Cutthroat Tavern

My new fave joint in Markleeville! I tried the delicious fish tacos made with fresh mahi mahi — so moist and tender, they melt in your mouth! They paired perfectly with the fried pickles, super crispy with a surprisingly zesty kick. Mike made us feel right at home with prompt and genuinely friendly service. The whole vibe of Cutthroat Tavern is laid back, cozy, and full of local charm. Prices are fair, portions are generous, and the quality is top-notch. Will definitely be back soon!

Try the Pork shoulder was bomb 🔥🔥🔥. Professional friendly customer service was top notch.

Chef Rich

Had a lovely meal here. Literally the best chicken wings I've had (dry rub.) Staff super friendly. Cocktails were perfect! Update (31JAN26): An amazing meal with my date... again! Telling ya all -> the dry rub wings are the bees knees.

Ben Fish

I love this place, you can feel that it's the center of energy in this cool old mountain town. We've been here regularly this year, seeing some bands on the back patio, and other days just to get a burger, fish tacos and fried pickles after biking and fishing nearby. Super welcoming historic place! Can't wait to see what they do with the upstairs floors.

Steve Perkio

We were there on a busy Labor Day weekend, service was still good and the kitchen got the meal out relatively quick enough. I had their beef and bacon burger, with regular fries and we shared fried pickles. My buddy had the carnitas tacos and was thrilled with them! I wish I'd have inquired, I could have got sweet potato fries for a little bit more and I'm normally a medium to medium well Burger but I didn't mention that and my burger came out a little on the red side. Nonetheless, it was excellent!

Katy Jo Caringer

What a gem in Markleeville! The service was warm and friendly, the food was amazing, and the patio made it the perfect spot to relax with friends. We ended up sharing almost every appetizer because they were all so good—we couldn’t pick just one! The Tavern Burger was seriously delicious, with fresh veggies and local meat. Everything about this place feels welcoming and genuine. Can’t wait to come back.

Chris McNamara

What a gem! One of the older and cooler buildings: you feel the history when you walk in. Very friendly service and great small town vibe. Big fan of the Bacon Brussels and Beast Burger. And cheese curds. We brought the two families with ages 3-11 and kids had a great time and had plenty of menu options. There are a lot of cool trails and scenic drives nearby. My favorite option is to start at Carson Pass, ride though Hope, Faith and Charity Valleys, past Grover Hot Springs and end right at the Cutthroat.

Jesse Sarratea

Markleeville couldn’t be luckier to have these new owners and their staff. From the front door to the farewells, you won’t find a better mountain town energy with a respect for the history of The Cutthroat Tavern.

Irina Alexandrova

This was the first time we ate at Cutthroat Tavern since the new owners, the place has gotten even better! The Tavern Burger is delicious and the fries are great. Also chocolate torte was delicious. Definitely stop by if you are in Markleeville

Kristin C

I was visiting family for the weekend and was so excited to check this place out. We happened to stop in on a Saturday when the Market at Markleeville was going on also. I had such a fantastic time! I was so impressed in the level of detail put into this place. From the moment you walk in, the charm immediately hits you. The decor is thoughtful and rich with history. Every detail feels like a tribute to the town’s roots, while still feeling fresh and welcoming. The music was really enjoyable and the staff is equally warm and inviting, making you feel like a local even if it’s your first time visiting. I opted for an Aperol Spritz and some fish tacos. The perfect combo on a hot summer day. The cheese curds were phenomenal also. Someone else had ordered these for the table, but I was really struggling to share because they were so good. If you’re anywhere near Markleeville, I highly recommend stopping by.

Camryn Goodwin

While driving through Markleeville I was SO happy to see that the Cutthroat had reopened. My family and I camp here every summer and the Cutthroat is a place that is very special to us. Michael was our server and he was so kind and attentive. He made our quick visit very memorable. I look forward to coming back next month with my family for our annual Grover trip!

Bob McManus

If you're traveling the Eastern Sierras or headed down Hwy 88, this is a great place for a beer, appetizers or a meal! Great staff, welcoming environment, nice outside patio, and great food! Today, I had the pork sandwich, which was awesome!

Sydney Nickell

My new fave joint in Markleeville! I tried the delicious fish tacos made with fresh mahi mahi — so moist and tender, they melt in your mouth! They paired perfectly with the fried pickles, super crispy with a surprisingly zesty kick. Mike made us feel right at home with prompt and genuinely friendly service. The whole vibe of Cutthroat Tavern is laid back, cozy, and full of local charm. Prices are fair, portions are generous, and the quality is top-notch. Will definitely be back soon!

We ended up going to Cutthroat Tavern nearby and had a great experience. The staff was friendly and welcoming, there was live music, and the atmosphere felt relaxed and inclusive. I order the mahi-mahi taco and I can tell their fish was very fresh and cooked healthy. The food and beer were excellent. I’d definitely recommend Cutthroat Tavern.

After a short drive through the Sierras on CA-89 in the quaint, little town of Markleeville, CA is the Cutthroat Tavern. It has both inside and outside dining. We've especially enjoyed eating a nice meal with a glass of wine outside (weather permitting). Staff is friendly and the tasty meals are served quickly. A must stop while enjoying a leisurely drive through the local Sierra Nevada mountains scenery.

