This is an important one—you simply have to start the day right. And in South Lake Tahoe, you’ll find a long list of breakfast restaurants to choose from.
But what are the best breakfast spots around town? The ones that are stuffed with locals every morning? We can help!
We already know you’ll be spending the day skiing, hiking, mountain biking or boating. Which means you need a good base.
Local favorites like Getaway Cafe, Heidi’s Pancake House, Bert’s, and Ernie’s are cult classics for all-day adventure fuel (and the best early-AM vibes). For something fast & lighter, Three Pines Coffee and Tahoe Bagel Co. are at the top of our list. And if you want a lake view with your pancakes, you gotta go for Elements Eatery.
On weekends, holidays and peak summer days, all of the town’s breakfast restaurants fill up fast. Arrive before 9am—or plan on waiting for a table.
Quick Reference: South Lake Tahoe Breakfast Spots
| Restaurant | Best For | Hours | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernie’s Coffee Shop | Classic diner, locals’ favorite | Daily 7am–2pm | $$ |
| Bert’s Cafe | Scratch-made diner, big portions | Daily 7am–2pm | $$ |
| The Getaway Cafe | Creative comfort food, dog-friendly patio | Daily 7am–2pm | $$ |
| Elements Eatery & Bar | Latin fusion, lake views | Daily 8am–9pm | $$ |
| Three Pines Coffee | Specialty coffee, light bites | Mon–Sun 7:30am–2/3pm | $ |
| Tahoe Bagel Co. | NY-style bagels, quick fuel | M–F 6am–2pm / Sat–Sun 7am–2:30pm | $ |
| Heidi’s Pancake House | Classic pancakes, Tahoe institution | Daily 7am–2pm | $$ |
The Long-Standing Favorite: Ernie’s Coffee Shop
Need to know: Ernie’s Coffee Shop
- Open daily, 7am–2pm
- Online waitlist available (use it on weekends)
- Outdoor patio is open in summer
- Friendly service, unique menu items & full espresso menu
- Address: 1207 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe, CA
One visit and you’ll understand why Ernie’s is an all-time favorite Lake Tahoe breakfast spot. Locally owned since 1968, Ernie’s has more than earned its reputation as one of the best restaurants in South Lake Tahoe for morning fare.
Ernie’s is a spacious café, with friendly service, an outdoor patio for the summer months and an extensive menu that walks the line between breakfast classics and new favorites.
Biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried steak, and a solid eggs Benedict anchor one end. The mollete—chorizo, potatoes, jack cheese, and avocado on a toasted roll—is on the other. Organic coffee, a full menu of espresso drinks and fresh-squeezed orange juice round things out.
Portions are huge and service is fast, but you’ll still run into a wait here more often than not. Check the online waitlist to speed things along.
Order: The Mollete or Huevos Rancheros, plus a cup of the house coffee.
The Scratch-Made Everything Spot: Bert’s Cafe
Need to know: Bert’s Cafe
- Open daily, 7am–2pm
- Walk-ins only — no reservations
- Family-owned for 20+ years
- Breakfast & lunch menu with generous coffee pours
- Address: 1146 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe, CA
Directly across the street from Ernie’s, you’ll find another cult classic—Bert’s Cafe. Beyond a near identical street address, both are locally owned, entirely beloved and likely to have a long wait on a Saturday morning. All good signs.
Bert’s gives more of a traditional diner vibe, with scratch-made everything coming from the kitchen. The hollandaise, biscuits and gravy, the sausage patties and beyond all come from family recipes that have stood the test of time.
And while the food is great, the portions are massive, and your coffee cup will literally never be empty while you’re here, the family feel is perhaps the best part. It’s a true family-run business, and running into Bert himself, or his wife, kids or grandkids, is probably on the table.
Order: The Cowboy, or the Walnut Waffles, and a hot chocolate with sprinkles.
The Locals’ Vote: The Getaway Cafe
Need to know: The Getaway Cafe
- Open daily, 7am–2pm
- Dog-friendly patio in summer
- Reservations not taken — walk-in only
- Located in Meyers, about 5 miles from downtown SLT
- Breakfast & lunch menu, with sweet & savory favorites
- Address: 3140 Hwy 50, Meyers, CA
It’s a nearly universal opinion that The Getaway Cafe is home to the best breakfast in South Lake Tahoe. Located in Meyers, more technically on your way in or out of town, it’s won “Best Breakfast” multiple years running, with no signs of stopping.
It’s just that it’s kind of perfect. Everything is made from scratch in a small kitchen, the cafe itself is adorable, and the service is so warm and welcoming that you’ll feel like you’ve known them forever.
Most importantly, the food is exceptional. Everything is expertly prepared, with crowd favorites like Coconut French Toast, Chilaquiles and Deluxe Eggs Benedict stealing the show. It’s the kind of spot you can return to time and time again—and leave with a new favorite dish, every time.
There’s even a shaded, outdoor patio beneath the pines for the summer months. Bring your dog—they’ll love him—for the perfect pre-hike or aprés-slopes meal.
Order: Banana Nut Pancakes, anything with chorizo and a fish bowl Mimosa.
The Best Outdoor Patio: Elements Eatery & Bar
Need to know: Elements Eatery & Bar
- Open daily, 8am–9pm (breakfast until noon)
- Outdoor seating with lake views
- Dog-friendly patio
- Expansive mimosa menu, creative coffee drinks & elevated Mexican dishes
- Address: 3310 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA
Our breakfast list is flooded with long-standing local favorites, but Elements Eatery & Bar breaks the mold. It opened in early 2024, and quickly made a name for itself, rising to the top as one of the best brunch restaurants in South Lake Tahoe.
