Boating season has officially begun and Lake Tahoe is sitting above its natural rim, meaning easy access to many of the lake’s boat-in dining options. I am asked frequently by boaters where to grab a bite to eat while out on Lake Tahoe, so I’ll give a quick overview of where to go. Note: West Shore Cafe is closed for renovations.
East Shore
Round Hill Pines | Grab food at Beach Bums Bar & Grill or a drink from the Rum Bar on the Beach. Limited docking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and there’s a 90-minute limit (loading and unloading only when it’s busy).
Zephyr Cove Marina | You can dine at Zephyr Cove Restaurant or the Sunset Bar & Grille, with space available on the dock on a first-come, first-served basis when it’s not busy.
North Shore
Carnelian Bay | Gar Woods Grill & Pier offers guest buoys with taxi service daily in the summer and a public pier next to the restaurant offers limited spots for docking. Or grab a bite at CB’s Bistro or Waterman’s Landing.
Lone Eagle Grille | You can belly up to the bar at Pier 111 at the end of the dock offering light fare or make a reservation at Lone Eagle Grille. Boat access limited to diners when space allows.
Tahoe City | Boasting the largest concentrations of dining options you can access by boat on the lake including Jake’s On the Lake, Pints & Pies, Moe’s, Za’s and Christy Hill all on the waterfront. For a quick grab and go, take as short walk to Syd’s Bagelry or Mountain Slice.
Public piers are located at the bottom of Grove Street (unloading only) and in front of Tahoe State Recreation Area. Tahoe City Marina also offers buoys and docking in the marina; check with the attendant at the gas dock for availability.
South Shore
Camp Richardson | Pull up at the dock in front of Camp Richardson to dine at The Beacon Bar & Grill.
Lakeside Marina | Tie up when space is available and walk down to The Beach House for a bite to eat.
Ski Run Marina | A boat valet that will meet you as you approach the marina. Enjoy dining at Riva Grill, Artemis Lakefront Café, Empanash or The Art of Gelato.
Timber Cove Marina | Pull up to the dock when space is available and enjoy dining over Lake Tahoe at the Boathouse on the Pier.
West Shore
Chamber’s Landing | The oldest bar on Lake Tahoe offers a boat valet for guests. Enjoy dining and the new Chamber’s Crush drink at the bar or dine in the restaurant.
Obexer’s | You can dock on the outer wall on a first-come, first-served basis and head inside to Obexer’s General Store to grab a bite to eat.
Sunnyside | A boat valet service is offered to those dining at Sunnyside. Other boaters may pull up to the pier on a first-come, first-served basis to grab food to go from nearby West Shore Market or Spoon.
Boat-in dining tips
- Avoid peak times at lunch & dinner.
- Make reservations for sit-down meals.
- Check boat valet & buoy hours in advance.
- Tip your boat valet & dock attendants.
- Always have a designated boat driver.
- Piers with gates are private.
