Best Casino Restaurants In Lake Tahoe

 

The Fresh Ketch is located in a small marina at the foot of Tahoe Keys Boulevard and has long been regarded as South Lake's premier seafood restaurant. Try for a window table so you can watch the marina activities. Try the half a dozen oysters and the seared ahi tuna with garlic, soy, wasabi, and sesame seaweed salad. Then it's on to the fresh catch of the day such as big Alaskan king crab, steamed in the shell and served with drawn butter. The menu also includes a modest selection of meat and poultry dishes, such as the great surf and turf of petite mignon and lobster. Prices are a bit steep, but you can also belly up with the locals and order from the extensive bar menu, with everything from blackened mahimahi to fresh-fish tacos and fish and chips for under $13. They've recently added a sushi bar as well. Live music acts perform Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

If you're thinking that a highlight of your Tahoe vacation might be a nice casino buffet dinner, Harrah’s Forest Buffet should be on your shortlist. For one thing, before you take even one bite, the view is spectacular, and no wonder, since the restaurant is on the 18th floor. As for the food, there is a good selection and a lot of it. Joe Fortune has been in the casino Best Casino Restaurants South Lake Tahoe industry and has proved its mettle and efficiency over the years. It holds several licenses and is also eCOGRA certified. Its 200% up Best Casino Restaurants South Lake Tahoe. The Oyster Bar Lake Tahoe’s first and only raw seafood bar, we keep it fresh and delicious daily. Located in the heart of the Hard Rock Casino, The Oyster.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The Fresh Ketch serves some of the best seafood on the lake.

Christina's expert tip: If you have your own boat, you can dock at the Fresh Ketch to enjoy lunch.

South Lake Tahoe

The Riva Grill has one of the lake's best waterfront decks in which to enjoy the view on a warm summer day. Make the day even better by ordering one of their famous Wet Woody cocktails. The Riva Grill is an upscale casual restaurant that accommodates larger groups for special occasions such as weddings. The chef has created a menu highlighting California cuisine that includes items like Filet and Scampi, Pistachio Halibut and pizza from a wood-fired brick oven. The wine list is a collection of California's best and best-known vintners featuring more than one dozen wines by the glass.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The Riva Grill's Wet Woody cocktail has become a Tahoe legend.

Christina's expert tip: The Riva Grill is a great location for a special event. The Riva Grill allows weddings to be performed on their beach.

Moe's Original BBQ, originating in Alabama, has come to Tahoe City and you can't beat the location. This BBQ joint, known for its daily smoked meats and multitude of sides, is located right on the Grove Street Pier in Tahoe City and offers great views of the lake along with its Southern-style BBQ. Various dishes including pulled pork and ribs, seafood, chicken and children's plates are available as an ala carte or platter option. Daily sides include lima beans, collard greens, coleslaw and sweet potato casserole. The restaurant offers outdoor seating, a bar and several to-go options including a cooler meal for boat owners who use the pier.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Moe's Deck has some great views of both the lake and Tahoe City.

Christina's expert tip: Moe's platters come with cornbread and two sides. Try the tangy marinated coleslaw!

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South Lake Tahoe

The Boathouse is located at the Beach Retreat & Lodge hotel in South Lake Tahoe and offers a unique dining experience over the waters of Lake Tahoe. The restaurant is only open during the summer, but you can enjoy lunch or dinner on a pier with no walls to separate you from the blue water of Lake Tahoe. The Boathouse offers casual dining and cocktails and has become a local favorite. The menu includes seasonal and fresh creations that won't break your wallet. Lunch items include Baked Brie ($13) with grapes and apples, New England Clam Chowder ($7/$10), the Boathouse Burger ($13) served on a brioche bun and the Fish Tacos ($13) with Mahi-Mahi. For dinner enjoy cocktails or California wines with Pan Seared Scallops ($18) or the fresh fish of the day.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The Boathouse has some of the best summer waterfront dining in the area, and the menu is not overpriced.

Christina's expert tip: The Boathouse has live music on Wednesday and Thursday nights and feature local and regional bands and singers.

Part of charming Sunnyside Lodge, this lakeside restaurant delivers wonderful views and straightforward, filling lunchtime eats. You'll find burgers, fish, and chicken sandwiches, as well as pasta dishes, salads, and soups. Specialties include chimichurri swordfish, scallops, trout and organic Kobe Burger with applewood bacon, tomato jam, sautéed onions and gorgonzola. The lodge's dock staff can assist you if you arrive by water, but show up on the early side if you want to secure a seat on the deck. The wood-paneled, rustic dining room provides atmosphere to spare if it's chilly outside. Dinner sees an emphasis on well-prepared American favorites, including seafood and steaks.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Sunnyside has special food and music events throughout the year.

