Searched for a breakfast establishment near me. Came across Ernie’s. There’s a reason the parking lot is full on a weekday. Immediately greeted and seated. Huge portions. Great tasting. All servers assist each other giving prompt, courteous service.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Ernie's! Been coming for over 35 years and even though we moved out of state, we still plan to hit Ernie's every time we are out. Best biscuits and gravy ever and my wife's favorite Eggs Benedict! Eat there! You will be glad you did!

Thank you to cook, Nico, and our server, Juan, for a perfect lunch. I asked that my grilled cheese sandwich be prepared very well grilled so it was extra crunchy, I also asked for pickled jalapeños to be put in it. The sandwich was very crunchy and the jalapeños added a nice burst of tang to flavor. Very nice lunch and servers. Good job!

While we were waiting to get a table seating outside a couple came out and told us "it was worth the wait" we knew then it was going to be delicious and it didn't disappoint us.

+4

Good place to come for good diner food. Quick service. Good coffee. Fresh squeezed orange juice. They even make Monte Cristos and have linguica sausage on the menu.

I love coming here, everyones so friendly and the food is amazing. The atmosphere is very homey and they even sell bag of their own coffee thats 10/10. I come here every time i visit tahoe

We love the grilled veggie and the sweet potato fries. We're lived here over 40 yrs and started our relationship with Ernie's at the old location. We still love coming here!!

My coffee has to be strong. I mean why drink it if it’s not. This place. Had excellent coffee. Not to bitter. Not acidic. And they had someone who just went around pouring it freely. Thank you for the best Tahoe breakfast experience!

Food was awesome! Great service! Portions are just right. Definitely recommend coming here if you are in the area. Will be coming back next time we are in town!

This place was on point! It had traditional breakfast food and much more! The portion sizes were very generous. The Mexican breakfast choices were very tasty. The staff was very friendly and attentive.

The food is always delicious, the service is great and quick, and is a perfect modern classic mountain diner! Sometimes it’s pretty busy, but even then the wait isn’t very long. Best breakfast in South Lake Tahoe!!

Very good breakfast! I had the Green Acre Scram and it was delicious with the pico de gallo! Friendly and relaxed ambiance as well.

Best breakfast spot in town! Employees are super awesome and friendly. Food is obviously super good too. Been coming to Ernie’s for 10+ years always a good vibe.

Amazing environment and the food was incredible. Try the coffee too it was locally sourced and was delicious. The staff was incredible and friendly and we didn’t have to wait too long

We loved the food and the old traditional diner experience, with wholesome food and comfy seating. Shame that the blinds were down so we couldn’t enjoy the lovely first views outside. Our table service came to ask us too many times if we were ok, constantly interrupting our conversation. Otherwise really loved the experience.

I've been coming here for over 20 years now, and somehow they are only getting better with age. The menu has something for everyone, and it's all really tasty. The service is top tier, virtually mind reading level, and the prices are pretty friendly. Need more coffee? Fear not, it's already on its way. Need more salsa for your giant breakfast burrito? You don't even have to ask, they've already noticed and asked if you'd like some more. The only reason I don't want to leave this glowing review is that I don't want to have to wait in line the next time I visit.

Best breakfast in Tahoe. We love Ernie’s! Only eat here if you want Great Food, Great Service and Great Cozy Ambiance!!!!

Stopped by today. Get in early, the line builds up quick. Really great vegan options. We got the French toast and the tofu scramble. I’ve had many scrambles, I make them myself. They got the best texture I’ve ever had. It was really great. I opted out of peppers just cause I didn’t feel like them. They have several milk alternatives for the refillable coffee. Pleasant staff. We will be back.

Good food & great wait staff. The owner is super nice and personable. Took our coats and hung them when we walked in. Restaurant gives a nice country diner feel. Perfect breakfast spot after hitting the slops trust. Oh go for the Eggs Benedict 👌.

