How To Eat Your Way Around Lake Tahoe
The best eats, served up with killer lake views.
By 
Avid skiers might be accustomed to hitting the slopes with granola bars tucked away in their Gore-Tex jackets—fuel to carry them through to lunchtime—but don’t let the mountain town vibes of Lake Tahoe fool you. Happily, for Tahoe visitors and locals alike, the friendly towns encompassing the lake offer plenty of year-round dining and drinking options on and off the numerous resorts...and they serve way more than just hot chocolate.
Bourbon Pub Northstar
Michelin award-winning chef, Michael Mina, is famed for his empire of high-end eateries throughout the U.S. and beyond, but Bourbon Pub Northstar in Lake Tahoe is his first foray in catering to the après-ski crowd. Nestled at the base of the Big Springs Gondola at The Village at Northstar California Resort, this ski-up restaurant serves elevated riffs on pub favorites, plus creative craft cocktails like the Snow Fashioned—a playful take on an Old Fashioned, with walnut bitters. The Après-Hour menu is stacked with crave-able bites like Frito Pie (piled with beef chili, cheese, and sour cream) and beef sliders reminiscent of In-N-Out’s beloved burgers. The full menu features globally influenced starters and plenty of entrées for those looking for a substantial meal after a day on the slopes.
Don’t miss this dish: Chef Mina’s signature Bourbon Pub Nachos—a tower of crispy, fried tortillas layered with beef chili, cotija cheese, avocado, crema and chili peppers. The masterpiece is topped with a sunny side up egg, then chopped up table-side for an oozy, shareable app that will be gone in minutes.
Where to find it: The Village At Northstar, 5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161
Kirkwood Inn and Saloon
As soon as you step foot inside the Kirkwood Inn, it’s clear that you haven’t stumbled upon just any resort town watering hole—this place is the real deal. The homey saloon has been around since the 19th century, when cattle ranchers were the typical clientele, and it’s still got bullet holes in the walls to prove it. Located 30 miles south of Lake Tahoe, this storied spot is a go-to for hungry visitors who flock to nearby Kirkwood for skiing (both alpine and cross-country), snowshoeing, hiking and more. Chances are, you’ll smell it before you see it—all manner of meats, from chicken wings to ribs to beef brisket, are smoked on the premises, and served up with house-made BBQ sauces (don’t miss the burnt orange) for you to slather on. If gut-busting sides like mac & cheese and cornbread sound a bit heavy, there are stellar soups and salads like the Grains & Greens on the lighter side, plus craft beers and refreshing cocktails to wash it all down.
Don’t miss this dish: Don’t skip dessert—you’ll want to dig into the Inn’s specialty Campfire S’mores, consisting of toasty marshmallows baked in graham cracker crust and heaped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Where to find it: CA-88, Kirkwood, CA 95646
The Good Wolf Brewing
Whether you’ve come to town to go on a hike, take in the views, or test your luck at the casinos, you’re bound to get thirsty at some point. Look no further than The Good Wolf, Truckee’s newest brewery, which just opened its doors this winter, drawing locals and curious passerby with an exciting variety of beers on tap, ranging from juicy IPAs to cream ales and rich, imperial stouts. Between the moss and greenery embellished interiors, crackling fireplace and thirst-quenching brews, you might have a hard time pulling yourself away.
Don’t miss this drink: If a Cherry Pie Sour doesn’t sound like your thing, think again. Sour beer–averse drinkers will be surprised by the subtle tartness of this fruity pour, which is amplified by a hint of house-made vanilla-cinnamon syrup.
Where to find it: 10990 Industrial Way, Suite B103, Truckee, CA
Heavenly Donuts
This walk-up window at the base of the Heavenly Mountain Gondola specializes in one thing, and they do it well. Heavenly Donuts churns out miniature rings of fried dough year-round, ready to satiate the sweet tooth of any hiker, skier or sightseer. The bite-size morsels are made to order and served hot from the fryer, and they melt in your mouth, whether they’re simply dusted with powdered sugar, tossed in cinnamon sugar, or hidden under s’mores fixings. In the winter, grab a baker’s dozen with a hot chocolate to keep you warm on your ride up to the slopes—but trust that these donuts are just a good in warmer temps with a refreshing shave ice in the other hand (a summertime special).
