Fuel a day of adventures by starting on the right foot — with the best breakfast in South Lake Tahoe. Whether you're heading to the beach or skiing the region's famed slopes, begin with a morning meal at both new and storied breakfast restaurants. From hearty stacks of pancakes to grab-and-go smoothies and sandwiches, we've found a.m. favorites for every kind of Tahoe traveler.
Old-School Eateries
California classic Heidi's Pancake House has served breakfast from its yellow South Shore chalet for almost 60 years. Heidi’s signature dishes include pancakes topped with fresh fruit or crispy bacon, golden waffles and inventive yogurt-stuffed crepes. Savor the homey vibes and convenient location close to the lake.
Down the road from Heidi's, find another longtime South Lake Tahoe favorite: Ernie's Coffee Shop. The shop's been making morning meals since 1968 and is as old-school as cafes come — but that doesn't mean it's dated.
Fill up with the Big Mountain Breakfast, which features three eggs, six sausages or bacon slices, home fries and a biscuit. Try custom-roasted Alpen Sierra Coffee Roasting Company brews in a one-of-a-kind blend.
If you're planning to cruise north to Carnelian Bay, stop by the Old Post Office Cafe. It's housed — unsurprisingly — in an old post office and serves made-from-scratch waffles and pancakes (try the banana walnut), fluffy omelets and home-fried potato plates topped with sautéed veggies.
Trendy Tahoe Breakfast Joints
When you're not craving a greasy spoon experience, start the day at a hip and healthy breakfast cafe. Lakeview Social Tahoe is minutes from Heavenly's slopes, just 1.4 miles away from Hilton Vacation Club – Lake Tahoe Resort.
During warmer months, dine on Lakeview's beautiful forested patio, tasting specialties such as avocado toast. Most importantly, grab a cup of coffee on your way to Emerald Bay State Park.
Fuel up before you hit the slopes or head for a hike at Creative Crepes. Its upstairs location is near the gondola but feels removed from the crowds. Try one of 25 combinations of sweet and savory crepes. Their sweet crepes are crowd favorites — including the classic Nutella and fruit options — but the savory Caprese crepe is equally satisfying when you're craving something salty.
Clean, Fresh Cafes
Seeking healthy fare or on a special diet? South Lake Tahoe is home to morning options for any type of eater. To find the town's best smoothies when cruising down Lake Tahoe Boulevard, just look for a tiny, bright green shack to find Free Bird.
The small pull-over-spot serves organic coffee, spicy homemade chai lattes and nutrient-packed smoothies with inventive names like Kale Yeah and Sea Bird. Free Bird is an amazing on-the-go option just a block from the beach.
Find another clean-fare favorite called Sprouts. This counter-service, vegetarian restaurant is open all year and known for its breakfast burritos and hot cereals prepared daily with organic ingredients. Coffee refills are free when dining in, and portions are generous.
Try Sprouts' Breakfast Special, an open-faced bagel sandwich topped with egg salad, cheese, veggies and guacamole and paired with fresh juice. Or choose the Mexican-inspired Huevos Verduras, which replaces meat with slow-cooked beans and pairs it with steamed eggs and fresh veggies covered with cheese, salsa and avocado.
Read “Your All-Season Travel Guide To Lake Tahoe” for awesome activities to try after filling up on a hearty breakfast in Lake Tahoe.