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Alpen Sierra Coffee Roasting - CLOSED
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
3940 Lake Tahoe BlvdSte 1
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 544-7740
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
This cozy café is a full-service coffee & espresso house, smoothie bar, and restaurant that uses natural, organic, & local ingredients in creative ways.… read more »
57 reviews for Alpen Sierra Coffee Roasting
Review Highlights
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"Great for wi-fi and coffee but not for breakfast." In 3 reviews -
"...in SF go visit Four Barrels, Blue Bottle, Ritual, Barefoot..." In 3 reviews -
"Finally found excellent coffee in SLT." In 3 reviews
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57 reviews in English
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Review from Demanding T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/15/2011
Pour-Over-V60 5 Stars -WOWZER!!!!
Trifecta Drip 5 Stars- REALLY GOOD!
Tried these methods with their Ethiopia Nekisse. Well, this place still has a long ways to go to topple Starbucks next door. THEY HAVE THE SUPERIOR BEANS (FAR AND ABOVE MUCH BETTER THAN STARBUCKS) micro lots, single origins from different regions, equipment, etc...but the STAFF and SERVICE needs work. I don't want to go into details, but awareness is lacking. Honestly, get rid of the SWILL SELF SERVICE COFFEE.. that thing no matter how you look at it does a great injustice to your beans. It's weak and under extracted. Individually hand poured coffee is the way to go. I know its a big step, but look at places in the BAY AREA who went that direction.. STARBUCKS and PEETS will not put up shop next to them cuz they will know they will get crushed. I know of a Starbucks next to a well known local roaster and the little guy has 10 times the amount of business. Anyways, good luck, I will support you whenever I'm in town. Sorry I could not buy any beans this time, I have way to many COE's in my collection to go through before they go stale.
Again, if you are ever in SF go visit Four Barrels, Blue Bottle, Ritual, Barefoot (Santa Clara) and Philz (Mission Area). And the newbie in town SightGlass.3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/18/2011
Very progressive place.. they listen to their customers. Next time I am will definitely show my… Read more »
Comment from Christian W. of Alpen Sierra Coffee Roasting 1/16/2011
DT, Thank you for your review. Just three days after you… More » -
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Review from Lorand M.
Indianapolis, IN
2/1/2011
I think very good coffee...some of the best I have ever had.
..friendly folks....good healthy food offerings
free wifi !
great place to stop on your way to the slopes ! -
Review from Cheeks L.
Modesto, CA
8/2/2010
I'm mixed on this review. I love a good mom and pop coffee shop but DAMN!!! these ladies are slow as shit.
My friend and I ordered the Peanut Butter Dream which was amazing but it took damn near 20 minutes to get it and at $4.50 for a medium, I probably wouldn't return. -
Review from Michele O.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2010
Considering I'm a coffee connoisseur, I was so unimpressed I didn't even finish my cafe au lait. Sad but true. I was left high and dry sans caffeine... no bueno. Service was slower than a tortoise, which left my friend who was waiting in the car more irritated than me. My attempt to avoid Starbucks and instead support a local business was unsuccessful.
Step up your game Alpen, so I can avoid Starbucks. -
Review from Brian A.
San Bruno, CA
8/24/2010
I like going to non Starbucks coffee establishments cuz, well I don't know how else to put it but Starbucks is the devil. So on our way home we decided to try this place out. My wife forgot if I wanted my americano hot or iced, and I told her iced. It was already done by the time she walked back in, and she told the barista to make it iced... which usually means putting it in a cup of ice. No. The barista gave some 'tude, threw out the drink and made a new one from scratch. When my wife asked why, she rudely answered "cuz the ice drinks are made from filtered water." Now I have no problem with this, but chill on the attitude please! Also, I believe you should either make all your drinks or none of your drinks from filtered water... but that's just me. Also, Ms Barista, be nice to your customers... helps keeps us from going to evil corporations like Starbucks for coffee.
To end, the coffee was just ok, could have been much stronger in my opinion.Listed in: Boarding!
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Review from Zakk D.
