Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – especially at South Lake Tahoe. It’s how you fuel your adventure whether you’re gearing up for a day of skiing, hiking, relaxing on the beach, or simply enjoying the views of the lake with some good company. From cozy cafes where you can grab a quick cup of joe and a breakfast burrito on the run, to chic bistros serving up gourmet omelets and group and family-friendly restaurants, our list has you covered.
Local Favorite South Lake Tahoe Breakfast Restaurants
Red Hut Café
A Tahoe tradition for 53 years, the Red Hut Café features a retro vibe and wildly popular breakfasts and lunches that have remained a local, visitor and skier favorite. Whether it’s a breakfast fare of scrambled or eggs over easy, omelets, waffles or any number of sandwiches and burger offerings for lunch, Red Hut will continue its tradition of serving wholesome comfort foods.
Driftwood Cafe
Before heading up the Heavenly Gondola, make plans for a stop at the Driftwood Cafe for a hearty plate of homestyle breakfast featuring buttermilk pancakes and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and eggs benedict. Be sure to grab a glass of their fresh-squeezed OJ or a cup of locally roasted coffee. The portions are large and therefore ideal for those who plan on burning a lot of calories skiing or hiking.
Getaway Café
Your family’s kitchen away from home is Lake Tahoe’s Getaway Café in Meyers. This quaint little restaurant draws in locals and long-time visitors daily, with generous food portions. The cafe is unique for its blend of American, Italian and Mexican cuisines on the menu, sometimes with a twist, but always prepared with a passion for flavor.
Bert’s Cafe
Bert’s Cafe is another local favorite spot to grab breakfast in South Lake Tahoe. Locally owned and operated for more than two decades, Bert’s Cafe specializes in homemade dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and is known for its world-class specialty items like their huevos rancheros, eggs or crepes benedict with housemade hollandaise sauce, freshly-prepared sausage patties, chicken fried steak and more. Whatever you try your first time at Bert’s you’re bound to be back again for more.
Sprouts Natural Food Cafe
If you’re into clean eating and looking for a healthy breakfast restaurant that also offers plenty of vegetarian/vegan-friendly meals, Sprouts Natural Food Cafe is one stop you won’t want to miss. Locally owned and operated at Lake Tahoe for over 30 years, many of their ingredients are fully organic and prepared fresh daily. With a large selection of sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, large burritos and delicious burgers, Sprouts has something for everyone. Be sure to check out their fresh fruit smoothies for a sweet and refreshing treat.
Heidi’s Pancake House
For those who prefer a short stack of pancakes in the morning, Heidi’s Pancake House is sure to float your boat. Based in the same distinctive bright yellow Swiss Chalet building in South Lake Tahoe since 1964, Heidi’s serves up their signature pancakes, large and fluffy 4-egg omelets, home-fried potatoes, stuffed crepes, fruit waffles, and more. Featuring quality ingredients and generous portions, Heidi’s is the perfect pit stop before a long day on the slopes or hiking trails.
Artemis Lakefront Café
Located just steps away from the beach, Artemis Lakefront Café serves up delicious and authentic Greek and Mediterranean food at affordable prices. Whether your breakfast preferences lean more American or Greek, Artemis Lakefront Café has you covered. With enticing specialty dishes like their baklava french toast, greek breakfast featuring fresh gyro slices with peppers, onions, feta cheese and eggs served with pita bread, or more classic biscuits and gravy, you won’t struggle to find something the whole crew will enjoy.
