Red Hut Cafe - South Lake Tahoe, CA

We're hungry after seeing snow, and this little diner looked like fun. 

Our takeout order includes a Bacon Waffle, which is literally a waffle with bacon inside. I did not know this existed, but I am glad it does. 

Chicken Fried Steak sings the song of the south, but a goopy white gravy and a generous slab of tender steak. 

We were craving something green so took a gamble on the Caesar Salad. Just lettuce with chicken and croutons. Dressing is standard. Get it if you want, but it will not amuse or impress.  

Not too many non-touristy food options around one of America's most popular lakes, but I'm sure you could do worse than this cute little cafe.  

Riva Grill - South Lake Tahoe, CA

This one is fun. Lots of all-American classics meant to be eaten next to breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevadas' largest freshwater lake. Sister to the northern Gar Woods Grill, the menu is the same, lots of heavy comfort food. 

Hot Wings really hit the spot after a long day at the spa, and these are fried delightfully crispy. 

Dungeness Crab Cakes have more celery than I like with plenty of crab in between. 

Shrimp & Lobster Bisque is a bowl of seafood cream. Best for sharing - it's a lot for one person to drink. 

The Dungeness Crab Sandwich is full of cold crab drenched in mayo, covered with cheddar cheese. No need for the cheese, and those chunks of crab would stand out more with less. 

It's a touristy restaurant for sure, but it's far from a tourist trap. The decor is cute and the experience is fun, and it's absolutely reasonable for a meal at a destination that caters to tourists.