Tahoe Restaurants: Outdoor Dining

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.

Grab a table next to the wall of windows at the Lone Eagle Grille and sip a glass of California Cabernet as you gaze out over Lake Tahoe’s Crystal Bay and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada beyond. Come evening, pull a chair up to one of their outdoor fire pits and light a cigar from their humidor as you listen to the waves slapping the shore and the mellow licks of a wandering guitarist. If the night is cold, cozy up next to their giant stone fireplace with a single malt scotch, or sidle up to the copper-topped bar for a craft cocktail like the Sicilian Widow, Mexican Firing Squad or their signature, the Golden Eagle Margarita. Wherever you chose to settle in at the Lone Eagle Lounge, don’t fail to order food, at least one of their tapas-style offerings – seared foie gras, kale salad or a thin-crust pizza. The Lone Eagle is a grand lodge with lots of wood, a wall full of old books and scissor-truss vaulted ceilings. Attached to the lounge is the Lone Eagle Grille with a more extensive menu, an open show kitchen and a 600-bottle enoteca, a five-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner. The Lone Eagle is owned and operated by the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe just up the road. For weddings, receptions and large group gatherings, this is a fantastic choice for a catered affair.

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 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.

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.