Absolutely Impeccable All Around, Coffee tasted fresh, food was delicious, and the portion size left nothing to be desired. Service was great too, Kind servers that actually enjoy interacting with customers, if you're rolling through the Tahoe Area and Need a Good Breakfast Bite to Eat, here's the place.

Food and service was amazing. My husband and I would definitely come back again. ❤️

This was such an amazing experience. We loved the food. The vegan items are clearly marked you cannot miss them. The service by was top notch. We were so glad we stopped by. We will be returning for sure.

Overall great restaurant! Highly recommended! Great breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant! Wait is usually very very high! Expect to wait at least 45mins. Breakfast is great quality, service is good once seated! They have nice Tahoe and sailing specific antiques! Cappuccino was very good! Worth the wait.

+1

This place was recommended by some locals so we had to try it and this place did not disappoint! Food was great. Service was wonderful. When we comeback we will definitely stop here for breakfast again.

Of all the places we have eaten at so far in Tahoe, this is my favorite! Great prices for the portion you get, great service, clean environment. Thanks for a great meal! I loved the Green Acre Scram, very flavorful and delicious!

Great food and great service. The waffles are delicious! Everything was great. I would defy go back!

+6

Great place to fill your belly and start your day. All the classic breakfast delights and MORE! Great coffee and espresso drinks, fresh squeezed OJ, friendly staff. It gets crowded so come early if you want to avoid the wait.

Awesome breakfast place with gluten free options and fast service

Great food and service. At breakfast on a busy Saturday. Place was slammed. Sat quick. Food came out quick. Clean place and friendly staff. Highly recommend

As locals, we've loved visiting Ernie's for a classic breakfast diner experience. They're always quick to seat us, take orders and serve food. My wife and daughters love their biscuits and gravy. Everything comes out delicious.

We enjoyed the food and friendly service. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor tables and plants around. There are more local customers than tourists.

Service was extremely fast for a group and everyone is very kind. The food was very yummy. Stop here for an amazing breakfast!

Got us in quick despite them being very busy. Seems like a well oiled machine! Peanut butter shake was incredible. Fresh squeezed orange juice was very good too. Food was good! Would come back next trip to Tahoe.

From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome. Our server, Leanna, was incredibly attentive, thoughtful, and made the entire experience special. The food was great, but Leanna’s exceptional service is what truly stood out. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a warm and memorable dining experience.

Awesome local coffee shop at South Lake Tahoe. Great service and delicious food 😋

Very great customer service and friendly server. Food tastes super delicious!!!

This is my first time in Tahoe. Took my family out here for the holidays and we were recommended to come here from some locals. It was amazing food and service! I ended up getting a burger with a smoothie and we ordered French toast! Everything was amazing. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a good spot to eat.

This is a classic breakfast diner. They aren’t reading Bon Appetit but it doesn’t matter. The food is comforting, the service is great, and I love the rustic ambiance. My daughter loves the eggs and bacon. Plus, free coffee refills. Great ski prep and the comical coloring scenes for kids.

Year after a year this place never disappoints I posted the photograph in an effort to say enough said not because the portions weren’t plenty full, but because it was so good

The food was delicious! If. I lived in the area I would eat at Ernie's frequently. But as a weekend visitor I'm glad I had an opportunity to eat there when I did. I was very pleased with the overall experience

Been coming to Tahoe for years and I found Ernie's on accident.. Best breakfast in Tahoe hands down.. If you haven't been here yet you are missing out!

Loved this spot. Everyone is super friendly. Service was the best I’ve had in a while. Food was good. A little pricy for my midwestern wallet, but that seems par for the course for South Tahoe.

The food was delicious. Atmosphere was manic, but the staff took it all in stride. Service could have been better without the mayhem of the patrons. Overall, excellent 👌

Super cute spot, great atmosphere and customer service. Kent took care of me and got me in and out quickly as I was in a rush passing through. 10/10 would recommend

We are visiting Tahoe and came across this diner. We walked through the doors and were immediately sat. The service was excellent, always refilling the water and coffee and checking in too. The food was phenomenal - the Mexican breakfast with avocado is definitely a staple and beyond delicious. Would definitely eat here again!

