On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Loading...
I was skeptical of this place at first because it was recommended to me by a coworker who would eat anything, including half-eaten breakfast burritos off my desk. To be fair, he always waited until I hadn't taken a bite in twenty minutes and then asked politely if I was going to finish that.
Now breakfast in Sunnyside is my FAVORITE part of Tahoe. I order the Smoked Salmon Benedict and a Sun Tea. The waitress told me they smoke the salmon themselves. Is it true? I don't know. Do I care? Hell no! its delicious! I saw them making (also delicious, less tannin-y than regular brewed iced tea) Sun Tea themselves so I like to imagine the salmon is the same.
I came here for a break after some cycling and was thrilled to be able to get amazing breakfast food for lunch. I ended up splitting an order of huevos rancheros and a pecan waffle with my friend. Yeah, sort of a weird combination, but both were delicious! The huevos rancheros were so good, that I couldn't stop shoveling it in my mouth even though I was already full. They make their waffles thin with the perfect amount of crispiness. The pecans added excellent flavor and texture to the waffle.
I also stole a few bites from other people's plates, including the breakfast burrito, Joe's special, and some coffee cake, all of which were fantastic. Definitely had to take a loooong digesting break before hopping back on the bike for the ride back.
The restaurant itself is comfy and has an inviting atmosphere. Service was very friendly and efficient and prices were reasonable. All that combined with the awesome food makes Fire Sign Cafe a must if you're visiting Tahoe.
Ok, so it really doesn't matter what day of the week you go - so long as you figure, in advance, you may have to wait for a table (inside or outside). All good.
When you arrive, put your name on the reservation list and they give you a beeper.....thus, you can roam the immediate area or enjoy a MARY or any beverage at the annex near by. Super friendly service and super friendly staff!
Our wait this morning, a Sunday in September, was less than 20 minutes (we arrived at 9 am). We did the above: enjoyed beverages and sat in the sun. And, since we did not mind where we would be seated, our wait was nominal: we sat inside at a window table.
Charles was particularly attentive in coming to our table after we ordered additional drinks (a few MARYs can't hurt). I had the Joe's Special and my friends had the Gouda Scramble, and regular benedict. Total bill: 54.00 including beverages (juices, coffee and another MARY :). We tipped Charles, handsomely.
There is NO other spot like this at Tahoe. Just remember that the rest of your day may just be rather languid. The portions are BIG and there likely be no further need for a meal until sunset.
Locals and out-of-towners have kept this spot in business for many years. You too should make it a stop when visiting or living at North Tahoe.
My favorite place for breakfast besides my own kitchen. Always great service and food. During the spring summer its nice to sit outside and enjoy the Tahoe air.
I went there with my wife on my birthday. We were quoted a 25 minute wait, and were seated in 15 minutes. Our server was quick to come help us and take our drink orders. We had coffee and water. The coffee was really good, not the Farmer Bros that you typically find. I ordered the Ranch Scramble, and my wife had the breakfast burrito. Both of our meals came with potatoes. The potatoes were the best I have ever had. Very well seasoned, and the garlic set them over the top. My scramble was really good. Fresh ingredients, nice amount of cheese, just a solid dish. I would get it again. My wife's breakfast burrito was the best I have ever had! The homemade chorizo was amazing, and I would love to eat this every day of my life.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a good breakfast! Best I have had in a while!
If you are looking for a great dining spot in Tahoe, you must try Fire Sign Cafe. The breakfast and lunch menus have a large selection of yummy entrees and sides. I've not had lunch here, but breakfast is scrumptious.
I've had the pancakes (buckwheat is my fave), french toast (yummy), and the eggs and potatoes (both are perfectly prepared and cooked). The servers are friendly and efficient which is important considering how busy Fire Sign is.
As mentioned by other reviewers, Fire Sign Cafe gets packed for breakfast. Be prepared for a wait because it is so popular, but that's ok because you are on Tahoe time! ;)
Well, the Tahoe vacation has come to an end. We have a family tradition to eat breakfast at Fire… Read more »
Baker's Benedict = (Eggs Benedict - Canadian Bacon) + Sausage Patties
O_O
I'll blindly follow any establishment that serves me delicious American breakfast, but perfecting Eggs Benedict like that warrants a cult-like following.
As if the food isn't delicious enough, the service was excellent. Our server was extremely friendly and patient and never once made us feel uncomfortable or condescended upon, as happens too frequently at restaurants nowadays.
