Java, java, java! It’s the elixir of the gods according to a large swath of the population. (Wonder what would win out on a national poll: coffee or beer?) At last count, there were approximately 60 Tahoe restaurants in this area that would qualify as a Lake Tahoe coffee shop. That’s a lot of coffee options per capita, right? That should also mean that, with so much competition, you can expect the coffee game to be at high levels here. Meaning, you might ask? Well, cold drip, nitrous, French press, espresso, Aeropress and more, and, of course, beans roasted in-house. Not every coffeehouse will offer all options, but with so many Lake Tahoe coffee shops to choose from, you’ll soon find your favorite. And, yes, you can still get just a plain old cup of coffee out of a hot pot. Pass the creamer, please. Oh, and the lemon rind and cinnamon and half & half and exotic flavorings too. If you want to stick with Lake Tahoe coffee shops whose names are already familiar to you, you’ll find those here too. But our advice is to experience Tahoe to its fullest. You can always go back to the familiar when you leave.
Featured for Your Visit
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
12373 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA
Mountain Brew is more than a place to get a cup of coffee, whether it's served naked or not, hot or cold. Every batch of beans is hand roasted, and one-pound bags are available on-site or online, or you can join the coffee club for monthly deliveries. There's also chai, hot chocolate, matcha, herbal teas and more. This is also a place to enjoy a beer on tap or in cans or wine by the glass or bottle; you can imbibe on-site and shop for selections to take home. Mountain Brew offers sweet and savory grab-and-go foods whipped up by local chefs. It's fast, good food. Located right off the freeway in Truckee, Mountain Brew is a great way to start and end the day.
Mountain Brew is more than a place to get a cup of coffee, whether it's served naked or not, hot or cold. Every batch of beans is hand roasted, and one-pound bags are available on-site or online, or you can join the coffee club for monthly deliveries. There's also chai, hot chocolate, matcha, herbal teas and more. This is also a place to enjoy a...read more
Mountain Brew is more than a place to get a cup of coffee, whether it's...read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
Coffee Connexion isn't just a place that serves coffee. It's a place that serves coffee with love. A ma and pa coffee joint that began its journey with the coffee bean in the mid-'90s, Coffee Connexion is still run by the same loving family two decades later. Their specialties include all types of coffee drinks, teas and David Rio Chai Teas as well as breakfast...read more
The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Coffeebar is a radically inclusive, Italian-inspired roastery and community cafe. They have two locations in Truckee (the original location in historic downtown and the Coffeebar Bakery in West Truckee) as well as a location in the village at Olympic Valley. They have two locations in Reno (including their roastery) as well as a stores in Menlo Park and Redwood City, CA. The downtown Truckee location is a bustling indoor-outdoor meeting place, and the West Truckee Bakery is where the baking goodness happens on the daily. The Olympic Valley location has breathtaking views of Red Dog and KT with a large mountain-facing patio. Coffeebar offers a variety of Italian-inspired espresso and specialty coffee drinks and teas as well as an afternoon selection of craft beer and Italian wines. The Coffeebar menu includes a variety of homemade pastries and fresh local food including breakfast burritos, paleo bowls, breakfast panini and seasonal specialties. All stores offer gluten-free, paleo and vegan options. Coffeebar features a large selection of freshly roasted coffee from their roastery in Reno. Local favorites include their long-standing espresso (Zephyr) and dark roast (Giuseppe) as well as a constantly changing fleet of single-origin coffees and espresso. In addition to regular events, including live music and coffee and wine tastings, the walls of the bright, well-lit spaces are adorned with a rotating selection of local art. There is free WiFi at all locations.
Coffeebar is a radically inclusive, Italian-inspired roastery and community cafe. They have two locations in Truckee (the original location in historic downtown and the Coffeebar Bakery in West Truckee) as well as a location in the village at Olympic Valley. They have two locations in Reno (including their roastery) as well as a stores in Menlo Park and Redwood City, CA. The downtown Truckee location is a bustling indoor-outdoor...read more
Coffeebar is a radically inclusive, Italian-inspired roastery and community cafe. They have two locations in Truckee...read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
Crest Cafe and Catering is superbly located to grab a quick bite to eat while heading to or from either Palisades Tahoe or Alpine Meadows. It's situated on the corner of Highway 89 leading to Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows Road leading to Alpine as well as next to various excellent mountain biking trails. The cafe gives riders, skiers and snowboarders well-priced, locally sourced, homemade...read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
An ingenious idea that interweaves multiple aspects, Cuppa Tahoe is one of those places where you might find yourself spending hours. A well-stocked bookstore enhanced with food and drink, this land of learning offers a superb selection of reading material as well as games, stationery and space. They also offer a Casual CoWorking area that offers business people a way to get out of their...read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
Coffee connoisseurs can get a high-grade fix at Dark Horse Coffee Roasters in downtown Truckee. Whether it’s cold-brew, pour-over or French-press, Dark Horse’s coffee is derived from beans roasted on-site in a building that can only be found in Truckee. It's not quite a basement space, but the everyday din is nonetheless left behind when entering Dark Horse and its foot-thick rock walls. Post-and-beam construction...read more
Shops at Heavenly Village
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
One of those venerable South Tahoe eateries that has transitioned well into the present is the Driftwood Cafe. It was originally established in 1960 adjacent to the Driftwood Lodge, and the current owners purchased it in 1999. Redevelopment in the city forced a change in location, and the home-style cafe is now open in the Heavenly Village. They serve a creative and eclectic menu for...read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
With more than 50 years in operation, this American-style breakfast and lunch diner has become a popular institution for locals and visitors of South Lake Tahoe. Established in 1968, Ernie's is known for quality food and friendly customer service. Ernie's has a large, mountain-inspired dining room and a cozy outdoor patio for the summer season. It has remained a
...
read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
If you are looking for a scrumptious breakfast or mid-day meal that will leave you feeling satisfied, put Fire Sign Cafe on your list. This small breakfast and lunch establishment is an absolute favorite among locals. Having been around since 1978, Fire Sign has shown its worthiness by serving incredibly tasty morning meals and afternoon dishes. They make almost everything from scratch. A few of...read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
If you are looking for a restaurant that offers scrumptious food, stunning views and six flat-screen televisions playing sports all day long, then you need to take advantage of Flight Deck Sports Bar & Grill. Overlooking Lake Tahoe Airport, this welcoming eatery is a superb choice for home-style meals. The restaurant features lunch and dinner seven days a week and breakfast on weekends, and the...read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
Embark on a journey of flavor and positivity with FOLK Brewing Company. Born from a winter solstice celebration among friends in 2013, FOLK Brewing is the culmination of ideas, dreams and shared visions. What began as a simple conversation about kombucha sparked a revolution in craft brewing. Led by a seasoned chef with a passion for fermentation, FOLK Brewing set out to create a kombucha unlike...read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
Near the middle of town is a cute little coffee shop that specializes in organic foods and drinks. And "little" is the operative word – if there is anyone ordering ahead of you, you may find yourself standing outside until they leave and make room for you. Free Bird Cafe serves coffee and espresso, teas (don't miss the homemade chai latte), smoothies (both simple and...read more
Lake Tahoe Coffeehouses & Smoothies
Freel Perk is a coffee shop out in Meyers that keeps things as local as possible with coffee from Alpen Sierra and baked goods from Don’s Cakes by the Lake, Truckee Sourdough Company and Sugar Pine Bakery. They also have smoothies and frappes. Playfully named for the highest mountain in El Dorado County and with the slogan Coffee with Altitude, Freel Perk is adjacent to...read more
