Tasty restaurants, blackjack tables and hiking galore.
It goes without saying that South Lake Tahoe is a magical place. An impressive variety of local wildlife acts as your welcoming committee as you wind your way from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport toward Heavenly Village; and by the time you reach the heart of the lake, you have forgotten about every remnant of that hectic last week at work before your sojourn in the California wilderness.
It really is paradise.
So, when a childhood friend of mine decided that it would be a perfect spot for her destination wedding in May of 2014, I volunteered to help l by reviewing the local food scene for her website. The list actually came in pretty handy as the weather was a bit sporadic for mid-May, so we were able to enjoy our culinary experiences both in the great outdoors as well as within the comfort of some of the cozy local lodges.
So, without further ado, here is my list of the best breakfast, lunch and dinner spots in South Lake Tahoe, California! Bon Appétit!
Breaking Fast
Cozy, absolutely delicious breakfast and lunch spot located in Heavenly Village. The menu has plenty of ‘flair’ with items such as ‘Outrageous Omeletes’ and ‘Wacky Waffles’ in addition to Huevos Rancheros (Driftwoods version), and a number of vegetarian specialties. Mimosas + Bloody Mary’s also offered…it was quite yummy!
Details: Open 7:00am-3:00pm, located at 1001 Heavenly Way Village, Suite 1a South Lake Tahoe, CA
Voted “best breakfast in South Lake Tahoe,” the menu at Ernie’s is relatively standard for a breakfast place (eggs, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes etc.). Also there is a downloadable “10% off your next meal coupon” available on their website!
Details: Open 6:00am-2:00pm, located at 1207 Highway 50, South Lake Tahoe CA
This place received a 4.5/5 star rating on Yelp! (the highest of local ratings of any breakfast place). It’s a cozy little independent coffee house, restaurant, and wine + dessert bar. Offers items such as breakfast burritos, sandwiches, waffles, acai + yogurt bowls and more! Locally sourced, grown etc.
Details: Open 7:00am-4:00pm, located at 2279 Lake Tahoe Blvd #2, South Lake Tahoe CA
Trip Advisor ranks this place as one of South Lake Tahoe’s Top Five Restaurants. It’s motto is “peace, love & waffles,” and serves breakfast and lunch all day. The menu is fairly extensive, and offers just a little bit of everything. I wasn’t able to make it here, so I was a little bummed, but a few other wedding guests sent along some rave reviews so I would make a point to stop in if you get a chance!
Details: Open 6:00am-2:00pm, Located at 2723 South Lake Tahoe Blvd
Lunch + Dinner
Located in Heavenly Village, this gourmet pizza place is centrally located in South Lake Tahoe. It received a 4.5 star rating on Yelp!, and is quite delicious. Great appetizer selection, salad options, pasta dishes and specialty pizzas such as Thai Curry Chicken, Smoked BBQ Chicken, Pear & Gorgonzola (+more) make up a majority of the menu. Wine + full bar are also on the menu. We got a pizza to go after the wedding and it was fabulous! (I’d highly recommend Thai Curry Chicken).
Details: Open 12:00pm-9:00 pm, Located at 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA
This place is a little schnazzier. It is located inside of a vintage Tahoe cabin amongst the pine trees (gorgeous view). It is Zagat-rated, and its menu includes: Scallop quenelles with sherry lobster cream sauce, chargrilled Korean short-ribs, steaks, rack of lamb + more! Dishes range from $14-$37, and they also have their own dessert page. So, that sounds horrible. Corking fee is $20/bottle with a limit of 2 bottles/table. SO BYO at your own risk.
Details: Located at 536 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Reservations recommended so call 530-542-1990
Himmel Haus (German Food + Beer, Yah!)
Bottomless bloodies and mimosas on Sundays! Lunch + Dinner only (I just added it here for brunch purposes…). This is a German restaurant and Bierhaus that prides itself on local sustainable practices as well as its great German beer selection.
Details: Open 12pm-12am (or 2am), Located at 3819 Saddle Road, South lake Tahoe CA 96150
This is the oldest bar and grill in South Lake Tahoe. Menu is typical bar food (sliders, tacos, mozz sticks, onion rings) but also has a great selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers & pizzas. Bar atmosphere, pool table, and good local spot to hang out and have a drink and some food!
Details: Open 11:00am-2:00am, Located at 611 Highway 50, Zephyr Cove NV 89448
I know, what your thinking. ‘sushi? in South Lake Tahoe?’ Apparently! This sushi place is ranked on Urbanspoon, Yelp! and Google, so I had to throw it on here. It is a casual but high-quality sushi spot on Highway 50, and it also has a fun happy hour! Locals love the following eats: Holy Smokes roll, Crunchy Granola, Slammin Salmon, the Superstar and Funky Roll.
Details: Open 4:30-9:30 pm, located at 2660 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe CA 96150
The Brewery at South Lake Tahoe
Alright, this place has a Happy Hour 3-5 every day, which includes $4 pints & food specials. It’s in close proximity to all of the hotels, and has outdoor seating. They have 10 beers on the menu that are brewed in-house, and the menu is super diverse. Fun spot to stop – it comes highly recommended by locals.
Details: Open every day at 11:00 am, Located at 3542 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe CA 96150
Quaint and cozy Italian restaurant. When I say cozy, I say that because there are only 7 TABLES! (Yes, make a reservation). Menu includes eggplant crepes, an array of pasta dishes, oh, and white chocolate ice cream! Yummy!
Details: Open at 5:30 pm, Located 1169 Ski Run Boulevard #5, South Lake Tahoe CA. Reservations at 530-541-2908
This is a typical Irish pub, located close to most of the hotels in South Lake Tahoe. Food is served until 9:00pm on weekdays, 10:00pm on weeknights, and the menu is pretty diverse. Soups, crocks, Irish Shepherds Pie, and daily food specials are all on the menu. *As a note, you can’t do separate checks here so make sure you have cash or plan on playing credit card roulette!
Details: Open 11:30am-9:00 (or 10:00 )pm, Located at 4093 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe CA 96150
Hole-in-the-wall local favorite Mexican place. Very cheap, locals say to order the “super chicken burrito” and also hit the salsa bar. Tacos are $1, burritos are under $5…yum! This spot is also very close to the hotels and casinos, and is easily walkable.
Details: Located at 913 Friday Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Late Night Eats
Keep in mind that everything (delivery included) in South Lake Tahoe stops serving food by 11 if not sooner!
Alright people, this place delivers (until 11pm!). Delivery number is 530-541-0123. Typical pizza place, locals like it.
Details: Open 11am- 11pm, Delivery
I already reviewed McP’s above, but they do have a late-night menu that is available until 11:00 pm. So, check out the review above, and head to McP’s if you need some late-night eats!
Details: Open 11:30am-9:00 (or 10:00)pm, Located at 4093 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe CA 96150
I already reviewed Himmel Haus, so check it out above! They are open until 2am on weekends, so it’s important to state that here.
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