Cold Water Brewery and Grill — Restaurant in South Lake Tahoe

In a nutshell: simply AMAZING food - both quantity & quality - with a TOP NOTCH chef (Michael Lyndard), GREAT beers (Hey Girl Hey! has incredible citrus aromas and favors going on for a double IPA) - our new favorite place to eat out in SLT. ((Fun sidenote: only a great "1st date place" if you're ok eating messy AF foods and talking often with your mouth full, as you won't be putting the food down!))

More about our visit: when we were checking CWB out online, their prices seemed pretty steep across the board (when you're out with a family of five) with most (even lunch) meals around $17. This concern disappeared as soon as we saw meals being delivered to other tables. The portions were all amazingly huge (yes, often enough to take some home for a 2nd lunch or dinner later) and the quality was absolutely top-rate...some of the best looking and tasting food we've had in quite a while.

Order 1 (hands down winner): Chicken Sandwich: where to start? Yes, messy AF to eat (if you can get your mouth around it all), but the favors were mind-blowing. The chicken breast itself: thicker than I've seen any ANY restaurant, perfectly breaded and fried. The bacon: OMFG - not the smallest bit was overcooked/burnt or soggy. These thick slabs of heaven were absolutely cooked to perfection. Slaw: wow! fresh and tasty. Pickles (and boy were there pickles), were some of the most crisp and tastiest ones I've experienced yet. Sauces: again, mind blown.

Order 2 (close, but...couldn't beat the CS): "Grilled Cheese". What's that you say? a grilled cheese sandwich? How....boring. Not at CWB. They have upped the GCSandwich game by 1000x. Their menu only says "daily special". They mean it! Today: provolone and fontina, with the most succulent slice of tomato, fresh arugula, artichoke hearts, and some "special sauce" that made this sandwich also messy AF to eat, but not one I was going to share with anyone (even my wife!).

Order 3: Fish tacos: very fresh fish that was prepared well (not oily or greasy as you'll find so many Mexi places), great sauces, crisp slaw. Amazing corn on the cob (also messy AF to eat). Anywhere else these two tacos would have taken 1st place, but while a solid meal that was super filling, it couldn't touch the chicken or grilled cheese. Sorry ;-)

We'll stop there for now. EAT/DRINK at CWB - often! This place is well managed by Debbie (owner) and the manager (Jessica), the chef (Michael) and the rest of their team.

Update: 1/2/20: the great beer continues, appetizers are all solid. Lava rock fire pit patio rocks it with their “no butts, no mutts” policy...Just wishing they’d bring back the grilled cheese special sandwich on Fridays...

It was our first time here and we were so impressed by the menu! Lots of great options and there’s something for everyone. We had a reservation and were quickly seated. I was pleasantly surprised to see a high chair, kids water cup and wikki stix waiting for our toddler. So thoughtful!

We started with a beer flight and were delighted by the variety of flavors from the Holla Back Heff to the Oktoberfest to the Mexican Chocolate Stout. Of course we had to have an IPA in there too, which was also really tasty!

For an appetizer, we shared the Elote dip which had great flavor and was big enough to share at a table for four. It was the perfect starter to our meal.

I ordered the shoyu ramen with pork belly and was impressed by all the fresh veggies it came with! My almost two year old toddler also loved munching on the julienne carrots and noodles that were cooked to perfection. There was lots of depth to the broth and the pork belly had a nice smokiness that was really delicious!

My husband got the fish and chips, which was a large portion of delicious beer battered rock cod and plenty of crispy fries (which helps when others at the table want to share your meal!). He also ordered a ski bum sour cocktail, made with milk wash bulleit, spiced apple simple syrup, lemon and nutmeg - which was flavorful and the right combination of sweet and sour.

We also ordered the chicken tendys for our son and had enough left over to pack for his lunch the next day.

For dessert, we had the chocolate cheesecake and key-lime pie. Both were yummy and felt like the perfect way to end our meal.

Overall, we loved ambiance of the restaurant and the service was exceptional. Definitely a family friendly atmosphere and will surely be our new go-to spot...

Update June 2025: Unfortunately, this years some of the summer menu ingredients have changed. Ahi Poke Bowl, in past years, was ALWAYS delicious. This year, spicy mayo ( Sriracha mayo) is NOT spicy. They ELIMINATED ALL of the following from the Ahi Poke Bowl: diced mango, thinly sliced radish, sliced water chestnuts, pickled ginger, pickled cabbage & pickled cucumber from the bowl this year. Unfortunately, the Ahi Poke Bowl is now very BLAND. We are very disappointed as this was our go-to for a Ahi Poke Bowl. June 2025, the online & printed menu description is NOT what arrives with your food/order. *Seaweed cut into thin strips covered 1/3 of our Ahi Poke Bowl, yet NOWHERE online or printed menu is that included in description. We are very disappointed in both flavor /ingredients change. Very surprised food did not match the menu's description. Perhaps there is a new chef?

OLD POST: Our go-to! Consistently great food and drinks. Comfortable environment for adults or families. Good bartenders & friendly service. We always leave happy. The chef plates up some tastee eats! Fantastic Buffalo Jumbo Wings, Truffle Burger, Fried Chicken Sandwich & Delicious Ahi Poke Bowl! Loved our server, Tyler. Bartender knows how to shake & stir up tasty drinks. We look forward to returning next week with our family to explore more of the food & beverage menu. Update: Family all loved their food & beverages. ...