Dates Ideas

  • Casey’s at Round Hill

    Casey’s at Round Hill Plaza offers a relaxed atmosphere and solid bar food at reasonable prices. The menu is extensive, with generous portions, so come hungry. We tried the chicken and waffles, which featured crispy chicken tenders atop a fluffy waffle—different from Roscoe’s in L.A. but still delicious. The Caesar salad was fresh and satisfying.

    The space is a mix of dining tables and a few video poker spots at the bar. On our visit, live music was playing in one of the two rooms, and the place was nearly packed—even on a Monday night. It’s a lively spot, so if you’re looking for a quiet or romantic setting, this may not be the best choice.

    Located in a shopping center, Casey’s has plenty of parking. The dress code is Tahoe casual, and kids are welcome. No reservations are needed most days. If you’re in the mood for a stroll before or after your meal, Nevada Beach is just a minute down the road.

  • Tahoe Knight Monsters | Oyster Bar

    For a fun and slightly more elevated experience, check out The Oyster Bar at the Golden Nugget casino. The ambiance is great—especially for a casino setting—and the food is delicious, with mid-range pricing. As the name suggests, they specialize in fresh oysters, but their menu offers plenty of other tasty options. One of the highlights of this spot is the bar that wraps around the kitchen, creating an interactive dining experience. While the restaurant has an upscale feel, it does back up to the casino floor, so if that’s not your vibe, this might not be the best choice for you.

    Right across the street from the Golden Nugget casino is the Tahoe Blue Event Center, home to the Tahoe Knight Monsters, our semi-pro hockey team. Opened in 2024, this brand-new venue is a fantastic spot for a concert or a hockey game. The facility isn’t huge, so every seat offers a close view of the action. While food is available, the selection is mostly standard stadium fare—beer, hot dogs, pizza, and more—sold at typical premium venue prices.

  • The Hangar | Get Rad Pizza |Upper Truckee River Float

    Looking for something super casual? Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? Look no further than The Hangar, located in South Lake Tahoe. This spot serves as a community hub, featuring concerts, food trucks, and a vast selection of beer—30 taps!—along with plenty of non-alcoholic options. It’s one of my favorite summer hangouts, boasting a spacious lawn where you can spread out and soak in the fresh Tahoe mountain air and stunning views. Depending on the season, multiple food trucks offer a wide variety of delicious options.

    Get Rad Pizza serves some of the best pizza in the Lake Tahoe region. Prices range from $17 to $22, and you honestly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The most popular pizza is the Pow Day, topped with red sauce, cheese, pepperoni, ricotta, and spicy honey.

    For a more adventurous date, consider adding a river float before heading to The Hangar. To do this, you’ll need to go when the river is flowing—but not too much. Typically, people float down the Upper Truckee River between April and July, depending on the snowpack. The strategy is to park a car at the Elks Club parking lot (on Elks Club Drive), then drop your kayak or stand-up paddleboard into the river and float down to Lake Tahoe. If you’d like to end your trip early, you can exit near The Hangar and get your food and drinks started sooner.

    One important note: You’ll need two cars to complete the float—one parked at the starting point and another at the endpoint.

  • Front Street Station Pizza | Northstar

    Located just outside downtown, Front Street Station is a great stop if you’re in the Tahoe City area. With a deck overlooking the Truckee River, it offers beautiful views to enjoy while you eat. The menu goes beyond pizza, featuring tacos, burritos, and tostadas—all at very reasonable prices. Indoor seating is limited, so it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case there’s no room for your group. And yes, they serve beer!

    About 10 miles away, Northstar Resort is another great destination. In the winter, it offers skiing, especially for those who enjoy terrain parks or mellow groomers. In the summer, it’s home to the only lift-accessed mountain biking in the area. At the base, Northstar Village provides plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and indulging in a pricey latte.

  • Tahoe Bagel | Castle Rock

    A favorite among both locals and visitors, Tahoe Bagel Company offers a fantastic selection of house-made bagels and delicious breakfast sandwiches. If you’re considering a sandwich, I highly recommend the Back 2 Life—it’s got everything you need to start your day right. Prices are reasonable (especially given the cost of eggs these days), and you can grab a meal and a drink for under $15.

    They have two locations: one on lower Kingsbury in Stateline and another on Al Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe. To skip the line, you can order online for pickup at either spot. And don’t forget to grab a coffee—it’s a must! Tahoe Bagel is a fast-casual spot, making it ideal for a relaxed date or a meetup with friends. Both locations offer plenty of parking and indoor seating, but be sure to check their hours, as they close early.

    After grabbing breakfast (I recommend getting it to-go for the best experience), drive up Kingsbury Grade and turn right onto North Benjamin. Follow the road to the end, where you’ll find a large parking area with access to multiple trails and activities.

    For a casual adventure, take the hike out to Castle Rock, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. On a clear day, you can see across the entire lake! Find a scenic perch to enjoy your bagel and coffee while soaking in the views.

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, bring your rock climbing gear—Castle Rock is home to some of the best climbing in Tahoe, with routes ranging from 5.7 and up.

    For an adrenaline rush, you can also rent a Polaris RZR from Full Access Tahoe, which operates right from the parking lot during the summer months. Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, or off-roading, this spot has something for everyone!

  • Tahoe Bowl | Elements Eatery and Bar

    If you’re looking for a fun and casual date, check out Tahoe Bowl for some bowling, then head next door to Elements for a great meal. The bowling alley is a classic, featuring plenty of lanes, video games, pizza, a bar, and a pool table. Every Sunday is Locals Night, with lane rentals priced at just $20 per hour—an unbeatable deal for bowling! Plus, pitchers of PBR are only $12. While Sunday prices are budget-friendly, it can get pretty busy, so be sure to arrive early to reserve your lane.

    For a laid-back vibe with a lively atmosphere, Elements Eatery and Bar offers a full menu of food, beer, wine, and cocktails. With a stunning view of Lake Tahoe, it’s the perfect spot for a casual dinner date—whether with friends or a special someone. The Smash Burger is a must-try! On our last visit, we happened to catch happy hour, featuring $6 glasses of wine and incredible rolled tacos that I’ll definitely be going back for.