Searching for a South Lake Tahoe Restaurant?

It’s Friday, so I’m flashing back to one of our favorite South Lake Tahoe restaurants: The Beacon Bar & Grill. Even as the chill had started creeping in on a sunny day in October a couple of years ago, the back patio of The Beacon was filled with locals and tourists alike. We were in the area celebrating my mother-in-law’s birthday and made a stop here before traveling back to Los Angeles. And Lake Tahoe had that mid-fall glow.

South Lake Tahoe Views Travel Those Someday Goals — Hanging out on the dock waiting for the table is actually a treat.

South Lake Tahoe Views from the Dock near The Beacon Restaurant Those Someday Goals

The Beacon sits inside Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina, grandfathered as part of “Old Tahoe.” It’s somewhat rare to have a restaurant that opens onto the lake – the sand is so close that on warm days, you can dip your toes into the lake while you are waiting for your table. Of course, in October, we were wearing sweaters and more enraptured by the sea plane’s take-off than the idea of swimming. But there was no denying how beautiful it was.

Andy and Patricia standing on the dock with the mountains in the background in South Lake Tahoe — It was so beautiful. We can’t wait to visit again.

The Menu

And, of course, the food is terrific. Made with fresh ingredients, the food is everything you would want from a casual, family restaurant anywhere — let alone one with this view in South Lake Tahoe. The portions are large – I had a California Turkey BLT, and I took half of it with us to snack on for the ride back to Los Angeles. Naturally, they are best known for their incredible seafood (like the “World Famous” calamari and the “Basin’s Best” clam chowder) and their signature “Rum Runner Cocktail.” In fact, the cocktail was so popular that they started selling the non-alcoholic mixer on their site, so you could add your favorite rum and enjoy the drink at home.

The Beacon South Lake Tahoe Restaurant Those Someday Goals — We loved eating on the patio even in mid-October. The weather was chilly, but there were heaters and the sun did its thing.

Valentine’s Day Package

It isn’t a fancy spot, but it’s beautiful. Even covered in snow, the place is unforgettable. I can’t wait to go back. Alas, it’s not in the cards in time for their Valentine’s Day dinner – it’s just too far and too snowy to work for us. But this summer, you just might see us lounging on the deck, sampling one of their specials and a libation before exploring more of what South Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Sea plane at The Beacon South Lake Tahoe Travel Those Someday Goals — We watched the sea plane take off while we were eating at The Beacon restaurant.

P.S. This is not an ad – just a South Lake Tahoe restaurant I remember fondly and want to see again. Click here if you want to learn more about our food and wine discoveries or recipes.