Sipping a steaming hot drink to quell the chill is one of the great pleasures of a winter vacation. Whether you warm up before, during or after hitting the ski slopes doesn’t matter. What does make a difference is how good the hot concoction tastes, how it makes you feel and, of course, the way it looks on your social media feed.
Below are the best coffee shops around Lake Tahoe for piping hot (and seriously ‘gram-worthy) beverages.
Get Your Brew On: Go-To Local Coffee Shops
Sometimes, just the aroma of freshly roasted coffee is enough to get your blood pumping. Clyde’s Coffee Roasting Co. is only a short drive from Tahoe Beach & Ski Club, Tahoe Seasons Resort and Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort, as well as to the base of Tahoe’s premiere mountain slopes. You can smell the beans brewing as soon as you walk into the coffee shop’s cabin-like structure. Start your engines with the adorable Double Bear Latte and a tasty Tahoe Bear Claw for good measure.
It’s “snow” lie – ski season at #LakeTahoe is the place to be! ⛷ #LakeTahoeVacationResort #DiamondResorts https://t.co/5It0BSZY62 pic.twitter.com/SOyexCxk4R
— Diamond Resorts (@diamondresorts) February 7, 2019
Revive Coffee & Wine, also located in South Lake Tahoe just minutes from the resorts, is a must-visit during your Tahoe vacation. Their unique menu offerings range from various types of brewed coffee — drip, pour-over, cold brew, French press and more — to a terrific tea selection. Those with adventurous palates can sample Rose Cardamom Lattes or seasonal specialties like the Maple Sage Latte or Chai Cider, while cautious consumers can stick to reliably delicious hot chocolate. Versatile in its offerings, Revive is just as appealing for small plates and light fare as it is for a coffee pit stop.
The “sign” of a good day. 😉#LakeTahoe#DiamondResorts #StayVacationedhttps://t.co/5Cro885MCp pic.twitter.com/BwlpegIkqa
— Diamond Resorts (@diamondresorts) June 2, 2018
Less than two minutes away from Diamond’s properties, Heaven’s Little Café specializes in steaming cups of Alpen Sierra Mountain Roasted Specialty Coffee. Make it mocha for a little extra power on the slopes, or go straight hot chocolate all the way. Hot apple cider is also a sweet treat here. Pair a drink with one of the establishment’s breakfast or lunch burritos, and you’ve got fuel for a full day of winter sports.
Lake life.#LakeTahoehttps://t.co/ZOWkzMWRcb pic.twitter.com/wJN0NuHJUH
— Diamond Resorts (@diamondresorts) February 8, 2018
Greg Buchheister, Coffeebar founder and champion ski racer hailing from Colorado, has a nose for excellence. This local coffee shop has more than half a dozen locations, and it has become an institution, featuring frothy standards skiers and snowboarders love. Coffeebar also introduces new concepts regularly, such as the zesty and creamy Mexican Mocha — made with single-origin cocoa and cinnamon — and the Matcha Latte with collagen peptides for additional protein. A visit here is certainly one way to make a coffee break worth your while.
Mocha, Whipped Cream and Sweat Treats Galore
Located on the north side of the lake, the long-standing Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet is a great meal spot to hit when you take a morning or afternoon to explore historic Tahoe City and Truckee. While rustic in appearance, it’s also sophisticated, churning out lattes and mochas with Swiss machines that grind the locally sourced, organic Alpen Sierra Coffee beans to order. The cookies, pastries and breads — baked from scratch — are irresistible accompaniments.
Grab yourself a hot chocolate and a scarf – it’s officially snow season in #LakeTahoe. ❄️☕️🧣 #DiamondResorts https://t.co/KvaFQ3283m pic.twitter.com/bnoAnf3Wzb
— Diamond Resorts (@diamondresorts) November 29, 2018
Known for its Northern California flair, Squeeze In‘s menu contains an impressive roster of omelets. Named for its tiny, 11-foot-wide interior, this heritage restaurant in downtown Truckee opened in 1974 with a distinct Grateful Dead vibe. It now has 10 locations and is famous for its signature Blind Dog Coffee. The mochas and hot chocolates are practically snow-capped with whipped cream and a generous shake of colorful sprinkles.
It’s a beautiful day for a lunch cruise out on #LakeTahoe for our @diamondresorts owners. #DiamondEvents #BleuWave #EmeraldBay pic.twitter.com/roPVaX52br
— Nicole Mueller (@MsNicoleMueller) February 18, 2019
Like many cafes in California, The Dam Cafe offers plenty of healthy breakfast and lunch options. But that doesn’t stop the staff from loading up your specialty drink with a hearty amount of foam and whipped cream. From traditional Illy espressos and vanilla Chai teas to seasonal pumpkin spice and caramelized buttered pecan lattes, this charming cafe offers a warming journey in true coffeehouse style.
Add “coffee shop hopping” to your list of winter vacation ideas, and treat yourself during your Lake Tahoe vacation. Start planning your winter getaway by booking one of Diamond Resorts’ Tahoe properties today.
Diamond Resorts International Marketing, Inc., its parents, sister companies, and subsidiaries, make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.
