South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 The Swiss Chalet at Lake Tahoe has been in business for decades; I grew up in Tahoe and this was one of the best known restaurants not only for 25. Center Bar is located in the heart of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe. Bathed in cool blues and dramatic blacks, the Center Bar is the pl.

The Full Belly Deli in the mountain town of Truckee not only serves up inexpensive sandwiches and subs for the tourist crowd, but locals are quick to run to the deli for their own breakfast and lunch. Full Belly breakfast includes items like Green Eggs & Ham with scrambled eggs, pesto, black forest ham and swiss cheese on your choice of bread, and Veggie Bagels with cream cheese, tomato, cucumber, onion and sprouts on your choice of bagel. Lunch sandwiches can be pressed or subs like the Pesto Chicken Salad or wraps like the Thai Chicken with green and purple cabbage, red onion, cilantro and spicy peanut dressing. Don't worry, these guys don't shirk from meats. For something hardy get the Dirka Dirka with corned beef, pastrami, pickles, yellow mustard, swiss cheese and jalapeño coleslaw.

Recommended for Best Value because: You can fill your belly with both food and drink for under $12 at Full Belly.

Christina's expert tip: Full Belly Deli posts their daily specials on their social media accounts.

Azul Latin Kitchen is located in the Heavenly Village beneath the Heavenly Mountain ski resort. The restaurant serves a fun and creative mix of organic Latin dishes with a California inspiration. They also serve some of the biggest and best margaritas in the area. The restaurant strives to use local, organic and sustainable products whenever possible and uses fresh squeezed juices and limes in their drinks. Dishes include house made chips ($3) with a variety of salsas including green salsa and pineapple-jicama pico de gallo and guacamole. The Shrimp Ceviche ($11) includes jicama, cucumber, rotisserie roasted pineapple, cilantro and mint. The tasty Sonoma Goat Cheese and Sweet Potato Flauta ($13) has roasted sweet potatoes, goat cheese, black beans, and green chili salsa suiza.

Recommended for Best Value because: Many of Azul Latin Kitchen's entrees are under $15. Save room for their delicious margaritas for only $6.

Christina's expert tip: If you are in the area in winter, enjoy your drinks by the outdoor fire pit.

The Driftwood Cafe near the Heavenly ski area has a huge menu full of breakfast and lunch items. This cute little diner serves items such as Huevos Rancheros, Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Burritos and Sandwiches and their Outrageous Omeletts with three eggs. The Herb Cheese Omelette has zucchini and green onions topped with herb cheese sauce and the Black Bean Chicken Chili Omelette has cheddar cheese, green onions and sour cream. The Driftwood also serves buttermilk pancakes, French Toast and an assortment of waffles. For lunch the Driftwood serves various sandwiches, salads, soup, chili and specialties such as Fish Tacos, Escargot and Grilled Basa.

Recommended for Best Value because: The Driftwood's breakfasts are huge and start at around $12.

Christina's expert tip: The Driftwood serves locally roasted coffee.

The Best Pies & Pizzeria restaurant is located right in downtown Truckee and features massive thin crust pizzas, Italian dishes and a lively atmosphere and affordable prices. Their speciality pies include the Garbage Pie with sausage, pepperoni, canadian bacon, mushroom, olives, bell peppers, onions the Pesto Pie with Sausage and fresh tomatoes and the Filetto Di Pomodoro Pie with sausage and basil. Each of these pies are around $20. You can also order items like their popular Garlic Knots, Cheese Calzone, Chicken Parmigiana and Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls or Pasta with a side salad. Best Pies has a kid's menu and a full beer list.

Recommended for Best Value because: During Best Pies' Happy Hour get a slice and a beer for only $5.

Christina's expert tip: The Best Pies Signature Pie with the cherry peppers, mushroom, pepperoni, garlic and parsley sauce is awesome.

Located at Camp Richardson on the South Shore, this restaurant and bar is a summer party heaven. You can boat or kayak right up to the restaurant and enjoy a meal or drink with views of the water and Mount Tallac. The menu offers items like Deep Fried Calamari, Clam Chowder, Seared Ahi, Crab and Shrimp Enchiladas, Burgers and a very tasty Creamy Pumpkin Pasta, bow tie pasta topped with a pumpkin cream sauce served with a garlic cheese bread. You can also get smaller, lunch-priced items for dinner. Drinks include wine, beer and cocktails including the popular and potent Rum Runner.

