OT: Lake Tahoe question

[HuskyNan]

Our entire family is going to Lake Tahoe in late July. Can someone suggest a nice restaurant? Not Capital Grill/Ruth’s Chris nice, but better than a chain restaurant.

How about must-sees, any recommendations?

 

[EricLA]

Lake Tahoe is great. we went for my dad's 85 birthday a few years back. There is a section in the middle of town with some nice restaurants but nothing that stands out as "fine dining - must see"

We did mellow stuff like find nice beaches, rented bikes, took a hike, etc. We also did that goofy "old time family photo" thing since all of my dad's kids and their spouses etc. were there so it was a nice opportunity for that.

Tahoe isn't really a "stuff to see" place like the grand canyon or mt. rushmore etc. It's just really beautiful and peaceful.

 

[JRRRJ]

Our entire family is going to Lake Tahoe in late July. Can someone suggest a nice restaurant? Not Capital Grill/Ruth’s Chris nice, but better than a chain restaurant.

How about must-sees, any recommendations?

Assuming you're going to be in South Lake Tahoe:

For breakfast, Heidi's Pancake House is a good deal.

Bear Moon Bar & Grill and California Burger Company are good, with views of the lake. They can be busy.

The casinos, as is usual, have decent food, with mostly lower prices than the other local pretentious restaurants. Most of the casinos offer quick, casual and fine dining options.

Emerald Bay State Park and Vikingsholm are both on the west side and the views there & from on the drive there are spectacular.

Renting a boat is a popular activity. If you'd like to do so in July, I'd look into seeing whether you can reserve one in advance.

The gondola ride at Heavenly Resort takes you 4,000 higher than the lake for an even more spectacular vista, especially in the morning or evening when the light's not coming straight down and gives more perspective.

Haven't been there, but the Tallac Historic Site has been described as worthwhile by others.

Lots and lots of hiking trails.

 

[HuskyNan]

Assuming you're going to be in South Lake Tahoe:

For breakfast, Heidi's Pancake House is a good deal.

Bear Moon Bar & Grill and California Burger Company are good, with views of the lake. They can be busy.

The casinos, as is usual, have decent food, with mostly lower prices than the other local pretentious restaurants. Most of the casinos offer quick, casual and fine dining options.

Emerald Bay State Park and Vikingsholm are both on the west side and the views there & from on the drive there are spectacular.

Renting a boat is a popular activity. If you'd like to do so in July, I'd look into seeing whether you can reserve one in advance.

The gondola ride at Heavenly Resort takes you 4,000 higher than the lake for an even more spectacular vista, especially in the morning or evening when the light's not coming straight down and gives more perspective.

Haven't been there, but the Tallac Historic Site has been described as worthwhile by others.

Lots and lots of hiking trails.

We want a nice but not outrageously expensive dinner site. You and Colleen are welcome to join us. You and Maggie have birthdays and Tom may be celebrating.

 

[JBK]

Our entire family is going to Lake Tahoe in late July. Can someone suggest a nice restaurant? Not Capital Grill/Ruth’s Chris nice, but better than a chain restaurant.

How about must-sees, any recommendations?

Our entire family is going to Lake Tahoe in late July. Can someone suggest a nice restaurant? Not Capital Grill/Ruth’s Chris nice, but better than a chain restaurant.

How about must-sees, any recommendations?

The ride from the Reno side of Tahoe to the CA side is really scenic.
Reno side restaurant recommendation would be at the Edgewood. Great views and location.
Ca side restaurant recommendation would be dining at the Ritz Carlton. This resort is more rustic.

 

[CTexpatinFL]

Lots of Hamburger places, really surprised me. Each one said "Voted the best" One restaurant we liked was Orchids Authentic Thai Cusine. Some good local Mexican restaurants, can't remember any names.

We had a nice afternoon walking The Bijou Community Park, they have open fields, 27 hole disc golf, and nice views. The Donner Memorial State Park, and historic sites would be an entire day trip and we didn't go, but sounds interesting. Have a great trip.

 

[msf22b]

I go there in the Wintertime...
Was based in Reno and driving up to ski Alpine and Squaw this February...

