Written by Daisy Barringer, this article first appeared in SF Eater on February 11, 2016.
Because it’s not a ski trip without indulging in some delicious mountain fare.
Heading up to Tahoe to take advantage of this awesome winter? Then you’re definitely going to need to know where to eat. Whether you want burgers for the whole family, elegant lakeside dining with a view, legit BBQ, or a hearty breakfast before heading out to the mountain, you may be surprised to discover that North Lake Tahoe has some really amazing food options for diners of all ages.
From Incline Village to Truckee and everything in between, here are 15 of the best spots to dine during your next (fingers crossed) snow-filled getaway. And if food is not what you’re looking for, check out these 15 great places to grab a drink in North Lake Tahoe.
1. Char-Pit
Sometimes you just want a really good, really affordable burger. And when that time comes, the only place to go is the Char-Pit in King’s Beach. This is one Tahoe spot where you can easily take the whole family and not break the bank, a welcome relief after splurging on hotel rooms and lift tickets. You can’t go wrong with the American burger, but the rib family meal is also a great option for hungry diners. Just be sure to save room for a frosty cone. Yes, even if it’s 18 degrees and snowing outside.
Kings Beach, CA 96143
http://www.charpit.com/
2. Drunken Monkey
If you’re looking for really good sushi near Truckee, then look no further than the Drunken Monkey and its super chill lounge vibe. The sushi is melt-in-your-mouth fresh and skillfully prepared, but there are also noodle dishes and Japanese “tapas” if you’re in the mood for something heartier (or if you have a picky eater in the group). There’s also a decent sake selection and, overall, it’s just a fun, casual place to eat where you can go with the whole family or on a date.
Truckee, CA 96161
3. FiftyFifty Brewing Co.
FiftyFifty Brewing in Truckee is the spot for good food, good beer, and good value. There are usually around 14 in-house craft beers on tap, including the award winning Eclipse barrel-aged imperial stout. The menu features your typical brewpub fare with sausage platters, burgers, sandwiches, and calzones that are big enough for two, if not three, meals. The vibe is super casual, making this a great spot for the family or for a beer-centric dinner with friends.
Truckee, CA 96161
http://fiftyfiftybrewing.com/
4. Fire Sign Cafe
There’s really no better way to start your day than with breakfast at the Fire Sign Cafe. However, you won’t be the only person in town who thinks that so be prepared for a wait, especially on the weekends. Almost everything from the baked goods to the chorizo sausage to the dressings is made from scratch at this family-owned joint. Your biggest problem will be choosing what to order; you can’t go wrong with any of the Benedicts, but be sure to check the specials board. And maybe order biscuits and gravy for the table because why not?
Tahoe City, CA 96145
https://www.firesigncafe.com/
5. Jake’s on the Lake
Jake’s is the perfect spot to stroll into for a lazy late afternoon cocktail or for a big group dinner. It’s on the lake, so needless to say, get there before the sun goes down if you want to enjoy the views. Still, even after dark, Jake’s never fails to delight thanks to California- and Hawaiian-inspired dishes like the ahi poke roll (it’s flash fried and hence so good), the warm brie wedge (hello bacon marmalade), and the udon noodle bowl (an amazing value because $15 gets you way more than you’ll ever be able to finish). The hula pie is something you’ll see on several menus in Tahoe, but if you’re going to order it, definitely do so at Jake’s.
Tahoe City, CA 96145
http://www.jakestahoe.com/
6. Lone Eagle Grille
The view of the sun setting over the lake makes dinner at the Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village a special treat all on its own. Then add in the ski chalet charm, open show kitchen, exceptional wine list, and choice cuts of meat (try the Durham Ranch bison tenderloin or Duncan Ranch elk strip loin), and you have a meal you won’t forget any time soon. Steaks and chops are served a la carte, which is the perfect excuse to splurge on sides like potato gratin and sauteed Brussels sprouts, but save room for the baked Tahoe (buckwheat brownie, molasses, and vanilla ice cream inside a torched meringue) for dessert. Dinner can get a little pricey (entrees are $34 to $59), so if you want the experience (and the view), but don’t want to splurge, lunch is also an excellent option.
Incline Village, NV 89451
7. Manzanita
It’s no surprise that Manzanita, the fine dining restaurant at the Ritz-Calton, exists in a gorgeous space that beautifully blends in with its mountain setting thanks to the use of natural textures, tons of wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows. But it’s the open kitchen (with a mirrored ceiling so you can really see everything going on) and the food that comes out of it that’s the heart of this operation. The winter menu is heavy on meat dishes presented with a creative twist and everything that comes out of the kitchen in Instagram-worthy. And while dinner can get a little pricey, the great thing about Manzanita is that it’s truly family-friendly (the organic PB&J on the kids’ menu is the most beautifully plated sandwich you’ll ever see) and doesn’t have to be over-the-top if you don’t want it to be. (Pizzas run from $18 to $20.) Still, if you are looking for an indulgent experience, ask about the Chef’s Counter where you’ll get an exquisite tasting menu that truly showcases the chef’s talents.