Recommended for Best Value because: The Beacon's Happy Hour features 'Sliders of the World' like the Italian Meatball Slider and Hawaiian Coconut Shrimp Slider.

Christina's expert tip: The Beacon features live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Old Range Steakhouse in Tahoe Vista is one of the most popular steakhouses at the lake and offers a wide range of aged steaks, chops, prime rib, King Crab legs, BBQ ribs and a full bar with several dozen wines to choose from. For dinner try the Barbecue Ribs and Rotisserie Chicken. The Garlic Mashed Potatoes are very good and the house bread is warm. The restaurant has a great view of the lake, mountains and the forest and the interior is cozy, but can be dark. The main meals run around $25-$35 and their classic Caesar salad is $12.

Recommended for Best Value because: You can get a house wine carafe for two for $13.

Christina's expert tip: There isn't a wine list at the Old Range. You choose your wine from a nearby wine rack and the waiter opens it and serves you.

Rated one of the best burger places in Lake Tahoe Area and featured on the Food Networks 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives', Burger Me is located in the old town section of Truckee. Their burgers are made with all natural ingredients. No growth hormones or chemicals in these beauties! The burgers and drinks are served in corn-based packaging and everything is recyclable. The refurbished building with retro styling is great to hang out in, but you can also get your burger to go and eat outside in the fresh mountain air. Burger Me offers natural burgers like lamb, bison, bacon and grass fed beef.

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Recommended for Best Value because: The basic, organic Burger Me Hamburger is only $6.50 and the Cheeseburger Slider is only $3.50.

Christina's expert tip: The best sweet potato fries in the area.

This simple, family-run restaurant has been in the area for over 20 years and is the go-to place for quick, but healthy and tasty rotisserie meats with a Latin flair. T's serves chicken, pork and beef tri-tip rotisserie plates served with various salsas, sauces and tortillas. They also have the classic tacos and burritos as well as pulled pork with a mess of sauces to add to your sandwich. To wash it all down, the ice tea and lemonade is perfect. Be prepared to stand in line to order and eat either in the basic seating area or take your food outside or even on the road.

Recommended for Best Value because: You can get a filling meal at T's for under $10. The sauces are awesome, too.

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Christina's expert tip: T's is a cash-only establishment.

The Blue Angel Caf� in South Lake Tahoe offers unique and interesting meat and vegetarian dishes as well as desserts, wine beer and a generous happy hour. This cozy, little restaurant has a view of the lake, a place for eating outside, a nice garden and access to all the South Lake Tahoe fun. Their food includes items like Clam Chowder, Chili Dusted Sweet Potato Fries, Pulled Pork, burgers and vegetarian dishes like the Napolean with eggplant, zucchini, tomato sauce, pesto and polenta. They have a daily happy hour with menu items and drinks for $3 and a nice couch in front of the fireplace to sit and chat with locals and other Tahoe visitors. The Blue Angel also offers catering and special wedding menus.

Recommended for Best Value because: The Blue Angel has nightly and seasonal specials including Taco Tuesdays and Pasta Wednesdays.

Christina's expert tip: The happy hour is from 4-6 p.m. every day.

Chimayo Street Market on the South Shore of the lake is not your average Latin restaurant. Chimayo specializes in in-house smoked BBQ meats served in classic Mexican food dishes. Many of these dishes can be enjoyed for under $10 which is unusual for a popular tourist area. Start off with the Smoked Street Corn on the cob with chimayo sauce, cotija cheese and cayenne ($4) or maybe the decadent Frito Pie ($8) with the spicy brisket chili. Come on a weekday for Happy Hour for $2 off bottled beer and $4 off draft beer. Many of Chimayo's entrees can be shared including the Stack of Ribs ($11) and the Ceviche Tostadas with lime marinated shrimp and Mexican crema ($12). Chimayo also has a price range of sides. I'd go for the $5 Fried Pickled Veggies and Cornbread.

