The Ultimate Guide to the Best Breakfast Spots in South Lake Tahoe

If you're heading off to South Lake Tahoe for your next adventure, you're in luck – as a couple of Tahoe locals we go out to breakfast about once a week and have created this ultimate guide to help you discover all of the must-try breakfast spots that this beautiful destination has to offer.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite on the go before a day of hiking, skiing or exploring the area, or you’re craving a classic diner or fancy brunch to celebrate a special occasion there are plenty of delicious (and affordable!) options to explore.

So grab your appetite and let's explore our favorite breakfast spots in South Lake.

(Short Rib Beni & House Bloody Mary at Maggie’s)

If you're heading off to South Lake Tahoe for your next adventure, you're in luck – as a couple of Tahoe locals we go out to breakfast about once a week and have created this ultimate guide to help you discover all of the must-try breakfast spots that this beautiful destination has to offer.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite on the go before a day of hiking, skiing or exploring the area, or you’re craving a classic diner or fancy brunch to celebrate a special occasion there are plenty of delicious (and affordable!) options to explore.

So grab your appetite and let's explore our favorite breakfast spots in South Lake.

Red Hut $

No reservations, arrive early

The Red Hut location in Stateline is your classic cozy American diner. It’s only about a two minute drive from The Tahoe House making it very convenient if you’re staying with us. I always order the build your own omelet with mushrooms, onions and avocado. Kevin usually orders 2 Eggs with Ham, Hasbrowns & Rye Toast. This is a tiny bustling cabin dining space with only 9-10 tables, so arrive early or be prepared for a long wait time especially on weekends. Locals tip: If you end up having to wait, you can walk across the street to Kahle Park for a short easy hike around the soccer field and then meander along the trails through the woods to pass the time.

Clydes Coffee Roasting Co $

No reservations

Located across the street from Red Hut Cafe is Clyde’s, a bustling locals coffee shop with adorable mountain decor that will make you want to pull up a chair and hang out for a while. This small coffeehouse and roasting shop is family owned and operated and provides direct sourced, hand-picked coffee beans attained through sustainable farming practices. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, this is a must-try spot. Locals tip: Grab a hot cup of coffee (roasted daily) & a fresh baked pastry before a day of exploring the area.

Tahoe Bagel Company $

No reservations

Tahoe Bagel the go-to East Coast style deli in South Lake. They have two locations, one in Stateline only a two minute drive down the road from The Tahoe House. They offer the best deli style breakfast sandwiches in town as well as lunch sandwiches. We get the Pork roll, Egg and Cheese sandwich on a bagel, paying homage to our New Jersey roots (ever heard of pork roll? It’s a tasty processed breakfast meat invented in New Jersey that is rarely seen on menus outside of the state). This is the perfect kind of breakfast to grab and take with you on an adventure, orders and handed over wrapped in tin foil keeping them warm until you get to your destination. Locals Tip: This is a popular spot, so we recommend ordering online here through ToastTab on busy mornings and picking up at the outdoor takeout window to save yourself the long wait in line.

Toulouse $$

Reservations suggested (via OpenTable)

This local gem has a cozy mountain diner atmosphere with a small menu of delicious breakfast options. We have eaten here more times than any other spot on this list. I always get the Quinoa Breakfast Bowl. Kevin always gets the 2 Farm Fresh Eggs with Pork Sausage and Sourdough Toast. The bloody mary here is also primo. Conveniently located about a 7 minute drive down the road from The Tahoe House.

Getaway Cafe $$

No reservations, arrive early

This homestyle locals spot features a massive menu ranging from your classic Eggs Benedict to indulgences like Banana Nut Pancakes and a Loaded Bloody Mary. While it’s the furthest drive on the other side of town from The Tahoe House, it’s so worth the trek for the quality of the food and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Insiders Tip: This is a popular small dining space with 9-10 tables and they do not take reservations so arrive early or be prepared for a long wait, especially on weekends.

Maggie’s $$$

Reservations suggested (via OpenTable)

Located in the brand new and stunningly beautiful Desolation Hotel, this is our go-to spot for special occasion breakfasts like our birthdays or when we’re feeling extra. The Short Rib Beni is unreal. We pair it with a Maggie’s House Salad and the Maggie’s omelet and share everything and it’s heaven. Order the Thai Bloody Mary, you won’t regret it! We’ve already eaten here several times, it’s pricier than other options but so worth it for the elevated dining experience. Insiders Tip: This is a very small space with only about 6-7 tables and a bar, so make reservations or be open to grabbing a spot at the bar or waiting.

(Left: a pork roll, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on a poppy seed bagel from Tahoe Bagel Company. Right: the Bloody Mary and 2 Farm Fresh Eggs with Pork Sausage, Home Fries & Sourdough Toast at Toulouse.)

The Bistro Edgewood $$$

Reservations required (via OpenTable)

This is an upscale breakfast spot located at the beautiful Edgewood Tahoe, a lakefront modern mountain lodge style resort. Their menu ranges from your classic egg dishes to pancakes to fried chicken and waffles. They also offer fancy morning cocktails like a Mimosa Flight or Lavender French. The Bistro is perfect for special occasions and they can more easily accommodate large parties since it’s a big dining space and you can make a reservation in advance.

Jimmy’s at The Landing $$$

Reservations suggested (via OpenTable)

This upscale breakfast spot is located within The Landing Resort & Spa. Located right across the street from the beach and boasting stunning lake views, it's a perfect destination for those looking for a luxurious breakfast. We had the pleasure of trying their Chilaquiles, Winter Salad, and American Breakfast - all of which were delicious. Locals Tip: for a truly upscale day, contact the spa to purchase a day pass for after your brunch. This is one of the only hotels in South Lake that offers a day pass, which includes the use of their steam room, pool and hot tub along with towels and spa robes.

And that’s the round up of our favorite local breakfast spots in South Lake! Let us know in the comments if you plan to try any of these spots – and definitely let us know if there’s any you think we missed, we consider ourselves local breakfast enthusiasts and are always looking for new places to explore and tell our guests about. We hope this guide has inspired you to start your day off right with a delicious local breakfast. Enjoy!