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  5. Carnelian Bay
Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant, Carnelian Bay, CA

Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant

4.6
4.6
4308 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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

What 4,308 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

    Best Ambiance

  • 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

4,307 Reviews

  1. ChristopherW

    Tahoe

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seemed a bit on the pricey side but the food and environment was very pleasant. I'd recommend checking the place out

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  2. Kelsey

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved Garwoods! Great food, atmosphere and best views! Can’t wait to visit again next time we are in town!

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Meal was very good and waitress was nice to modify or order

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  4. DanielL

    Boise

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Yes it was Thanksgiving, and the place was busy. The prime rib was tender but lacking flavor and the mashed potatoes was only about half a cup. And three spears of asparagus. We won’t be back next year for Thanksgiving.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at Garwoods. Food was delicious, especially the fresh baked apple pie. Server was very friendly and entertaining for our daughter!

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  6. BritExPat

    Tahoe

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving night so very very busy but service was great despite the crowded restaurant. Food was pretty good too!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Gigi

    Sacramento

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Garwoods has a stunning view of the lake and mountains. Their staff is friendly and very competent. The food is always great no matter what time or day. It’s just about ten minutes from Tahoe city so easy to get to and the view while driving there is beautiful as well. Try it, you will like it! Helen

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We went for the Thanksgiving meal. Overall it was very good. The view is beautiful. Our waiter was very nice and attentive but never told us his name. My only complaint is the least expensive glass of wine was $18. I understand we are in a resort town.

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  9. JimH

    Tahoe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s a family tradition to spend thanksgiving at garwoods . We always have a great time and the food is amazing ! The server jack was great. We can’t wait to come back next year .

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  10. JohnF

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visit this restaurant often, the food is always top notch. Thanksgiving dinner (with second helpings included) was a delight, and my husband was able to score a drumstick! Gar Woods is the #1 lake view restaurant in Tahoe with complimentary boat valet or pier tie up in the summer. The coconut prawns are the bomb, and last week we had some fabulous clams. The Wet Woodys are quite potent so I suggest caution as they sneak up on you. Owner Tom Turner has assembled a great team and the service is spot on. It was wonderful dining al fresco on Thankgiving Day at 6200’ feet in chilly Tahoe with heater assist. If you visit Tahoe this restaurant is a must

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fabulous meal at Garwoods today! And our server was wonderful! We have been coming to Garwoods for over 20 years and we will continue to do so!

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always fun to go to Garwoods! The prices have gone up for dinner. We took our family of 10. I’m not sure how a salad before dinner can cost $20.00. But food was very good and service was excellent. Truly a beautiful place to eat.

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  13. LauraJ

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience3
    We were sat upstairs which was almost empty. The food was not very tasty this time and not hot. Very expensive!!

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  14. TerryM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food - fried zucchini appetizer and crab sandwich, crabcakes, and Cobb salad entrees. Background music was a little loud, but good genre (60s - 70s rock/pop).

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  15. Charlief

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shoulder season/not crowded Excellent food Quiet Superior service Reasonable prices

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  16. PHILLIPB

    Columbus

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always have a great time at the restaurant. The service is always excellent and the food is always outstanding. The view is super.

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  17. stepdadbob

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Our server, Diana, did a great job of taking our order and ensuring that it was prepared properly and served in a timely manner.

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  18. Kirsten

    Hawaii

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed our lunch here, so far their sodas are the most expensive on the Lake. $5.95 for a soda is pretty steep, imo. Otherwise it was lovely. The view is what you come for.

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  19. NJFrancis

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ordered the blackened sword fish with risotto. It was delicious! The risotto was so creamy, best I've had in a long time. Always have a wonderful meal at Gar Woods. 🙃

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  20. PennStater

    San Francisco

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Wonderful site next to the lake with fine service and good food.

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  21. fran

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food and service was good. Prices are a little elevated for the amount you get.

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  22. MariaRDH

    Sacramento

    157 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    157 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    The venue is beautiful, right-on Lake Tahoe. Our server was very good, friendly and prompt. He offered a free dessert for our friend who was celebrating her birthday. The prices are a bit high, but the portions are large. I do wosh there were smaller option for less $$. Overall, very good.

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  23. Richy

    Tampa

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Excellent restaurant. A bit on the pricey side but other than that we would highly recommend. The atmosphere , the quality of the food, and the service were five stars. Great view of the lake and good parking.

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  24. DavidG

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food with a beautiful view. We celebrated our 25th anniversary here and they gave us a complimentary piece of snickers cheesecake. Everything was delicious

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  25. DrRon

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great and the service was great — which added value to the visit.

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  26. JamesM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    To be fair, we were not that hungry when we arrived. We also ordered from the deck favorites not the main menu. Inflation is catching up to us, I could not believe the prices. 2 deck favorites, 1 drink and a soda was over $100 with tip. Maybe if we win the lottery we will go back.

    Is this helpful?

  27. AbigailF

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Always a great time at Gar Woods! Delicious food, a bit on the pricier side in my opinion but not outrageous. Definitely in line with other places around the lake. Service is pleasant, can’t beat the ambiance or location. Their outdoor seating setup is remarkable, perfect for warm or chilly weather since they have plenty of heat lamps.

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  28. DebbieP

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, menu choices, drink choices all combined with a beautiful waterside view.

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  29. MerylW

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, and you can't beat the view at the windows in front of Lake Tahoe. Service was great as well.

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  30. ElizabethM

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Gar Woods have been there since I was a little kid. Nice location. Decent food. Very expensive for what it is. Tourist prices. It could be better. Less dressing on the salads. More protein on the salads. Bread was stale. Drinks were stiff. It was a nice day on the deck.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    My friends did not have good experiences. We were seated in the noisiest part of the restaurant. The service was poor. The restrooms were filthy. While the food was good, we did not feel like the cost was worth it. I’m willing to give them another try, but for cocktails only.

    Is this helpful?

  32. GreggA

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service topped with an incredible view.

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  33. SteveS

    San Francisco

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food - great service - amazing views! Been a local spot for us for years.

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  34. LanaM

    Tahoe

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Food was very good, Prime Rib was cooked to perfection. Bread pudding was amazing. Prices are high and a little too noisy. Will visit again!

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  35. JulieS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall3food2service1ambience5
    Our server didn't know what lobster looks like. She "wrote the special down wrong" and when our food came, she gave me swordfish. When I asked her what it was, she said "lobster" and I said, where is the lobster? She said, "that's it" It was swordfish. Just WOW!! unbelievable.

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  36. RonF

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Even as the weather is turning in Tahoe, we were able to eat outside on the deck thanks to the numerous heaters. Overall a beautiful sunset dinner. Highly recommend.

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  37. DaveR

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food in a great setting. Service was good , we were not hurried. The deck was wonderful on a pretty fall day

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  38. DanielS

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great meal and great service. The only issue that didn't make sense is that they changed their mashed potato recipe so that it is no longer gluten-free.

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  39. Robinkae

    Tahoe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a large group and our server did great. The food, drinks and atmosphere were great as always!

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  40. MorgannaReh

    Central Coast

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful water front dining, nice ambiance and good sized menu with creative delicious food and our server was caring and welcoming and professional.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 4308 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 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)
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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

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