Lake Tahoe Restaurants

On weekends and in high season, expect a long wait at the more popular restaurants. And expect to pay resort prices almost everywhere. During the "shoulder seasons" (from April to May and September to November), some places may close temporarily or limit their hours, so call ahead. Also, check local papers for deals and discounts during this time, especially two-for-one coupons. Many casinos use their restaurants to attract gamblers. Marquees often tout "$8.99 prime rib dinners" or "$2.99 breakfast specials." Some of these meals are downright lousy and they are usually available only in the coffee shops and buffets, but at those prices, it's hard to complain. The finer restaurants in casinos deliver pricier food, as well as reasonable service and a bit of atmosphere. Unless otherwise noted, even the most expensive area restaurants welcome customers in casual clothes.

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  • 1. Fire Sign Cafe

    $

    There's often a wait for breakfast and lunch at this great little diner with pine paneling, hardwood floors, and an exposed-beam ceiling, but it's worth it. The pastries are made from scratch, the salmon is smoked in-house, the salsa is hand cut, and there's real maple syrup for the many types of pancakes and waffles.

    1785 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, California, 96145, USA
    530-583–0871

    Known For

    • Breakfast and lunch classics
    • Fruit cobbler
    • Casual atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 2. Full Belly Deli

    $

    Truckee residents and visitors jam this strip-mall restaurant for diverse breakfast fare like the biscuits-and-gravy burrito and hot lunch sandwiches that include Cubans, cheesesteaks, the Southwest chicken pepper jack on focaccia, and the formidable Dirka Dirka (corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, jalapeño cole slaw). Salads, subs, and wraps are also on the menu, and there's a good beverage selection, from aloe water to Red Bull.

    10825 Pioneer Trail, Truckee, California, 96161, USA
    530-550–9516

    Known For

    • Outdoor dining in good weather
    • Pasta, macaroni, and potato salad sides
    • Order online to save time

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
  • 3. Sprouts Natural Foods Cafe

    $

    If it's in between normal mealtimes and you're hungry for something healthful, head to this order-at-the-counter café for salads, overstuffed wraps, hot sandwiches, homemade vegan soups, all-day breakfasts, and the best smoothies in town. Dine at wooden tables in the cheery contemporary indoor space or out front on the patio, or just order food to go.

    3123 Harrison Ave., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-541–6969

    Known For

    • Fresh, healthy cuisine
    • Vegan and vegetarian friendly
    • Congenial staff
  • 4. Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet

    $

    Pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and robust regular and espresso coffees are the morning specialties of this bakery whose lineup expands at lunch to include hefty salads (spinach, tuna, Chinese chicken, and a Caesar among them), chicken potpies, and dense, flavorful sandwiches served on a half dozen breads baked that day. Stand in line to order, then choose seating indoors or on a shaded patio fronting the building.

    625 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, California, 96145, USA
    530-583–1377

    Known For

    • Grab-and-go items
    • Cakes, cookies, and pies
    • Sweet and savory scones

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 5. The Libation Lodge by South Lake Brewing Company

    $

    A floor-to-ceiling mural of Lake Tahoe scenes spans the longest wall of the South Shore's largest brewery's downtown outpost. The influences on homegrown beers, from light lagers to dark ales, come from as near as California and Mexico and as far away as New Zealand, the model as well for Pacific Rim flourishes that find their way into burgers, sliders, sandwiches, and a few apps and salads.

    4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-578–0087

    Known For

    • Beer flights
    • Local business
    • Outdoor patio
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. My Thai Cuisine

    $

    Fantastic flavors and gracious owners have earned this humble roadside restaurant with river-stone columns, pine-paneled walls and ceilings, and Thai statues and ornamentation the loyalty of Tahoe residents and regular visitors. The aromatic dishes include crab pad Thai, basil lamb, sizzling shrimp, and numerous curries.

    2108 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-544–3232

    Known For

    • Many vegetarian options
    • Lunch specials a good deal
    • Lively atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 7. Red Hut Café

    $

    A vintage-1959 Tahoe diner, all chrome and red plastic, the Red Hut is a tiny place with a wildly popular breakfast menu featuring huge omelets; banana, pecan, and coconut waffles (cornbread, too); and other tasty vittles. A second South Lake branch has a soda fountain and is the only one that serves dinner, and there's a third location in Stateline.

    2723 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150, USA
    530-541–9024

    Known For

    • Huge omelets
    • Variety of waffles
    • Old-school feel

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 8. Squeeze In

    $

    Adherents flock to this downtown spot for breakfast to sample dozens of omelets, several variations on eggs Benedict, banana-walnut pancakes, and French toast oozing with cream cheese. At lunch, they savor homemade soups and sandwiches.

    10060 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, California, 96161, USA
    530-587–9814

    Known For

    • Cheeseburger omelet
    • Homemade soups
    • Gluten-free options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner

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