We were there last night to see the band. What a great experience. We will definitely return. The staff was a blast, the food was excellent. The band was THE best. The bar is clean n the atmosphere is warm n welcoming. We're an hour n half away. It was worth the drive. Thank you for making it fun. 😄

As soon I walked in, I immediately loved the vibe. The staff was incredibly nice, helpful, and provided great customer service. They even had a live singer/guitarist performing. The atmosphere felt chill, welcoming, and open-minded. I didn’t feel judged at all, and even the customers added to the positive environment. On top of that, the food and beers were amazing. Love their Mahi Mahi Taco, I can tell it was fresh and the way it was cooked was healthy too. I would highly recommend Cutthroat Tavern.

I was traveling and decided to stop by Markleeville and found this place. I was very tired and hungry and right away the bartender Michael made me feel welcomed. I tried his fish sandwich and it was amazing. The owner came over and gave me a little history of the place and also made me feel very welcomed. Even though I live an hour away , I will definitely be back just for the company and great food. The place is amazing inside, very comfortable.

I was in the tiny town of Markleeville for business and was staying next door at Creekside Lodge. It was superbowl Sunday, so I decided to stop in at get some food. The servers/bartenders were really welcoming and fun to talk to. I asked for a veggie burger and they had one! It's not on the menu but they have them. It was really good. The fries are seasoned super delicious. Servings are large, I didn't finish my fries. They also had non alcoholic Blue Moon, which is cool. They had 4 NA beers to choose from! I would definitely stop here again when in town.

Lanie

We ended up going to Cutthroat Tavern nearby and had a great experience. The staff was friendly and welcoming, there was live music, and the atmosphere felt relaxed and inclusive. I order the mahi-mahi taco and I can tell their fish was very fresh and cooked healthy. The food and beer were excellent. I’d definitely recommend Cutthroat Tavern.

Lanie Choi

As soon I walked in, I immediately loved the vibe. The staff was incredibly nice, helpful, and provided great customer service. They even had a live singer/guitarist performing. The atmosphere felt chill, welcoming, and open-minded. I didn’t feel judged at all, and even the customers added to the positive environment. On top of that, the food and beers were amazing. Love their Mahi Mahi Taco, I can tell it was fresh and the way it was cooked was healthy too. I would highly recommend Cutthroat Tavern.

Todd Snyder

Amazing historic building in the heart of a magical, small mountain town. Rustic decor and a great 'old west' feel. Amazing service, the staff are friendly and extremely attentive! Of you're anywhere nearby, you should definitely stop for food and/or a drink!

Ralph Ewing

After a short drive through the Sierras on CA-89 in the quaint, little town of Markleeville, CA is the Cutthroat Tavern. It has both inside and outside dining. We've especially enjoyed eating a nice meal with a glass of wine outside (weather permitting). Staff is friendly and the tasty meals are served quickly. A must stop while enjoying a leisurely drive through the local Sierra Nevada mountains scenery.

Dawn Carlson

We were there last night to see the band. What a great experience. We will definitely return. The staff was a blast, the food was excellent. The band was THE best. The bar is clean n the atmosphere is warm n welcoming. We're an hour n half away. It was worth the drive. Thank you for making it fun. 😄

Andrew Herndon

We recently made our way to The Cutthroat for the first time, and wow, we loved it! As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a warm welcome. To the left, the bar was packed with people chatting and laughing, having a great time. We were seated on the patio, and decided to start with the pretzel bites, fried pickles, and cheese curds. Everything was super tasty, but the cheese curds were definitely the winner—especially with those three dipping sauces. The pesto one? So good. I also tried a couple Pale Ales, which I’m now hooked on. While we were hanging out, I noticed how happy everyone seemed. It felt like everyone really appreciated being there, and it just had such a good vibe. Oh, and if you go, definitely take a minute to check out the old photos inside. The history of the place and the town is actually pretty cool. Highly recommend stopping by!

Sean Haverstock

Dined in after a mountain bike ride in the area. It was a busy Friday night but the food came out quick and everyone in our group was happy with their order. Really great atmosphere whether in the Stopped in after a mountain bike ride in the area. Came in just as the kitchen was closing but they happily took our order on a busy Friday night. The food came out quick and everyone was happy with their order. Really great atmosphere whether in the super cool historical building or outside on the patio. Great beer on tap, too! cool historical building or outside on the patio. Great beer on tap, too!

We had already eaten lunch, but my husband’s bike group decided to stop by Cutthroat Tavern to relax and plan their upcoming ride. I shared a fish and chips with my husband—crispy, tasty, and just right for a light bite. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff were genuinely warm and attentive. A great local spot to unwind, catch up, and fuel up—whether you’re biking through or just passing by.

The Cutthroat had been closed for quite a while before new owners took over. We stopped in for a drink and snack, nice to see they kept the original theme. The sweet potato fries were great along with a good selection of beers and cocktails.

MomZee Jen

We had already eaten lunch, but my husband’s bike group decided to stop by Cutthroat Tavern to relax and plan their upcoming ride. I shared a fish and chips with my husband—crispy, tasty, and just right for a light bite. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff were genuinely warm and attentive. A great local spot to unwind, catch up, and fuel up—whether you’re biking through or just passing by.

Derwin Callen

The Cutthroat had been closed for quite a while before new owners took over. We stopped in for a drink and snack, nice to see they kept the original theme. The sweet potato fries were great along with a good selection of beers and cocktails.