The East Shore Trail is more than just one of the best biking trails in Tahoe, it’s also among the most stunning biking trails in the country – so much so that it has been dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway.” If you’re biking around Tahoe, you’re likely spending a day exploring all the East Shore Trail has to offer – and that means planning for your meals before you head out.
Eating by the East Shore Trail is a relatively uncomplicated affair, thanks to the number of grocery stores and restaurants in and around the area. That said, it’s best to have a plan before you make a move, especially if you’re bringing your children along with you. To make things easier, you can also follow this guide to eating by the East Shore Trail – no matter if you’re planning an East Shore Trail picnic or eating out, there are answers for everyone.
Breakast Along the East SHore Trail
While the East Shore Trail isn’t a steeply inclined, high-intensity trail, it will require a level of effort on a traditional bike – and it’s easier to put in the energy and enjoy the sights when your body is fueled.
Your body is already low on fuel stores in the morning due to the lack of food while you’re asleep, and skipping out on breakfast just makes biking more challenging. You need the energy a breakfast offers, especially before engaging in a physical activity like cycling. So, before you hit the trail, ensure you have enough to eat.
Packing a Breakfast
- Starbucks: Located in the same complex as Vista Trail Bikes, this store offers everything from hand-crafted beverages to grab-and-go snacks. Load up on croissants, sandwiches, and breakfast sandwiches before you leave.
- Safeway on Lake Blvd: Situated near Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge and Firelight Lodge, Safeway offers several breakfast options, including breakfast bars, burritos, and oatmeal cups.
- Copper Lane Cafe and Provisions: If you’re staying in Northstar Lodge, One Village Place, or The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, you can stop by here before heading onto Highway 267. You’ll be able to enjoy bagels, muffins, breakfast burritos, and bagel bowls on the go.
Stopping at a Restaurant for Breakfast
Prefer to sit around a table or grab hot to-go food? Don’t worry – there are several breakfast options for you as well before you head out on your ride.
- Sage Leaf Cafe: Considered North Lake Tahoe’s Best Breakfast. Located in the Vista Trail Bikes lot, so you can stop by right before or right after picking up your rental bikes. Reservations are recommended but can often take walk-ins.
- Susie Scoops Ice Cream, Donuts, & Smoothies: Another option located right in the Vista Trail Bikes lot, this is the perfect choice if you want to start your day with a sweet treat.
- Tunnel Creek Café: Located close to the trailhead, Tunnel Creek Café is the perfect choice if you’re looking for hashes, hot breakfast burritos, and power bowls, with great coffee to boot.
- Drink Coffee Do Stuff: Located only 0.1 miles away from the Vista Trail Bikes lot, this option opens at 7 am daily. As the name suggests, this is the spot for great coffee – and you eat inside the store while you wait for your cup of joe.
Lunch Along the East Shore Trail
No matter whether you’re planning an East Shore Trail picnic at Sand Harbor, need something for an afternoon ride down the trail, or are looking for a dine-in location for lunch, there’s something for everyone at the East Shore Trail.
Packing a Lunch for Your Ride
If you’re planning an East Shore Trail picnic, you can bring along everything you need in a backpack and enjoy it at Sand Harbor after a ride along the trail. You can stock up on options immediately after you leave your room – here are some stores you can stop by:
- Tahoe Provisions: Grab-and-go lunch options you can get at Tahoe Provisions include hummus, sandwiches, and salads.
- Raley’s on Tahoe Blvd: Stock up on a variety of dips and spreads, charcuterie items, chips, and fruits and vegetables. You can also grab some sandwich bread and cheese and bring along a knife to make sandwiches at the beach.
- Copper Lane Cafe and Provisions: Grab burgers, sandwiches, paninis, and fries. If you are visiting the trail with kids, you can buy a variety of child-friendly foods, including PB&J sandwiches and mac and cheese.