I really have nothing more to say. Go, eat, and it's worth the wait if there's a line out the door.
This is by far the best place to sit down and have breakfast while staying in Tahoe. The setting is homey, the food is spectacular and the people are very friendly. Also, their daily selection of fresh baked breads are amazingly good! We went there twice this past week and the first time I had the pineapple/coconut bread and I was blown away! Hoping to get a second dose of it I came back 2 days later, but they had the equally good banana nut muffin instead.
The Greek omelet was very tasty and and the homefries were crispy and delicious. Everyone else at our table was just as content and love this place just as much as we do!
Keep in mind the earlier you go the longer you will be waiting. We waited an hour on a Friday morning, but that Tuesday we walked right in at around 11AM
One of my favorite places for breakfast anywhere! If your feeling healthy get the buckwheat pancakes with bananas! HOLY!! There veggie potatoes are delicious and there homemade coffee cakes and muffins are divine. Whenever I come to Tahoe, this is the first place on my list.
Like, it's breakfast -- how can breakfasts be all that different? Well, they delivered a good breakfast, and a place we went later delivered a merely passable breakfast, so, yay Fire Sign Cafe.
I really liked their potatoes, even the plain ones (I hate green peppers so I didn't go for the veggie-cheesy option). They did a nice job of making those really tasty without deep-frying them. I also was really happy they do sausage patties instead of sausage links -- their sausage is nicely spicy and was the best part of the breakfast which was already pretty tasty.
The coffee cake of the day was pineapple-coconut -- not my favorite flavor in the world but great texture and I finished the rather large piece anyway.
My boyfriend ordered ridiculously puffy and thick French toast along with his normal-sized breakfast and thus realized why they offer a "half" order of just one piece.
Would definitely go back next time we're in town.
Simply the best breakfast in North Tahoe.
Adding too much text to this review seems like "guilding a lily" -- the other 4 and 5 star reviews do a fine job.
I will, however, say that the cheesy, veggie potatoes that come with the Fire Sign Special were loaded with vegetables and simply delicious. 5 Stars!
The "Lady K" and I love this place. When we're to lazy to make breakfast at the cabin this is our spot. Hands down, we dont go anywhere else.
Its typical for us to order something different each time we go so I'll comment overall on the food and service.
Every time we go the Fire Sign Cafe the service is A+. Always friendly, always with a smile and always there to make sure our breakfast is great.
I'll add the "Lady K" loves this place because they have some menu items that can be ordered as a 1/2 size and she just loves that! Enjoy!
We ducked in to evade a CHP and of course parked in the back. Our luck was strong as we got a table right away at 9:00 on a Friday morning.
A 60's esque cabin adorned with Montana license plates in the interior. Apparently the owners have a similar restaurant in Bigfork, MT very near to the Flathead Lake- Kalispell area.
The restaurant is clean and the bar was full at 9:00 am (this is Tahoe- home to Alcoholics/Gamblers Anonymous). Our cute waitress had a Band-Aid on her chin from a softball incident that left me in stitches (pun intended). The service was casual yet professional and prompt. The food- my teenage sons ordered short stacks of blueberry pancakes which were proclaimed as delicious yet left half uneaten due to the size of the pancakes. I ordered the Eggs Benedict which were the best I have ever had, which I consider to be a personal signature dush. Jumbo eggs perfectly poached, a smooth and rich Bearnaise that had the right balance of tarragon and vinegar, crisp muffins and warm but not tough Canadien bacon. Yumm. Fresh squeezed OJ made the perfect accompaniment.
Locals say the wait to be seated can be long. In SF and Vegas you grease the door to get preferred seating. Just a tip (pun intended again).
I don't have much to add to the great reviews already written about this place (see, e.g., Molly M. and Karen G of 7/20/09). But I thought I would just chime in with my own set of stars to help boost this place; though, as pointed out (Tiffany O., 7/20/09), it really doesn't need any more customers.
(If you go on a weekend be prepared to wait a while--1/2 hour to an hour--unless you are a party of 2 and can get there before 9:00.)
The food is always good, esp. the daily baked goods (right Molly?). I like to get one of the benedicts because no one lives forever and I might as well enjoy it while I'm here. There are plenty of other delicious options on the menu.
The service is always friendly and attentive, despite being super busy.
