The quality of the food did not match the price. The indoor furniture and flooring need updating.
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G
Gums
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the view and our dinner was delicious! Service was great as well.
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BB
BrittanyB
San Diego
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience4
We’ve been coming here for years. Over Labor Day weekend, we had a reservation for 10 people. While we were eating our dinner, we tried to order a second round of drinks and we were told no by the waitress because “another reservation is coming in soon”. We weren’t told dessert options and felt rushed to leave. We hadn’t even finished our food completely, and we hadn’t been there 2 hours yet. Very upsetting but not surprising.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Weather was a little bad, but all in all it was a great day. Food was good.
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GL
GregL
Las Vegas
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great!
Is this helpful?
AR
AnnaR
San Francisco
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
We enjoy going to Garwoods on a regular basis for the location and atmosphere. We always have a good time there.
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B
Bigfoot
San Francisco
35 reviews
2.0
35 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall2food3service3ambience3
Gar Woods Grill is probably the loudest restaurant I’ve ever dined at! It’s not that the patrons are loud, it’s the acoustics. My recommendation if you choose to dine there is ask for a table upstairs, or if the weather permits on the patio. The quality of the food did not match the high prices charged. I had the filet and scampi at $51. The filet was flavorful, but not as tender as I would expect. The blue cheese butter on the filet was excellent. I got three average size scampi that came in a sauce that I thought was too heavy for them. Three was apparently the number of the evening. Three asparagus spears came with the entree. My wife ordered the crab cakes at $28 for an appetizer. They were very tasty. Not a great value at the prize or for their size. It came with a cucumber salad which was less than a teaspoon in quantity.
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O
Opinionated
Sacramento
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is good, the service is good and when you consider garwoods is full of patrons from opening to closing. The place serves many people at any given time. I value service and since Covid service has suffered at many restaurants.
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N
Napavalleyfoodie
San Francisco
68 reviews
vip
5.0
68 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took some friends for dinner here for a real "Tahoe" experience. The views and food are exceptional. I especially like the steak and blue cheese salad, and the king salmon with orzo was also delicious. Our waiter was really helpful, since we had a toddler along, and was very mellow even though it was a busy Friday night.
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FAQs

Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 4257 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 44 times today

Google Map for Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

5000 North Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140

Additional information

Cross street
Front and Center
Neighborhood
Carnelian Bay
Hours of operation
Lunch (Mon - Fri) 11:30 am - 5:00 pm (Sat & Sun) 11:30 am - 5:00 pm Brunch menu served Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am -3:00 pm Dinner (Sun - Thurs) 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (Fri & Sat) 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Easter - buffet brunch served from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Thanksgiving- dinner served 1:00 - 9:00 pm Christmas Eve- 11:30 am - 9:30 pm, dinner starts at 5:00 pm Christmas Day- 11:30 am - 10:00 pm, dinner starts at 5:00 pm Bar The bar is open during lunch and dinner hours and never closes before 12:00 pm (Sun - Thurs) and 1:00 am (Fri & Sat)
Cuisines
Californian, Seafood, Steak
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Plenty of complimentary on-site parking. Visit by boat in spring, summer and fall and enjoy our complimentary valet boat parking, or dock at our handicap accessible, deep water 130 foot pier.
Public transit
All local bus lines drop off and pick up in front of Gar Woods Grill & Pier
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Dean Lennon
Entertainment
Rustler's MoonSteve and TomAcoustic Guitar Duo8:00pm-11:00pmFriday and Saturday Evenings70's through Today
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.garwoods.com/
Phone number
(530) 546-3366
Private party facilities
Private party space available for groups of 15 guests up to 450 guests. Gar Woods Grill & Pier is available to close for private functions.
Private party contact
Amy Grigsby: (530) 546-3366

Featured in

33 Tahoe / Reno Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

Make a reservation

Additional information

33 Tahoe / Reno Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Mac & Cheese Please

Seared Diver Scallops

Prime Rib French Dip

Appetizers

Housemade Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips$14.00

Garlic Bread$15.00

Lobster Deviled Eggs$20.00

Zucchini Sticks$18.00

Barbequed Chicken Quesadilla$23.00

Beer Battered Coconut Prawns$24.00

Ahi Poke Tacos$26.00

Dungeness Crab Cakes$26.00

Steamed Clams$26.00

Caribbean Jerk Pork Ribs$24.00

Soups / Salads

French Onion au Gratin$16.00

Shrimp & Lobster Bisque$17.00

House Salad$16.00

Caesar Salad$18.00

Wedge Salad$20.00

Deck Favorites

Slider Along the Pier$22.00

Teriyaki Salmon Salad$29.00

Tossed Cobb Salad$28.00

Peppered Tenderloin & Blue Cheese Salad$31.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

33 Tahoe / Reno Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day