In an area such as Lake Tahoe that attracts visitors (and locals) from around the world, one of the lucky results is a melting pot of ethnic restaurants. And some of the most-visited here are the Tahoe restaurants serving Mexican fare. Many of these spots have been popular eateries for decades, and they just keep on pulling in the crowds of hungry, happy diners. Some look like old haciendas and exude the charm and culture of our southern neighbors. Others are located in the middle of a casino or shopping center, so authentic ambiance might be lacking, but the flavors won’t be. Some offer Mexican fare alongside other culinary choices … on the off chance that someone in your party prefers burgers or pizza. If outdoor dining is offered, and it is in many places, head on out (with Fido in tow), order up a pitcher or two of margaritas to provide the prefect complement and relax. If you look at our interactive map, you’ll see a cluster of Mexican restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, but no matter where you are around the lake, you’ll easily find good options for tacos, burritos and more.
Featured for Your Visit
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
395 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA
Pepper's Taqueria is right next to 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. During NFL games and other sporting events, Pepper's offers great food specials.
Pepper's Taqueria is right next to 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. During NFL games and other sporting events, Pepper's offers great food specials. read more
Pepper's Taqueria is right next to Pete 'n Peters Sports & Spirits, Tahoe City’s original...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
Casey’s is a spacious restaurant, and you'll find live entertainment on occasion in its Living Room. Casey’s is fun and casual, and the menu of American comfort food is enhanced with Mexican specials and a full bar. They have a large breakfast menu, served until noon, and are happy to host large group events.read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
When it comes to tasty food that is obviously created with care and love, there is a place in South Lake Tahoe to seek out: Chicken in a Barrel. Taking the cue from Hawaiian hospitality and the importance of family, Chicken in a Barrel is a dining experience that embodies togetherness. They utilize a one-of-a-kind cooking style in which custom-made drum barrels give chicken, ribs,...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
A fixture near downtown Truckee for more than 25 years, El Toro Bravo is one of those places that locals and visitors alike gather to eat, imbibe and have a good time. The key lubricant in keeping the fun flowing is the Mexican restaurant’s margaritas. Order a pitcher or three for your group and the party will soon be rolling. It’s always a good idea...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
Empanadas are one of those specialty foods that will win a place in your heart. These Argentinian baked or fried stuffed pastries filled with meats, cheeses, spices, vegetables or fruits are a fantastic way to satisfy a hungry belly. In South Lake Tahoe you can find delicious empanadas at the newly opened Empanash. A family-owned eatery built on the love for empanadas, its creations are...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
Fat Cat Bar & Grill is a boisterous locals' hangout that offers great twists on Thai, Mexican and California cuisine. The ambiance is modern, inviting and open. It's across the street from the lake, making it easy to access after a day on the water. A few must-try menu items include Fat Cat Fries, blackened ahi tacos, lettuce wraps and the Farm House Lamb Burger. It's open...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
If you want to brag that you’ve been to the highest year-round bar at Tahoe, then you need to drive up Kingsbury Grade and visit Fox & Hound Smokehouse Grill & Bar. A full restaurant and bar, they serve everything you’d expect to find at a good bar and grill, plus they are rightfully proud of their award-winning barbecue. In fact, the Fox & Hound...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
If you enjoy fresh, healthy Mexican food, then you must check out Frescana Mexican Bistro. Based on the belief that a dining experience should nourish the body, surprise the taste buds and set the stage for great conversation, Frescana is a casual Mexican experience with flair. With their gigantic menu, every taste bud will find a dish worthy of repeat, from their simple yet flavorful...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
Front Street Station serves Mexican food and pizza – a good combination for those looking for something that's quick, easy and tasty. The iconic log cabin that serves as the Tahoe City location has only a few places to sit inside, so if it's busy (as it can be, especially during the summer and after a good ski day) it's recommended to take dishes home...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
South Lake Tahoe has a number of small eateries that rely more on the locals than on the tourist trade. When you locate such a restaurant, you can usually count on good food at reasonable prices and a lot of it. Jalapeño’s Taqueria is one such place, not far from the edge of town on Emerald Bay Road. Free homemade chips and salsa and free...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
La Mexicana Meat Market & Taqueria is a little corner store and so much more. Just off the main drag in Kings Beach, it’s a full-service grocery with a butcher, fresh produce, dairy and a bakery producing traditional Mexican pastries and breads. You’ll also find a wide variety of spices, seasonings and chili peppers. There’s also a small kitchen producing authentic, made-to-order Mexican food: breakfasts,...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
When it's a favorite of the locals, you know it must be good. That is exactly the case for La Promesa Bakery and Mexican Food. A tiny ma-and-pa joint that would be easy to miss if you blinked, this is one of those restaurants that becomes an absolute favorite right from first visit. Known for its scrumptious tacos, chimichangas and carne asada, La Promesa has...read more
Lake Tahoe Mexican & Southwestern
Las Panchitas is a family-owned establishment that began serving Mexican food to Lake Tahoe locals and visitors back in 1982. The menu encompasses the full spectrum of Mexican dishes including burritos, tacos and house specialties like the Fiesta Tostada and the Las Panchitas Special (a chorizo and egg enchilada with refried beans, rice, tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream and butter). A favorite on their drink...read more
