River Grill

4.0 (401 reviews)

PriceyNew American, Cocktail Bars

Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Updated 3 months ago

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River Grill - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

River Grill - Seared tuna - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Randy B.

I'm gonna have a difficult time with this review. I had a good/not-good first experience for dinner here. I will be fair and start with the good. All four of us loved the taste of our entrees and of the appetizers. Our server (Jigga) was excellent and attentive. The atmosphere was nice with a great view of the Truckee River, just 20 feet away from our window table. The bathrooms were clean. On the flip side, we were greeted rather rudely upon walking in. We arrived early especially to grab a drink and relax during happy hour. There were four of us and 2 bar stools, so we sat at one of the three empty high-tops next to the bar. The bartender told us we couldn't sit there and that we had to order drinks standing at the bar and then cash out before being seated for dinner. Our table in the dining room was waiting, but we still had to pay for drinks at the bar before being seated. It was very confusing the way things were handled, especially considering this restaurant is rated $$$ on Yelp. Long story short, we stood at the bar until our tab was settled. Then we noticed that we were not charged the happy hour pricing (we still had another 20 minutes). We brought it up with the bartender and she said, "you have to ask for the happy hour menu if you want happy hour prices." So immediately we felt unwelcome and as if we were being treated like "one-visit tourists". She didn't even offer to change our tab to reflect the happy-hour pricing. Unfortunately the bar confusion left a sour taste over much of the entire dinner, which otherwise would have been a fairly decent night out. Three-stars for the happy hour experience , and 4 stars for the restaurant.

Casey K.

River Grill overlooks the Truckee River and is close to the Lake Tahoe Dam. We made a reservation for a Wednesday evening. When we arrived, we were sat inside next to a window with the river view. The staff was very welcoming and attentive throughout our entire visit. The menu features a great mix of starters, soups and salads and mains including seafood and steaks. We ordered the summer white corn chowder and the Alaskan Halibut, which they are known for. We did a split plate for the Halibut, which was $8 more for the entree and totally with it! It was a perfect amount of food for two people and came with potatoes and asparagus in addition to the Alaskan Halibut. Both the chowder and Alaskan Halibut were delicious! I enjoyed my experience and meal and will be back to visit when in the area in the future!

Adam S.

This place is a solid. Good food, good service. My salad had pears and candied pecans. Loved the taste, it all blended together perfectly. The Alaskan Halibut is the signature dish. The fish was a bit dry, but the lemon sauce made up for that. We topped it off with a bottle of Malbec. Altogether, a good meal. The menu had some good choices, the short ribs and pork chop looked very good. One of my friends had the short ribs and enjoyed them. The waiter was a bit of a cut-up. He had a young daughter with him, about 4 years old. The waiter told us his wife was at the bar. Then, little Ruth said "drinking water". Quiet place, good for a date night or a good meal with friends. Recommended.

The location was great, we stopped here only for desert after eating dinner at another location whose desserts did not look like they compared. The service was amazing, our server was very attentive even though we only got desserts and he was kind enough to add extra extra strawberries after I mentioned that I was bummed out they didn't have their shortcake. We were seated immediately since they had seats available at the bar and it was right at the window overlooking the beautiful river. We were bummed we didn't eat their, there desserts were so good we could only imagine how good the food was. My husband is not a sweets person and he ended up ordering his own and loved every bite of it.

Mak C.

What a great meal tonight. Can't speak for all the dishes but the Seared Ahi was tender and cooked perfectly. But the short ribs with scalloped potatoes stole the show. Short ribs were perfectly seasoned and grilled. The Bordelaise sauce a perfect compliment. Honestly, the scalloped potatoes were the best I've had in my life. A bit tangy sauce and potatoes not overcooked or undercooked. Will be back but not soon enough.

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Bernadette S.

0

7

1

3 months ago

Came in late, around 8:30. Service staff was super friendly and attentive. Ordered the pear and gorgonzola salad and clam chowder. Both great. I really appreciated our server who gave us tips on where to go in the area and just generally nice conversation. Id come back to try more. read more

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Steven R.

77

2

0

24 days ago

Yelp advertises that they allow dogs. We were turned away at the entrance and told they do not allow them tonight. Fortunately Bridgetender across the river allows dogs. read more

Business owner information

River G.

Hi Steven, apologies for the miscommunication. We have never allowed…

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Marcela S.

Elite 26

93

95

181

1 year ago

First time here and I love it!!! The outdoor patio is facing the truckee river, they have live music and it's super cute! we had quite a bit of food. The tempura shrimp was delicious lite battered and well dressed. The seared tuna portion was great but flavor was okay they could use a little more torch or a hard sear for flavor. The lamb was delicious just not enough 5 pieces. Now the corn chowder I wanted to cry when I saw milk and corn this was far from being a chowder.. maybe they ran out of it and make this thing and they served it to us....I couldn't believe the chef and server let this go out of the kitchen. Maybe 86 next time instead of serving milk and corn with dry muffin. read more

River Grill - Shrimp - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Randy B.

