Casual Dining Options in Tahoe City and North Lake Tahoe
Casual Dining in North Lake Tahoe
A quick burger after a day on the slopes. A brunch to shore you up for your next snow adventure. A slice to round off the perfect run down the mountain. If you’re looking for affordable places to eat in Tahoe, we’ve got the perfect list for you. Lake Tahoe might be known as a classy destination for skiers and snowboarders, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find good food for a good price.
Today, we’ll dive into some of the best casual dining options available in Tahoe City and on the north side of Lake Tahoe that won’t burn a hole in your vacation budget.
Fire Sign Cafe
First up on our list of casual dining spots is the Fire Sign Cafe, a locally-beloved breakfast and lunch spot located in Tahoe City that has served the area for over four decades. Be sure to bring your appetite with you when you stop at this cafe, which provides both hearty portion sizes and fast, friendly service. While you’re there, check out some of the most popular breakfast items, which include the Breakfast Burrito (filled with a whopping 3 scrambled eggs, homemade chorizo, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and cheese) and the Eggs Benedict.
Rosie’s Cafe
Next up is Rosie’s Cafe, another enduring favorite among locals and tourists alike in Tahoe City. Anyone on the hunt for some homemade American fare will enjoy this all-day eatery, which serves classic diner dishes like Chicken Fried Steak and Biscuits and Gravy made from scratch. And if you’re a fan of eclectic and unique decor, you’ll feel right at home with all of the vintage memorabilia hanging from the restaurant’s rafters, which will keep your hungry eyes distracted until your food comes to your table. Upstairs, you’ll find an arcade to keep the kids entertained, along with a great view of the dining room below.
Mountain Slice Cafe and Creamery
Pizza and ice cream are an unbeatable combination, and at Mountain Slice Cafe and Creamery, you can have both! This cozy spot, whose slogan is “Bringing good pizza back from the dead since 2017”, specializes in delicious pizzas and homemade ice cream that will fill up your belly without putting a dent in your bank account. With their generous portion sizes, pizza by the slice, and the array of different types of pies to try, you just can’t beat the value of Mountain Slice.
The Grid Bar and Grill
Next up on our list is The Grid Bar and Grill, a welcoming casual dining restaurant located in Kings Beach that offers classic American dishes and a range of different craft beers on tap. Reviewers mention the Fish Tacos and the Chicken Tenders menu items to be especially delicious, and the relaxed atmosphere will make just about anyone feel at home. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat and don’t want to stray too far from Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters, take a look into this casual eatery.
Syd’s Bagelry
For those on the hunt for a filling breakfast or early lunch with great views of Lake Tahoe’s emerald waters, think about stopping in at Syd’s Bagelry, which can be found in Tahoe City off of North Lake Boulevard. There’s also a menu of other breakfast items that reviewers mention to be delicious, including the Breakfast Burrito.
Some say that the bagels at this snug little restaurant are some of the best you can find outside of New York City, but you’ll have to try it out to see for yourself.
Moe’s Original Bar B Que
For a taste of classic southern-style barbeque, Moe's Original Bar B Que is the spot to visit. This laid-back restaurant, located right on the lakefront, offers Alabama-style barbeque that’s second to none in the Tahoe area, along with an array of soul-filled sides that will satisfy even the biggest of appetites. The “Bama Style” Pulled Pork Sandwich is by far their most popular menu item, but the St. Louis Ribs and the Smoked Yard Bird Sandwich are also worth trying out as well. This low-key and casual restaurant is perfect for a night out that won’t put a hole in your budget.
Fat Cat Bar and Grill
Our final item and another Tahoe City favorite, Fat Cat Bar and Grill, offers upbeat American cuisine that is all carefully-sourced and crafted to be second-to-none when it comes to taste. While you’re in the Tahoe area, be sure to check out their array of burgers, sandwiches, and seafood entrees, and don’t miss out on their absolutely delicious take on mac and cheese.
Live it Up in Lake Tahoe
While it’s nice to treat yourself to a ski vacation, sometimes budget comes first, and these eating establishments are the perfect place to pick up a bite without burning a hole straight through your wallet. Whether your tastes veer more towards diner food or pizza, there is something for any palette available in Lake Tahoe.
Looking for more ways to live it up while you’re staying in Tahoe? Check out our list of the best offbeat activities in the Tahoe area or our list of easy summertime hikes.