San Jose, CA
2/16/2010
I usually try to go to the small coffee shops and sample their coffee beans and give a bit of business as I travel about. This place will make me this twice.
The staff moves a glacial speed. 4 people behind the bar and it took them seriously 15+ minutes to help the four customers in front of me.
The coffee was marginal at best and the hot chocolate seriously tasted like it was strained with a dirty dish towel.
Asking for my customary cold soy got a sneer from the woman at the bar as well. Sorry if not all of us can drink milk, lady!
A seriously terrible experience that will keep me going to Starbucks when I'm in the South Shore.Listed in: Coffee: The nectar of the…
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Review from Angie C.
3/15/2009 1 Check-in Here
Had great hopes for this place. I love coffee. However, there were warning signs when I walked in that this would be a good place that has all sorts of little things wrong with it. The menus are printed and nowhere does it say what they ran out of, so you will often find yourself at the register asking for a bagel or something, and the girl will tell you it's sold out. So you're standing there frantically looking for something else to eat (note the pastry bin is only 1/3 full) and there are 6 people in line behind you in a crowded space.
The people working here were slow and get orders wrong. Once we came and had a lovely time when we didn't need much service (self-serve drip coffee and a pot of tea, which filled 4 cups of tea). Then we came in another time and had a hideous time ordering and getting our food order right, and the same pot of tea only filled 1.5 cups of tea. Consistency? A bit lacking.
The food is mediocre. The tea is good. The beans are okay. The people who work here could be a lot better. The little printed signs everywhere demanding you pay for your cup of coffee, that there are no refills, that they are short of $5 bills, that this costs this much.... are a little irritating. Communication FAIL. -
Review from Tahoe Bill M.
Carnelian Bay, CA
3/21/2009
They deliver coffee to my business and my guests LOVE it! Always.
I stop in to the shop when I can, because I like the feel of the place too. -
Review from Tomomi S.
6/17/2009
I liked this place as it was a bit more "local" than Starbucks. We ordered just a regular coffee (nothing fancy like latte or espresso) but I liked the choices they had there for drip coffee - regular, organic, decaf etc. I liked their medium roast Sumatran.
I tried blueberry and cranberry muffins and they were yummy! Not too sweet and not too big, but it was very fluffy and tasty. Friendly staff, inside had comfortable tables & chairs, and some papers to read as you sip your coffee. Really cute and nice place to stop by. -
Review from Joe S.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Updated - 10/3/2010
No change in my opinion of the coffee, i.e. on par with Starbucks...this update is a result of terrible service.
I think one of the key differences between good places and bad is how involved and present the owner is. And my impression of this place is (and I could be wrong, it may be a different reason) is that the owner is just not here that much. I suspect the lack of control over the employees is why they are often indifferent and have no sense of urgency, as some other Yelpers have noted. I know of other coffee shops in town where the owners are present, and I can tell the difference.
Again, I could be wrong...my experience with the bad service may be attributable to other things entirely...just my impression.
In any case, and whatever the reasons, Alpen Sierra serves up mediocre product with bad service. I'll go elsewhere from now on...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/7/2009
This coffee is just not that good. I think the lack of local competition has elevated this roaster… Read more »
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Review from JJ J.
Stockton, CA
2/25/2009
I liked Alpen Sierra. A welcome space with great coffee and okay breakfast food. It's a good place to stop near the Y right before you run to Kwood, Northstar or Sierra. I know you always go to McDonald's but come on, you can go straight on 89 and turn left...its only like 1 minute out of your way.
Sadly, the bagels ran out by 8am so we settled for a ham and cheddar crossant. It was only average and seemed hastily put together, but all in all okay. They have yogurt, cereal and fruit on hand as well for convenience.
All in all, it's an adequate food stop with great coffee. Its worth a visit for the charming and free wifi / internet stations.
I found the service to be pleasant and fast.
I'll come back here for sure. -
Review from Kevvy K.
Menlo Park, CA
11/30/2007
Loved this cafe. Local, independent, its coffee decent (the pumpkin latte excellent, but yeah, the coffee's not the country's or world's best, but so what, it beats Staryucks and darn near hangs in there w/ most cafes as indie as Death Cab ca. 1998), and the ambiance is really comforting. (Even the wooden chairs don't hurt, or creak too much.) There are about half a dozen tables, a couch, a comfortable table in one far corner.