Elite 26 All-Star

8

171

558

4 months ago

I'm gonna have a difficult time with this review. I had a good/not-good first experience for dinner here. I will be fair and start with the good. All four of us loved the taste of our entrees and of the appetizers. Our server (Jigga) was excellent and attentive. The atmosphere was nice with a great view of the Truckee River, just 20 feet away from our window table. The bathrooms were clean. On the flip side, we were greeted rather rudely upon walking in. We arrived early especially to grab a drink and relax during happy hour. There were four of us and 2 bar stools, so we sat at one of the three empty high-tops next to the bar. The bartender told us we couldn't sit there and that we had to order drinks standing at the bar and then cash out before being seated for dinner. Our table in the dining room was waiting, but we still had to pay for drinks at the bar before being seated. It was very confusing the way things were handled, especially considering this restaurant is rated $$$ on Yelp. Long story short, we stood at the bar until our tab was settled. Then we noticed that we were not charged the happy hour pricing (we still had another 20 minutes). We brought it up with the bartender and she said, "you have to ask for the happy hour menu if you want happy hour prices." So immediately we felt unwelcome and as if we were being treated like "one-visit tourists". She didn't even offer to change our tab to reflect the happy-hour pricing. Unfortunately the bar confusion left a sour taste over much of the entire dinner, which otherwise would have been a fairly decent night out. Three-stars for the happy hour experience , and 4 stars for the restaurant. read more

River Grill - Menu - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

River Grill - Turkey meatloaf - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Alice C.

0

5

0

2 months ago

The food was excellent and our server Matt was spot on with all his recommendations. We had the halibut and scallop entrees. From start to finish they aimed to please. read more

Business owner information

River G.

Hi Alice, we are happy that you had a good experience here! That's…

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Flossie C.

106

158

33

4 months ago

What a find! The atmosphere is quaint and cozy. The service is amazing! Loved our waitress. We had the pear Gorgonzola salad to start. Highly recommend! For dinner my husband had the grilled steak with prawns linguini. Very good! I had the grilled salmon and will get again. Everything was seasoned to perfection!! My compliments to the chef. read more

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Casey K.

Elite 26

45

267

2268

2 years ago

River Grill overlooks the Truckee River and is close to the Lake Tahoe Dam. We made a reservation for a Wednesday evening. When we arrived, we were sat inside next to a window with the river view. The staff was very welcoming and attentive throughout our entire visit. The menu features a great mix of starters, soups and salads and mains including seafood and steaks. We ordered the summer white corn chowder and the Alaskan Halibut, which they are known for. We did a split plate for the Halibut, which was $8 more for the entree and totally with it! It was a perfect amount of food for two people and came with potatoes and asparagus in addition to the Alaskan Halibut. Both the chowder and Alaskan Halibut were delicious! I enjoyed my experience and meal and will be back to visit when in the area in the future! read more

River Grill - Halibut split entree - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Andrea S.

0

4

0

2 months ago

While the food was good, the service could not have been worse and the management was completely not worried about it.

Business owner information

River G.

Hi Andrea, we are sorry to hear that you had a bad experience. Is…

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Jake B.

0

1

0

4 months ago

I was seated fast and serves was perfect they even gave us a free ice cream steak was perpectly cooked defenely going to go back

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linda b.

0

14

48

4 months ago

We just had the best night at The River Grill. Poke nachos appetizer for the win! Butternut squash raviolis and Halibut special with a bottle of Flowers Pinot along with great service and a beautiful view of the river. Perfect evening read more

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Mariela V.

0

15

11

5 months ago

Service The food was great, I have no complaints about the chef. But the waitress, Kira, was awful. The restaurant's policy stated that for more than 6 people, an 18% tip was added, but our table was for 5 people, meaning it wasn't mandatory. However, when we went to pay, the waitress rudely told us, with an annoyed expression, that next time we absolutely had to leave an 18% tip. Out of courtesy and politeness, we didn't say anything, but we felt humiliated by her comment and will never go back there. read more

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Adam S.

Elite 26

342

622

1086

2 years ago

This place is a solid. Good food, good service. My salad had pears and candied pecans. Loved the taste, it all blended together perfectly. The Alaskan Halibut is the signature dish. The fish was a bit dry, but the lemon sauce made up for that. We topped it off with a bottle of Malbec. Altogether, a good meal. The menu had some good choices, the short ribs and pork chop looked very good. One of my friends had the short ribs and enjoyed them. The waiter was a bit of a cut-up. He had a young daughter with him, about 4 years old. The waiter told us his wife was at the bar. Then, little Ruth said "drinking water". Quiet place, good for a date night or a good meal with friends. Recommended. read more

River Grill - Alaskan halibut - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Mr K.

77

20

2

7 months ago

Had a great dinner here. The atmosphere was cozy and nice, and our table was next got the fire place and holiday decor. Food was great too!

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Jasmine B.

0

99

87

8 months ago

The location was great, we stopped here only for desert after eating dinner at another location whose desserts did not look like they compared. The service was amazing, our server was very attentive even though we only got desserts and he was kind enough to add extra extra strawberries after I mentioned that I was bummed out they didn't have their shortcake. We were seated immediately since they had seats available at the bar and it was right at the window overlooking the beautiful river. We were bummed we didn't eat their, there desserts were so good we could only imagine how good the food was. My husband is not a sweets person and he ended up ordering his own and loved every bite of it. read more

Business owner information

River G.

