Gar Woods Grill & Pier

5000 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140, USA

Address:	5000 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140, USA
Phone:	+1 530-546-3366
Site:	garwoods.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	12–11:30PM 12–11:30PM 12–11:30PM 12–11:30PM 12PM–1AM 11:30AM–1AM 11:30AM–11:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Robert Parker

My wife and I have been going to Gar Woods for decades and have enjoyed the view, the food, and the drinks (not necessarily in that order). Unfortunately, the time before last we experienced a serious lack of acceptable service. The server, who obviously forgot the order of zucchini which we have ordered every time we have been there, actually told us that we had not ordered it. Not even an apology. For the first time at Gar Woods... no zucchini. Oh well, not a huge deal. But then there was this past weekend (4/18/2015). We were lucky to get the first high table next to the window as you walk into the bar. It was crowded, but that shouldnt be an excuse. We sat there for 30 minutes without a server acknowledging our existence. Not a "hi folks Ill be right with you" or "can I get you started on something to drink". The one time a server looked at me, she immediately looked at the floor as she passed us by several times. My wife suggested that I try to find someone who might care, but I refused to beg for service (yes Im stubborn). After 30 minutes we left. As I glanced back I noticed that same server watching us leave. It seemed as though she was relieved that we were gone. Heres a suggestion... its a nice day at the Lake and the NBA basketball playoffs are on. The bar and restaurant MIGHT be busy. STAFF UP, and train your servers to actually acknowledge your customers. Its too late for us, and I realize that this review will not impact your business, but maybe this will save another customer the embarrassment and frustration of being invisible.

jessica pearson

We made reservation for dinner to Gar Woods last week with for a family of 7 adults and 2 children. After arriving at a 5, we were told our table was not ready, and they were waiting for the guests at the table to leave. We waited for over 45 mins and watched other families be seated. The children began to get hungry, bear in mind one of the children is 2. Finally the other guest left the table and we were able to be seated. We ordered our appetizers and dinner items, the crab app came out and it was disappointing to see only 2 small crab cake for the amount it cost. Not to mention, once I bit into the crab it tasted like tuna fish, the onions were also raw inside; not very pleasant. The dinner items took a good amount of time to reach our table. Once there, our burgers were not cooked properly, fries were clearly frozen fries not fresh, and crab again was not up to par. For a meal that cost a pretty penny you would expect some apology for the lengthy wait to be seated and the cooks to be well-versed in their culinary skills. Next time we will choose, Dockside 700 Lakefront Grill, much better meal a few nights later.

joe f

07/13/2016 When you pay $45 for a steak you expect prime grade and for it to be cooked as ordered. This meat is choice at best with no taste. Order medium rare and youll get either a blue cold center as my friend received or no pink like mine. The waiter told us several people had sent back their steaks that were too well done that evening. Even so it was tough meat that could barely be cut with their steak knife and no taste at all. Very disappointing. I give 2 stars because setting was very nice and the wives scallops were good but still expensive for 4 scallops($40). Oh almost forgot..They never took half off for their signature drink the Wet Willie. When I inquired about it, the waiter said that was only Wednesdays. Being on vacation and not realizing what day off the week it was I apologized. Then my friend looked on his calender and it was Wednesday night. Really $32 for 2 so so drinks that were supposed to be half off. Just ridiculous. Go someone else or youll wind up disappointed like we were.

John Smith

This review is not for the food or service but for the $10 split plate policy GAR WOODS charges guests. Had a nice time unparalleled views of the lake + AND SUPER FRIENDLY service however one reason we will not be returning is that they charged $10 for splitting a plate of pasta for our two small children .... $10 ? Can you say rip off . I have a suspicion that the meals here are so overpriced a bunch of guest must split their plates and Gar Woods needs to recoup the cost. the pasta dish was $34.00 with the split charge it = $44.00 for the dinner of pasta for my kids ... It would be proper to inform the guests that there is a $10 split fee I am surprised that they are kid unfriendly here ? Strange ... but we will not be returning .... Stopped at 4 other places on the lake and Gar Woods was the most expensive and the only one with this ridiculous $10 FEE for what ? Scooping pasta onto another plate?

Stuart Johnson

My wife and I visited Garwoods at about 7 pm for a couple of drinks to unwind last Tuesday afternoon, I also had to get rid of a toothache, and wanted to enjoy the lakeside casual atmosphere. Garwoods did not disappoint! We were seated on the deck overlooking the lake and pier. Immediately we were treated to a most excellent experience with a fantastic waitress by the name of Halley. She was tuned in to how we felt, what we needed and took the time to advise on the right drinks: Wet Woody with a Stiff Float. Well, that did the trick! Along with a beautiful evening and a delicious Fish & Chips Entre we were quickly subdued (another round did not hurt either!). Sure, the drinks and food costs are ridiculous, but heh... Its Tahoe, Carnelian Bay, with great service from Halley, and we enjoyed the whole experience. Bravo!

Alyx Barranger

To summarize my experience here I would say: delicious, not super unique, but hit the spot. This is a great place to go after some time on the lake. I came with some friends and we ordered a pitcher of one of their mixed drink seasonal specialties, the Wet Woodie, (which was delicious) and then I got fish and chips which was super fresh and good. The quality of the fish was superb and it was fried to perfection. The staff was very nice, but overall, I felt like the place was a bit of a tourist trap. The food was really good, dont get me wrong, but dont come here looking for something unique and different. If you come expecting a good meal at a slightly inflated price, then you will be happy with your experience.

A Private User

This place is a huge tourist trap for Tahoe visitors. The food is bad especially for the steep prices. Seriously look at the menu prices on their website. To start they give you unflavored pretzel like bread stick with a small bowl of butter and a small glass of water like they are mad you didnt order a drink or an appetizer. I ordered the crab sandwich which came with fries. It was just a weird crab mix on toasted bread for $18.9 no lettuce or anything else with it. The service was bad and brought out the wrong plate to my friend and when my friend corrected the waiter all he said was, " well thats what I wrote down". classy. The view and drinks might be the only things Gar Woods has to offer.