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 makes a difference is how good the hot concoction tastes, how it makes you feel and, of course, how it looks on your social media feed. Add "coffee shop hopping" to your list of winter vacation bucket list, and treat yourself during your next vacation.
Below are seven Lake Tahoe coffee shops to visit for piping hot (and seriously Instagram-worthy) beverages.
Get Your Brew On At These 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 a short drive from Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort and 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.
Lakeview Social Tahoe, also located just minutes from the resort, is a must-visit during your Tahoe vacation. Their unique menu offerings range from various types of brewed coffee to a terrific tea selection. Sample specialties like the lavender vanilla latte or stick to reliably delicious hot chocolate. Versatile in its offerings, Lakeview Social Tahoe is just as appealing for breakfast as it is for a coffee pit stop.
Coffeebar has become a North Lake Tahoe institution with more than half a dozen locations, 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. Visit for a memorable coffee break.
Mocha, Whipped Cream And Sweet Treats Galore
Less than two minutes from Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort, Heaven's Little Cafe specializes in steaming cups of local Alpen Sierra Mountain Roasted Specialty Coffee. However, there are other crafted beverages if you want something sweeter. Make it mocha for a little extra power on the slopes, or go straight for hot chocolate. Hot apple cider is also a treat here. Pair a drink with one of the establishment's breakfast or lunch burritos to fuel a full day of winter sports.
Hit the long-standing Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet when you take an afternoon to explore historic Tahoe City and Truckee on the north side of the lake. While the bakery appears rustic, it's also sophisticated, churning out lattes and mochas with Swiss machines that grind locally sourced, organic beans to order. The cookies, pastries and bread — baked from scratch — are irresistible accompaniments.
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. The mochas and hot chocolates are practically snow-capped with whipped cream and a generous shake of colorful sprinkles.
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 your specialty drink with a hearty amount of foam and whipped cream. From traditional Illy espressos to vanilla chai, this charming cafe offers a warming journey in true coffeehouse style.
Hungry for more? Check out “Where To Find the Best Breakfast In South Lake Tahoe” for local brunch spots.