The 5 Best Breakfasts Around Lake Tahoe Region

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but in South Lake Tahoe, it’s also one of the most beloved. Whether fueling up for a day on the slopes or easing into a slow Sunday morning, locals know where to find a plate of eggs that hits the spot and a cup of coffee that actually wakes you up. The region’s hearty breakfast scene is toasted in the Best of Tahoe, which offers a few highlights.

The Getaway Cafe

At The Getaway Cafe, breakfast is equal parts comfort and creativity. Family-owned since 2006, the café has carved out a niche with a menu that balances classic dishes with unexpected twists. Think eggs Benedict with housemade hollandaise, chorizo scrambles and stuffed French toast that could double as dessert. Their approach to food is rooted in fresh ingredients and scratch preparation, but it’s the easygoing vibe and thoughtful service that bring everything together.

Ernie’s Coffee Shop

Ernie’s Coffee Shop has been feeding Tahoe since 1968, and it shows — not in age, but in experience. This local institution has mastered the art of the American diner breakfast, with a full menu of traditional staples like pancakes, omelets and biscuits with gravy. The kitchen keeps things classic, but never tired. What stands out is the care behind each plate, the kind you get when a place has been part of the community for decades. Ernie’s also offers plenty of gluten-free and health-conscious options, proving that old-school doesn’t have to mean one-size-fits-all.

Bert’s Café

Bert’s Café delivers the kind of breakfast that sticks with you — in the best way possible. With its retro booths and familiar charm, the café embraces the diner aesthetic while still offering a menu full of substance. There’s no pretense here, just hearty portions, house recipes and quick, friendly service. Their biscuits are baked fresh daily, the home fries are properly seasoned, and the staff moves like a team that’s been working together for years. It’s a place where weekend regulars know what they want before they walk in and where visitors stumble into something memorable without trying too hard.

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