Bridgetender Tavern and Grill

The go-to place for lunch if circumnavigating around Tahoe! It has been a few years since last we visited. The food and service was great, as always, but the prices? Inflation, combined with CA $20/hr minimum wage results in a $19 bacon cheeseburger, $5 waffle fries, and $9 Moose Drool Ale. 🫤 This was a little disappointing.

The fact that we couldn't also visit Fanny Bridge (under major reconstruction) detracted from a traditional spot that we enjoy when we visit Tahoe. (yes, I know the restaurant has nothing to do with the road work, but I'm commenting on the overall atmosphere)

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is a gem. We discovered this place on the way home to Sac from Lake Tahoe. Food is super delicious and fresh. Two of us shared fish and waffle chips and lettuce wedges salad. Our waitress Ceasar was super nice, enthusiastic about his job, and you can definitely tell he enjoys in what he does.
Totally recommend this place. There are variety of American food choices.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rustic look and good food. Tots are amazing. Elk burger is nice.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We love the Bridge tender! Always our first stop. Fish tacos, waffle fries and a beer. Fav!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very cool place, big portions and good pricing. Server was great and the food was delish.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great spot on the water.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Bridgetender Tavern and Grill location is fantastic, and the place itself has great potential to be one of the best locations in Tahoe city area. However, the food consistently feels underwhelming—it’s quite average, lacking in flavor and something more unique to equal the high prices. The location is a 5-star review, but the culinary experience just doesn’t stand out at this point. That said, I truly believe there’s room to elevate the quality of the Food, and I hope to see improvements in the future. Customer service can be attentive specially when asking for a high gratuity tip.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Food was good at a reasonable price!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The service was great but the food was very overpriced and honestly not that great. The fish tacos were okay but the wedge salad wasn't anything close to a wedge and was really gross so skip that. Perhaps the standard bar far fare is better.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

Highly recommend stopping by if you’re visiting Tahoe! This is our second summer coming up here, and every time we make sure to visit this spot — the vibe on the lakefront and right by the river is just incredible. Add in great service and tasty food, and it’s the perfect combo.
We came on a weekend evening, and even though it was busy, we were seated super fast — within about 5 minutes. A little tip: the menu inside and outside is slightly different. For example, if you want BBQ ribs, you can order them inside and then bring the plate out to your table yourself. My boyfriend did exactly that and got his dinner in about 10 minutes, while the rest of us waited around 15 minutes for ours.
The portions are huge — so much so that almost everyone ended up taking food to go.
Perfect Tahoe spot to soak in the views, the vibe, and the food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

After people being ill all night from eating here, the review was changed to one star from three.

Subpar on the food. It's ok, but not enjoyable in general. Burgers were overcooked, and even if properly cooked were just meh at best.

If you get a seat near the river It's pleasant, but otherwise dark and claustrophobic inside.

Was warned off by locals on the food, but gave it a shot.

Grab a beer and appetizers over the river, but otherwise it's a pass.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 3

I had the fish and chips, they were so oily and I get it it's fried food but the fish was more oily then I have ever seen

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4

I enjoy how the flavors are bold yet not overwhelming.

Good steady place. Good food & nice service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was delicious, and portions were big. Service was so kind and accommodating when our party moved tables a couple times! The patio space was so lovely.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5