The food and atmosphere were incredible as was the service. Everyone was really nice and the food was so good it was gone before we could take a picture. It's the cutest diner with a really pretty dark green and natural wood vibe. Highly recommend.

I lived in Tahoe when I was very small and haven’t been able to come back until >20 years later. This was the place I first had biscuits and gravy and it’s been my favorite breakfast my whole life. Stopped in on a bike trip to Oregon and had their biscuits and gravy and it’s just as I remember. Their coffee is great and the service is too! So happy to relive old memories and make new ones. <3

This place was great! We went for breakfast and it was delicious with huge portions. The lattes were great as well. The staff was friendly and attentive.

We love Ernie's! We had a delicious tuna melt & Ruben with a yummy side of homemade bean soup!! And the mimosa was delicious!! The fresh squeezed orange juice is always a treat! Thank you Leanna for your wonderful service!

Found a gem. Food was fresh, tasty and comforting. Lovely lovely service folks. Very attentive and intuitive. Pleasantly surprised.

It's my first time in this place and what I'll note is that the food is very tasty🤤, we were served quickly, and the atmosphere is pleasant

This dish is pure brunch perfection. From the first bite, it delivers a rich, indulgent balance of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and elevated. The eggs are perfectly poached silky whites with a golden, velvety yolk that cascades beautifully over the dish. The hollandaise is luxuriously smooth, buttery, and seasoned just right, with a gentle kick of paprika that adds warmth without overpowering. The avocado brings a fresh, creamy contrast, while the tomato adds a bright pop of acidity that cuts through the richness flawlessly. Beneath it all, the base is crisp on the outside yet tender inside, providing the perfect foundation for everything layered on top. And let’s not ignore the crispy hash browns on the side golden, crunchy, and absolutely addictive. They round out the plate and make this a truly satisfying meal. Every element feels intentional, well-executed, and comforting in the best way. This is the kind of dish you think about long after the plate is empty worthy of a repeat visit and a top-tier recommendation.

We enjoyed our food and experience so much, we ate here twice! Besides them offering vegan options, the food is really really good. My husband was jealous of my tofu scramble the first day, so we decided needed to come back so he could get it for himself! Also, if you’re an orange juice person, do yourself a favor and order the freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s one of the best I’ve had.

Great spot with quick, efficient service even when the place was full. Plenty of parking, friendly and welcoming staff, fresh-tasting food, good vegetarian options, and amazing lattes. Our kids loved it too, we’ll definitely be back!

We highly recommend Ernie's. I had a “the Green Acre Scram” and my Husband had the “Judy’s Veggie Scramb”. Our food was Delicious. The coffee and tea was great. The restaurant had a relaxed atmosphere. The entire staff is friendly. But Maria our server was great, and we enjoyed spending time with her. Also Citlaly was very kind. They went out of their way to provide us everything we needed and made our time very enjoyable!

V A

I was searching around for cafes and breakfast places in the Lake Tahoe area. I came here and tried the coffee and egg benedict. It was delicious and suited my taste. The restaurant had quick and friendly service. Thank you, I will recommend Ernies Cafe to everyone.

Kristen Willis

This is a comfortable, bright and clean, very welcoming environment. The staff all cheerfully participate in things like coffee refills (never once waited!) and bussing tables, seating, etc. The food was served quickly with ample portions. We liked almost everything (pancakes nearly perfect, eggs and bacon exactly as requested, home fries great! -with a huge amount of house-made corned beef hash. For the biscuits and gravy, we liked the gravy but didn't totally love the biscuit, which was the only small exception). For two, our bill was almost $60 before tip -which does feel like a lot, but I guess what isn't these days. Although we come to Tahoe regularly this was our first visit here - but we will definitely be back!