The food selection seemed somewhat skimpy to me, w/ the paninis all featuring ham and/or turkey and nothing else warmer or meatier.
But for a guy who's sad at all the coffeehouses disappearing from the planet, I love this place for making me feel at home w/ a book on a long, wintry day. Especially in the otherwise dumpy grounds of SLT. -
Review from Jen D.
5/25/2009
I love trying local coffee shops when I'm in new cities, so I definitely had to try Alpen Sierra Cafe and it was so good, I ended up coming here two days in a row! I had some type of caramel latte concoction and it was SOOOOOOO YUMMY!!!! I also had a bagel with cream cheese and that was also very very good. The staff were very friendly and you could tell this was a go to spot in the morning before hitting the snow.
MUST TRY if you are in Tahoe. Definitely. -
Review from Cedric L.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2009
Ok guys, I don't give a lots of 5 stars on Yelp, but this place totally worth it!
Alpen Sierra Coffee Roasting Co in South Lake Tahoe (SLT) is the perfect cafe in SLT when you can't ski and would like to stay inside in a warm, roomy and welcoming place.
We stopped by this place several times during out stay in SLT. Each time we stayed there for a couple of hours, enjoying their soup, smoothies, teas and muffins.
Soups:
They provide two different kinds of soups every day. We've tried their roasted veggies, tender pot roast with vegetables and their Broadway basil tomato bisque. All of them were very good. The roasted veggies though were a bit spicy for me (too much pepper).
Smoothies:
I've tried their 4 berries and their pear/peach/apricot smoothie. Both were good but I especially loved the pear/peach/apricot one!
Teas:
My significant other tried their Chai (which was too spicy unfortunately) and their licorice spice (which is much better!)
Muffins:
We only tried their blueberry one. They usually warm it for you. So good ;)
The place is kind of big and definitely never got crowded every time we stopped by. They've got large wooden table that can accommodate 2-6 people. Large enough to put your laptop and enjoy their free Wifi.
The staff is friendly and the prices are very good quality wise. The price range is definitely affordable.
I would definitely recommend Alpen Sierra Coffee Roasting Co. for people that need a place to relax after a nice day of ski in SLT or just to work on their laptop in a nice decor.
==============================
Pros:
- Barely very crowded. Easy to find a nice table
- Nice and large table that are
- Free wifi
- You can stay here as long as you need
Cons:
- Their Chai is very spicy
Cedric's secret advice:
- If you would like to come here to work with your laptop, locate the tables that have plugs close by. There is one close to the entrance, and another one close to the cash register
Cedric's favorite option:
- If you like smoothies like me, tried their selection. They are not too sweet and the pear/peach/apricot is definitely a very good one! -
Review from Karen J.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
6/20/2008
Great coffee, great service -- one of those places that make you feel good about supporting the locals over going to a chain. With 7 different Starbucks stores on the south shore, you're nearly always closer to one of them, but stopping in at Alpen is worth the minimal extra effort. I usually pick up a coffee of the month for home brewing.
Extra points for some comfy couches and wireless. Also recommend: Alpina Cafe (which sells Alpen Sierra coffee). -
Review from Sharon P.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2007
Three and a half stars because it's an alternative to Starbucks and there is free Internet, very decent coffee, and pretty good sandwiches.
The coffee isn't amazing -- but it's good! I wish they would turn down the AC. -
Review from Eva B.
Folsom, CA
10/26/2010
Fantastic place I just discovered last weekend and I have been coming to Tahoe for years. Love supporting the local coffee shops and it is also a way to get a feel for the culture and environment. Place was always busy.
Listed in: South Lake Tahoe fun
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Review from Rob T.
San Diego, CA
5/8/2010
The drip coffee is great and easy to fill up on as your passing through or going around town in South Lake Tahoe.
However, stick with the coffee and skip the food. There are better places to eat around town and they obviously specialize in coffee first and food second. Almost as if it's an afterthought.
