Tahoe Restaurants: Bars & Pubs

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.

One of the first of the fun and different restaurants to come to South Lake Tahoe with the redevelopment projects near the state line was FiRE + iCE Interactive Bar + Grill. The concept is that you choose your own components and sauces and the chef grills it all up right in front of you. It works very well with the Heavenly Village setting of whole-timber construction and patio fire pits. You can choose your ingredients along one of their four themes of Latin, American, Asian or Italian or create your very own blend. And the build-your-own model lets you control the meal, which is perfect for vegetarian diners. Be sure not to miss their grill lunch or dinner, both offered at one All You Can Eat price.

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.

Lone Eagle Grille is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lakeside lunch while taking in the stunning views of North Lake Tahoe. As evening falls, savor a gourmet meal followed by a relaxing sit beside the outdoor firepit, listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore. On cooler nights, cozy up by the grand stone fireplace with a single malt scotch or sidle up to the copper-topped bar for a craft cocktail. No matter where you choose to settle, the poke appetizer is always a must. Lone Eagle Grille offers a grand lodge ambiance, complete with rich wood accents, a wall lined with old books and soaring scissor-truss vaulted ceilings. Owned and operated by the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, which is just across the street, this venue is perfect for weddings, receptions and large group gatherings. It’s an exceptional choice for a catered affair, providing an unforgettable setting for any occasion.

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.