Jasmin Sosa

Stellar experience! We ordered burgers & split a French toast order with some coffee to end our meal. Incredible selections, delicious food, and really wonderful service. Everyone was so kind and attentive. The food was awesome & we overheard many regulars get greeted by staff. Awesome family friendly vibe, with a little bit of a wait (we came over NYE week and waited 25 min), so not a bad wait & worth every penny. Smoothies are great, coffee is fresh and delicious, and the burgers were perfecttttt. They have a convenient wait system through Yelp that lets you see your place in line, tracks how long you’ve waited, and lets you browse the menu while you wait. Would highly recommend this spot!

Roman Farkas

First time in 🇺🇸 and I was at the Lake Tahoe. Must stop at Ernie's place. I was not really hungry, but I tried Avocado Sandwich aaaand it's delicious👌 So if you're going just around and want to have a coffee☕️or to eat something tasty, just park your car at the Ernie's place and you'll enjoy it by yourself✌️

Soujanya K

Excellent service from the staff. Portions are huge! The amount of fruits added on waffle and pancake is so much that you can get fruit in every small bite. Very good breakfast place!

Tracy Turner

Fantastic Food! Fantastic service, by Maria! All the staff is amazing from the hostess to the bus staff. It was worth every minute we waited on a busy Saturday morning but they’re very efficient. We’ll absolutely be back!! The toast was buttery all the way to the ends just as I like it.

nataly jimenez

Came to Erines for Breakfast. The food is delicious, service is great. Food is brought out quickly. Kid friendly. They have huge Mikey Mouse pancakes for the kids. Coffee and mimosas are delicious. 10/10 recommend.

Anna Hyatt

Great breakfast spot for a delicious meal - great service and food was hot and ready quickly - big portions and coffee was hot and plentiful!

Alana Cayabyab

Ernie’s is a solid restaurant! It’s one of my fav spots for meeting up w friends for brunch😊. As a South Lake local of 12 years, I always appreciate a consistent restaurant- they deliver on delicious food (I often get the Judy’s Veggie Omelete pictured here). The owner is an awesome human. And the staff is very responsive. I’d highly recommend! I also really like their oat chai.. yum!😋

Elysia Paxton

I have been in the restaurant industry for 10 years and can’t tell you how impressive Ernie’s is. We sat at the bar and the kitchen and counter area were so clean. The stainless steel was spotless and everything had its place because every team member knew exactly what to do. Their team was amazing and worked so well together. I don’t think we ever saw them stop moving. The food was amazing as well. Classic breakfast options that were executed perfectly with quick service. If we visit Tahoe again, we will be back!

Tanuj Maheshwari

This breakfast spot offers an impressive selection of options, but it tends to be quite crowded. If you’re planning a large party, be prepared for a wait of 15 to 30 minutes for a table. However, if you’re dining for two, you’ll likely be seated much faster. The service was prompt and friendly, making it a highly recommended choice.

Dolores Damian

Pretty good spot. Reminds me a bit like Dennys. Food was good. They do have unlimited black coffee. The biscuit and gravy was good and 1 piece was big to share. I got the omelette and it was delicious.

+3

M Perez

Let me tell you something....this was our last breakfast spot in Lake Tahoe for a trip and it was the best brunch by far. The brunch burger had me speechless with how juicy and delicious it was and the egg was the perfect touch. Hot apple cider was warm and cozy. My husband's loco Moco was great as well. Yummy filling food, great vibes and service. Would definitely eat here again the next time we visit Tahoe.

Angelique Tafoya-Graham

The food was delicious! The menu has something to offer for just about any taste. We stopped in on for breakfast on our way home. We were so happy that we did. Everyone enjoyed their selection. From my vegan burrito to the cornbeef and hash. Our service from Juan was excellent. The restaurant was very busy but the service was so good that you didn't notice. We will definitely return. Recommend trying if you want great food and service!