Glad you enjoyed your dessert, Jasmine! Hopefully you'll join us for…

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Jim S.

0

48

13

1 year ago

We have eaten here many times. This was a below average experience. Just a short wait for our table. Didn't get the most ideal table BUT we were only 2 and the river tables seat more. My wife had wine already from the bar so I ordered a cocktail. Nothing less than 20 minutes for it to arrive and I had to prompt our server. She blamed it on the back bar but I have been here for years. Same great guys always here.....my guess is she forgot. Food came out. Wife's meal was fine. My halibut was room temperature at best. By the time I was 1/2 done it was cold. Server never checked on us until we were almost done. Server was working 5 tables but she wasn't efficient. Many times she walked by or close by and never spoke to us. Yes she was busy but not impossible by any means. We'll be back and chalk it up to an off night. read more

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Mak C.

4

38

2 years ago

What a great meal tonight. Can't speak for all the dishes but the Seared Ahi was tender and cooked perfectly. But the short ribs with scalloped potatoes stole the show. Short ribs were perfectly seasoned and grilled. The Bordelaise sauce a perfect compliment. Honestly, the scalloped potatoes were the best I've had in my life. A bit tangy sauce and potatoes not overcooked or undercooked. Will be back but not soon enough. read more

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Mallory

0

1

0

4 months ago

Had wonderful food and the outdoor patio is so cute to sit outside in the summertime!

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Elizabeth X.

3

19

0

11 months ago

The restaurant was so great. The service and food were excellent. I had the scallops and they were done so tasty. Our first time at the restaurant and we will be back! read more

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Betty H.

1210

62

67

2 years ago

The food is always delicious, service impeccable, and I love their decor! George took great care of us and gave us the best seat...next to the fireplace and Christmas tree. The crème brûlée is made in house and we have never had a mediocre meal here. Great for families and a decent sized restaurant! read more

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Greg S.

0

2

0

1 year ago

First the Good: Beautiful setting! The restaurant is well laid out with nice outdoor seating. The wait staff were delightful and efficient. However, the food we had was so-so. My wife had the bean-burger (which was fine) with Caeser and fries. I had a Caesar salad with chicken. The fries tasted old with lots of tiny pieces (bottom of the frozen bag). The Caesar salad was basically tasteless. One of the worst Caesar dressings I've had. The chicken breast was obviously precooked and reheated. It was very dry. I assume this to be an anomaly as others seemed to be enjoying their meals and the high previous YELP ratings. But, we left the restaurant somewhat disappointed. read more

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Annette M.

Elite 10

84

209

4

2 years ago

One of my favorite, if not my favorite, places in Tahoe City is the Bar & Grill for a casual bar bite for happy hour or dinner with friends. The variety is solid, and everything from vegetarian to seafood choices is great. Everyone from your group can find something they will enjoy. Happy Hour at the bar is my personal favorite. Bartenders are outstanding and provide excellent recommendations. All staff I have encountered here are very friendly, helpful and efficient. Book your reservation now! read more

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Nancy K.

0

24

1

7 months ago

Best place in Tahoe. Charming atmosphere - winter or dimmer - super friendly service (which can be hard to find up here) and consistently delicious food. Everyone is always so welcoming. We had the salmon and two appetizers and left completely happy. read more

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Tommy R.

0

99

1

2 years ago

We ate here like two months ago, and it was good, and noisy, and crowded. I would have liked more if it were less crowded and less noisy. And also better, but still pretty good. We had fish iirc. It has dawned on me that they don't actually grill the river here despite the name. Grilled river would expand the menu. read more

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James O.

8

168

181

3 years ago

Wow this spot is my fam celebrated my daughter's 20th birthday and we all ordered a variety of food, my ribeye was one of the best I've ever eaten!!! BUT the Tiger Shrimp w/walnut honey glaze...was the star of the night! OMG I get around and I've never had better-fresher shrimp in my life #facts 4.5 read more

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John L.

Elite 26

1

167

1

2 years ago

Cute little local place with great seating on River. Very good menu and nice enough staff. However the dishes are hit and miss. Prawn appetizers were good but Salmon was not fresh and chewy, but rice was great. Desert seemed pre-bought. read more

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Alena W.

Elite 26

661

732

718

5 years ago

Well, I hate to say this but I have ZERO complaints. River Grill is just so good. Delicious food, awesome service and a fun vibe. Every single member of my party of 8 loved their dinner. My mom and I ordered our favorite cocktail (extra dirty vodka martini) and they totally delivered. We also brought a nice bottle of wine and the $20 corkage fee was definitely fair. If you're looking for a scrumptious dinner without a snooty environment, visit River Grill! read more

River Grill - Lamb shank - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

River Grill - Profiteroles (insanely good) - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

River Grill - Ahi sashimi - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

River Grill - Shaken, not stirred. - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Cathy N.

