Ernie's Coffee Shop

From the moment we walked in the customer service was a delight. Pamela our server was very kind and professional! A big shout out as well to the kitchen staff for whipping up a fire vegan breakfast burrito and french toast!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is some of the most average breakfast food I have had in a long time, and the price was the highest, too. I love Denver omelettes, but this one was okay but not great. Hash browns were thick and not adequately pan fried...cold raw potato for most of it. I ate the top layer of the potatoes only and then the toast was not even really toasted, slightly warmed but not crispy anywhere on the bread. The omelette was the best part, and it was mediocre. Service was lacking as well. Nobody came to refill water, or check in on our food, but I saw other servers doing this at other tables. $18 Denver omelette. More expensive than the bay area and not up to par in service or food quality. Pass on this place.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

This is a good place for breakfast and lunch. However, the service is a bit confusing; they provide black coffee when you sit at the table. We wanted to order breakfast, but the server said, "I am not your server. Let me send you the right person." They simply left us without sending the server or whoever was responsible for taking our order. It was our first time there, so I don't know if this is a common occurrence. Everything else about the place is good.

Vegetarian options: For vegetarians, simply ask the server whether they can make it without meat.

Parking: We visited on Friday, so I'm not sure about the availability on the weekend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Belgian Waffle, Avocado Toast

I had Judy's omelette, it was thinner than My napkin, unappealing and tasteless

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 5

Can’t say anything about the food, because I never got waited on, although there were very few tables with customers and they all had food already. There were two cooks in the kitchen laughing and pointing at me and about four or five wait staff just hanging out trying to make no eye contact. I waited for about 10 or 15 minutes and watched some people come in just to use the bathroom and I figured this was not the place for me. Not just terrible service, no service. This place obviously needs a manager. No big deal, there are plenty of places to go for food in the South Lake Tahoe area.

Update:
In response to the owner’s request for details, I was at Ernie’s on Thursday morning September 26 between 11 AM and noon. I was seated a few minutes after I waited at the front door by a young dark-haired woman with her hair pulled up with a barette and I believe some tattoos. I told her I was a party of one and she showed me a booth for two near the front door. I told her I was a little cold and asked her if I could sit away from the door. She showed me a table for 2 in the back, directly behind the coffee station. She asked me if it was OK and I thanked her and said yes. After that, I had no contact with anyone. No menu, no water, no conversation at all. As I said, I left after about 10 or 15 minutes of being ignored by the wait staff who did not appear to be busy as there were only three other tables and one lady at the counter who already had their food. I have a feeling this had something to do with me not taking the first table, but I was very polite, so this made no sense.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Great oatmeal

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cute diner. Delicious waffles, lattes, scrambles, bacon, and hash browns! Definitely recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Belgian Waffle

What a great place! We found Ernie's doing a quick Google search and we are so happy we did. As a vegetarian and a vegan sometimes it's hard finding good things to eat especially for breakfast. They had really great choices for us and the food and service were excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vegan

Ernie is another alternative and equally great breakfast/diner place compared to Bert across the street. We came around peak time at 11am and it only took 15 minutes of waiting till we were seated down. Plenty of free parkings around.

Service was quick and attentive. It’s super spacious inside and even the counter’s space is wide and has plenty of room for you to move around. Their freshly squeezed Orange juice is to die for and I highly recommend you get it while you’re there.

We ordered the breakfast burrito, pancakes, and vegan banana French toast. All was HUGE portion and reasonably priced compared to what we usually get here in the Bay Area. We couldn’t finish and had to pack our food to-go. They tasted equally delicious if not even better warmed up as early linner option.

Overall, Ernie is a great breakfast choice if you don’t want to wait and look for parking frantically at Bert. Highly recommend :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Vegan Banana French Toast, Breakfast Burrito

Ernie’s is a great spot to grab a hearty and nutritious breakfast before exploring the beauty of Lake Tahoe. To explore properly, one must try this modern style diner. It’s typically busy, so make sure you allot enough time. It’s worth the 10-30 minute wait for sure. They’ve got good food and good service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Belgian Waffle, Denver, Home Fries

Excellent breakfast menu. My husband loves the coffee. He even bought the beans. It can be very loud and crowded on a Sunday.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Not a coffee shop. Just a normal breakfast diner that tries harder than IHOP. Not a quick in and out.

Atmosphere: 2

Service: 3

This place is amazing! The food is always good and the service is perfect! Make sure to get on the waitlist online because it's very popular.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Breakfast Burrito, Breakfast Special

Great food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ernie's Cafe is a charming little spot that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a diverse selection of options, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. I was particularly impressed by their freshly squeezed orange juice, which was delightfully refreshing.

The coffee was expertly brewed, with a rich and flavorful taste that complemented my morning meal perfectly. The service was friendly and attentive, making my visit even more enjoyable.

If you're looking for a cozy cafe with delicious food and drinks, Ernie's Cafe is definitely worth a visit. I'll be returning to try more of their menu offerings in the future.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mollete, Huevos Rancheros, Mocha Latte, Avocado Toast