One thing to note: This place is more of a north / west shore place. Those of you who do your Tahoe thing at South Shore probably won't want to venture this far just to go to breakfast. But that's your loss; and as a dedicated west shore-ee, I can't help but rub your nose in it. But if you find yourself in the area, do yourself a favor and go. The wait will be worth it. Tell 'em Jimmy sent ya!
Whenever I'm in the area I make sure to come to the fire sign cafe. They have huge portions and something fir everyone. Indoor and outdoor seating. A great place to come after a day on the lake.
Good for any day and any time in Tahoe, especially if you're a breakfast lover like me!!!
Make sure to try their veggie potatoes and blueberry pancakes.
But come hungry because one plate could feed a family of 4.
The Cowboy and I decided to come here after leaving Eagle Falls.
It's a very simple and homey establishment. Wooden chairs, warm local flavor, and the food was durn good.
The cowboy ordered the greek omelette which was light and fluffy with fried potatoes and their pineapple coconut coffee cake.
I ordered the Keilbasa scramble which was loaded with keilbasa, scallions, and a massive amount of jack cheese. YEAH BABY.
I also got the fried potatoes and pineapple coconut coffee cake.
I have to take off a star for the potatoes. But they make a mean chocolate milk with whipped cream, and killer eggs, so we will be back.
The Best! Do not pass this place without trying it's fantastic breakfast. The coffee is superb and the staff...ever so efficient and genuinely pleasant.
Two words, Gouda Scramble!!!! So amazingly delicious, and the homefries are good too. Also, the Buckwheat pancake with fresh blueberries and granola added is so good it almost makes me cry. The huevos rancheros and breakfast burrito are also incredible. I love love love this place, it's good to get there early as the wait can be pretty long on weekends, but oh my is it worth it.
Still the best breakfast house on the west in my opinion! Try the oatmeal pancakes. Great after a long night in town!
Per Yelper's suggestions, I ordered the eggs Benedict one that was salmon and spinach and the other was avocado and tomato. (Yes, you can do that.) They actually smoke their own salmon and I can't say that I've imagined any salmon being better. They put the right amount of hollandaise, the english muffin was toasted to perfection. Bloody Mary was bloody good.
Cajun burger with home fries was "very good." Joe's special with ground beef, eggs, spinach and cheese was "really good."
We all agreed that Yelp did not steer us wrong on this one.
Review is based on their lunch service, I did have a decent breakfast here once, nothing to write home about.
Two words; French Fries! We should have gone elsewhere when we saw they offered chips and salsa as the side to the sandwiches. Not just any c&s, but Tostito's and salsa from a jar! Added nothing to my wife's bland burger. Went better with my daughters cheese quesadilla (which also came with a pickle spear, WTF?)
I opted for the macaroni side salad special with my "grilled Ruben", mayo dressing with big chunks of pickle and orange cheese (and another pickle spear, they must have had a deal at the local Save-Mart). I love Pastrami, I love grilled things, and I love salt, but I discovered the reason no one else on Earth grills their pastrami; too salty. Way too salty, sickening. In fact, I still have a headache.
Almost forgot to mention; $6 for a vodka free Bloody Mary, Bonus points.
Stick to the breakfast.
We went there this morning for breakfast after reading other Yelp reviews and we were not disappointed. I had the veggie potatoes and they were delicious. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the toast warm and delicious. My son and husband both had steak and eggs and the steaks were cooked perfectly. The service was friendly and great also. Just a small wait, but well worth it.
OMG this place has freaking unbelievable breakfast - and I'm not a breakfast person. Every time we go to Tahoe, we eat here at least once, if not every morning, and every day it is the perfect cure to a hangover from partying at my friend's cabin.
The wait is long, yes, but for good reason. And they'll stick you in the "Annex" (ie bar) while you wait to be seated, where you can enjoy a great Bloody, or Mimosa (although I can't speak to those, as I have been on a Bloody Mary kick lately).
Things to try from the menu:
- Spanish Omelette (my 6'6 friend orders this and only this every time he goes... and then also ends up eating any leftovers from the table as well :)
- Cape Cod Benedict (Eggs Benny with smoked salmon and spinach)
- Firesign Crepes (I can't even remember what was in these but some sort of concoction of mushrooms, eggs, maybe some vegggies - and an amazing Hollandaise-type sauce) - BEST THING ON THE MENU!
I've also tried their caesar salad, pancakes and french dip roast beef sandwich - all pretty standard.
Go here - it's a no-fail hangover cure.
The best eggs Benedict We never miss it.