Christina's expert tip: The lake view from the Sunnyside deck is perfect for summer days. Order their fried zucchini!

Jake's On The Lake is a mainstay on the West Shore. Serving both locals and visitors since 1978, Jake's features a casual yet delicious menu that reflects its waterfront atmosphere. The menu features seafood appetizers such as Dungeness Crab Cakes ($18) and entrees such as Seared Diver Scallops ($32). Turf-inspired dishes are also available such as short ribs and filet mignon tacos. Salads, soups (such as their decadent clam chowder), and several desserts are on hand to round out your meal. A kids' menu ensures that families leave happy. If you're making an afternoon of it, the full bar has its own menu, along with specialty cocktails, wines, and draft and bottled beers.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Jake's is one of the oldest and most popular restaurants and bars in this area of the lake.

Christina's expert tip: Jake's has one of the best views on the lake and you can also go out on their pier for even better views. Try the Dungeness Crab Cakes with jicama apple slaw.

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Located in the center of Tahoe City, this restaurant offers excellent food and one of the best views on the lake. It's a small restaurant and reservations may be required during the high seasons, but the staff is friendly and very accommodating. They serve up a nice selection of wines by the glass and the bottle and the menu is small but it revolves around the changing seasons and the availability of fresh ingredients. The entrees include pork, lamb, seafood and pasta using fresh, local ingredients. For a starter, the Caesar Salad is huge and very delicious and the various Ravioli dishes are a great entree. For dessert, try the Affogato with cranberry biscotti.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: On summer nights, you can sit on the deck of Christy Hill and get some of the best West Shore views.

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Christina's expert tip: Christy Hill has earned rave reviews by the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and Bon Appetit. Try the popular Juniper Brined Pork Chop with local juniper berries.

Located at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, this impressive alpine lodge restaurant has a large stone fireplace, incredible views of the North Shore and is located on its own private beach with access to a pier. Enjoy High Sierra cuisine, an impressive wine list and breathtaking views of the lake. The seasonal menus use only the finest in fresh local ingredients prepared in the open show kitchen. Lunch and dinner entrees include items such as Furikake Crusted Ahi with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes and Radish Salad, Veal Osso Buco with Root Vegetable Pur�e, Spaghetti Squash Gremolata Style, 'Apple Hill' Cider Cream Sauce and Sauteed Chicken, Mascarpone Polenta, Asparagus, Morel Cream Sauce. The Lone Eagle has vegetarian options and desserts like Warm Mascarpone Strudel and Tahitian Vanilla Cr�me Br�l�e. They also serve after-dinner cognacs and ports.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The view from the Lone Eagle can also be enjoyed in the winter by the outdoor fire pits.

Christina's expert tip: Happy Hour at the Lone Eagle is Sunday through Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. with half-price wine by the glass.

South Lake Tahoe

Located at Camp Richardson on the South Shore, this restaurant and bar is a summer party heaven. You can boat or kayak right up to the restaurant and enjoy a meal or drink with views of the water and Mount Tallac. The menu offers items like Deep Fried Calamari, Clam Chowder, Seared Ahi, Crab and Shrimp Enchiladas, Burgers and a very tasty Creamy Pumpkin Pasta, bow tie pasta topped with a pumpkin cream sauce served with a garlic cheese bread. You can also get smaller, lunch-priced items for dinner. Drinks include wine, beer and cocktails including the popular and potent Rum Runner. Check out the weekly happy hour.

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Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The Beacon has a fun atmosphere right on the beach and away from city crowds.

Christina's expert tip: Check out the Rum Runner, a potent drink served only at The Beacon.

This marvelous restaurant is located in the clubhouse of the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. The views of the lake and golf course are outstanding from any table. First-class food and service make for an enjoyable dining experience. As with most restaurants at the lake, seafood is always a specialty. However, this eatery also serves exotic dishes such as Roast Loin of Elk and an excellent Ostrich Medallion appetizer. The wine list has a bountiful assortment with prices in the moderate range. Desserts include nightly featured creme brulee, seasonal cheesecakes and an elegant cheese plate artisanal cheeses, fig compote rose petal jelly honeycomb and crackers.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Edgewood Restaurant's alpine chateau decor and menu make it a stand-out hit at the lake.

Christina's expert tip: Edgewood also has its own beach where you can get into the water for some summer swimming.

