Cutthroat Tavern is one of those places where you walk in for a quick drink and suddenly realize you've been there for hours having the best time. The atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and just the right amount of lively. It's the kind of spot where strangers become friends by the end of the night. The drinks are cold, the staff is awesome, and the whole place has that classic tavern charm that makes you want to come back again and again. No pretentious vibes--just good people, good laughs, and a great place to hang out. If you're looking for a place to unwind, meet some cool folks, and enjoy a great day or night out, Cutthroat Tavern is definitely worth the stop. Just be warned... "one drink" rarely stays just one. read more

Cutthroat Tavern - One happy guy about to have an Elk Burger! - Burgers Near Me - Markleeville, California

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This must be under new ownership because it feels nothing like the Cutthroat I remember from several years ago. Back then, the food was excellent, the service was attentive, and they brewed their own beer. Now the menu is completely different, the house-brewed beer is gone, and the overall experience was disappointing. The service was extremely slow, and it never felt like the staff was paying attention to outdoor area. We had to flag someone down just to get our bill and then again to pay. We also had to grab utensils and items from other tables. Unfortunately, the food was only mediocre and didn't make up for the lackluster service. Maybe we caught them on an off day, but this visit left us missing the old Cutthroat. I hope they can recapture what made it such a great place a few years ago. read more

Really cool country tavern. Nice micro brews on tap and excellent food. Was really busy when we walked in. Ordered a beer and our food and decided to sit on the back patio to eat. They said they would bring us our food. Well, they forgot to put our order in! We ordered fish and chips and some brisket nachos. Both were very delicious and to top it off, it was comped due to them forgetting to put our order in. Winning! On top of that they gave us another round of drinks on the house. Will definitely stop in again at another time if ever in Markleeville. We tipped as if we paid for the full meal and great service otherwise. read more

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I was staying next door at the lodge. It was superbowl Sunday, so I decided to pop into the tavern to watch a bit of the game and eat. I was incredibly hungry from my long drive. They had non alcoholic BlueMoon which was really cool. They had about 4 total non alcoholic beers, the rest were IPAs, not my taste, but cool they have them! I asked if they had veggie patties and they did! So I got a veggie burger with fries. It was really delicious. The bun was good and warm and the fries were season really well. The bartenders were super kind, social and overall welcoming! I would definitely go back next time I am in Markleeville Parking free and plenty, lot's of seating inside also. read more

Cutthroat Tavern - Veggie burger and fries with a non alcoholic Blue Moon - Burgers Near Me - Markleeville, California

Great food, great beer, great staff. Perfect spot to unwind and banter with the locals after a day exploring the mountains.

Waited 10min to get seated then another 20 to get drinks ordered table a ross from us was seated before us and had been waiting 30min and hadn't even ordered yet Placed order waited and waited order L food was cold bread stale. Had been siting If they were busy i could understand but 4 table on patio and about the same inside. We are locals and this was a go to spot for a long time but the service and food has gone down hill. We won't be back read more

Well we returned here on a 225 mile motorcycle ride today across Sonora and Monitor Passes. Like the old Cutthroat (pre owner change) we found the service exemplary. Our server was awesome. I'm a wing nut so I ordered the buffalo wings along with the fried pickles. The wings were great, extra crispy as I ordered and sauced well. Cooked perfectly, moist on the inside with that crispy skin that's a must. The pickles are 1/4 sliced and breaded but not too thick of breading. Fried to a light golden tan the pickles were juicy and tasty. I am so happy they are open again as it's a biker destination for decades and now the legend continues. Best of luck to the new owners. Opening up new always takes time to get things dialed in but today ran smooth and we'll 100% be back. 5 stars today! read more

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Really fun, cute place. Service is outstanding and food is absolutely great! Very fun menu. Highly recommend

As it was a busy Saturday, we sat outside in a nice quiet, shady spot. Service by Josie was exceptional. We enjoyed the delicious fish tacos, spicy, flavorful salsa & chips as well as the Cutthroat crispy chicken sando with fresh side salad. The only disappointment was lack of curry sauce, although it was still tasty, filling and satisfying. If the Cutthroat IPA, a collaboration with the always outstanding South Lake Brewing Co, is still on tap, it's crisp, lively and a great summer brew. Cheers read more

