Cuppa Tahoe — Restaurant in South Lake Tahoe

Cuppa Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe is a charming spot with a lot to offer. The cafe itself is beautifully decorated and artfully arranged, making it a truly cozy place to relax. It's more than just coffee, though - they have a fully stocked bookstore, perfect for browsing while you sip your drink. They even have shared workspaces for those who need to get some things done, and a selection of unique gifts, stationery, and souvenirs adds to the appeal.

There's a big downside, however, especially for weekend warriors. When I visited on a Saturday morning, the place was packed! I ended up waiting in line for 10-15 minutes just to place my order. This might be a dealbreaker for some, especially if you're short on time.

The iced chai I ended up with was a bit of a mixed bag. The friendly barista warned me it might be light on flavor and suggested adding options like vanilla or hazelnut. They also had a variety of milk choices, which was nice. While the chai itself wasn't bad, it definitely lacked flavor despite all the add ons.

On a positive note, Cuppa Tahoe gets major points for their cool cups! The design was unique and surprisingly comfortable to hold, definitely a step above the standard takeout cup. Big plus for the friendly barista who helped me navigate the menu.

Overall, Cuppa Tahoe has a lot going for it - beautiful space, great selection, and friendly service. However, the long wait on a weekend and mediocre chai latte might be a turnoff for some. If you have the time and don't mind potentially waiting, it's a charming spot to grab a coffee and browse some books. Just be prepared for a...

I almost don't want to share this review because I don't want all of the tourists to overrun this place and turn it into a Starbucks type situation. Every time I come to Tahoe, I make sure that on the way out of town I stop and I grab breakfast and an amazing latte or cappuccino. You'll hear conversations here about events and things that happened and people's lives that were witnessed right inside this great local spot. The last time I was there there was a mother with her young daughter very cute little girl and she was walking around and talking and you could tell she loved being in this amazing little coffee shop. By the way did I mention that there are tons of different books and other awesome little things that are really cool to look at and purchase but I'm sure the little girl loves the books most of all. I overheard the woman who I believe is the owner telling one of the employees as she was referring to the little girl saying " this little girl took her first steps right over there " she was pointing to an area where there is a table set up with lots of little toys and things that you can purchase. It's just that kind of connection to the community that really makes this a special place. Seating is very casual they're sofas easy chairs lots of very nice little nooks and crannies where you can sit and enjoy some delicious coffee drinks maybe read a book and just look out the window or people watch like I like to. I can't recommend this place enough I just hope that it doesn't become so crazy busy that I can't get a coffee and my breakfast...

Cuppa Coffee is easily one of the cutest coffee shops I’ve ever been to — tucked inside a bookstore, it’s got an incredibly charming and welcoming vibe. The interior decor is adorable and picture-perfect; I could honestly spend all day here just soaking in the aesthetic and snapping photos.

The heart of this place, though, is the lovely team of women running the show. They’re warm, humble, and truly care about each customer. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a coffee shop where the staff takes a genuine moment to ask about your day — that kind of personal touch is rare and so appreciated.

As for the coffee — it’s outstanding. They offer a great variety of flavors, with the brown sugar latte and strawberry latte being my personal favorites. My husband enjoyed the drip coffee, which was smooth and full-bodied. We also tried the avocado toast and the almond peanut butter banana toast — both delicious. The croissant and chocolate muffin were okay, but I’ve definitely had better elsewhere.

One thing to keep in mind: the wait can be long. It’s a popular spot (and for good reason), but if you’re in a rush or hoping to grab a quick coffee to-go, this might not be your best bet. On our visit, it took about 25 minutes to get our order. A few extra hands in the kitchen could really help speed things up.

That said, I would absolutely come back for the coffee and the atmosphere. If I’m ever in town again, Cuppa Coffee will be one of...