Run by a New Jersey couple, this small place next to the river in Tahoe City serves 100 percent natural, hand-tossed New York-style thin-crust pizza as take-n'-bake, by the slice or by the pie. The Californian ($27, large) with artichokes and garlic and the Carnivore ($27, large) with a load of pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon and salami are some local favorites. The sauce is nice and spicy and everything can be washed down with a draft beer or soda. Also check out the Spicy Thai Chicken ($28, large) with sweet chili sauce, covered with grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella and onion then drizzled with peanut sauce and finished with a touch of cilantro is a nice surprise.

Recommended for Pizza because: Front Street Station Pizza Company also has a second location in Truckee.

Christina's expert tip: Front Street Station is located right on the Truckee River in Tahoe City. Sit on the porch with your pizza and enjoy the sound of water.

South Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe Pizza Company in South Lake Tahoe is located in a cute, alpine-inspired building decorated with interesting antiques. The pizzas are just as eccentric. With names like Gut Buster, the Barnyard Massacre and the Green Giant, you will have to try out several of them. The Barnyard Massacre is all meat: pepperoni, salami, sausage, Canadian bacon, linguica are all topped with cheddar cheese. The Mogul Masher is the classic pepperoni, salami, olives and mushrooms and the Mean Greek is topped with sun-dried tomatoes, saut�ed spinach, garlic, feta cheese, red onions and pepperoncini. The LTPC also serves appetizers and salads and pasta. Their calzones are full to bursting and are served with a pasta salad.

Recommended for Pizza because: The Lake Tahoe Pizza Company is not afraid to pile on the toppings. They have some of the thickest pizzas around.

Christina's expert tip: All the Lake Tahoe Pizza Company sauces such as their 'Old Country Style', pesto and alfredo are homemade.

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Olympic Valley

Fireside Pizza at Squaw Valley is perfect for a tasty, satisfying lunch, this casual restaurant at Squaw Valley serves pizzas that are a cut above, courtesy of fresh, unusual toppings and a delicious blend of cheeses. Try the Smoky BBQ Chicken with oven-roasted chicken, crisp bacon, red onions, hickory BBQ sauce, topped with creamy smoked gouda cheese and garnished with cilantro or the delicious Big Mountain pizza with Italian sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and Canadian bacon. Toppings like portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes add zest and flavor. Sit outside at an umbrella-shaded table for great views and people-watching.

Recommended for Pizza because: The children's menu at Fireside is good and affordable and they have gluten-free options.

Christina's expert tip: Since they are owned by the same company, Fireside Pizza and Base Camp Pizza at Heavenly have nearly identical menus. So you can get the same pizza on the West Shore or the East Shore.

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This fun pizza restaurant is an affordable alternative to Tahoe's expensive tourist spots and ski resorts. This little place, tucked away in the Christmas Village of Incline Village on the North Shore, has excellent pizza, pasta, salads and beer. Their pizzas are hand-tossed and you can get them to-go if you want. Their specialties include Spinach and Garlic Pizza with no red sauces, the Firenze with pesto, feta, salami, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, tomatoes and garlic and the Mighty Mo with Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions and olives. A mini pizza costs $7.00, the Small is $12.95, the Medium is $14.95 and the Large is $16.95. Mofo's also has a salad bar, garlic bread, fried zucchini, garlic chips, pasta and calzones.

Recommended for Pizza because: Mofo's also has a great salad bar to go along with their pizza menu.

Christina's expert tip: For something lighter at Mofo's try the Western Comfort pizza with fresh basil and light pepperoni.

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South Lake Tahoe

With pie names like Hair of the Dog and Walk the Dog, you gotta love the pizza at Blue Dog Pizza in South Lake Tahoe. This small, local pizza joint offers free online ordering, a $3 Happy Hour and other specials. Their menu items also include appetizers, salads, oven-toasted subs and a kid's menu. They also offer gluten-free crusts. For the pizzas with the funny names, the Hair of the Dog has jalape�os, pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, green chili, garlic and mozzarella cheese. The Walk the Dog pizza is a little more tongue-friendly with white sauce, chicken, fresh spinach, bacon, garlic and mozzarella cheese. Other pizzas include the Pesto Chicken, the Primavera and the Supreme.

Recommended for Pizza because: The Blue Dog is a friendly, local pizza joint. They also offer delivery and online orders.

Christina's expert tip: Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza has a $3 Happy Hour, Monday through Friday with $3 slices and $3 pints.