One good sign is the cab drivers stop in here all the time. Truckers and cab drivers know the best places to get coffee and eat. I see them getting coffee all the time, but never eating. That has to be a sign. -
Review from AwesomeO Lovekind X.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2010
THEY STILL HAVE WORLD WIDE SALES VIA THE INTERNET
SAD TO SEE THIS REALLY GREAT COFFEE SHOP CLOSE...
This place has the best coffee in the world!
They have an organic line-up.
Normally I do not like drip coffee served from thermos type vessels,
However, their mountain roasted organic coffee is flat out the best coffee I have ever had!
As far as the service goes..
I put down my buck n 1/2 n bada bing bada bang Ive got a cup o top shelf mountain roasted organic in my hand...
The owners Christian and his pretty wife n kids are also kind honest hardworking folks.
From the decor to the beans to the brew the place is through n through THE BEST! -
Review from Robert R.
We went for a cup of Morning octane, I mean Coffee. It is right before Pioneer trail and has a small Coffee House feel. They had lots is Couches and Chairs where you can read the Newspaper or cuddle up with a Book. They had a large Bakery Case with goodies. I ordered a Carmilla and a Sm. Mocha. The Baristas were very Friendly and very Helpful. The Coffees were Great and we will definitely will be back.
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Review from Whitney E.
Manhattan, NY
2/16/2010
I often come here to work on my laptop and the atmosphere couldn't be more perfect. There is usually a seat available and the Wifi is FREE!
I love the staff (very friendly) but the drinks are PRICEY!! I paid $4 for a small chai latte. I come to these local places to get away from Starbucks, but my drink would have been almost half the price. The food selection isn't great but not bad (also pricey). All in all a good place to hang with good service. I just wish it were a little more affordable.
Oh! and the bathroom really really stinks! They should put an air freshener in there (hwy 50 location) -
Review from Polly Enmity P.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2007
Best. Coffee. IN THE FUCKING WORLD!!!! I can't quite describe it...it's like caffeinated oral sex. Yeah, that's what it is! Like head with a body full of caffeine. Unbelievable!
Listed in: TAHOE!!!!
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Review from Rice, I only Yelp when I'm happy h.
Oakland, CA
1/16/2011
The atmosphere is just so inviting and I get to drink my coffee from a ceramic mug, not a paper cup.
Comment from Christian W. of Alpen Sierra Coffee Roasting 1/16/2011
Rice, Thank you for taking time to acknowledge our preferred… More » -
Review from Nick P.
West Hollywood, CA
4/20/2008
Good espresso, and a really nice vibe. Feels like a cabin with the wood walls and the big fire place. And free wi-fi!
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Review from Scott F.
Mountain View, CA
3/5/2010
Their decaf Italian roast makes a great espresso and macchiato. I get it at Truckee Book & Bean.
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Review from Scott L.
Carson City, NV
10/24/2009
The coffee can be OK, and they sometimes have decaf on brew if you need to avoid the caffeine. The pastries, really, are not very good. It's not an ideal choice for breakfast, but it should be: the atmosphere is cozy and there is wifi. Could they improve the food offerings. The staff is very nice.
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Review from Stuart J.
7/12/2005
If you are skiing Heavenly this is the place to come get a great cup of coffee and check your email. Just a couple of blocks down from the Gondola, this cafe is always busy during the ski season. Parking is usually easy. Excellent coffee and baked goods, though not much else to eat. Free wifi as well means there are always a bunch of geeks (like me) "working from home".
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Review from Lauren L.
6/6/2007
After a local tri this weekend I had the good fortune of meeting Christian and Megan and Christian wasted no time in pointing out that I'd made a misguided yelp review on Alpen Sierra - writing about the coffee and not the place. I'd oddly enough heard it through the grapevine at some point in the past from a friend that he had heard I didn't like their coffee and was going to bring me coffee beans, which I found humorous but alas that never happened. As a consequence of our meeting, I went to check my review, and yes, he is correct. I had posted about their coffee, which I've had, but never from their shop, which frankly could make a huge difference. Most of the coffee I've had of theirs has come from other establishments which could be ruining it with water that is too hot or poor coffee makers. The machine you brew the coffee in can make or break your cup. And come to think of it, when I drink their coffee at America's Most Beautiful Ride, it's usually a delightful part of my early morning.