Truckee, CA 96161
http://manzanitalaketahoe.com/
8. Moe’s Original Bar B Que
Sure, you’re in Tahoe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t feast on some Alabama-style BBQ in a laid back atmosphere (with lake views, of course). The boys at Moe’s smoke the meat daily using fruit wood (choose from pork, chicken, turkey, wings, and ribs), and also offer homemade side dishes like baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, and more. Oh, and there are 12 beers on draft ’cause what’s BBQ without a cold beer to wash it all down? Only thing? When it’s gone it’s gone, so you might want to get there early on a busy weekend.
Tahoe City, CA 96145
9. Pianeta
If you’re wanting a romantic date night in Truckee, look no further than Pianeta, a cozy spot that serves up what is probably the best Italian food in all of Tahoe. All of the pasta is homemade and the nightly specials are consistently impressive. The wine list is also incredibly reasonable and features a great selection from both California and Italy. This is one spot for which you’ll definitely want to make a reservation as it books up fast.
Truckee, CA 96161
http://www.pianetarestauranttruckee.com/
10. Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn
If you’re skiing at Squaw Valley, Plumpjack is the perfect place for a drink and a snack in the cozy bar complete with fire pit when you get off of the mountain. (Check out the 2 to 4 p.m. happy hour on Monday through Friday.) If you’re looking for something a bit more elegant, the dining room offers some of the most thoughtful food you’ll find in Tahoe. If it’s available, try the Chef’s Tasting Menu ($65 per person), a four-course tasting meal that will leave you oh-so-happy and fully sated. Oh, and it probably goes without saying (it is Plumpjack after all), but the wine menu is phenomenal. Though the cocktails are also worth checking out, so start with one of those.
1920 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Valley, CA
https://plumpjackcafe.com/
11. River Grill
Cozy up by the fireplace in the winter, ask for a table on the deck in the summer, and whatever you do, take advantage of the awesome happy hour at the bar of this charming restaurant right on the Truckee River. Snack on tempura green beans with a ponzu dipping sauce and then tuck in to the braised beef short ribs or rack of lamb. This charming restaurant fills up fast on the weekends, so a reservation is a good idea.
Tahoe City, CA 96145
12. Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge
Whether you want to go upscale in the Lakeside dining room or casual at the bar (Mountain Grill), Sunnyside is a great option year-round (though in the summer you’ll definitely want to sit on the deck). The braised beef short rib pasta bolognese is perfect after a long day on the slopes and the Sunnyside cheeseburger is one of the best in town (get it for $10 on certain Tuesdays throughout the winter). But the fish tacos are also a great bet and there’s a reason the crispy zucchini sticks have “been a tradition since 1965.” Basically, you can’t go wrong, especially thanks to the fantastic views of the lake.
Tahoe City, CA 96145
http://www.sunnysidetahoe.com/
13. The Dam Cafe
Three words: Bacon breakfast burrito. If you want a super tasty breakfast or lunch, but don’t have a ton of time, the Dam Cafe in Tahoe City is the spot to hit up. All of the ingredients are organic, the staff is always smiling, and though it’s hard not to always order a breakfast burrito, everything on the menu is worth a try (especially, uh, if it comes with bacon). This cute cafe is also a great spot for a fancy coffee or a tasty smoothie. And get a piece of banana bread for later. You won’t regret it.
Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA 96146
14. Truckee Tavern and Grill
Nestled in an old brick building in downtown Truckee is this newcomer to the Tahoe food scene that you’ll want to add this to your list of places to eat. Truckee Tavern and Grille is doing really thoughtful food that feels reminiscent of something you might see in San Francisco, but with a Tahoe twist. All of the ingredients are fresh, local, and farm raised, and the menu is constantly changing to reflect the seasons. Still, Truckee Tavern serves the type of hearty fare you come to expect in the mountains, with dishes like a pork belly appetizer with pickled fennel and whiskey jus, big cuts of meat on the grill, and savory sides (the yukon gold and sweet potato mashed is not to be missed). Dessert is also always changing, but if the homemade banana bread with ice cream is available, order it. Even if you’re full. Your brain will make room. Trust.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 587-3766
15. West Shore Cafe & Inn
Down on the west shore, right across from Homewood, is the West Shore Cafe, a lakefront restaurant with an inviting ambiance, friendly service, and delicious food. For a more casual meal, grab a spot at the (small) bar or lounge where menu items include sausage flatbread, a kale salad, and a tasty burger on a brioche bun. The dinner menu is a bit more expansive with dishes like the grilled pork chop, cioppino, and proscuitto-wrapped chicken roulade. If you can, get there before sunset and sip on a classic cocktail while you watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.
Homewood, CA 96141
https://www.westshorecafe.com/