South Lake Tahoe

Scusa Italian Ristorante has been serving authentic Italian to the Tahoe area for years. The restaurant has a large selection of appetizers (including the dynamite Lobster Ravioli), salads, fish and pasta dishes and classic regional and coastal Italian food like Lasagne, Salmon Scaloppine with lemon-caper butter, Calamari and Scampi. The bread and desserts are baked in-house daily. Scusa also has many vegetarian options and whole wheat or gluten-free pasta dishes. Their pasta dishes include Seafood Fettuccine, Sausage Linguine Bolognese, Cappellini with homemade sauce and Spinach Pasta Mediterranean with eggplant, artichoke hearts, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese. Most of the dinner dishes start at around $16 to $18 and most appetizers like the Fresh Baked Mozzarella and the Frito Misto Scusa are under $10. Scusa also has a huge wine list featuring regional and Italian favorites as well as domestic and imported beer.

Recommended for Pizza because: Scusa's pizza dough is available as gluten-free and they have several vegetarian options.

Christina's expert tip: Scusa also has an alfresco dining area with live Jazz on the weekends.

Whitecaps Pizza not only has some great views of the North Shore of Tahoe, but it has an extensive menu for both lunch and dinner dining. This locally-owned pizza and sandwich restaurant makes all their pizzas by hand and tries to feature local produce in all their dishes. The top choices on the menu include small plates like gluten-free Gazpacho ($6) with chilled heirloom tomato, peach, cucumber and sweet corn and warm castelvetrano olives ($5). The pizzas include the divine Arugula Bacon Peach ($19/$27) with applewood bacon, summer peaches, fresh arugula, gorgonzola, whole milk mozzarella, balsamic drizzle, house-made white sauce. Also try the Thai Shrimp ($20/$28) with jumbo shrimp, carrots and fresh cilantro.

Recommended for Pizza because: Whitecaps makes excellent thin-crust pizza. If you can't eat a lot, check out their monster single slice for less than $6.

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Christina's expert tip: Whitecaps Pizza is right on the beach with views of the North Shore.

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South Lake Tahoe

Base Camp Pizza is located in the Heavenly Village and serves up pizza, pasta, soups and appetizers like crispy calamari and their popular garlic chips which are a thin layer of fresh pizza dough covered in garlic butter, topped with a four-cheese blend and served with ranch dressing. Base Camp's various pizzas include the Base Camp ($26, large) with pepperoni, Italian sausage, roasted peppers, onions, and portabella mushrooms; the Thai Curry Chicken ($26, large) with yellow bell peppers, tomatoes, onions and mascarpone cheese topped with fresh lime, basil and cilantro; and the Pear & Gorgonzola ($25, large) with sweet Bosc pears, gorgonzola cheese and red onion and garlic cream sauce.

Recommended for Pizza because: The Thai Curry Chicken with the fresh lime is perfect for summer.

Christina's expert tip: Base Camp Pizza also has an every day happy hour from 2:00 to 5:00 with both food and drink specials.

Best Pies pizzeria and restaurant is located in old downtown Truckee and features massive thin-crust pizzas, Italian dishes and a lively atmosphere and affordable prices. Their specialty pies include the Garbage Pie with sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, mushroom, olives, bell peppers, and onions. The Pesto Pie with Sausage and fresh tomatoes and the Filetto Di Pomodoro Pie with sausage and basil celebrate the birthplace of pizza. Each of these pies is around $23 for the thin crust version. You can also order items like their popular Garlic Knots, Cheese Calzone, Chicken Parmigiana and Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls or Pasta with a side salad. Best Pies has a kid's menu and a full beer list and some excellent signature cocktails.

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Recommended for Pizza because: This popular restaurant in Truckee serves giant pizzas and fun cocktails. Try their whiskey flight.

Christina's expert tip: The Best Pies Signature Pie with the cherry peppers, mushroom, pepperoni, garlic and parsley sauce is awesome.

South Lake Tahoe

Build a better pizza at Lake Tahoe AleWorX. This Stateline-based pizza and drinks restaurant not only serves great wood-fired pizzas, but you can build your own with several bases. Choose from various red and white sauces to fresh pesto. Add on ingredients such as applewood ham, shrimp, Proscuitto, pine nuts and arugula. Along with various pies, Lake Tahoe AleWorX also offers salads, small plates such as beer cheese nachos ($16) and menu items for kids. There is also no shortage of great drinks to go with your pizza. AleWorx pours their own signature cocktails such as the Tahoe Mule with locally made vodka and fresh lime ($12) and a selection of local and regional beers. Weekends and summers feature outdoor live entertainment.

Recommended for Pizza because: Lake Tahoe AleWorX serves signature wood-fired pizzas with interesting ingredients such as the Pera with honey, gorgonzola and pears.

Christina's expert tip: When paying for your AleWorX pizza and drinks, you will be given a wristband electronically connected to your credit card. Choose your items directly from your table.