So, I will say that I am a fan for calling people out. I like gumption and confrontation. And I like people who aren't afraid to say something. So I will retract my previously misplaced review on their coffee and not their shop and perhaps head in to check out Alpen Sierra coffee as it was meant to be served. Until then, we'll just leave the stars right in the middle. -
Review from Allison L.
Berkeley, CA
5/24/2009
A sweet little respite from the Tahoe sun. A lot less touristy than other cafes in the area, reasonably priced, and free wifi! I liked the black currant iced tea. Place was clean and friendly as well.
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Review from Mark W.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2010
I have had girlfriends break up with me because I spend too much time here! If you ever can't find me look here, I will be on the couch with my laptop.
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Review from M D.
Miami, FL
12/1/2010
Uniquely rustic, this coffeehouse will appeal to those who value individuality over mass-produced. I recommend a latte with a chocolate croissant (from a local baker). You can taste the refined roast of the espresso, and they will gladly heat the best croissant I've ever had That's not something I can say about that omnipresent coffee shop from Seattle.
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Review from Cynthia C.
Alameda, CA
4/11/2006
Cute coffee joint, quickly service and fantastic sandwiches with alfalfa sprouts, any place w/sprouts is an automatic go for me.
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Review from Jenn G.
8/25/2006
Conveniently located near Heavenly gondola, Alpen Sierra is not merely another funky coffee shop, but it also sells its own beans (owners Christian and Megan Waskiewicz have a roastery in South Lake Tahoe). Definitely worth picking up a pound (or two) as a souvenir.
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Review from Sarah S.
1/22/2010
oh alpen how you have captured my heart! It perfectly captures the winter lodgy feel. I dropped by for some coffee after dropping off my skiis at powderhouse and wanted to spend all day inside! Though admittedly it seemed to get crowded and there's limited seating but lucky we snagged a seat! The store has cute teapots and books onsale- things to browse while waiting! My coffee was prepared nicely, the service was good, and my friend's carrot cake was deliciousssss. I would feel perfectly content sipping my coffee and reading a book here all day. I also noticed that they had a soup menu-something to try next time i go!
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Review from Jonathan R.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
11/25/2010
this place is pretty much the best place to get coffee in south lake if you looking for something not too outta the way, with friendly people and a nice little chill indoor seating area to relax and ponder about the randomness of life. Like why your sitting in the shop perhaps? WHo cares if you like coffee this is def the place to go. their sales on pounds rule too.
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Review from Travis D.
Palo Alto, CA
9/19/2008
I had breakfast here on a trip to Tahoe and it was quite good. The food took a while, but that's no biggie. Coffee was tasty and service was friendly. Free wi-fi is also a big plus.
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Review from Alara M.
San Diego, CA
9/2/2010
I'm not a coffee drinker, but this place has some kickass tea! Love the ambiance and decor. Very friendly staff.
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Review from Vera D.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2008
Great for wi-fi and coffee but not for breakfast! My bagel was like cardboard. The mural was amusing, and I liked the open airy feel of the place.
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Review from Trina A.
Hayward, CA
10/19/2009
We came here a couple of weeks ago while in Tahoe for a wedding....and since then, I haven't stopped thinking about their peanut butter mocha concoction. It was awesome, I will definitly return to Alpen whenever I venture out to Tahoe. Wasn't really a fan of the grasshopper mocha though.
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Review from Victoria M.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/19/2007
Yuck coffee. My brother goes here but why I don't know except that it seems to cater to pretentious people (yes he is). I tried some of the coffee he made from their beans one time. Yuck. When I told him about the coffee place I prefer in Tahoe he had the nerve to slam it for no reason at all except that I liked it - he hadn't even heard of the place before. Like I said - pretentious. Anway if you want really good coffee with great people in a place that loves locals go to Alpina - or at least go see their reviews now.
