South Lake Tahoe seems like the capital of eateries with live music, delicious drinks, yummy food, and don’t forget the chill vibes. Here is a list of Tahoe restaurants you have to try. Now.
I’ve been going to Tahoe for as long as I can remember, and these are just some of my recent and all-time favorites.
My son has been to all of them, so they are do-able with a baby or toddler. Although as you get further down the list, they become less toddler-friendly and more on the romantic date side of the spectrum.
I apologize in advance for my meat-centric descriptions. But these all do have at least vegetarian options.
California Burger Company
Spoil all your senses as you smell that fresh mountain air, enjoy the live music outside, sip on an ice-cold beer and chow down on a juicy burger…ahh, the joys of Tahoe…
Indulge in the Honorary Texan burger or Church’s Chicken Club sandwich – they’ll both make you crave comin’ back again and again.
It won’t be difficult to find a thirst-quenching beer with their selection of at least ten varieties on draft.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the sidewinder fries – they are unlike any other fry on this planet.
It’s toddler friendly with available high-chairs, or you can let them stand and wiggle around if you sit at the firepits. Warning: if pregnant, the firepit adirondack chairs are terribly uncomfortable and difficult to eat from, get comfortable, and get out of. Actually same goes even if you aren’t pregnant!
Go see for yourself. It’s on the corner of Heavenly Village, a few blocks from the casinos.
Base Camp Pizza
Burgers not your style? Then hit up this pizza joint on the inside circle of Heavenly Village. Be ready to wait – the pizza’s that great.
A vast, rotating beer selection. Plenty of outdoor seating. More live music because, well, it’s Tahoe! A covered patio with a huge screen so you don’t miss a big game.
Get competitive with a game of cornhole while waiting for your table. Or get your pizza to go, grab a cooler and find a spot on the beach and watch the sunset over the lake.
It’s around the corner from California Burger, on the inner circle of Heavenly Village shops.
Brooks Bar & Deck at Edgewood
At Edgewood Tahoe Resort, this may be one of the most beautiful, casual outdoor restaurants on the south shore, as it sits alongside their Irish-green golf course with stunning views of the lake (see the picture above, taken from their private beach that you can walk to after leaving the restaurants).
The food may or may not blow you away, but the setting will.
My husband Jeff and I privately celebrated our engagement here with a relaxing brunch buffet outside.
He had popped the question the day prior when we conquered an adventurous climb up Twin Bridges, a challenging hike just before the summit, with rewarding waterfalls at the top.
The French toast berry casserole and mimosa were my favorites at the Brooks brunch. Call before you go there for brunch, because it’s not consistently offered.
Or enjoy a lazy afternoon and take advantage of their drink specials during happy hour from 4-6 on weekdays.
The Chart House
Fancy something a bit more upscale? Get all dressed up, have the grandparents watch the kiddos (or bring them along), and rekindle the romance from a lakeview table. Don’t forget to make a reservation!
Craving some seafood, twice I’ve ordered the salmon, and each time was not impressed. It wasn’t bad, but admittedly I was disappointed that I did not just stick with my “go to” – the prime rib.
The slab of mouthwatering beef has been satisfyingly delicious every time my husband or I have ordered it. Thankfully he was sweet enough to share both times.
Not to mention, they carry one of my faaaavorite red wines. If you love full-bodied reds with a ‘teense’ of sweet, then get the Beringer Brothers Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Blend. Say that five times fast after two glasses in.
Ciera Steakhouse
AAA Four Diamond Award Winner – Nine Years in a Row. Need I say more?
Probably not, but here goes anyway –
If you didn’t figure it out already, I’m a meat lover. So when a fancy steakhouse calls, I answer.
Arrange with the grandparents ahead of time so you can be kid-less for the evening, – you’ll thank me later. And if no sitter is down, then be brave, bring a tablet, restaurant-friendly toys, and snacks to keep the little one more patient and content during your dinner date.
Reserve an intimate booth. When those floor-to-ceiling red velvet curtains close, you and your S.O. will be in your own little world. It sounds cheesy, but it’s oh so romantic and fun.
They have two prix-fixe menus available Wednesday through Friday and Sunday, for $50 and $60.
Trust me, these aren’t blue-haired specials, but rather more along the lines of Parisian haute cuisine. Ok, maybe not that impressive, but still done right.
Those menus are such a deal considering you get to choose your favorites from a short list for three delectable courses. Most steakhouses charge $50 just for the meat alone!
A sample $50 menu: lobster bisque soup, followed by a bacon-wrapped filet, and a chocolate lava cake to top it all off. Santé !
After you indulge in some yummy Tahoe bites, you’ll have plenty of energy for some fun activities for babies, toddlers, and kids!