Don’t miss this dish: Try loaded combinations like Sam’s Dream—donuts topped with raspberry and white chocolate sauce—or Orion’s Revenge, covered in chocolate sauce and studded with mini marshmallows and Oreo crumbles.
Where to find it: Heavenly Village, 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Fire Sign Café
With so much to explore on any given day, a solid breakfast is a necessity. This homey café, which first opened its doors in 1978, is a must-stop spot on the western shore of the lake, serving breakfast and lunch up until closing time at 3pm. If it’s on the menu, you can bet that it was made from scratch, from the lemony hollandaise on the eggs Benedict to the coffee cake and even the Bloody Mary mix. If you mosey in when the place is slammed, the café’s Annex coffee shop will hook you up with plenty of coffee and fresh squeezed juice while you wait for a table.
Don’t miss this dish: The thick-cut Challah French toast is simple, fluffy goodness, made even better with a few pats of butter and a drizzle of hot blue raspberry sauce—a house favorite.
Where to find it: 1785 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Alibi Ale Works
You’re bound to find beers from Alibi on tap at various bars in the area, but why not go straight to the source? The brewery and barrel house, based on the north shore of Lake Tahoe experiments with all varieties of beer, made with water right from that gorgeous lake, just a stone’s throw away. Pop into one of three natural-chic tasting rooms for a pint or a flight of favorites and new releases, like a toasty porter, fresh Farmhouse Reserve or the new Chance of Clouds Cloudy IPA. Their Incline Ale House and Truckee Ale House locations serve up pub grub like candied bacon, local sausages and all kinds of sandwiches and salads. Check out the outdoor spaces and time your visit to catch events like bingo and trivia nights or live music.
Don’t miss this dish: Alibi’s Sourdough “Mustache” Pretzel is delightfully shaped just like the distinguished mustache in their logo and served with complimentary mustard and cheese sauces for dipping.
Where to find it: Brewery and Barrel House, 204 E. Enterprise St. Incline Village, NV 89451
Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge
Situated right along the water’s edge, this spot is a favorite for visitors who can’t get enough of Lake Tahoe’s insanely blue water and the mountain vistas—we get it, but don’t get so distracted that you forget to order, because there’s incredible stuff on the menu here. Kick things off with a cocktail, like a tropical Mai Tai or Mountain Mule, made with bourbon instead of vodka. Go-to apps include the fried zucchini and Sunnyside fries topped with saucy short rib, while popular entrées range from quality burgers to fresh fish and even elk strip loin.
Don’t miss this dish: As the name suggests, Sunnyside’s fish tacos are “off the hook”—order them Cajun-style for a dusting of kicked-up seasoning. Don’t forget to finish with a massive slice of Kimo’s hula pie, which consists of cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream filling, a thick layer of fudge, whipped cream and nuts.
Where to find it: 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Manzanita
If you're lucky enough to snag a room at the luxe Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, you'll need only to wander downstairs to enjoy a meal at Manzanita (but it's worth a visit even if you're just stopping by). The American fine dining restaurant regularly highlights the work of specialty chefs from various backgrounds, incorporating seasonal ingredients and flavors from around the globe. Don't even think about skipping the bread course, which comes with a medley of flavored butters and dips, and the Peruvian ceviche is another flavor-packed starter that will wow the table. The Butcher Block menu offers prime cuts of steak, served with your choice of sauce, alongside entrée options like Pacific halibut, duck breast and hearty cioppino.
Don't miss this dish: Trust us, you can never really be too full to indulge in the Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese, made with orechiette, smoked gouda sauce and an herby crumble topping.
