The Hangar – Taproom & Bottle Shop

The Hangar in South Lake Tahoe offers rotating craft beers and a relaxed outdoor space with games, food trucks, and seasonal heated domes

When I mentioned to Sonni that I’d be exploring South Lake Tahoe before our dinner plans, she didn’t hesitate. “You have to stop at The Hangar Taproom,” she said, with the kind of urgency that signals more than a recommendation. It was a must do. So, up for the adventure, I drove up.

The drive up felt like its own reward. Winding through pine-lined roads, with Lake Tahoe shimmering, it was perfect. I pulled over at one of those quintessential Tahoe viewpoints. It was gorgeous.

By the time I reached The Hangar, I was already exceptionally happy. The tap room looked unpretentious yet curated, with a spacious outdoor area and a great beer list.

After starting off with a great conversation with the bartender, I tasted a few he shared as highlights:

SHRED / CELLARMAKER’S “TERPENE DREAMS” (West Coast IPA · 6.8% · Rocklin, CA) I really enjoyed this one. It hit with a dank, resinous hop aroma right up front. It taste like a super classic West Coast IPA, but with a smooth, clean finish.

ALVARADO STREET – “MAI TAI GOLD LABEL” (American Ipa · 6.5% · Monterey, CA) This felt like a tropical vacation in a glass. I got a burst of juicy pineapple and citrus right away.

FIELDWORK – “ST. THOMAS O.G.” (West Coast Ipa · 6.7% · Berkeley, CA) It was super crisp, with bright citrus and pine notes.

Intrigued, I decided on a full flight. Tahoe felt like the right place to sip slowly and stretch the afternoon.

My lineup:

SHRED/CELLARMAKER’S TERPENE DREAMS, ALVARADO STREET’S  MAI TAI GOLD LABEL AND DOUBLE DANK SHAKE, FACTION’A THE PENSKE FILE AND BURNING BARREL’S SHAKA VIBES

Each pour had its own character: bright citrus, creamy milkshake textures, even a dessert-like sour. Slowing down to savor them felt like a small luxury. It was a true vibe that I loved: the open air, the wind in the trees – perfection.

Midway through, I got a bit of exceptionally good professional news. I raised a glass to the moment. A small toast to progress, a reminder that sometimes success shows up in unexpected places.

Before leaving, I stepped back in to return my glasses and thank the bartender. That turned into a quick, easy conversation that stretched the afternoon a little longer. He rattled off a list of Southern California breweries that he loved and recommended.

1. Green Cheek Beer Co. – Orange, CA
2. Riip Beer Co. – Long Beach, CA
3. Highland Park Brewery – Los Angeles, CA
4. Monkish Brewing – Torrance, CA
5. Radiant Beer Co. – Anaheim, CA
6. Bottle Logic Brewing – Anaheim, CA

I’d visited Monkish Brewing before. But, looked forward to visiting others that he suggested.

The afternoon wrapped up with a quiet sense of satisfaction. Good beer, a scenic view, and a moment to myself that felt unexpectedly complete.

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