Kat

Was recommended this place by a local when I asked for the best cafe for breakfast with gluten free options. I was so stoked to be able to FINALLY have French toast again because they have the gluten free option. Their menu was very diverse with an amazing selection. Bathroom was clean and all of the staff were exceptionally welcoming. I 10 out of 10 recommend this place. Especially if you have a gluten intolerance. They even had vegan options as well. Can’t wait to come back!

Ethan Mullen

With plenty of breakfast places on offer nearby it’s a tough choice deciding which one to go into. This restaurant would be my recommendation. We were seated quickly, received great service and ate some very tasty food. The menu is plentiful with options available for everyone and comes reasonably quickly considering how popular it is. We would definitely visit again!

Classic diner vibes with solid breakfast before hitting the slopes.\n\nStopped here with a friend before heading up to the mountain. This place has that lovely old town diner vibe you want from a bre…

Classic diner vibes with solid breakfast before hitting the slopes.\n\nStopped here with a friend before heading up to the mountain. This place has that lovely old town diner vibe you want from a …

The service here was amazing! Everybody was so welcoming and nice, the food was DELICIOUS and the timing of ordering to receiving food was very short and great timing. If you are visiting, I HIGHLY r…

The service here was amazing! Everybody was so welcoming and nice, the food was DELICIOUS and the timing of ordering to receiving food was very short and great timing. If you are visiting, I HIGH…

The service here was amazing! Everybody was so welcoming and nice, the food was DELICIOUS and the timing of ordering to receiving food was very short and great timing. If you are visiting, I HIGHLY…

We had a really exceptional dining experience. \nThank you Maria, Pamela, Juan and everybody for \nmaking our breakfast so wonderful!!\nGreat food and professional and friendly staff

We had a really exceptional dining experience. \nThank you Maria, Pamela, Juan and everybody for \nmaking our breakfast so wonderful!!\nGreat food and professional and friendly staff

We had a really exceptional dining experience. \nThank you Maria, Pamela, Juan and everybody for \nmaking our breakfast so wonderful!!\nGreat food and professional and friendly staff

Ernie's is our fav local breakfast spot on the weekend. Everyone is super nice and the food is always is delicious! There is typically a small wait time but so worth it :)

Ernie's is our fav local breakfast spot on the weekend. Everyone is super nice and the food is always is delicious! There is typically a small wait time but so worth it :)

great food and cabin ambience, food came out really fast! great service. \nespecially loved the hash browns, home fries, and eggs.

great food and cabin ambience, food came out really fast! great service. \nespecially loved the hash browns, home fries, and eggs.

Breakfast.... This restaurant was a great start to the day. Friendly fast servers, seated as soon as we walked in. It's cold outside, but no snow, parking was easy. The perfect breakfast spot, easy…

Great breakfast spot! The service and food were both amazing, and the coffee was excellent. Everything we had was high quality and delicious. Highly recommend if you're in the area!

I love to go to Ernie's , it's my favorite!\nI always enjoy my food, whether it's a burger or egg breakfast or biscuits and gravy. They make the best lattes! I can't wait to go back. Love you guys.…

Highly recommended!! Excellent service, atmosphere, very good attention, friendly staff, and delicious food!!!

When i camp at Tahoe i always go eat my breakfast here. Always great hot coffee served with a smile and great food to boot. Whether its oatmeal, pancakes, or eggs, its always served hot and delicio…

Beautiful, cozy, and delicious breakfast diner. \nNo wait, exceptional service, we got our food in less than 10 mins! \nWe got the huevos rancheros, Belgian waffle, French toast, and a vanilla latt…

Ernie's has a great selection for breakfast items, including molletes, which I do not see very often on American menus! The coffee is very good and I'm afraid that I will think about it every day u…

Ernie's has been our go to for a while now! It has never let us down. Food is great, atmosphere is awesome and all staff have always been so welcoming. I highly recommend

Large portions, friendly staff, good location , good parking, ambiance is noisy. Good value for the money. Came here bc other places were too crowded / no parking lol

