In Lake Tahoe, time isn’t measured in minutes, it’s measured in golden hour mornings, miles on the trails, moments on the lake and memories with loved ones. That’s why Pep’s Place opened nine years ago – with a mission to serve the community high-quality, healthy food that complements their active lifestyle.
Darin Pepin, who owns Pep’s Place alongside his wife, Kristen, originally moved to Tahoe to chase fresh powder in winter. He came to realize that the other seasons brought options for adventure, recreation and business opportunities too. While getting familiar with the area, the Pepins noticed that many of the local restaurants only had sit-down dining options, which required a certain amount of time that many active people didn’t want to swap for time on the trails or lake.
Darin and Kristen decided to bring the North Tahoe community quality takeout food to enhance their experiences and maximize their days. Open for breakfast and lunch, Pep’s Place menu is thoughtfully curated to cater to everyone’s needs and includes sandwiches, salads, wraps and a kids’ menu.
Their most popular item is the Croissant Breakfast Sandwich, a hearty option of sausage, eggs, sharp white cheddar, spinach, tomato and Sriracha aioli. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for the day!
Other menu items follow the same blueprint: healthy twists on beloved recipes utilizing organic, all-natural and locally sourced ingredients as much as possible. Most of the items can be made gluten-free, and vegetarian options are not just included but highlighted, something the owners realized was missing on many local restaurant menus.
Conveniently located across the street from the pristine shores of Sandy Beach, a free public beach beloved by locals and visitors, and near the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and Boat Launch, Pep’s Place is the perfect venue for outdoor enthusiasts.
During the warmer months, you can enjoy your meal in their outdoor seating areas, including the courtyard nestled behind the restaurant. This quiet green space offers a small sanctuary to connect with nature. Pets are welcome to enjoy the outdoor dining alongside their owners and with access to dog water bowls.
More than food and adventure, what truly lies at the heart of Pep’s Place is the local community. Darin and Kristen pride themselves on featuring local brands such as Blind Dog Coffee, Tahoe Teas, Alibi Ale Works and Jerky Junction. They also support local artisans and businesses, including furniture by local woodworker Andy Cline, accents by Rebel Venetian and prints by local photographers.
When you visit Pep’s Place, you truly feel like part of the North Lake Tahoe community. Beyond high-quality menu items, convenience and the stunning location, the true secret to their success hasn’t just been about feeding the community, but being an integral part of it.
pepstahoe.com
(530) 553-1607
6883 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Tahoe Vista
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