Between road closures, The inadequacy of my rental vehicle, and 100+ mph winds, I got to ski one day out of 8.

But I'll be back...

I like Reno for the food...some good buffet's, diners and ethnic restaurants.

Alpine is open for skiing until July 4th and the gondola at Squaw (now Palisades) is impressive.

 

[Darwin]

Our entire family is going to Lake Tahoe in late July. Can someone suggest a nice restaurant? Not Capital Grill/Ruth’s Chris nice, but better than a chain restaurant.

How about must-sees, any recommendations?

Nan, are you staying on the Nevada or California side of the lake?

 

[HuskyNan]

Nan, are you staying on the Nevada or California side of the lake?

South East side

 

[Sakibomb25]

I went to Scusa Italian Restaurant back in March. Pretty good Italian food with a large selection and at an affordable price.

 

[HiDribble]

Bistro at the corner. French and nice in South Lake Tahoe.

 

[choochoo]

Surprised no one has mentioned a cruise on the lake. In south lake Tahoe there is a cruise or maybe it was a paddle wheel tour boat that did tours of the lake multiple times a day. One at sunset if i remember correctly with dinner. was a nice boat and a fun time.

 

[choochoo]

M S Dixie, 500 seat paddle wheel boat. largest boat on lake Tahoe.

 

[Drumguy]

If you want to take a ride up to Tahoe City, Christy Hill is one of our favorites - fits the bill of excellent food at a reasonable price and overlooks the docks. Gar Woods between Tahoe City and Kings Beach is on the water has a great deck, decent food and summer drinks. Heading north from where you are a bunch of NV state parks - we motor over from North Lake and swim to shore - Bonsai rock and cove is really pretty as is Emerald Island on the Western side of South Lake. Water will be about 70 degrees.

As msf22b said above Palisades has some great hiking and the Tram inspired Walt Disney (host of the 1960 Olympics) for the rocky scenery in the runaway railway ride. There should be some snow pack around when hiking at higher levels in the mountains. You can rent tubes to float down the Truckee river to the River Inn for lunch.

Truckee is an interesting town and has 50/50 Brewing (amazing stouts).

My son will be skiing on the 4th for the fun of it!

 

[Drumguy]

Oh and if you're an Oregon trail buff, Donner Pass is just west of Truckee. I always make some bbq or meat joke to my wife as we go through the pass. It's really beautiful scenery.

 

[EdSaid]

First things first. (remember its more than 20 miles north to south, so driving can take a while)

If you are flying into Reno and driving, definitely drive over mt Rose. Its a great ride and the switchbacks are worth the scenery. Its not scary switchbacks. Many will suggest driving south to Carson City or west to Truckee, drive over the mountain.

The other must see is the Heavenly Gondola ride in South Tahoe. Make sure to get off at the first stop for pictures, then continue up where you will find a restaurant and other activities and more great views. Finally take the ski lift to the very top. Some of the best views ever. Make sure its a clear day. I believe you will be over 12,000'. Make sure its a clear day.

From 12:00 to about 5:00 is in Nevada, the rest is California. Gas is cheaper in Nevada, and the casinos are in Nevada at Incline Village, NV (12:00 - 1:00) and at the southern boarder of Nevada (5:00), at the CA Line. In my opinion, Nevada is nicer, and better maintained. The parks (not beaches) on the water from 1:00 south are worth a drive up there. Limited parking, but we always find a spot. The parks on the California side are mostly beaches, so parking becomes impossible. Go early or late.

It sounds like your staying in South Tahoe, CA. I usually stay at the Hyatt in Incline Village (12:00 - 1:00) The Hyatt has three good restaurants, One is called the saloon, which is a sports bar, with very good food. There is one pricey restaurant in the hotel and an even more expensive restaurant on the property overlooking the lake. Its a 30-40 minute drive, so not worth it.

We've stayed at the Marriot in South Tahoe, very nice pool area. Restaurant there is expensive but nice. There is a whole Foods in South Tahoe that has a lot of prepared food (the Safeway also has prepared foods.) Every restaurant around lake Tahoe is pricey. We had a very nice meal at the Chart House ( I remember the name because there is a Chart House in Boston) overlooking the lake. We ate multiple times at a small family style restaurant, but the name escapes me. It is at 6:00, not on the water side, but across the main drag from the water. Multiple people recommended this place. I will look at my notes. Believe it or not, the Appleby's was decent.