Elite 26

103

110

26

2 years ago

I think the last time I was there was in 2007 for my rehearsal dinner before my Tahoe City Gatekeepers Museum wedding! I took my son, who is nearly 13, and we enjoyed it immensely. He had the salmon and I had the beef tenderloin, and we both loved our entrées. The service was great and our waiter was a sweetheart. I purposely ate only half of my meal to save room for dessert. We couldn't agree on one to share so we got two and they were both ginormous. My son had the strawberry shortcake which he never had before and decided he doesn't love strawberry shortcake. It looked beautiful to me and was about 6 inches high. I ordered the brownie sundae and it was "life-changing"! Apparently they bake little marshmallows into the brownie, which was subtle but delightful. The ice cream they use is called dulce de Leche, and it has blobs of caramel in it, along with caramel-filled little chocolate pieces. I need to find it to have at home! They said it was Blue Bunny. Overall, we had a great experience! read more

River Grill - Desserts! - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Steven B.

0

11

0

11 months ago

Food was great! We had burgers, salmon, and the fettuccine. Service was excellent! Ambience was super -- the Trucked River is right outside and was looking good! read more

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Andrew H.

Elite 26

326

482

2018

3 years ago

A group of six of us sat next to the warm fire and had an excellent meal. We started with the Peppered Seared Ahi Sashimi, Tempura French Green Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, and Ahi Poke. We all agreed the Poki was our favorite of the four, I'd recommend and order it again. Than most of us ordered the Alaskan Halibut or Braised Short Ribs for dinner. Portions were big and I swapped the mushroom risotto for the mashed potatoes. Food was delicious and our server was very nice and accommodating. read more

River Grill - Alaskan Halibut with Mushroom Risotto and Asparagus - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Melissa G.

0

2

10 months ago

Yummy green beans. Bar service was lovely and attentive. Live music was fine, but I'm picky.

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Emma J.

Elite 26

58

691

1293

5 years ago

We had an 8pm reservation for 3 people on a Wednesday night. We showed up at 7:45 asking if we could be seated early or get a drink at the bar. The hostess told us the table would be ready in 15 but we could get a drink ay the bar while we waited, however there was no standing room at the bar to order a drink so we gave went outside to wait. The hostess called us around 7:50 to let us know our table was ready. We ordered: Shakey lemon RG.... 2 beef tenderloins Halibut special Shakey Lemon drink was very lemony and a bit tart for me, the RG drink was similar to a mojito and tasty. One beef tenderloin was ordered medium rare and the other medium and we got one that was rare/raw and medium rare/rare. It was actually rather concerning how undercooked one was to the extent that we could not eat it all. While the actual halibut was good, the corn salsa and red pepper coulee was not great and really had no sustenance. My friend actually said the coulee was similar to the taste of acid reflex. 4 hours after eating my friend was throwing up and actually went to the extent of saying it tasted the same coming up as it did going down earlier The reason we are giving 3 stars instead of 2 is because our waiter was super attentive and friendly, and the rosemary bread was delicious but the rest of the food was way overpriced and severely undercooked/under welcoming. We spent almost an hour and a half looking at every restaurant in the Kings Beach area before deciding on this one, and it was quite disappointing. read more

River Grill - Beef Tenderloin - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

River Grill - Halibut Special - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Dennis C.

0

66

14

3 years ago

Great service and wonderful food. We had the special of the night - Halibut. Delicious. Desert was the best. Will be back... read more

River Grill - Our view while dinning - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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fadi b.

25

24

0

1 year ago

Amazing food and service . Tooks us same day big party . Everyone was super nice food Great. Will be back

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Averie O.

0

4

0

1 year ago

Just had dinner and couldn't be more pleased. From the moment we walked in with Kendra and Annie, the experience couldn't be any better! We were fortunate to have Kira as our server and Merrin to help her, their service was fantastic. We enjoyed the tuna poke and the fried calamari. Thank you so much Keira, Merrin, Kendra, and Annie, much appreciated. read more

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Amy F.

0

3

7

3 years ago

Our party of 4 adults dined here on 7.9.23 at 5:45 pm. The weather was perfect and we had a lovely table next to the Truckee River. Our party enjoyed the Mozzarella salad, pear salad, halibut, pork chops, tuna, and a burger. The service, food, and setting were fantastic. Live music played in the background while we dined. This location will be a must when we visit the Tahoe area next summer. read more

River Grill - Mozzarella and tomato salad - New American Near Me - Tahoe City, California

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Erik S.

0

12

1

1 year ago

Worse than terrible. Pro tip, add ketchup and salt to your filet to make it edible, was also wondering when they'd serve me the other half of the filet, it looked butterflied and overcooked. Dirty martini came without olives because he wasn't sure if I wanted olives, no I would prefer cherries dummy. Service sucked, ambiance great. read more

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Laurie S.

2

17

27

1 year ago

Great service! We had a nice window table overlooking the river. We even saw an otter swimming. Food was excellent. The beet salad was the best my husband ever had. Halibut was definitely a must try. Brownie sundae was the perfect ending! read more

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Abbie S.