Recommended for Best Value because: Scuza offers an endless basket of garlic bread and wine specials.

Christina's expert tip: Chimayo only serves lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Fresh Ketch is located in a small marina at the foot of Tahoe Keys Boulevard and has long been regarded as South Lake's premier seafood restaurant. Try for a window table so you can watch the marina activities. Try the half a dozen oysters and the seared ahi tuna with garlic, soy, wasabi, and sesame seaweed salad. Then it's on to the fresh catch of the day such as big Alaskan king crab, steamed in the shell and served with drawn butter. The menu also includes a modest selection of meat and poultry dishes, such as the great surf and turf of petite mignon and lobster. Prices are a bit steep, but you can also belly up with the locals and order from the extensive bar menu, with everything from blackened mahimahi to fresh-fish tacos and fish and chips for under $13. They've recently added a sushi bar as well. Live music acts perform Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The Fresh Ketch serves some of the best seafood on the lake.

Christina's expert tip: If you have your own boat, you can dock at the Fresh Ketch to enjoy lunch.

The Riva Grill has one of the lake's best waterfront decks in which to enjoy the view on a warm summer day. Make the day even better by ordering one of their famous Wet Woody cocktails. The Riva Grill is an upscale casual restaurant that accommodates larger groups for special occasions such as weddings. The chef has created a menu highlighting California cuisine that includes items like Filet and Scampi, Pistachio Halibut and pizza from a wood-fired brick oven. The wine list is a collection of California's best and best-known vintners featuring more than one dozen wines by the glass.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The Riva Grill's Wet Woody cocktail has become a Tahoe legend.

Christina's expert tip: The Riva Grill is a great location for a special event. The Riva Grill allows weddings to be performed on their beach.

Moe's Original BBQ, originating in Alabama, has come to Tahoe City and you can't beat the location. This BBQ joint, known for its daily smoked meats and multitude of sides, is located right on the Grove Street Pier in Tahoe City and offers great views of the lake along with its Southern-style BBQ. Various dishes including pulled pork and ribs, seafood, chicken and children's plates are available as an ala carte or platter option. Daily sides include lima beans, collard greens, coleslaw and sweet potato casserole. The restaurant offers outdoor seating, a bar and several to-go options including a cooler meal for boat owners who use the pier.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Moe's Deck has some great views of both the lake and Tahoe City.

Christina's expert tip: Moe's platters come with cornbread and two sides. Try the tangy marinated coleslaw!

The Boathouse is located at the Beach Retreat & Lodge hotel in South Lake Tahoe and offers a unique dining experience over the waters of Lake Tahoe. The restaurant is only open during the summer, but you can enjoy lunch or dinner on a pier with no walls to separate you from the blue water of Lake Tahoe. The Boathouse offers casual dining and cocktails and has become a local favorite. The menu includes seasonal and fresh creations that won't break your wallet. Lunch items include Baked Brie ($13) with grapes and apples, New England Clam Chowder ($7/$10), the Boathouse Burger ($13) served on a brioche bun and the Fish Tacos ($13) with Mahi-Mahi. For dinner enjoy cocktails or California wines with Pan Seared Scallops ($18) or the fresh fish of the day.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The Boathouse has some of the best summer waterfront dining in the area, and the menu is not overpriced.

Christina's expert tip: The Boathouse has live music on Wednesday and Thursday nights and feature local and regional bands and singers.

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Part of charming Sunnyside Lodge, this lakeside restaurant delivers wonderful views and straightforward, filling lunchtime eats. You'll find burgers, fish, and chicken sandwiches, as well as pasta dishes, salads, and soups. Specialties include chimichurri swordfish, scallops, trout and organic Kobe Burger with applewood bacon, tomato jam, sautéed onions and gorgonzola. The lodge's dock staff can assist you if you arrive by water, but show up on the early side if you want to secure a seat on the deck. The wood-paneled, rustic dining room provides atmosphere to spare if it's chilly outside. Dinner sees an emphasis on well-prepared American favorites, including seafood and steaks.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Sunnyside has special food and music events throughout the year.

Christina's expert tip: The lake view from the Sunnyside deck is perfect for summer days. Order their fried zucchini!

