Notable American food writer MFK Fisher said, “First we eat, then we do everything else.” This is the best way to sum up vacation. Anyway, how can you expect to enjoy the trails and stunning vistas around Lake Tahoe if you’re not properly fueled? Sometimes food is more central than the activities — and that’s okay too! (It’s also never too early for a Wet Woody...)
For your next California getaway, we have you covered on our top spots to brunch in North Lake Tahoe.
Fire Sign Cafe
1785 West Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA (West Shore)
Breakfast and Lunch Served All Day - Open Daily - 7 am - 3 pm
Established in 1978, nestled under looming pines and kiddy corner to Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge, Fire Sign Cafe is the local favorite, especially in the summer time with its north side deck dining. You’ll need to brave yourself for a wait (but it’s so worth it!). Reviewed by the New York Times, Sunset Magazine and several other publications, Fire Sign captures your palette with their famously delicious eggs benedict and Bloody Marys, and practically everything made from scratch in-house. We’re talking everything from their coffeecake and muffins to salsa and salad dressings. They even smoke their salmon in-house!
Marty’s Cafe
10115 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA
Open Daily - 8 am - 3 pm
A newer joint in the Tahoe area, Marty’s Cafe opened in 2012 and has since catapulted itself to the forefront of French-California cuisine for locals and tourists alike. Chef Marty Carlton wanted to create a restaurant serving affordable locally sourced fare, and he did just that! Popular for their Huevos Rancheros and French Toast Fondue, you’ll love their hearty portions and lunch served all day long, which you can easily walk off down along Downtown Truckee’s Commercial Row.