The Dog & Bear Tavern - Tahoma, California

The Dog & Bear Tavern: A Detailed Recommendation

The Dog & Bear Tavern, located at 7000 W Lake Blvd, Tahoma, CA 96142, United States, is a highly regarded establishment offering a comprehensive dining experience. With a phone number of 5305258138 and a website at thedogandbear.com, it’s easily accessible and well-documented. This tavern consistently receives positive feedback, boasting an average opinion of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 165 reviews on Google My Business. It’s a popular choice for a diverse clientele, ranging from families to tourists, and offers a relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Location and Ambiance

Situated in Tahoma, California, The Dog & Bear Tavern benefits from a scenic lakeside location. The tavern’s design reflects a cosy and trendy aesthetic, blending rustic charm with modern touches. The interior is known for its warm lighting and comfortable seating arrangements, creating a welcoming environment for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. The tavern's design truly contributes to its appeal, establishing a space that encourages lingering and enjoyable experiences.

Specialties and Menu Offerings

The Dog & Bear Tavern specializes in restaurant-quality food and drink. Their menu is surprisingly diverse, catering to a variety of tastes. Highlights frequently mentioned by patrons include elevated comfort food, fresh oysters, and an extensive selection of craft beers. The tavern prides itself on offering a rotating selection of special dishes, alongside classic favorites. Specific items consistently praised include the truffle coppa pizza, a decadent poutine, and beautifully presented chocolate-covered strawberries. Vegetarian options are also available, ensuring that guests with dietary restrictions can find satisfying choices. Furthermore, the tavern regularly features organic dishes and small plates, appealing to a health-conscious clientele.

Amenities and Services

The Dog & Bear Tavern is committed to providing a seamless and convenient experience for its patrons. It offers a range of services including takeaway, dine-in, and delivery options. Fast service is consistently noted as a positive aspect of the dining experience. The tavern boasts a significant beer selection, appealing to craft beer enthusiasts. It’s also a popular spot for watching sports, enjoying a dinner, or simply relaxing alone. Guests can utilize the wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. The tavern features wheelchair-accessible seating and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. A prominent bar on site provides an additional social hub. Table service is available, and the tavern accepts a wide range of payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. High chairs and a dedicated kids' menu cater to families with young children. Free of charge street parking and a free parking lot are readily available. Reservations are accepted, allowing guests to secure their preferred seating.

Customer Feedback and Reputation

The Dog & Bear Tavern enjoys a strong reputation, as evidenced by its high average opinion and substantial number of Google My Business reviews (165). Numerous reviews highlight the quality of the food, the attentiveness of the staff, and the overall enjoyable atmosphere. Several patrons specifically mention the exceptional service provided by the bar staff, describing them as sociable and nice. While some reviews note that the prices are a bit higher than average, they consistently emphasize that the quality and service justify the cost. The frequent mention of Valentine’s Day visits indicates that the tavern is a popular destination for special occasions. The overall sentiment expressed by customers is overwhelmingly positive, cementing The Dog & Bear Tavern's position as a desirable dining destination. The consistent praise for the poutine, in particular, suggests a signature dish that is highly appreciated by patrons.

Key Features Summary

• Location: 7000 W Lake Blvd, Tahoma, CA 96142
• Phone: 5305258138
• Website: thedogandbear.com
• Cuisine: Restaurant (Comfort Food, Seafood, Vegetarian Options)
• Atmosphere: Cosy, Trendy, Family-Friendly
• Services: Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery, Reservations
• Amenities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Bar, Extensive Beer Selection, Kids' Menu

In conclusion, The Dog & Bear Tavern offers a compelling combination of quality food, excellent service, and a pleasant ambiance. It’s a recommended destination for those seeking a memorable dining experience in Tahoma, California.

👍 Reviews of The Dog & Bear Tavern

Brie B.

5/5

We went here on Valentine’s Day, but have been here before.

There was a short list of specials, oysters, chocolate covered strawberries, and a few others. We got the truffle coppa pizza, the poutine (OMG), the oysters, and chocolate covered strawberries. It was all really good, and the service was great! We sat at the bar and our bartender was super nice and sociable. The prices are a bit high, but given the quality and the service we will be back.

Harry K.

2/5

This place was PACKED when I went around 6 pm. The wait-list never seemed to change positions and the staff didn't call out names although locals seemed to always get a seat just by talking to people. I eventually asked about how long of a wait for 1 person and they said to try my luck waiting for an open seat at the bar. That worked, but then why even have a wait-list? The food was excellent but the service was terrible. Granted, they were slammed (most likely due to the triathlon). Still, most of the staff essentially ignored you unless you forced an interaction and even then it took ages for things to happen.
In short, if this place looks busy when you go, then be prepared for a wait and don't be afraid to speak up for service. The squeaky wheel is the only one to get attention here.

Mark S.

5/5

Dog and Bear is fantastic! Friendly staff and friendly inviting atmosphere. Chef uses fine ingredients which makes every visit a treat. The margherita pizza finished with a balsamic glaze is delicious. The salads and specials are fresh in ingredients and presentation. Great variety of wine and beers. A West Tahoe gem.

Philipp

5/5

We were there twice during our week-long stay.
The food is very good and everything was prepared with great attention to detail.

Service was very friendly and we enjoyed it with our three kids.

A comment that does not refer to the restaurant: We have seen other families behave as if they own the restaurant and leave the table like.... Why do you do that?

Dean D.

5/5

I have lived in Tahoma for 70 years. I have seen many owners over the years but I really think they are doing better than any other pizza restaurant in the past. The staff is very friendly and the food quality is top notch. Keep up the great work. I thank everyone involved in this restaurant

David C.

5/5

It was nice to be able to get fancy adult meals while the kids ate pizza. The beer selection was small, but they missed a delivery apparently. Polite staff. The server had to double check our order 5 minutes after ordering which was surprising.

Gina K.

5/5

This place is a gem. So happy to have a great little restaurant with a good selection of food in Tahoma. Rotating taps and wine specials as well as food specials. The short ribs are fantastic, but rich! The burrata appetizer was delicious. I loved the caesar salad, (but my young niece was not a fan...might be more of an adult type of caesar, but I thought it was great). The servers are very friendly. We will definitely go back.

Michael H.

5/5

Great food, great service, nice location. We had the Flyin’ Hawaiian pizza and the Pig & Peach pizza. Excellent! If you’re in Tahoma, it’s definitely worth a stop.