Jake's On The Lake is a mainstay on the West Shore. Serving both locals and visitors since 1978, Jake's features a casual yet delicious menu that reflects its waterfront atmosphere. The menu features seafood appetizers such as Dungeness Crab Cakes ($18) and entrees such as Seared Diver Scallops ($32). Turf-inspired dishes are also available such as short ribs and filet mignon tacos. Salads, soups (such as their decadent clam chowder), and several desserts are on hand to round out your meal. A kids' menu ensures that families leave happy. If you're making an afternoon of it, the full bar has its own menu, along with specialty cocktails, wines, and draft and bottled beers.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Jake's is one of the oldest and most popular restaurants and bars in this area of the lake.

Christina's expert tip: Jake's has one of the best views on the lake and you can also go out on their pier for even better views. Try the Dungeness Crab Cakes with jicama apple slaw.

Located in the center of Tahoe City, this restaurant offers excellent food and one of the best views on the lake. It's a small restaurant and reservations may be required during the high seasons, but the staff is friendly and very accommodating. They serve up a nice selection of wines by the glass and the bottle and the menu is small but it revolves around the changing seasons and the availability of fresh ingredients. The entrees include pork, lamb, seafood and pasta using fresh, local ingredients. For a starter, the Caesar Salad is huge and very delicious and the various Ravioli dishes are a great entree. For dessert, try the Affogato with cranberry biscotti.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: On summer nights, you can sit on the deck of Christy Hill and get some of the best West Shore views.

Christina's expert tip: Christy Hill has earned rave reviews by the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and Bon Appetit. Try the popular Juniper Brined Pork Chop with local juniper berries.

Located at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, this impressive alpine lodge restaurant has a large stone fireplace, incredible views of the North Shore and is located on its own private beach with access to a pier. Enjoy High Sierra cuisine, an impressive wine list and breathtaking views of the lake. The seasonal menus use only the finest in fresh local ingredients prepared in the open show kitchen. Lunch and dinner entrees include items such as Furikake Crusted Ahi with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes and Radish Salad, Veal Osso Buco with Root Vegetable Pur�e, Spaghetti Squash Gremolata Style, 'Apple Hill' Cider Cream Sauce and Sauteed Chicken, Mascarpone Polenta, Asparagus, Morel Cream Sauce. The Lone Eagle has vegetarian options and desserts like Warm Mascarpone Strudel and Tahitian Vanilla Cr�me Br�l�e. They also serve after-dinner cognacs and ports.

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Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The view from the Lone Eagle can also be enjoyed in the winter by the outdoor fire pits.

Christina's expert tip: Happy Hour at the Lone Eagle is Sunday through Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. with half-price wine by the glass.

Located at Camp Richardson on the South Shore, this restaurant and bar is a summer party heaven. You can boat or kayak right up to the restaurant and enjoy a meal or drink with views of the water and Mount Tallac. The menu offers items like Deep Fried Calamari, Clam Chowder, Seared Ahi, Crab and Shrimp Enchiladas, Burgers and a very tasty Creamy Pumpkin Pasta, bow tie pasta topped with a pumpkin cream sauce served with a garlic cheese bread. You can also get smaller, lunch-priced items for dinner. Drinks include wine, beer and cocktails including the popular and potent Rum Runner. Check out the weekly happy hour.

Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: The Beacon has a fun atmosphere right on the beach and away from city crowds.

Christina's expert tip: Check out the Rum Runner, a potent drink served only at The Beacon.

This marvelous restaurant is located in the clubhouse of the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. The views of the lake and golf course are outstanding from any table. First-class food and service make for an enjoyable dining experience. As with most restaurants at the lake, seafood is always a specialty. However, this eatery also serves exotic dishes such as Roast Loin of Elk and an excellent Ostrich Medallion appetizer. The wine list has a bountiful assortment with prices in the moderate range. Desserts include nightly featured creme brulee, seasonal cheesecakes and an elegant cheese plate artisanal cheeses, fig compote rose petal jelly honeycomb and crackers.

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Recommended for Waterfront Dining because: Edgewood Restaurant's alpine chateau decor and menu make it a stand-out hit at the lake.

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Christina's expert tip: Edgewood also has its own beach where you can get into the water for some summer swimming.