The Best Cup Of Coffee At Lake Tahoe

I think we can all agree that when you travel anywhere around the globe, a crucial find for any traveler is a delicious cup of hot coffee or espresso. Even if your traveling companion likes tea, locating a hot beverage to start your day is key. Sometimes it can even make your visit that much more enjoyable – because you've started your morning off just right!

Next time you're in the North Lake Tahoe area, we want you armed and ready for your mornings. Though there are many great establishments in the Truckee/Tahoe area where you can enjoy a hot cup of joe, we had trouble picking just one. Ours is a tie between two favorites. Here are our uber local tips for the top coffees in the Truckee/Lake Tahoe vicinity. Taste is clearly subjective, you decide for yourself who's the best of the best, and be sure to let us know! Maybe you disagree with us altogether (and that's fine too).

CoffeeBar

One of the smoothest pulls of espresso or foamy latte you'll ever find is at CoffeeBar, an Italian coffee shop in Truckee, CA. Opened three years ago by Greg Buchheister, CoffeeBar's espresso beans are Grade C1. What does that mean for you? That means C1 is the highest level of industry designation in the coffee business, and you're drinking the Ferrari of coffees. You may pay a pretty penny, but we promise the organic, locally roasted Italian blend is worth it. Take some time to soak in the Tahoe vibe – local artistry on the walls, regulars floating in and out all day long–it's not your average coffee shop, it's more of a community … with espresso that will leave you buzzing in the best way possible.

Local tip: You'll find fresh gelato here in the summer time, and if you want to a find a seat inside during the winter (especially on powder days) come early!

Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet

Originally opened in 1977 as Tahoe House Restaurant by Peter and Helen Vogt, Tahoe House served dinner only. Originally from Switzerland, the Vogts have always executed fabulously and deliciously European cuisine. After a remodel in 2001 Tahoe House removed the restaurant portion (many tears shed by locals for good reason), but it held strong with locals offering to-die-for baked goods and brewed to order coffee. There a few things the Swiss can't get wrong: chocolate and a primo cup of coffee.  If you ask locals, Tahoe House is beloved for its strong, frothy coffees that are neither espresso nor drip coffee nor french pressed. They are single brews by magical ‘espresso' makers. It's an Alpine experience for your tastebuds you simply can't pass up.

Local tip: In addition to your morning coffee, strongly consider the famous Sacher (chocolate and raspeberry) torte for special occasions. Beware, it generally doesn't last long at the table.