On a trip to Lake Tahoe, it can be easy to get caught up in the sheer amount of outdoor adventures available to you in this stunning region. In a place where you can explore crystal clear waters and sweeping mountain views throughout one getaway, you’ll need to stay fueled up and energized as much as possible in between all the excitement. Luckily, there are plenty of mouthwatering bites and delightfully refreshing drinks all over the region. We’ve compiled a list of absolute must-tries while you’re here – consider it your Lake Tahoe bites checklist. Download the North Lake Tahoe Eats map to save for later, or keep reading for more.
Baked Tahoe
Where to Find It: Lone Eagle Grille
Why You’ll Love It: You’ve probably heard of a Baked Alaska. Lone Eagle’s Tahoe twist on this classic dessert is a true regional staple, combining smooth toffee ice cream with a house-made buckwheat cookie and perfectly torched meringue.
Tips: This dessert is definitely a shareable one — so enjoy it with a friend and try not to fight over the last bite.
Wet Woody
Where to Find It: Gar Woods Grill & Pier
Why You’ll Love It: This frozen rum cocktail is world-famous, and for good reason. It’s the feeling of a Lake Tahoe day in the sun distilled into a refreshingly sweet, perfectly balanced beverage.
Tips: Take a look at the full menu of Wet Woody variations and try a unique flavor such as prickly pear. Be warned, this drink is also fairly strong, so snag a couple delicious bites off the menu while you sip this one.
Chambers Crush
Where to Find It: Chambers Landing Bar & Grill
Why You’ll Love It: After a day on the water or wandering the mountain trails, there’s nothing better than a frozen treat — and it’s even better when that frozen treat is a little boozy. Chambers Crush is an iconic Lake Tahoe libation, and once you take that first sip, you’ll understand why.
Tips: This frozen cocktail is best enjoyed on the patio, surrounded by stunning views of the lake. Rum lovers will note that Chambers Landing is actually a stop on the Tahoe Rum Trail, making this one a must-try.
Thai Curry Scallops
Where to Find It: Soule Domain Restaurant
Why You’ll Love It: Although Soule Domain is primarily a French bistro, they excel at combining global flavors with French-style cooking to create something truly exceptional. These Thai Curry Scallops practically melt in your mouth, and you won’t be able to get enough of the silky coconut milk sauce they are served in.
Tips: Save that sauce! Order extra bread for the table to soak up every last drop of that addictive coconut milk and jalapeno sauce.
Made-to-Order Gourmet Sandwich
Where to Find It: Tahoe Central Market
Why You’ll Love It: Everyone’s version of a perfect sandwich is different. Tahoe Central Market offers visitors the opportunity to craft their ideal sandwich before a day on the water, the mountain or anywhere else. No matter your preference, you can be sure that your sandwich will be made with incredibly fresh and often locally sourced ingredients.
Tips: Their stocked market, along with a beer and wine selection, makes it a one-stop-shop for your snacks for the day.
Half-Pound Angus Cheeseburger
Where to Find It: Spindleshanks
Why You’ll Love It: You really can’t go wrong with a classic cheeseburger, but this juicy indulgence from Spindleshanks takes it to a whole new level.
Tips: Customize your meal with the addition of a few slices of crispy bacon to elevate the delightful flavors of this already-stunning burger.
Stuffed Lumaconi
Where to Find It: Lanza’s Italian Restaurant
Why You’ll Love It: This house favorite dish at Lanza’s is a delightful mix of Italian spices, cheese and beef, all wrapped up in a beautiful pasta shell package and draped in baked mozzarella and Lanza’s specialty sauce.
Tips: Pair this taste of Italy with a red wine that will enhance the flavors of the dish, such as a Chianti or Pinot Noir. Ask your server which they’d recommend from Lanza’s extensive wine list.
Sopressata Honey Drizzle Pizza
Where to Find It: Whitecaps Pizza
Why You’ll Love It: Sweet, savory and spicy combine in wonderful harmony with this craft pizza from Whitecaps. Featuring peppery Italian salami, spicy jalapenos, three different kinds of cheese, smoky caramelized onions, fresh herbs and finished with a drizzle of honey, we aren’t exaggerating when we say you’ll leave this meal feeling like you’ve just had the best pizza of your life.
Tips: Though it really doesn’t need much extra, you can zhuzh up any pizza order with the addition of fresh herbs, hot honey, chili oil and more. To really round out the meal, consider ordering the Boquerones as a starter — even non-anchovy lovers will melt over this incredibly light Spanish anchovies dish.
Ahi Poke Tacos
Where to Find It: Bridgetender Tavern & Grill
Why You’ll Love It: This cozy log cabin tavern is situated at the mouth of the Truckee River, providing the perfect spot to enjoy fresh seafood on the riverfront patio. These Ahi Poke Tacos are a house favorite.
Tips: Try one of Bridgetender’s 15 beers on draft to pair with this refreshing and satisfying plate.
Alpine Fondue
Where to Find It: La Fondue
Why You’ll Love It: This classic cheesy, dippable dish at La Fondue is infused with Lake Tahoe Alpine flavors, while still showcasing the Swiss flavors that make fondue stand out.
Tips: Pair your dipping experience with a glass or two of champagne and finish the evening with an order of chocolate fondue for dessert.
Crab Avocado Toast
Where to Find It: Bite Restaurant & Bar
Why You’ll Love It: Being near Lake Tahoe’s sparkling blue waters puts you in the perfect mood for a rich coastal meal. This twist on a classic California favorite satisfies that mood perfectly, pairing the rich, buttery taste of crab with fresh avocado and bright citrus.
Tips: Upgrade this casual meal with a glass of champagne or light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, that complements the flavors taking center stage.
Chicken & Tri-Tip Plate
Where to Find It: T’s Mesquite Rotisserie
Why You’ll Love It: In between hiking the mountain trails or paddling on the lake, you’ll need to refuel. This classic barbecue plate is the hearty mountain meal you need to get your energy back up on your lunch break, combining smoky house-roasted tri-tip and chicken with mouthwatering homemade sides.
Tips: Get black beans and Spanish rice on the side to create the perfect Tex-Mex-style meal. Be aware that this spot is cash-only, so come prepared.
Download the North Lake Tahoe Eats map below.
Enjoy and Travel Responsibly
As you enjoy all the aspects of your Lake Tahoe adventure, remember to practice responsible travel. This includes disposing of all trash and food waste in the proper trash receptacles, avoiding giving any food to local wildlife and utilizing public transit options such as TART, which is especially convenient to have a free ride after a libation or two. Make a clear difference while you’re here so you can help preserve the beauty of Lake Tahoe for generations to come. Check out the Know Before You Go page to make sure you know all the steps you should take to prepare for a responsible trip.
Plan Your Stay in Lake Tahoe
Whether you’re a well-traveled foodie or someone who just appreciates a good meal, you’ll find plenty to please your taste buds while you’re here. Plan your stay in Lake Tahoe today, and consider traveling midweek to enjoy wide open spaces and unparalleled bliss.