If you want a trip back to the 60's you could take a ride to Kings Beach, CA (11:00 - 12:00). I'm sure I saw Franky and Annette filming a movie there. Old dated town, loaded with tourists. I remember I bought two subs and they cost almost $40 and I said I'm never going back there. I'm in the north woods of Minnesota and I don't have my notes. I'll post more after I think about it.

 

[HuskyNan]

First things first. (remember its more than 20 miles north to south, so driving can take a while)

If you are flying into Reno and driving, definitely drive over mt Rose. Its a great ride and the switchbacks are worth the scenery. Its not scary switchbacks. Many will suggest driving south to Carson City or west to Truckee, drive over the mountain.

The other must see is the Heavenly Gondola ride in South Tahoe. Make sure to get off at the first stop for pictures, then continue up where you will find a restaurant and other activities and more great views. Finally take the ski lift to the very top. Some of the best views ever. Make sure its a clear day. I believe you will be over 12,000'. Make sure its a clear day.

From 12:00 to about 5:00 is in Nevada, the rest is California. Gas is cheaper in Nevada, and the casinos are in Nevada at Incline Village, NV (12:00 - 1:00) and at the southern boarder of Nevada (5:00), at the CA Line. In my opinion, Nevada is nicer, and better maintained. The parks (not beaches) on the water from 1:00 south are worth a drive up there. Limited parking, but we always find a spot. The parks on the California side are mostly beaches, so parking becomes impossible. Go early or late.

It sounds like your staying in South Tahoe, CA. I usually stay at the Hyatt in Incline Village (12:00 - 1:00) The Hyatt has three good restaurants, One is called the saloon, which is a sports bar, with very good food. There is one pricey restaurant in the hotel and an even more expensive restaurant on the property overlooking the lake. Its a 30-40 minute drive, so not worth it.

We've stayed at the Marriot in South Tahoe, very nice pool area. Restaurant there is expensive but nice. There is a whole Foods in South Tahoe that has a lot of prepared food (the Safeway also has prepared foods.) Every restaurant around lake Tahoe is pricey. We had a very nice meal at the Chart House ( I remember the name because there is a Chart House in Boston) overlooking the lake. We ate multiple times at a small family style restaurant, but the name escapes me. It is at 6:00, not on the water side, but across the main drag from the water. Multiple people recommended this place. I will look at my notes. Believe it or not, the Appleby's was decent.

If you want a trip back to the 60's you could take a ride to Kings Beach, CA (11:00 - 12:00). I'm sure I saw Franky and Annette filming a movie there. Old dated town, loaded with tourists. I remember I bought two subs and they cost almost $40 and I said I'm never going back there. I'm in the north woods of Minnesota and I don't have my notes. I'll post more after I think about it.

We’ve rented a house on the southeast side of the lake since we have lots of family expected. We’re flying into Sacramento and will see my brother @JRRRJ and his wife before driving to Tahoe.

Going to Lake Tahoe is on my bucket list and I’m really looking forward to it. Next year - a WWII tour, London, Paris, Normandy then maybe a jaunt to Monte Carlo. Still pondering that trip

 

[nwhoopfan]

@HuskyNan have you been to Yosemite? It's definitely a bit of driving, but in relative terms you'd be fairly close to the Tuolumne area. Definitely worth dedicating a portion of a day to that if you haven't been there before.

 

[Happydad745]

There used to be a good place to eat, South shore, California side, about a mile or so from the Casinos. It is call "La Villa Roma", check it out....I looked it up; it is called Tep's Villa Roma now, on Tahoe Blvd, Lake Tahoe, CA

 

[HuskyNan]

@HuskyNan have you been to Yosemite? It's definitely a bit of driving, but in relative terms you'd be fairly close to the Tuolumne area. Definitely worth dedicating a portion of a day to that if you haven't been there before.

Yes. We took a family trip to San Francisco that included a couple days in Yosemite. Just gorgeous! A trip to the Grand Canyon is also on our to-do list