We come every time we are in South Lake Tahoe and it is yummy every time. The service is always quick for a place that is always busy, it's cozy, and good for all ages. Great parking, great food, w…

Tasty breakfast, very yummy, friendly service , super nice. Love it. As a guest from Australia, the amount of food is huge, and vey American style

Tasty breakfast, very yummy, friendly service , super nice. Love it. As a guest from Australia, the amount of food is huge, and vey American style

Tasty breakfast, very yummy, friendly service , super nice. Love it. As a guest from Australia, the amount of food is huge, and vey American style

Tasty breakfast, very yummy, friendly service , super nice. Love it. As a guest from Australia, the amount of food is huge, and vey American style

My husband and I ate breakfast here before heading up to Emerald Bay. I had eggs, bacon, fruit and toast. He had a “scram”. Both of our meals were excellent. The coffee is a special roast and was w…

My husband and I ate breakfast here before heading up to Emerald Bay. I had eggs, bacon, fruit and toast. He had a “scram”. Both of our meals were excellent. The coffee is a special roast and w…

My husband and I ate breakfast here before heading up to Emerald Bay. I had eggs, bacon, fruit and toast. He had a “scram”. Both of our meals were excellent. The coffee is a special roast and was w…

Good food and a very friendly staff Had a Burger and milkshake for lunch the previous day and then breakfast the following morning. Good food

Good food and a very friendly staff Had a burger and milkshake for lunch the previous day and then breakfast the following morning. Good food

Good food and a very friendly staff Had a Burger and milkshake for lunch the previous day and then breakfast the following morning. Good food

Good food and a very friendly staff Had a Burger and milkshake for lunch the previous day and then breakfast the following morning. Good food

Food was fresh and delicious, portions were large, staff was very courteous and accommodating, atmosphere was pleasant and relaxing, and the coffee is AMAZING! Very unique offerings on the menu in…

Food was fresh and delicious, portions were large, staff was very courteous and accommodating, atmosphere was pleasant and relaxing, and the coffee is AMAZING! Very unique offerings on the menu in…

We were in town to visit relatives and this place came recommended by locals and tourist resources alike. Wonderful coffee, great service, and relaxed casual atmosphere. I will be returning there…

We had a great experience here. I loved that we could put our name on the list from where we were staying so we didn’t have to wait an hour outside. Service and food was great. They are currently o…

Great food! Beautiful place, excellent lighting and great coffee! We arrived at about 9, there were seats and plenty of parking. Food arrived quickly and it was tasty. The biscuit was amazing! The waitresses were attentive, except for one who kept ignoring us when she walked by refilling everyone else's coffee but mine, but that's just one rotten apple. Everyone else was great! We had the waffle and 2 egg breakfast.

The breakfast at Ernie's was really very good. You will find rush on weekends where the wait time is 20minutes on an avg. The waffle and ice cream, the scram with beans, rice and tortillas was tasty. They have lot of options and I definitely recommend!!!

+2

We had yummy breakfast from here.The quality of food was really good. They have a really good menu. It's difficult to get a seat there. Expect minimal 1 hr wait time

+5

I order the chilaquiles it was ok but wouldn't order again. My boyfriend order the green acre scram and it was delicious we will order that next time. Lots of servers so it was great but I felt rush since I was still eating and they came by after they brought the food to ask if I needed a to go box, shortly after that they got the bill. The bathrooms also need attention they are dirty and smell bad.

Ernie’s is a great spot to grab a hearty and nutritious breakfast before exploring the beauty of Lake Tahoe. To explore properly, one must try this modern style diner. It’s typically busy, so make sure you allot enough time. It’s worth the 10-30 minute wait for sure. They’ve got good food and good service.