1

45

3

1 year ago

Excellent service, pretty very Tahoe, my new favorite place for dinner and drinks. My alfredo was okay but the ahi looked amazing.

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Marco N.

13

5

0

2 years ago

Delicious food and great service. The view of the Truckee makes for a terrific setting.

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Cookie R.

29

24

0

2 years ago

Great place to eat. Lots of places to sit outside and enjoy the Truckee River. Service can be a little slow at times but it's usually very busy so it's understandable. read more

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More info about River Grill

55 W Lake Blvd
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Directions
(530) 581-2644
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.rivergrilltahoe.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does River Grill open?

River Grill opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does River Grill close?

River Grill closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does River Grill take credit cards?

Yes, River Grill takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does River Grill have catering options?

No, River Grill does not have catering options.

Does River Grill have a happy hour?

Yes, River Grill has a happy hour.

Does River Grill serve alcohol?

Yes, River Grill serves alcohol. Full Bar

Services

Is River Grill by appointment only?

No, River Grill is not by appointment only.

Indoor Amenities

Does River Grill allow dogs?

No, River Grill does not allow dogs.

Does River Grill have TVs?

Yes, River Grill has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does River Grill have bike parking?

Yes, River Grill has bike parking.

Does River Grill have outdoor seating?

Yes, River Grill has outdoor seating options.

Does River Grill have parking?

Yes, River Grill has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is River Grill wheelchair accessible?

Yes, River Grill is wheelchair accessible.

Does River Grill allow outdoor smoking?

No, River Grill does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does River Grill have free WiFi?

No, River Grill does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

River Grill sits on the banks of the peaceful Truckee River, just downstream from the infamous "Fanny Bridge" and the Lake Tahoe Dam, the Lake's only outlet. River Grill offers year-round river-front dining, featuring enticing California cuisine from seasonal menus of fresh seafood, steaks and tasty appetizers.

History

Established in 2006.

During the summer months, enjoy our spacious two-level patio with live music from local musicians playing every night. Fall and winter at the River Grill offer a cozy respite from the day's activities with good cheer, great food, and a warm and inviting atmosphere to gather with family, and friends old and new. Springtime at the River Grill is glorious as the river fills and the trees and flowers bloom.

You might also consider

Sierra Surf Club

Unbeatable location across from the lake in Tahoe City. Live music on a Monday at lunch time on MDW…read morewas fun. The place has a nice vibe and a big bar. The menu was an array of apps like Bao buns, guac and chips to birria beef rangoon, entree salads and burgers including a mushroom burger. They were a bit understaffed - one bartender and one server. Neither super friendly or forward with info - we had no clue on the flow or what and where to go. We figured it out, but clearly a bit of an issue. We ordered at the bar, but from a server, and then sat outside. The poke bowl, while a tad bland was hearty, filling and solid. The deep fried onions on top were a really nice touch, although I did feel like it was over the top salty - I ended up drinking like a gallon of water when I got home. The Bloody Mary was really good... so props on that drink, with a blue cheese olive and all. Overall, such a solid spot. Well designed, hip and a solid menu. I'd come again if I was in the 'hood. * bonus for some limited parking in the back lot.

Came in on a Saturday evening and were seated right away. The service was attentive and the waiter…read morewas friendly throughout our meal. We ordered the green curry noodle bowl with beef shank added, as well as the seafood pan roast. The noodle bowl came with an overly generous amount of noodles, which made the overall balance of the dish a bit difficult. I found myself having to work through the noodles before getting to much of the curry. The roasted mushrooms and the portion of beef were both quite good. The ingredients each tasted fine on their own, but the bowl didn't quite come together as a cohesive dish. The seafood pan roast was more enjoyable, with a good amount of scallops, shrimp, and salmon. Overall, it was the stronger of the two dishes. While there were some positives, the tasting experience didn't fully meet my expectations, and I don't think I would recommend this spot to others if they are looking for noodle bowl.

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Inside Lounge

Ribs- so good.

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Lettuce wraps/ only thing I'd skip. The texture of the mushroom with the ice berg did not go well at all too mushy.

Shadyside Lounge

4.5

(137 reviews)

1.9 mi

We've been wanting to try this place out for months and we're glad we finally did! The service was…read moregreat, the food was amazing, and the live music and lively atmosphere lent to the amazing experience we had. This place is busy for a reason and the wait is worth it. We came in as Walk-ins and despite the fact that there were 17 parties on the reservation list before us, we still were able to be seated and within 25 minutes. Our server Caroline was quick to get our orders in and as first time visitors, she made excellent suggestions to make our night unforgettable. To start, we had two drinks off the menu, the Whiskey Mango Foxtrot and the Spicy Cucumber Mar-tini. Both were excellent, and the marg-tini had an especially good japalepeno kick, which is what I was looking for. We're normally old fashion kind of drinkers but the Whiskey Mango Foxtrot had excellent flavor and was well balanced, with what tasted like a Tajin mango. The real star of the show was the food though. The server wasn't joking when she said the nachos are best shared with two people, and I even opted for the guacamole. The carnitas were buttery tender and the cheese sauce tasted gourmet and incredibly flavorful. I definitely recommend these! They were probably some of the best nachos I've had, and this is coming from someone that's lived in Santa Barbara for 5 years! Next up was the burrito bowl, and the first thing that comes to mind is: generous! We're used to spending $25 an entree in the city and still leaving the restaurant hungry, but not here. The chips were fresh and crispy and truly taste hand made. The birria beef was amazing and tender and flavorful, and the pickled onions and vinegar sauce was the chefs kiss on an altogether amazing dish. We're so glad to have finally made it over here! Bottom line, this restaurant is worth checking out if you're in the area. It's packed with locals every night, but don't let the long wait times dissuade you, they under-promise and over deliver. These are the best drinks and food with Mexican flare this side of the Sierras, and will become a staple during our visits to the area. If you appreciate good food, drinks, and an amazing mountain atmosphere, you owe it to yourself to put Shadyside Lounge on your short list of places to try, I know I did and the only regret I have is not coming here sooner!