How’d they do it? A full menu of thoughtfully curated Latin-American breakfast dishes, homemade tortillas, salsas and beyond, plus a coffee & fresh-pressed juice menu that you’re probably going to dream of, to start.
But Elements’ sprawling outdoor patio with premium views of Lake Tahoe seals the deal.
Fun, latin-inspired fare like breakfast tacos, chilaquiles and horchata french toast fill out the menu alongside more classic plates. Cinnamon and condensed milk are mainstays for their coffee orders, and there’s an impressive list of cold-pressed juices and mimosas.
Come for the food, stay for the view. On a bluebird summer morning with a lakefront table, there’s not a better seat on the south shore.
Order: The Belgium Churro Waffle, Tamale Benedict or Asada & Eggs. Café de Olla to drink.
The Coffee Destination: Three Pines Coffee Company
Need to know: Three Pines Coffee Company
- Open Mon–Thu 7:30am–2pm, Fri–Sun 7:30am–3pm
- No WiFi—just great ambiance, lighting & seating
- Direct trade coffee, match lattes & superfoods menu
- Address: 3115 Harrison Ave, Unit 2, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Okay, so Three Pines Coffee Company isn’t exactly a breakfast restaurant—it’s a coffee shop that happens to serve some of the most thoughtful food in town. But if your idea of breakfast is some light, healthy fuel paired with a genuinely exceptional latte, this is your place.
The beans are sourced directly from Panama’s mountains, roasted with care, and brewed to order. Think expertly crafted pour-overs, cappuccinos, honey-ginger lattes and pistachio cardamom lattes.
And while coffee is star, the food menu is far from forgotten. We’re talking a short but sweet menu, with feel good options like avocado toast, acai bowls, yogurt bowls and superfood waffles.
The space is small, warm, and intentionally designed to encourage you to slow down, feel good and start your day right.
Order: A pour over of their single-origin and the Superfood Ube Waffle or Fiesta Avocado Toast.
The Quick Fuel: Tahoe Bagel Co.
Need to know: Tahoe Bagel Co.
- Mon–Fri: 6am–2pm / Sat–Sun: 7am–2:30pm
- Two locations: South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
- Walk-in and online ordering available
- Proper, housemade bagels with breakfast & lunch sandwich options
- Address: 1018 Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA & 276 Kingsbury Grade Rd, Stateline, NV
South Lake Tahoe spent far too much time without a proper bagel in town. Tahoe Bagel Co. fixed that. Perfectly chewy, quality schmear, creative toppings—it’s the perfect no-nonsense approach to a quick, hearty and delicious breakfast before you head out for a day on the lake.
Go to grab a simple bagel with cream cheese, or opt for an egg sandwich. Hit it hard with the Back 2 Life, featuring two breakfast meats and hashbrowns on that heavenly bagel, or keep it light with sprouts and cucumber on the Veggie.
Prices are fair for Tahoe, the line moves fast, and the 6am weekday open makes it the best option for early-start ski days or pre-hike fuel. Easy tip—the Stateline location is typically a lot less busy than than South Lake Tahoe locale.
Order: Lox specialty bagel or Back 2 Life for a heavy hitter. Simple Americano.
The Ultimate Classic: Heidi’s Pancake House
Need to know: Heidi’s Pancake House
- Open daily, 7am–2pm
- Walk-ins only; arrive before 9am on weekends to avoid a wait
- Gluten-free options available
- Full menu pickup and DoorDash delivery available
- Address: 3485 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA
If you’ve passed through South Lake Tahoe anytime since, oh, you know, the 1960s, then you’re probably familiar with the landmark yellow building that is Heidi’s Pancake House. Lake Tahoe regulars already know and love it, and first-time visitors are nothing but soon-to-be converts.
Distinctly old school from the outside—Heidi’s Pancake House always delivers on that classic breakfast experience. Different flavors of pancakes, waffles, french toast and crepes take up half with the menu. Four-egg omelettes, a flawless benedict and every savory egg dish in between fill out the rest.
Wrapped in a delightfully kitschy decor, you’ll find a spacious restaurant with impeccable service, and a more than likely long line that moves quickly. Get there early, or plan to wait. It’ll be worth it.
Order: The Strawberry Crepes or the Florentine Omelette. The Swiss Yodeler if you’re looking for the complete package.
What’s the best overall breakfast in South Lake Tahoe?
If we had to crown a winner, The Getaway Cafe is the all-around best for breakfast in South Lake Tahoe. That said, we genuinely love all of these spots and keep them in rotation.
What’s the best early-morning breakfast near Heavenly or the casinos?
Tahoe Bagel Co.’s Stateline location on Kingsbury Grade opens at 6am on weekdays, making it the best option for a quick breakfast before first chair.
Where can I take my dog for breakfast?
The Getaway Cafe has a dog-friendly patio, and so does Elements Eatery & Bar. Ernie’s is also accommodating for well-behaved dogs on the patio.
Do any South Lake Tahoe breakfast spots take reservations?
Most don’t. Ernie’s has an online waitlist you can join before arriving. Plan to arrive before 9am on weekend mornings or accept a wait at the popular spots.
What’s the best breakfast for a big group?
For a big group, like a bachelor or bachelorette party, Elements is a great breakfast option. Plus, the lake view makes it feel like a full experience. Ernie’s also offers a spacious dining room and fast service.