Ernie’s Coffee Shop – South Lake Tahoe If you’re into old-school diners that feel like a warm hug from your mountain grandpa, Ernie’s is the spot. Cozy cabin vibes, lightning-fast service, and plates that hit like a hearty Tahoe bear hug. It’s been feeding locals since forever, and it shows. Here’s your first tell-tale sign it’s legit: people waiting outside in the cold, willingly. That, and the fact you can buy a $10 Ernie’s screen print tee to rep the joint like you just joined a Tahoe breakfast cult (which you basically did). We opted to dine in, but you’ll usually hit a 20–30 minute wait—totally worth it if you’re people-watching and absorbing the chaos like a true diner enthusiast. Or skip the crowd and grab takeout—just as reliable and way faster if your stomach’s louder than your ski boots. My go-to? The breakfast burrito—massive, cheesy, and built like it’s ready for a trail hike. Which is exactly what we did. Picked it up, walked over to South E Bike next door, and hit the trail. Ideal trail fuel. We cruised through Lake Tahoe paths, stopped beachside, and soaked in snowcapped views amidst a cool 60 degree weather. Pro tip: While you’re waiting, check out Snowshoe Thompson Ski Rental next door—where there are life-size sculptures of a bear and Bigfoot. Nothing like staring into Sasquatch’s cold, judgmental eyes while pondering whether you’ll upgrade to a mimosa. Menu highlight? The Montana Turkey Sandwich—grilled Ortega chile, mushrooms, Swiss, and sliced turkey on sourdough. Big flavors. No notes. And shoutout to the manager (or guy who looked extremely managerial) who kindly explained the difference between rye with seeds vs. seedless. He didn’t flinch once when my partner asked about the seed/bread ratio like a full-on bread nerd. All in all, Ernie’s is Tahoe breakfast royalty. Come hungry, stay cozy, and grab a tee on the way out—you earned it

Very good Denver Omlete but having very good fruit as an alternative side cinched 5 stars for the food. Service could have been a little better & my perception of the atmosphere could have been affected because I sat at the counter to eat. Value was good for what you get.

We've been coming here for years. The food is top-notch and the service is appropriate for being as busy as they are. I took off a star for forgotten sour cream and a TINY togo box for D's leftovers. The atmosphere could be improved with rotating art displays. But if you're just out for a really tasty breakfast this place is a hit. Oh twi more things: the free wifi is helpful. So is the online wait-list management.

Ernie's Coffee Shop, located in a typical mountain resort setting, boasts a charming design with beautiful courted ceilings and lovely wood beams. The ambiance alone is enough to make you feel cozy and relaxed. While waiting for our entire group to arrive, we decided to order some coffee. I must say, the coffee was excellent. However, we did face a slight challenge in getting creamer. Initially, we were given small cups, but after requesting a larger one, our waitress kindly accommodated us with a huge cup. It's the little things that count, and we appreciated her attentiveness. Now, let's talk about the food. Oh my, the food was simply amazing, especially for diner fare. I opted for the Biscuits and gravy with eggs over medium and hash browns. Let me break it down for you: my eggs were cooked to perfection, exactly as I had requested. Unfortunately, my friend's scrambled eggs were cold, which was a bit disappointing. Similarly, the gravy wasn't very hot either. However, the saving grace was the absolutely delicious biscuits. They were a true delight. The hash browns, although not piping hot, were still tasty. It seemed like the kitchen may have gotten overwhelmed, as our food took longer to arrive than expected. Nevertheless, the quality of the food made up for the delay. Plus, the portion sizes were incredibly generous, enough to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. We were pleasantly surprised. Moreover, the staff at Ernie's Coffee Shop were incredibly friendly and accommodating. Their warm and welcoming attitude added to the overall positive experience. If you find yourself in Lake Tahoe and craving a nice breakfast or lunch, I highly recommend giving Ernie's a try. You won't be disappointed. The food is delicious, the portions are substantial, and the staff is super nice. It's the perfect spot for a casual and satisfying meal.