I think I just found the best casual dining spot on the West Shore, hands down. Shadyside serves…read moresome of the most craveable Mexican food I've had! Everything tasted fresh, well-seasoned, and thoughtfully put together. We ordered two encharitos, one with the beef birria and one with the chicken. Both were fantastic, but if you're deciding between the two, get the beef birria. The enchilada sauce is absolutely to die for, and the rich, tender beef put it over the top. The carnitas burrito was incredibleeeee. It was packed with the perfect ratio of carnitas, beans, rice, and all the fixings, so every bite had a little bit of everything. The carnitas were cooked perfectly. It was super tender with great flavor and seasoning. I'm already craving it again. We also started with the guacamole, which was fresh, chunky, and generously portioned. For drinks, we had the House Margarita, the Scratch Cadillac, and the Smoking Gun. The margaritas were refreshing and well-balanced, but a little light on the tequila. The Smoking Gun, on the other hand, had a great spirit-to-flavor ratio. It's definitely smoky (as the name suggests), so if you're a mezcal fan, you'll probably love it (like me!). Service was great. Our waitress was young, incredibly sweet, attentive, and happy to accommodate a few special requests. Just be prepared to wait. It's a small restaurant that's clearly popular, and for good reason. The atmosphere is cute and lively, though it does get pretty loud. That didn't bother me at all, but it's worth mentioning if you're looking for a quieter dinner.

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Bar

Shrimp macha skillet - incredibly flavorful, highly recommend. Pro tip: get tortillas on the side and make your own tacos

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Margarita

Christy Hill Restaurant

Food is absolutely delicious. Presentation is beautiful, and the staff is awesome, very down to…read moreearth. Can't wait to come back! Best Tres Leches ever!

We arrived with the 7:30 reservation and were seated almost right away with the outdoor table. The…read morehostesses were very friendly a d welcoming. I like the menu a lot, short a seasonallly driven by chef's creativity. We decided to order a 2023 Chateauneuf-du-Pape bottle which paired perfectly with duck, lamb, pork, oxtail, deer, and beets. We shared some appetizers. Their bread is so good that we asked for another loaf. The Ahi Tuna Crudo was fresh and balanced. The cold cut platter was delicious. We were full but wanted to share 2 desserts because the sweet ending menu was so attractive. Great food and wine with a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and live music. Service was excellent and detailed attention with 2 minute checkbacjs, silverware replacement after each course, water refilling, and before desserts arrived, the table was clear out. Proper wine service by the Matre D who happened to know UCF and Orlando well. Our family had a great dining experience.

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$90 corkage too steep for me.

Three Sheets Brewing

3.7

(35 reviews)

0.5 mi

Three Sheets Brewing Company - Great Service, Underwhelming Food…read more We visited Three Sheets Brewing Company hoping for a satisfying meal and some craft brews, but walked away feeling a bit underwhelmed -- with a few highlights and several misses. Food: The biggest disappointment was the hamburger, which we ordered medium-rare but received well-done. It was dry, overcooked, and lacked any real flavor -- honestly, we wouldn't order it again. The pulled pork sandwich had decent taste, though it was on the dry side and could've used more BBQ sauce to bring it to life. The shrimp were fine but forgettable. The seafood bisque was probably the best thing we had -- rich and creamy with a nice depth of flavor. The crab cakes had good seasoning but were a bit soggy on the outside. We also ordered fries, but they never made it to the table, which was frustrating. Drinks: We tried two of their house beers, and while drinkable, they were just average -- nothing that stood out or made us want to order a second round. Service: On the bright side, our waitress was very pleasant and attentive, doing her best despite the kitchen issues. Her friendly service helped soften the experience. Final Thoughts: While the vibe is relaxed and the service was great, the food execution and beer quality didn't quite deliver. There's potential here, but it needs more consistency -- and attention to detail -- to be worth a return visit.

Nice restaurant overlooking Lake Tahoe. It's located on the docks of the Tahoe City Marina. We sat…read moreoutdoors to enjoy the view. Service was good. I ordered the three sheets deluxe salad and loved it. It was portioned well and tasty. I left filled and satisfied. I don't drink but obviously they are know for their house-brewed craft beer. They also have live music so it seems like a great spot to come with family or friends.

