Lake Tahoe, situated on the California-Nevada state line is a bucket list destination for adventure seekers, families and nature lovers from all over the world. The crystal clear lake, surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada range reigns as both a winter sports haven with 15 world class ski resorts and a summer mecca with its endless hiking and mountain biking trails. And if you want to make the most of it, you’ll need fuel. To start your day strong, here are the best breakfasts in Tahoe.
Feature Photo: Fire Sign Cafe
North Shore
The Old Post Office Café
5245 N Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay
Atmosphere combined with locally sourced ingredients make the Old Post Office Café a must stop in North Lake Tahoe. Local’s favorites include the Hangover Helper, sausage patties sandwiched between biscuits and covered in homemade country gravy with two eggs and Mickey’s breakfast sando served with crispy potatoes. They also have outdoor seating with views of the lake. oldpostofficecafe.com
Pep’s Place
6883 N. Lake Boulevard, Tahoe Vista
Located in the heart of beautiful Tahoe Vista in Perennial Plaza across the street from Sandy Beach, enjoy a wholesome breakfast on the go, made fresh to order from all natural, organic and local produce in a quick and friendly manner. Pep’s Breakfast Burritos and acai bowls are made with a healthy twist on these familiar favorites while they proudly serve piping hot Blind Dog Coffee Roasters coffee every morning. pepstahoe.com
Sage Leaf
893 Tahoe Blvd Ste. 600, Incline Village, NV
No lake views here, and indoor seating is limited, but the delicious breakfast fare and friendly service more than make up for it. Don’t miss the house-made sage-and-cheddar biscuits, served with fried eggs and chorizo gravy, or the sourdough Tahoe blue French toast, topped with warm blueberry compote, raspberry coulis, Meyer lemon, ricotta and toasted almonds. Feel-good bonus: The restaurant uses local, sustainable and humanly raised ingredients. sageleaftahoe.com
Truckee
Wild Cherries Coffee House
11429 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
“Good feelings, great coffee and great fare.” For over 20 years, this Truckee mainstay has been lauded for its bakery specializing in European-style pastries, artisan sourdough breads, focaccia, savory quiches, fruit and custard pies, fresh muffins and scones to name just a few! Feel free to enjoy your breakfast, snack or lunch at this laid back hub in Truckee, long a locals favorite or simply pop in for one of their fresh, flavorful roasted coffees. wildcherriescoffeehouse.com
Smokey’s Kitchen
12036 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
Although Smokey’s is known for its succulent barbecue, the family-friendly restaurant also serves up a mighty fine breakfast as well. Stick to hearty classics like biscuits and gravy, buttermilk pancakes and all matter of egg-centric plates (with barbecue or chicken fried steak or in an omelet filled with your preference of ingredients) or opt for south-of-the border Mexican favorites like breakfast burritos or huevos rancheros smothered in ranchero sauce, beans, and melted cheddar and jack cheese. Don’t worry about oversleeping: Breakfast is served until noon. smokeyskitchen.com
Donner Lake Kitchen
13720 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
Across the street from its namesake lake, family-owned Donner Lake Kitchen has been serving its local favorite huevos rancheros since 1994. Sweet tooths should order the decadent French toast stuffed with blackberries and cream cheese. Top it off with a fully loaded bacon bloody Mary. There’s sure to be a wait at the petite restaurant on peak weekends, but you can order a drink while you wait or take a walk by the lake to make the time pass more quickly. facebook.com
West Shore
Fire Sign Cafe
Open since 1978, Fire Sign Cafe has been the go-to breakfast spot on the west shore for over 40 years. Charming with a sense of home, Fire Sign’s well-rounded breakfasts include traditional and veggie egg Benedicts, a variety of egg scrambles including their top sellers, kielbasa, (made with green onions and Monterey jack cheese) and Reuben scrambles, huevos rancheros and all kinds of griddle specials, including the pecan and nut seed waffles. In a hurry? Check out the Annex located right behind the main restaurant which serves to go coffee, beverages and grab and go hot breakfast items that include the restaurant’s popular breakfast burritos, chorizo, or vegetarian with avocado. firesigncafe.com
Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet
625 West Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
If coffee and pastries are your go-to breakfast, head straight to Tahoe House. All of their pastries, from cinnamon rolls and apple strudel to a multitude of muffins, are baked daily on site. Grab a seat by the cozy fire in winter or head to the patio in warmer weather. While you’re there, pick up a loaf of house-baked bread and provisions from the grocery to go. tahoe-house.com
Tahoma Market & Deli
6890 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoma
530.525.7411
Opened in 1943, Tahoma Market & Deli is a slice of Tahoe history. Located on the lakeside of Highway 89 in the small town of Tahoma, you can order online or dine in and sit in the historic Western telegraph office. Fresh baked cinnamon rolls, a donut bar, bagels, lattes, and breakfast sandwiches made with bread made fresh daily, it’s a quick stop to fuel up for West Shore hikes and adventures. tahomamarketdeli.com
South Shore
The Getaway Café
3140 Hwy 50, Meyers
530.577.5132
Generous portions served by smiling and attentive staff is the vibe with specials like Strawberry Rhubarb French Toast and Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Winner of the Best of Tahoe award for breakfast and lunch, Getaway Café doesn’t disappoint. And for brunch aficionados there are more than six mimosa combinations to choose from as well as vegetarian and vegan menu options. Dogs are also welcome in the large outdoor seating area. tahoegetawaycafe.com
Driftwood Cafe
1001 Heavenly Village Way, STE 1A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
530.544.6545
If you’re on your way to a day on the mountain via the Heavenly Gondola, Driftwood Cafe in Heavenly Village is a solid choice. The biggest insider tip is to join the waitlist early, especially on weekends. It’s where the tourists hang out and wait times can be high. The potato pancakes and eggs benedict are a hit. driftwoodtahoe.com
The Red Hut Cafe
3660 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, 530.544.1595
2749 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, 530.541.9024
229 Kingsbury Grade Rd., Stateline, 775.588.7488
Serving up diner breakfast classics in a retro atmosphere, the Red Hut Cafe has been a South Lake staple since 1959. Waffles are definitely the thing to order here, made using the same recipe for more than 50 years and loaded with your choice of toppings like coconut, pecans or berries. Of course, there are also eggs on offer served any which way accompanied by crispy hashbrowns, toast and various protein add-ons, as well as pancakes and French toast. facebook.com
Tahoe Bagel Company
1018 Al Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, 530.578.0002
276 STE. A108 Kingsbury Grade, Stateline, Nev., 775.580.7038
The brainchild of East Coast transplants and brothers Justin and Jeffrey Kaplan, Tahoe Bagel Company opened on the South Shore in 2020. It quickly gained a loyal following among locals for their quality bagels and schmears. The line is usually out the door in the mornings so ordering online before arrival is a smart choice if you’re in hurry. Specialty breakfast sando include the Muenster Melt which is just as it sounds. Melted muenster cheese over avocado, tomato, and red onion with a light cream cheese schmear, and topped with garlic pepper on your choice of bagel. tahoebagelco.com
More Local Favorites Near Tahoe
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