+2

Ernie is another alternative and equally great breakfast/diner place compared to Bert across the street. We came around peak time at 11am and it only took 15 minutes of waiting till we were seated down. Plenty of free parkings around. Service was quick and attentive. It’s super spacious inside and even the counter’s space is wide and has plenty of room for you to move around. Their freshly squeezed Orange juice is to die for and I highly recommend you get it while you’re there. We ordered the breakfast burrito, pancakes, and vegan banana French toast. All was HUGE portion and reasonably priced compared to what we usually get here in the Bay Area. We couldn’t finish and had to pack our food to-go. They tasted equally delicious if not even better warmed up as early linner option. Overall, Ernie is a great breakfast choice if you don’t want to wait and look for parking frantically at Bert. Highly recommend :)

+4

Just had breakfast here , servers are very welcoming and friendly. Food is okay but pancakes were really good

Diane Lawton

Great service. Good food. Friendly folks. Just feedback for the owners- they just bought new ketchup bottles. Not a good choice. Couldn't get the ketchup out because it was too full. Tried all types of tricks, touching the cap to close it made me think of how many hands did the same. This did not affect my review. Would definitely come back and recommend the Green Acre scramble and the coffee is good and strong!

Binit Banerjee

Went for breakfast with family. There was a 10 minute wait. I got the chicken fried steak which was pretty good. The house potatoes lacked salt for my taste. I got the biscuit instead of bread and its texture was like a cake than the flaky. We also got a single pancake which was nice. My wife got the Tahoe scramble which was cheesy and nice. Overall a nice place with fast service and ample parking right outside.

+4

Jay Tkachuk

Great diner, tasty food, great service, convenient location right off the main thoroughfare. Probably the best blueberry pancake I've ever had, LOADED with the berries. The gluten-free Mushroom Swiss Burger was also very good. Mocha was solid. We will stop there again.

Nice place with friendly service. Coffee was good. Had Ernies Special Burrito. If it had been half the size it would still be too much.

Nice place with friendly service. coffee was good. Had Ernies Special Burrito. If it had been half the size it would still be too much.

Good coffee,great freshly squeezed orange juice. Omlets and hash brown were nice and pancake was also decent. Avocado toast felt more like assembly of ingredients. Overall vibe was pleasant. It was crowded and we had to wait for 30 minutes to get in.

+5

I had been here 2 years ago and was in LOVE with this place's homey feel, good food and great service, so when we came back to Lake Tahoe I was excited to go back. However, my coffee was burnt, the food came out quickly but just lacked that wow factor I felt it had two years prior. The staff seemed more muted compared to the high vibes and friendly demeanour we had experienced last time. Hopefully, this place makes a rebound or was just having an off day because I would have given 5 stars based on my first experience but not today.

Why do they present the bill before I am done dining??? Mediocre diner food lacking flavour and personality. Mind you it was hot. I ordered breakfast burrito and it's flavorless. The table ketchup is watery ??!! Mid level mexican sauces for the food. Just red and green tobasco and tapatio, a small portion of salsa . So many servers and staff. Tons of booth seating and some low table / bar style seating.

Manager guy possibly the owner was kind of a creep. Right when I saw my hashbrowns I knew something didn’t look right. They tasted like raw potatoes, no seasoning no oil no butter just cooked a raw potato. Worst hashbrowns I’ve ever had in my life. Asked for the eggs on the huevos rancheros to be medium, and they were super runny. Overpriced like most Tahoe restaurants. Other than that food was midgrade at best. Server did a good job. They also put a flyer on the table that says if you give them a 5 star review, you get a free sticker so half these 5 star reviews are just because people probably want a free sticker.

Elizabeth Hullinger

The diner is cute. They boast a special roasted coffee that is specially blended for them by a local coffee shop. It was OK. Nothing special. The same could be said for their food. It was basic and bland. Reminded me of food I can make at home. The Belgian waffle was probably the best thing I had but the syrup could have been better. As a visitor to the area I was looking for a memorable dining experience. This place missed the mark.