We got there Sunday afternoon. We were seated outside. Only one waiter working. He took our order after 20 minutes, then came back a few minutes later to verify the order. We waited 45 minutes, got no drinks or food. So we left. Won't be returning. read more

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. read more

Cutthroat Tavern - Fish and Chips - Burgers Near Me - Markleeville, California

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Went here after hearing it reopened. Looks like it's going pretty good here. Very crowded for lunch today but had a full staff working. I had the fish and chips. Large pieces of really good fish with potato wedges for fries. Comes also with cole slaw. Huge portion and should have split with my wife. She had the single cheeseburger medium rare. The patty could have been a little larger. However they offered a double burger for just $3 more. Hoping for all to go good and keep this landmark open and alive again. FYI full bar liquor license available now. read more

Cutthroat Tavern - Single cheeseburger with fries - Burgers Near Me - Markleeville, California

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Super friendly staff, family run. Had some great bbq while listening to a bluegrass band. The place is tastefully renovated to be family friendly. Full of friendly locals. The owners told us about the history of the place. Will be back. read more

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We and our friends went to Cutthroat tavern and got a appetizer of pretzel bites and an entrée of chicken tenders and fish tacos. The chicken tenders were burnt and dry. When we got the fish tacos there were literally 2 inches of fish on it so I do not recommend going here. As a customer who has been here a lot of time very disappointing. read more

Cutthroat Tavern - Fish taco with little fish on it - Burgers Near Me - Markleeville, California

After 3 previous failed tries we tried it again. When they told us Shania was our waitress, I was thinking Shania Twain. A little disappointed that it was a different Shania, but she was a pretty good and friendly waitress. I had the Chicken Wings(good size wings)and a salad(fresh salad) while my wife had the Tavern Burger. The meal was one of the best we've had there and being from Markleeville we now have a local place to try again. I do miss the pizza there and wish they still had a good pizza. Keep up the good work. read more

Great sm town vibes,Mike the bartender ROCKS!!The food was awesome I had fish tacos and wife had pesto chicken sandwich yummy

Love this place!! Wonderful staff, great food and good stiff drinks. It's a perfect venue for hosting special events and parties. I can't wait to go back. Thanks Steve and Peggy!! read more

Great food, good quiet atmosphere and the service was good and personable! Cute little downtown area. Surprisingly good find for such a small town! read more

Super friendly and informative about the history of a location. New owners as of this summer. I would say a much upgrade of the hospitality and food. Our service was fabulous and the food also. It was nice and cool inside, they offer outdoor seating as well with shades. I would highly suggest the blackened fish tacos. read more

We ate on a Wednesday evening and it was alive with a folk music band and a good number of other customers. The Tavern Burger I had and the tomato bisque and grilled cheese my mom had were both great. Our server was friendly and did a great job. Prices are reasonable. Noise level is on the high side, but there is also an outdoor patio that is quieter. If you are passing through Markleeville, maybe after a dip at Grover Hot Springs or what ever, it's a great spot. Highly recommended. read more

Cute place, very welcoming. Small menu, but varied. Took away a star because I ordered a chicken pesto sandwich without pesto. It came with a lot of pesto yuck! They offered to to remake it, but I just scraped it off. read more

Great place! Very interesting historical building with a bar and a few separate cozy areas for eating and drinking plus a nice patio. Recommended if you are in the area. read more

Awesome Berger, great fresh and wonderful sweet potato frys.... the humming was really good . I had the big berger like bison elk and beef. Scoo Goodgood. read more

Cutthroat Tavern - Sorry for the presentation was too good. - Burgers Near Me - Markleeville, California

This was sadly a terrible experience. Such a cute spot with the worst service l've ever had. Waited to be seated, that's not the issue. Took our drink order. Forgot to give them to us (just water and iced tea). Had to flag down another server to get water. First one never came back to say sorry. We then order food.... 45 minutes later. We are still sitting here waiting on lunch and decided to leave. read more

Wonderful place with such friendly owners and staff. The ambiance was great and they had a wonderful Blue Grass band. The food was the best and the bbq was unbelievably good. Well worth the visit to an authentic California town with a great bar and food. Well worth the drive from South Lake. We will be back! read more

Great food! Good prices. Fast service and an old tavern vibe. Will be back soon.

