Ah, the land of mountains and beaches. With plenty of outdoor activities to busy your days here in Tahoe, the mid-day meal sometimes gets postponed. And when you finally get around to it, you’re famished. So once you’ve skied, hiked, swam, or paddle-boarded your heart out, you’ll want a meal that satisfies your cravings. Wherever you are in Tahoe, we’ve narrowed down the best lunches to do just that. Refuel and get back out there!
Feature Photo: Jason’s Beachside Grille
North Shore
For spectacular lake views, this family-friendly spot is perched on a scenic lakefront deck adjacent to a grassy sandbar, ideal for the kids to run around on after lunch. Well known for their famous slow-roasted baby back ribs, gourmet burgers from their mushroom Swiss to their portabella are also fan favorites along with their fish & chips, grilled artichoke, clam chowder and French onion soup.
901 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village
775.831.2832
A local’s favorite no matter what side of the lake they live on, T’s Mesquite serves up huge tacos and burritos daily at a fair price. But don’t forget your cash because no cards accepted. The tri tip and chicken cooked rotisserie style are tender and delicious served with sides of homemade salsa. They also offer up orders of either soy lime or Yucatan style chicken cut up or whole to go.
The simple but tasty menu of hot paninis, like apple and cheddar, and wraps, including the Caesar, turkey, bacon, sheep milk romano cheese and Caesar dressing, at this casual cafe provide the perfect fuel for the day’s adventures. It’s a small price to pay for such beautiful views of Patton Beach, and there are plenty of vegan, gluten-free and paleo items to choose from, too. After you’re properly fortified, take one of Watermans’ kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, surfskis or outrigger canoes out for a spin on the lake, available to rent by the hour, half day, full day or even multiple days.
Truckee
10825 Pioneer Trail, Set 103, Truckee
530.550.9516
Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Full Belly Deli is known for their creative sandwiches and huge portions. In addition to their menu of cold and hot sandwiches, the deli offers salads, wraps, and a build your own option. Started in Truckee, the deli now has two more locations in Reno.
11357 Donner Pass Road, Suite C, Truckee
Here you will find a wide variety of freshly made-to-order lunch items to accommodate even the most discerning vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and dairy-, nut- or gluten-free sensitive customer. The organic juice and smoothie bar includes a carrot cake shake made with mango, pecans, carrots and coconut ice cream. For an extra dose of healthy, try one of their wheatgrass or ginger shots or feel good about devouring any one of their specialty sandwiches like the yellow submarine — a wild-caught, albacore tuna salad panini — their vegan Holla Back Girl made with marinated, grief tempeh, or their revival wrap made with housemade hummus.
The Truckee Airport might seem like an unlikely location to find a standout lunch spot, but Red Truck’s globally inspired sandwiches, wraps and bowls are worth the trip. Pick your protein, like chicken tikka masala, coconut curry lamb or falafel, and savor it in a taco, burrito, quinoa bowl or naan sandwich. Don’t miss the house-made samosas with fillings that change every day.
West Shore
6300 Chambers Lodge Road, Homewood
The oldest lakefront bar in Tahoe, the always popular, historic Chambers Grill serves summer beach fare with a refined twist. Alongside the fish and chips and all American cheeseburger you can also order a Kalua pork bahn mi sandwich. Whether lounging on the outdoor porch or inside its picturesque bar, sipping on one of their Chambers Crushes made of light rum and tropical juices adds to the relaxed, beachfront vibe. Open daily from 11am to 8:30pm.
Who can resist the BLAT at Westshore Market & Deli, with crispy applewood smoked bacon, creamy avocado and fresh lettuce and tomato on toasted sourdough bread? Not us, that’s for sure. But let’s face it, you really can’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches on the menu, from the veggie slathered with basil-lime aioli to a classic Cubano leveled up with garlic-dijon aïoli. There are daily specials to tempt as well, in addition to warming soups in the winter. A seasonal menu of flatbread pizzas is also available select evenings. Wash it all down with a selection of craft beer and wine on site at one of the picnic tables with peekaboo lake views or take your sandos and market goods to go.
South Shore
2229 Lake Tahoe Blvd Suite A, South Lake Tahoe
Wondering where to get Tzatziki in Tahoe? Artemis Mediterranean Grill’s menu features an assortment of traditional dishes from gyros, greek pasta, flash-fried calamari, and more. Take a break from cooking and enjoy a night out with family and friends with options for everyone. On the lighter side, try the refreshing Horiatiki salad. For a crowd-pleaser, the chicken pita, or to compliment a cozy evening, the warm spicy vegan lentil soup.
1146 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe
Located by the “Y” in South Lake Tahoe, Bert’s is long beloved for their iconic club sandwich and salads to suit whatever mood you happen to be in from their Santa Fe to Greek and Asian chicken salads, all of them also available in tortilla wraps. Meanwhile, a selection of internationally enhanced handmade burgers on custom buns and delicious deli sandwiches are sure to please all.
1900 Jameson Beach Road, South Lake Tahoe
530.494.2228
Located just steps from the lake, it’s hard to find a dining spot in Lake Tahoe with better views. The restaurant’s lively outdoor deck is a popular spot in the summer with both the land and boating crowd. Buoys are held at the Camp Richardson marina for people wishing to dine at the restaurant. Lunch choices include a bison BBQ burger or vegan tacos paired with the restaurant’s signature cocktails — a rum runner or pineapple jalapeno margarita.
3123 Harrison Ave., South Lake Tahoe
At this natural foods cafe, sandwiches, salads, burritos, bowls and soups are as delicious as they are healthy, loaded with good-for-you ingredients, many of which are organic to boot. The turkey sandwich is the restaurant’s most-requested item — preservative- and hormone-free turkey breast topped with melted Monterey jack cheese, avocado, cabbage, carrots, tomato, red onion, sprouts, green chilies and house-made honey mustard dressing on whole wheat bread — but we are also have a soft spot for the homey rice bowl, brown rice and beans topped with veggies, melted cheese, salsa and green onions.
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.