Stopping for Lunch a Restaurant
If you’d rather take a break and grab a bite in a restaurant, you’re in luck – there are a number of options near Sand Harbor you can stop by. Some of our favorite options include:
- Tunnel Creek Café: If you’re starting your ride at noon, make sure to stop by this café located close to the trailhead. You can stock up on to-go foods like wraps, sandwiches, salads, and burgers and enjoy a meal while biking down the trail. To-go food will allow you to take in the beauty of the East Shore Trail while you enjoy a delicious meal and refuel your body for the day ahead of you.
- Kokanee Bar & Grill: Located in Sand Harbor State Park. Options include salads, burgers, kids’ meals, and more. You can add this to your list of things to do in Sand Harbor to fuel up at the most spectacular beaches in Lake Tahoe.
- Lone Eagle Grille: If you’re in the mood for a fine dining lunch experience, Lone Eagle Grille is the choice for you. Menu items include everything from salads, soups, and poke to steak, sandwiches, and mussels. Call ahead to check if you need a reservation.
Dinner Along the East Shore Trail
After spending a long day biking down one of the most beautiful trails in the country and enjoying some fun in the sun at Sand Harbor beach, you’re likely famished and looking for a bite to eat before you get back to your rooms. You can grab a bite to eat on the way or take the time to stop at a dine-in restaurant for a nice meal – no matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find what you need.
Packing Dinner for an Evening Bike Ride
Don’t have the time to indulge in a sit-down dinner? Do you need to get the kids back for bedtime, or simply prefer an East Shore Trail picnic by the beach instead of a restaurant meal? Here’s how to ensure you have what you need for an evening at Sand Harbor or a meal in your car:
- Tahoe Provisions: If you’re planning on grabbing a bite at the beach or in your car on the way back, you can stock up on sandwiches, burgers, and salads at Tahoe Provisions for a quick dinner. For those of you who aren’t behind the wheel, you can also grab a few drinks to end the night with.
- Raley’s on Tahoe Blvd: Grab your fill of bread, veggies, and dips and build your own sandwiches at the beach. You can also add accompaniments in the form of pre-made salads, as well as cupcakes and cookies to serve as dessert.
- Copper Lane Cafe and Provisions: This restaurant offers a range of paninis, burgers, and specialty sandwiches. There’s a special kids menu and wine, vodka, beer, and cocktail options for the adults. If you’re a fan of all-day breakfast, you can also stock up on some of their breakfast options in the morning to munch on during your drive back.
Sitting Down for a Dinner around and Along the East Shore Trail
If you’re too tired to make your own to-go meal and are hoping for something from a restaurant, you’re in luck. There are a number of options you can stop at along the East Shore Trail, and our favorites include:
- Lone Eagle Grille: Perfect for couples traveling looking to round out their Tahoe date night with a formal dinner, this restaurant offers everything from soups, salads, poke, and scallops to duck breast, king salmon, and bolognese. You’ll be able to sate your cravings, and the restaurant also offers vegetarian and kids’ menus, as well as dessert.
- Inclined Burgers and Brew: Looking for something quick you can chow down on before making your way back to your rooms? Inclined Burgers and Brew offers salads, burgers, fries, beer, and ice cream – enough to ensure you and your kids are satisfied! The restaurant is also only a minute’s ride away from Vista Trail Bikes, so you can fill your bellies right before (or right after) dropping off your bikes.
- T’s Mesquite Rotisserie: A Incline local go-to and favorite. Featuring fire-roasted chicken, beef and pork from their rotisserie. Tacos, Burritos, Salads, and Sandwiches.
Meal planning when you’re spending the day on the East Shore Trail may seem challenging, especially if you have kids with you. However, this guide will ensure you have nothing to worry about – no matter the time of day, if you find your stomach growling, you’ll be able to find a meal to refuel with ease.
If you are visiting and don’t have your own bike, come on by to Vista Trail Bikes to rent your traditional cruiser or electric comfort bike.
