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.

There are cop bars, there are bars where journalists hang out after work, and at Tahoe there are ski bars. Mott Canyon Tavern and Grill on Lower Kingsbury is a ski bar. Pizza, burgers, fries and comfort food join a full bar with a party attitude. It’s not a large space, although the outdoor patio is a nice addition, but it’s packed with a lot of fun, from the jukebox to video poker and video games. The granite fireplace completes the whole Tahoe vibe.

Offering hearty gourmet dining and bar specials in a nostalgic atmosphere, River Ranch is a landmark destination for visitors and a locals' favorite year-round. Nestled on the banks of the Truckee River, River Ranch is poised to catch people tubing down the mellow rapids during the heat of the summer and to capture the après-ski crowd funneling down from the ski resorts during the cold winter nights. Their seasonal patio is home to an outdoor bar that serves the iconic Class V River Rum Punch and their famous nachos, with alfresco dining under the stars. The cozy and intimate indoor bar and restaurant are known for memorable meals, scenic river views and gathering around one of the two fireplaces. Their menu brings together all the summer and winter favorites with California cuisine and rotating specials and is proud to offer game, fish, chicken, burgers and veggie options. They also provide 19 small, boutique-style rooms for guests; reservations are highly recommended.

A favorite among North Shore locals, this tap house in the Cobblestone Shopping Center provides an exceptional opportunity to enjoy tasty brews, juicy burgers and some of the best views of the lake that Tahoe City has to offer. Serving lunch and dinner, Tahoe Tap Haus has an atmosphere that is open, inviting and welcoming, like walking into your best friend's home. They have a large selection of beers on tap, including 16 taps that always include local breweries, a full bar and specialty cocktails. Their menu includes popular items like hamburgers and salads as well as nannwiches, a twist on sandwiches. They also offer a large outdoor beer garden and patio that is conveniently located across the street from Lake Tahoe, making it simple to enjoy Commons Beach after a brew. Dogs are welcome outside as well. Owned by the same team that operates the popular Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema, the Tap Haus is family-friendly and a fantastic way to support local Tahoe business owners. 

Getaway Cafe has garnered local acclaim as the go-to spot for great breakfast and lunch experiences. With a legacy of six consecutive years as the recipient of the Best Breakfast and Best Lunch awards, and the prestigious honor of ranking 10th in Yelp's Top 100 Spots to Celebrate Mother's Day nationally, Getaway Cafe has been delighting patrons since its establishment in 2006. Serving alpine comfort cuisine, every dish on their menu is meticulously crafted using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality with each bite. Whether you're craving the vibrant flavors of Mexican/American fusion or the comforting classics of traditional breakfast fare, their house specialties such as chilaquiles, deluxe eggs Benedict and Coconut French Toast are sure to please. From their scratch-made creations to their use of locally sourced meat, produce and dairy suppliers, authenticity is at the heart of everything they do. Their dedication to quality extends to their partnerships with esteemed local vendors, including fresh-baked Truckee Sourdough bread, Alpen Sierra Coffee and Overland Meat Company's breakfast sausage patties. Their inviting atmosphere beckons guests to relax and unwind. During the summer months, the large, dog-friendly outdoor patio is a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors, offering the perfect setting to savor brunch amidst scenic surroundings. With generous portions, attentive service and an extensive selection of draft beer, Bloody Marys and mimosas, every visit to Getaway Cafe is an unforgettable culinary journey.