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Fat Cat Bar & Grill

Rarely do I feel compelled to leave a review but this was a really good experience. It may have…read morebeen the 5 mile hike we just finished, but this place really hit the spot. The kids enjoyed mac n cheese, husband had the perfect burger and I got the Ahi tower. The meal was complemented by some decadent French fries and fried pickles. Our dog got fresh bowl of water while we had a peek a boo view of the lake across the street on the front patio. I'm not a beer expert but the beer on tap was tasty.

We come here every time we are in the area, the food is always delicious!…read more Service is usually very good. Atmosphere is wonderful. Only negative - don't order the chocolate chip cookie, it is the driest and worst cookie ever.

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Pete N Peter's

Don't let the bad reviews mislead you 12/10 bar…read moreGood vibes, great staff, and great memories will await you here ! Savoy food as well !

Very packed bar on a football game day on a weekend with barely any space to sit. However it…read moreseemed very understaffed. We came at the beginning of the game and well into the second half food still didn't come - adding up to almost a 1.5 hour delay. Watching the game kept us there but we would have left otherwise. Ambience for watching matches was good though. I wish they had the efficiency of Chipotle. Multiple vegetarian options on the menu like burritos, tacos, tater tots, nachos and salsa, etc. Parking is difficult on Tahoe summer weekends

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Great dirty monkey Promo for soft ball qualifiers.

Two burrito bowls

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Menu March 2024

Tahoe Tap Haus

First time at this establishment and not only was the food and drinks amazing but the staff and…read moreowner were absolutely friendly and awesome to talk too! 5 out of 5 and we'll definitely be back!

vegan BURGERS on the menu means I grade a five star for food is not everyone bothers to stock up…read morelike that for us. Specifically there's is named cleverly, "INFINITY AND BEYOND", what sounds like a science fiction novel to me. It is comprised of a 4 oz Beyond® patty, Swiss, peppers, onions, Fernet® BBQ sauce, brioche bun $23 they also have a hummus there that has a choice of three different additions but I think they said only the olive tapenade is vegan. Here is awesome and they are well staffed and everyone is quite knowledgeable. five stars for ambience both inside and out. Outside of course is the dog friendly patio with a lake view. Inside is more of a sports bar feel

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Ski bunny

Chilaquiles breakfast!!!

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Front of restaurant

Uncorked Tahoe City

As with their locations in Truckee and Olympic Valley, there is no better selection of wines,…read moreparticularly European wines, in the entire Tahoe basin. Great space too! An excellent spot to enjoy a glass of vino while taking a break from all that Tahoe City and it's environs have to offer.

Overpriced and underwhelming. Super expensive. You want good wine and food that isn't a rip off? Go…read moreto Whispering Vine.

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BridgeTender Tavern

Alas! We found food we liked on our trip to the North Shore. Who knew a chili dog would be so…read moretasty! Can you say chili? The chili dog was loaded with more than enough chili and was very tasty. My husband and I enjoyed our visit. Our server and service was great! The restaurant was busy and had a fun atmosphere.

This is a good place if you want to sit outdoors with a nice view of the Truckee River. There's…read morealso indoor seating but it's a little dark. The service was quick and friendly but unfortunately the food was lacking in flavor. Our burger was well done and dry even though we ordered it medium. The fish tacos presentation was a bit of a mess. There was lots of fresh avocado and cabbage but it was indistinguishable from a salad. The beer battered fish in the tacos was hard to find. *I'd come back purely for the outdoor ambiance and the beautiful patio setting near the river. Maybe just drinks and apps next time?!

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Inside Seating

Waffle fries, regular fries

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Patio

Rosie's Cafe

Rosie's Cafe was one of our very best memories from our trip to Lake Tahoe. The food was fantastic…read more(we had the quiche and a BLT), but the waitress was beyond fantastic. She took such good care of us (she's tall with red glasses) and recommended going to the live performance on the beach (Joy and Madness) and it was magical. I'm so thankful we chose this cafe.

Over the years one the places we would regularly eat at would be Rosie's Cafe…read more Food are decent portions and had trouble with the service. This last time service was so outstanding. The young lady that was serving us was amazing in making sure was taken care of. Definitely worth coming back to next year.

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Sat by the chimney

Zucchini break Sweet potato fries

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What Rosie's looks like from the sidewalk.

Fat Cat Bar & Grill

Rarely do I feel compelled to leave a review but this was a really good experience. It may have…read morebeen the 5 mile hike we just finished, but this place really hit the spot. The kids enjoyed mac n cheese, husband had the perfect burger and I got the Ahi tower. The meal was complemented by some decadent French fries and fried pickles. Our dog got fresh bowl of water while we had a peek a boo view of the lake across the street on the front patio. I'm not a beer expert but the beer on tap was tasty.

We come here every time we are in the area, the food is always delicious!…read more Service is usually very good. Atmosphere is wonderful. Only negative - don't order the chocolate chip cookie, it is the driest and worst cookie ever.

