Tahoe Restaurants: American & Family Oriented

Elements Eatery & Bar is one of the few restaurants anywhere in the Lake Tahoe Basin that can boast of lake views from its outdoor seating and from every seat inside as well. Even better is the distinctive menu that owners describe as Mexi-Cali. The smash burger has a ton of Latin herbs in it, while the au jus for the French dip is also Latin-based with chili peppers. The menu has shareable items like the Fiesta Nachos, Taco Sampler and Street Fries, a meal in itself with house-made fries and an all-beef hot dog with ketchup, crema, mustard, Tabasco, lime and jalapeno. This South Lake Tahoe restaurant is all about fresh ingredients, from the corn and flour tortillas made in-house to the juices and mixes for the full bar. With the grassy area out front fenced off, adult beverages may be consumed at outside tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available seven days a week. Elements also offers catering for special occasions.

A little eatery overflowing with Tahoe charm is the Keys Cafe. Right about where Tahoe Keys Boulevard meets Lake Tahoe Boulevard, this cabin serves breakfast and lunch with free-range organic eggs, healthy and hearty sandwiches and seasonal homemade soups. You’ll also find fruit smoothies, coffee and tea. The cafe has a large catering menu and free WiFi.

Orchid's Thai Cuisine thrives in its little location just east of the Y. If you are looking for a Thai restaurant that is big on flavor and decorated with beautiful Thai decor, then this is a great place to enjoy. Their large menu offers something for everyone, and the dishes are perfect for sharing family-style. There are a lot of spicy dishes on their menu, and you can add heat if you'd like. Likewise, this restaurant is pretty good about accommodating special dietary needs. They also offer some nice desserts, including green tea ice cream, fried bananas and other treats.

Pepper's Taqueria is at the rear of Pete 'n Peters Sports & Spirits, Tahoe City’s original and much-loved sports bar. This means you can watch the game at the bar and enjoy Pepper's tasty tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, wings and cheeseburgers. Pepper's is known for its affordable Mexican food. 

Based at evo Hotel in Tahoe City, Sierra Surf Club is not just for hotel guests. Open to all, the restaurant offers global comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus grab-and-go items. Enjoy the views of Lake Tahoe while sitting on the outdoor patio with a drink from the full bar. If it's cool out, you'll stay warm around the fire pit. All profits from the restaurant go to Protect Our Winters, an outdoor movement for climate impact created by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, who founded the hotel and restaurant.