We love dinner at Cutthroat Tavern whenever we are in Markleeville. The atmosphere takes you back to the early days of Markleeville, and it is comfy and inviting. You can sit inside, or outside on a great patio. Service is always great and the prices reasonable. read more

No trip to the local hot springs is complete without a visit to Cutthroat Tavern. Great historical building with a story, fantastic bar (and bartenders), outdoor fire pits, good food and a great atmosphere. Perfect night out in the Sierras! read more

The most amazing place to visit!!! She let me dance on the bar!!! She was tentative and welcoming!!! Amazing food!!! The bathrooms are very clean and the local judge was awesome!!! read more

Cutthroat Tavern - Burgers Near Me - Markleeville, California

Awesome place to stop at for drinks and food. Service and locals were great to hang out with. read more

Cutthroat Tavern - Burgers Near Me - Markleeville, California

Great food, great music, great building! SO great to return to Markleeville's Cutthroat Tavern to celebrate the return of the restaurant under new ownership after a brief hiatus; Markleeville is never the same without this 1880's tavern open in the heart of it. We came to see banjo and guitar bluegrass on a slightly stormy night, and the place was packed with folks from as far away as Reno. Can't think of a better place to enjoy great comfort food (I had the tomato bisque and grilled cheese with draft beer and an appetizer) while surrounded by warm wood and good people. If you want historic ambience, this place is worth the escape from wherever you travel. read more

Cutthroat Tavern - Well stocked at the Cutthroat Tavern - Burgers Near Me - Markleeville, California

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I was hoping to see great reviews after our not so great visit. Stopped in on a road trip, liquor license wasn't ready yet. Not a biggie to us, iced tea and waters are fine. But...served in plastic cups is kind of weird for inside dining. They were out of chicken. Half of the menu is chicken. We ordered sweet potato fries to start. Nothing special, likely bulk frozen...and soggy when we got them. I ordered a Caesar salad with bacon. The bacon was packaged bacon bit stuff, not actual cooked bacon. Not good at all. Kind of like little bits of bacon jerky. Husband had fish tacos. Not bad, but not much fish to be found. We loved the prior owners menu; this experience was lacking. Our waitress was fine, she did the best she could with what she could offer. We hope that growing pains will result in better kitchen product, will try again this weekend. read more

So happy you're back open. Wonderful service & great food. They have a great team operating the saloon Been coming here since the 1070s. Many ownership changes. New owners are spot on. read more

Love this place!! Lots of character and lots of good people coming to eat there. The food is decent and worth taking a drive out to where they are located. read more

The staff was very welcoming, service was friendly and efficient, the food was served quickly and was delicious. We sat out back and the patio was comfortable and relaxing. read more

I had the pleasure of attending a private party at the Cutthroat Tavern. The food was exceptional. The waitstaff were efficient, professional, and friendly. The building itself has a fascinating history and a charm of its own. I can't wait to visit again. Maybe I will have the Chicken Sando with Sweet Potato Fries, or Greek Salad with Tomato Bisque. I can even order a pup cup ice cream treat for my dog. read more

Food and service was amazing. Owner served us and they're great! Even though it was busy we didn't wait long to be seated and food came out fast . We ordered the wings and tavern burger. They also had great local brewed draft beers available. read more

Visited this restaurant 2 days after it opened. Food and service wasn't great. Decided to give it another try. There was no heat in the restaurant, it was freezing cold! The burger my friend had was good. The meat balls and spaghetti were ok but lukewarm. The price of a 3 oz pour of wine at $14 was high! The plus was the waitress was very pleasant! Sorry to say, as locals, we won't be back. read more

Cutthroat has been a lunch destination of ours for years. We are glad the restaurant has reopened, but miss some of the previous menu items. The food is still good, and the outdoor seating is pleasant. read more

This place is dope. They were out of a couple items, but it's in the middle of nowhere, so that's understandable. The burger, cheese curds, and pretzel bites were all on point and the local beers were good. Service was prompt and the patio was pleasant and welcomed our dog. They brought her a little water bowl and gave her some bacon that had been over cooked. She loved it. The relaxed atmosphere and historic building were just my type of environment for a vacation meal. read more