Outdoor Dining

Dining outdoors is one of Tahoe's classic summer experiences. Not sure where to go? Here are some of our favorite spots to linger al fresco; many have dock facilities onsite or nearby should you row your boat ashore.

South Shore

The Lodge, Zephyr Cove Resort

Burgers, pasta and steak are on the menu but the milkshakes are famous round-the-lake.

Sunset Bar & Grille, Zephyr Cove Resort

Steps from the sand, find burgers, buffalo wings and patrons in bathing suits at this casual beachside grill.

Bistro Danielle, Zephyr Cove

An intimate garden patio is the perfect setting for a seasonal bistro menu of pastas, scallops and buffalo burgers.

Brooks' Golf Bar & Grill, Stateline

Before or after a round at Edgewood Tahoe, grab a breakfast burrito or open-faced halibut melt on the deck overlooking the legendary course and The Lake.

Lakeside Beach Grill, South Lake Tahoe

Just a few blocks from the Stateline casinos await ample shoreside seating and specialties like a halibut Reuben, calamari steak sandwich and sangria.

Adventure Peak Grill, South Lake Tahoe

It's a high-dining adventure at this Heavenly outdoor grill accessed by a 2.4-mile gondola ride; acclimatize with an Altitude Adjustment cocktail.

Fire + Ice, South Lake Tahoe

Sip on a cocktail at one of the outdoor fi re pits beneath Heavenly's gondola, then head indoors to create your own meal at the improv grill.

Womack's Texas Style BBQ, South Lake Tahoe

Though space is limited, you'll want to wait for a picnic table here, especially if you like finger-licking grub, sweet tea, sweet potato pie and people-watching on the South Lake strip.

McP's Irish Pub & Grill, South Lake Tahoe

Guinness on tap, classic pub fare and live music make this spot on the Heavenly-Stateline casino corridor a local hit.

Riva Grill, South Lake Tahoe

Sunsets, Wet Woodys and wood-fired pizzas are specialties on the sunny deck overlooking Ski Run Marina.

Freshies, South Lake Tahoe

Besides the stunning lake view from this colorful rooftop patio, look for loads of vegetarian options, "island-style" plate lunches, Hawaiian-style BBQ and a poke nori wrap of the day.

Blue Water Bistro, South Lake Tahoe

Enjoy a seasonal menu, daily specials and small plates like the sweet potato Dungeness crab cakes while overlooking Timber Cove Beach.

The Beacon Bar & Grill, South Lake Tahoe

Stop in for live music, clam chowder and signature Rum Runners, all at Camp Richardson's water's edge.

El Papagayo, Meyers

This casual Mexican joint serves up fi sh tacos, super burritos and two levels of deck space facing Freel Peak (Tahoe's highest!).

North Shore

Harbor House Bistro & Beach Goods, Sand Harbor

Hitting the beach? Swap your cooler for fish tacos, salads, burgers, wraps, shaved ice and ice cream, all just steps from the shore.

Lakeside Beach Bar & Grill/Pier 111, Incline Village

Grab light fare, BBQ favorites and thirst-quenching frozen cocktails on the sand or out on the pier.

Lone Eagle Grille, Incline Village

Gather around the fire pit, then adjourn to a table on the beachfront patio; you can make a meal out of the smoked salmon pizza appetizer.

Big Water Grille, Incline Village

Savor one of the restaurant's signature martinis and fine dining seasonal specialties high in the trees above The Lake.

Grille at the Chateau, Incline Village

Tackle the Champ Course three-egg breakfast, or enjoy a light lunch with golf course, mountain and lake vistas.

Crosby's, Incline Village

Creekside picnic tables are perfect for wings, burgers and fries.

Caliente, Kings Beach

Sip a Chupacabra cocktail to tame the sizzling Southwest cuisine on this rooftop deck with full bar.

Jason's Beachside Grille, Kings Beach

Set by the sand, the outdoor deck with bar specializes in half-pound burgers and baby-back ribs.

Steamers Beach Side Bar & Oven, Kings Beach

Locals love the upstairs lookout from the bar; the patio below provides a great spot to grab a handtossed pizza.

Blue Onion, Kings Beach

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner (crepes are a specialty here) overlooking the Old Brockway putting green and The Lake.

Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay

Tie up to the pier for beer-battered coconut prawns and a Wet Woody cocktail on the spacious, sunny deck.

Jake's on the Lake, Tahoe City

Jake's lakeside deck favorites include ahi poke rolls, Pom-a-Kazi cocktails and hula pies.

Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique, Tahoe City

Order some house-smoked trout and a glass of wine to savor with a waterfront sunset.

Christy Hill, Tahoe City

Fine dining 100 feet above the Tahoe shoreline might include fresh sashimi or organic pork medallions.

Fiamma, Tahoe City

Try a gourmet wood-fired pizza or nightly fish special with a glass of chianti on this small patio with a peek of The Lake.

River Grill, Tahoe City

Favorites here overlooking the Truckee River include peppered seared ahi and mac-n-cheese with apple-smoked bacon.

Bridgetender, Tahoe City

Burgers, waffle fries and an outdoor bar along the Truckee keep fans coming back every summer.

Front Street Station, Tahoe City

This small space with barstool seating above the Truckee River serves super-sized New York–style pizza slices.

Sunnyside, Tahoe City

"Tahoe's largest lakefront deck" is one of summer's most popular spots; try the Pacific snapper taco or spicy prawn martini.

West Shore Café, Homewood

Valets buoy boats for patrons who pull up to dine dockside on culinary delights like Kobe beef carpaccio and the spice-cured salmon Caesar salad.

Chambers' Landing, Homewood

Tie up for a Chambers' punch and light grill items, then head up to the Mediterranean restaurant's spacious patio.

River Ranch, Tahoe City

A River Rum Punch, burger and ice cream on the stone patio are a must after floating the Truckee.

PlumpJack Café, Olympic Valley

Poised beneath Squaw Valley's towering Tram Face cliff, PlumpJack features a seasonal menu with favorites like the ahi club, custom cocktails and eco-friendly wines.

Village at Squaw Valley

Find mammoth mountain views at the Village's great dining spots, each with a different perspective: Blue Coyote Sports Grill, Fireside Pizza, the Auld Dubliner and Mamasake.

Truckee

El Toro Bravo, Truckee

Order a margarita at the outdoor bar or take a seat on the funky little patio. Come early—there's often a wait for the classic Mexican food here.

Dragonfly, Truckee

An eclectic fusion menu—from Peruvian ceviche to plantain- and panko-crusted basa—is served on the second-floor terrace overlooking downtown's Commercial Row.

Cottonwood, Truckee

Try the cornmeal-dusted crab cakes with macadamia nuts and mango while watching historic Truckee's lights twinkle below.

FiftyFifty Brewing, Truckee

Burgers, appetizers and tasty homebrews like Donner Party Porter keep this spacious outdoor patio hopping.

Village at Northstar

Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Rubicon Pizza, Earthly Delights and Big Wave Burritos all offer al fresco seating; you can also pick up a s'more kit to make your own dessert at one of the fire pits around the skating rink.

On The Lake

M.S. Dixie II, Tahoe Queen and Tahoe Gal

It's all aboard for breakfast, brunch and dinner-dancing cruises on paddlewheelers M.S. Dixie II, Tahoe Queen and Tahoe Gal, which set sail from Ski Run Marina, Zephyr Cove Resort and Tahoe City, respectively.