Went here this morning on July 4th. We waited about 30 minutes for a table but that is not bad on a holiday weekend at the lake. The portions are huge and the food was exceptionally good. The total bill was $32+ $6 tip, so $38 for 4! When was the last time that happened? The only complaint was that someone let their dog leave a huge steaming pile of yuck on the lawn in the waiting area and I covered it up with a cardboard box that was laying there because it was vile, but that isn't their fault and it did not take away from the reason we were there which was an outstanding breakfast.
I wish every owner of a casual, affordable, family-friendly restaurant would take a visit to Tahoe City to see how to serve REALLY GOOD FOOD. I love that they aim high -- every dish is delicious. Would love to see them be open for dinner. And open in Silicon Valley.
Excellent breakfast! I ordered the Kielbasa scramble - 3 eggs scrambled, Kielbasa, and scallons, plus roasted breakfast potatoes, and an English muffin. I added on a side of bacon, a small glass of Grapefruit juice, and coffee.
Food came out fairly quickly. Food was delicious! Bacon was crispy and yummy! The place was rocking on a Saturday morning - a constant stream of folks were coming in.
The local Sheriff's recommended this place to me when I approached them in a local coffee shop. I thought it was a little pricey though for breakfast - $15.00.
Can't wait to go back and try some other stuff!
Nice place. I had a short stack of buckwheat pancakes with bananas on top. Bring your appetite -- the short stack is huge.
Two words. Kielbasa Omelet.
Eat this and you can die happy.
The service was also pretty outstanding. Nothing like buckets upon buckets of water to help with that "after party hangover" we were all nursing.
Looking for a good Breakfast or Lunch? You have found it. Large menu with so much to pick from it's hard to pick. They use fresh ingredients here and know how to use them. In addition to the large menu their are daily specials posted that are sure to hit someone just right. The portions are big so it's best to come hungry.
This is one of those little places that if you are driving by too fast you might just miss it. There is a small deck that they open up when the warmer weather hits that is great to sit out at.
They didn't mind that I tied my pooch to the tree near the deck so I could see him while we ate.
Good stuff!
super, deliciously wonderful! I had their salmon omelet and it was humongous and flavorful and generally greatl. My friend had the french toast which was rich and buttery and delicious. I ended up taking my "muffin of the day" (really coffeecake) with me, and it made a great snack later ... also quite tasty... the service was good and the place is really cute.
First of all, anyone complaining about the wait is going to Firesign at 10 on a sunday morning. You must learn the basic rules of going out for breakfast. If you don't want to wait, get there before 9:30. And eating out for breakfast is to be avoided at all costs on a Sunday. It's easily the busiest breakfast day of the week. Now on to the food: you just can't go wrong. I'm not super savvy on the lunch items because my mouth waters for breakfast anytime i go. I usually have the eggs benedict, there are 3 or 4 different types. Little known secret for all you bennie lovers, Firesign will let you get 2 different ones on the same plate (one of each instead of 2 of the same). I usually go for half baker's, half veggie ... the perfect combo because it's a little of everything. Go for a pitcher of mimosas with your friends and leave with a full stomach to work off on the mountain.
Bottom line: If you are smart about when you go, you will have an amazing breakfast with no complaints.
Head down 89 toward Emerald Bay past Tahoe City about 3 miles or so and it'll be on your right. Best traditional breakfast in Tahoe City.
Unlike Rosie's, you feel confident taking your visiting parents there for food without the fear of being confronted by the girls you met at the bar the night before.
The wait is ALWAYS longer than they say, but it's worth it. Just double whatever number they give you, like when your girlfriend tells you how many guys she's slept with. It's that easy.
Anything with cheese, potatoes, vegetables or the word Benedict is good eatin'. Get comfortable and enjoy.
And for the late 30-something-skier I always notice a lot of very (very) well-dressed and attractive 30-something women at the bar, more of the day spa type than the ski bunny type. Bring your A game because I have seen many an eager weekend warrior shot down.
...or don't bring your A game and continue to entertain the rest of us. Either way, good luck.
Great Tahoe spot, across the highway from the lake & Sunnyside.
Wait is long, especially on a Sunday morning, expect to wait at least 1 hour. There is seating in back, so dont wait in the front like most people who crowd the entrance.
Once seated, service is friendly, quick and the food is tasty! Eating breakfast on back deck is really nice. Love the fresh made pastries, like their muffins, yum! Kicking myself for not trying one of the mimosa's it looked really good. Ah next time.