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Christy Hill Restaurant

Food is absolutely delicious. Presentation is beautiful, and the staff is awesome, very down to…read moreearth. Can't wait to come back! Best Tres Leches ever!

We arrived with the 7:30 reservation and were seated almost right away with the outdoor table. The…read morehostesses were very friendly a d welcoming. I like the menu a lot, short a seasonallly driven by chef's creativity. We decided to order a 2023 Chateauneuf-du-Pape bottle which paired perfectly with duck, lamb, pork, oxtail, deer, and beets. We shared some appetizers. Their bread is so good that we asked for another loaf. The Ahi Tuna Crudo was fresh and balanced. The cold cut platter was delicious. We were full but wanted to share 2 desserts because the sweet ending menu was so attractive. Great food and wine with a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and live music. Service was excellent and detailed attention with 2 minute checkbacjs, silverware replacement after each course, water refilling, and before desserts arrived, the table was clear out. Proper wine service by the Matre D who happened to know UCF and Orlando well. Our family had a great dining experience.

Photos

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$90 corkage too steep for me.

Tahoe Tap Haus

First time at this establishment and not only was the food and drinks amazing but the staff and…read moreowner were absolutely friendly and awesome to talk too! 5 out of 5 and we'll definitely be back!

vegan BURGERS on the menu means I grade a five star for food is not everyone bothers to stock up…read morelike that for us. Specifically there's is named cleverly, "INFINITY AND BEYOND", what sounds like a science fiction novel to me. It is comprised of a 4 oz Beyond® patty, Swiss, peppers, onions, Fernet® BBQ sauce, brioche bun $23 they also have a hummus there that has a choice of three different additions but I think they said only the olive tapenade is vegan. Here is awesome and they are well staffed and everyone is quite knowledgeable. five stars for ambience both inside and out. Outside of course is the dog friendly patio with a lake view. Inside is more of a sports bar feel

Photos

Ski bunny

Chilaquiles breakfast!!!

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Front of restaurant

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15 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Evan A.

4

36

0

13 years ago

River Grill is one of the best places to eat in Tahoe City. They have a mix of old and new dishes, all tasting great and executed perfectly. They have great starters, seasonal starters, some great soups/salads and nice entrees. I personally like to go during their awesome happy hour, 25% off most starters and soups/salads, 50% off seasonal starters, drink specials and an 11$ buck burger with fries and a caesar (costs 1$ extra for bacon, avocado or cheese, 2$ for sweet potato fries). I have been here more than ten times and each time they have perfect service and wonderful consistency, never seen them have a bad day with the kitchen. On the downside, not every dish is my favorite/great (the Sliders are a bit disappointing) and it can be a bit pricey if you don't go during happy hour (though still reasonable) Some of my favorites are the Dynamite Prawns, the Smoked Salmon on Focaccia (seasonal) and the Burger read more

Hilary J.

3

28

6

14 years ago

What a beautiful location! Set right on the river with many cottonwood trees, the atmosphere is perfect for any occation. As I understand they have music every night which really enhances the atmosphere. The food....unbelievablly good! All the apetizers are amazing and I left feeling like I wanted their chef as my personal cook! The prices are incredibly reasonable and the staff was very friendly and professional. It is a little tucked away at the y in tahoe city but really is a gem!!! read more

Archibold S.

0

14

0

17 years ago

Service is great. Sat at the bar for an hour during happy hour, which is a good deal...$3 drafts and good apps. Sat for dinner and service was again good. Food came really quicky which was kinda weird but good, I guess. Tasted pretty good. Had the short ribs their "specialty." Not sure the food was worth the price, but a really nice atmosphere. Wine selection was good and hanging out at the bar would be what I recommend. read more

A. L.

2

11

2

13 years ago

Best Burger Ever. It is called the River grill angus burger. I added on avocado and cheddar cheese. Every thing about it is good. From the meat to the bun it is amazing!! I usually never can finish a burger but this one is a different story. The fries were like McDonalds fries (which to me is a good thing) and the were okay. The salad was pretty good too. All around, the best meal I've had in a long time. read more

Tom H.

0

9

5

8 years ago

River Grill has the best happy hour around! In addition to great prices and selection during happy hour, the service and food are always spot on. We love to sit outside on their beautiful patio in the summer, or next to the fireplace in the winter. You can't go wrong eating here. I recommend this restaurant to all out of town guests because I know they are one of the most consistently great places around. read more

Helen H.

0

3

0

14 years ago

We spend a lot of time in Tahoe City in the winters, and this is our favorite restaurant. We are picky about food, and it is always consistently good here. Love the dynamite prawns, curry mussels, rib eye, short ribs and ceasar salad. Also, they always seem to have a great fish special. The fire place room is warm and inviting too with great river views. read more

Ron H.

0

19

0

10 years ago

Nice river view if you can secure a table there. Fine for children. We found it overpriced but all enjoyed their meal. Kids like the ice cream puffs. read more

Zara B.

0

5

0

11 years ago

My favorite place in TC. Great atmosphere, great service, and really amazing and fresh seafood.

Steph S.

65

21

0

4 years ago

Service was lovely but for the price the food was a B-, C+ at best. I would go somewhere else.