Where to find it: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, CA 96161
The Old Post Office Cafe
If the postage stamp wallpaper and wood-paneled service window didn't tip you off, this café really was home to a former post office. It's got plenty of old-school charm, with knick-knacks and a collection of mis-matched mugs filling up the wall space. Grab a seat at the counter and place your order. Breakfast is the specialty here, as the place closes up shop at 2pm daily—try out-of-the-box plates like the crab cake Benedict or Hangover Helper, and check out the menu of brunch cocktails as well, if you're in need of some "hair of the dog."
Don't miss this dish: The café's signature chicken fried steak omelette, as you might imagine, comes smothered in thick gravy. Don't knock it 'til you try it!
Where to find it: 5245 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140
Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen Lake Tahoe
Where there are casinos, there are usually a few celebrity chef restaurants, and the opening of Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen—inspired by his hit TV show—was big news for Tahoe folks. The ritzy spot, located inside Harveys, is decked out in colorful, upscale decor and features beloved items like pan-seared scallops and lobster risotto.
Don't miss this dish: When dining in a Ramsay establishment, it only makes sense to sample British favorites, like Beef Wellington and Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Where to find it: Harveys Lake Tahoe, 18 US-50, Stateline, NV 89449
Bistro Edgewood
The Tahoe area can start to feel like ski-bum central after a while, which is why planning at least one fancy meal is never a bad idea. Class things up on your next visit with dinner at the Bistro at Edgewood Tahoe, where you’ll enjoy ultra-attentive service and a meal that’s worth every penny. Bistro fries and curds might not sound like an upscale starter, but don’t miss out—just make sure to save plenty of room for the substantial entrées, like juicy pork chops, grilled salmon or the Tomahawk steak for two—oh, and apple crumble for dessert.
Don’t miss this dish: Tender, slow-braised pork belly with a sweet-and-savory beer and maple glaze that will make you want to lick the plate.
Where to find it: Edgewood Tahoe, 180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449
Azul Latin Kitchen
There's nothing like an active day in the mountains to inspire you to go to town on a plate of nachos. Azul's California-style Mexican cuisine fits the bill, with all sorts of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas, best washed down with a few margs.
Don't miss this dish: The Thai Curry Tacos pack a punch, filled with curry roasted chicken, candied jalapeños, pickled mango and cilantro.
Where to find it: 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Chambers Landing
Snag a seat on the deck and order a frozen cocktail at Chamber’s Landing just before sunset, and you have the makings of a perfect Instagram moment. The dinner entrée offerings are pretty standard, including various pizzas, burgers, steak and salads. The smart move is digging into an order of steamed clams, bathed in an addictive white wine and garlic broth, and sopping up the leftovers with bread. Along with a drink or two, you have the makings of a laid back meal in a truly stunning setting.
Don’t miss this drink: Chamber’s Punch is the boozy beverage of choice around here—it’s slushy, sweet and fruity and is served with a dark rum floater.
Where to find it: 6300 W Lake Blvd, Homewood, CA 96141
Christy Hill
More ridiculously beautiful lake views? Why not! This modern American spot has all the makings of an epic charcuterie board to fulfill your après-ski dreams, as well as small plates like crab toast and hamachi crudo for sharing. Entrées range from black cod to pork osso buco.
Don't miss this dish: Solidifying your food coma is well worth it when it comes to the chocolate croissant bread pudding, topped with fresh chantilly cream and chocolate shavings.
Where to find it: 115 Grove St, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Char-Pit
Sometimes a solid burger and fries is the only thing that can hit the spot, and this joint has been a mainstay in the neighborhood for 57 years. The menu hasn't changed much since it opened, but why mess with perfection? In addition to old-fashioned, 1/4-pound burgers, there are all manner of fried things—shrimp, clams, mozzarella sticks and more—plus shakes, floats and malts.
Don't miss this dish: The Swiss burger is a go-to, served with Swiss cheese, bacon and thousand island dressing, made in house.
Where to find it: 8732 N Lake Blvd, Kings Beach, CA 96143
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