The "Muffin of the day" is a bit of a misnomer since everytime I've had it it's really a coffeecake of some type. I've never had their muffins, but their coffeecakes are out of this world. Just yesterday I had the cinnamon coffeecake and it came out hot and tasted like it was just out of the oven! I'm pretty much here both Sat and Sun for brunch or after a hike because the food is just that good!
Their salads are HUGE and full of goodies like alfalfa sprouts and fresh red onions. Opt for the half salad because I think it's still plenty big. I personally like the tofu salad because it's sauteed and it's sooo good. My guest likes the cajun chicken salad because it's a bit spicy! We're also huge fans of their omelette (mmm, Spanish omelette) and their veggie potatoes (which are pretty much home fries but with bell peppers and onions and cheese).
I've heard their cobblers are also amazing but haven't had time to try.. next time it'll be a must.
Good Golly Ms. Molly.
Lake Tahoe is a place I have a love--sort of love relationship with. At its best it is one of my favorite places on this planet. The lake, the mountains, the air--the water from the tap even...all unbeatable. But really, it has become so crowded. It was already crowded when I was a kid, and now it is even worse. Forget driving there in 3 1/2 hours. Traffic is out of control these days in the valley.
That aside though, once I am in Tahoe, its places like the Fire Sign Cafe that remind me why I will always return to Tahoe. The last time I was there was on the last morning of my bachelor party. Oh, the hang over. And oh, the wait for a table for 8. But the staff supplied us with a steady stream of mimosas and non-spiked OJ, and even a few pieces of take-out coffee cake for my chubbier friends who couldn't wait for the table. And then there is the breakfast itself. It doesn't get much better up in the mountains.
If you are in Tahoe and find yourself near Sunnyside or about to hit the slopes on the west side of the lake, head here...so long as the traffic on the highway doesn't ruin your day.
Kool place. We waited in the cafe in the back for about 30 minutes. Had a chai, it was pretty good. The food was ok, we came here twice on a weekend. We tried the omelettes, eggs benedict, bacon, sausages, short stack, veggie potatoes, muffin, house potatoes and other items. Overall, it was just ok, nothing special. It was a bit "sloppy". I've had much better. If I happen to be in another cabin near this place, I would come back. I see alot of 5's here....... hmmmmm??? 5 for me would be everything on the menu is "over the top!", absolutely downright "the bomb!" And with that scale, this place is no where near 5 stars.
I almost always make it to the Fire Sign when I'm in Tahoe, even if I'm staying on the other side of the lake! I have loved this place for at least 8 years. All of my friends, who I've insisted on taking there, also love it. Everything is so good and they add a nice touch in a few different areas. First, even if there is a wait, they have a great annex where you can get some coffee and play checkers! The wait is hardly ever as long as they say. Second, they have great coffee cake that you can get as a bread option. Third, the service is always really good and the staff makes great suggestions. Forth, you get enough food to eat again on the ride back to SF. Fifth, they have a great menu that 's large, covers breakfast and lunch and also has awesome specials. I am sure I've been there at least 10 times...
pleasantly surprised with the quality of breakfast here!
i stayed at the sunnyside resort across the road and did not have a decent meal the entire 3 days.
so a morning stroll here was like an oasis in the mojave desert.
perfectly cooked eggs over medium
wonderfully seasoned potatoes
thick crispy flavorful bacon
toasted sourdough fresh from the toaster.
coffee and service also well done.
JYW says eat here!
We stopped here while in Tahoe on our honeymoon. We had a late breakfast, which was excellent. The hubby got a breakfast burrito while I had the cape cod benedict (eggs benedict with smoked salmon and spinach atop a toasted english muffin.... delicious). We also got the loaded potatoes. Both of our meals were excellent. The orange juice was fresh squeezed... the best tasting juice I've had in years.
The atmosphere was very comfortable. We received excellent service from our waitress.
All in all, this place was worth every penny. We plan to return to Tahoe, and when we do, we will definitely stop back at the Fire Sign. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
Tahoe City, CA
Category: Specialty Food
Tahoe City, CA
Category: American (New)
Tahoe City, CA
Category: Burgers
Tahoe City, CA
Category: American (New)
Squaw Valley, CA
Category: Irish
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
In addition to the weather and all my friends,…
Where I get my carve on...and my apres ski drink…
Here's where I like to go when I travel to the…
My favorite meal to eat out ... lookout I'm a…
I'm a total sucker for breakfast food any time of…
