The Red Hut. A Taste of Tahoe nostalgia.
Posted on November 3, 2011
Filed Under Lake Tahoe Hot Spots
It’s a South Lake Tahoe landmark. The Red Hut Café on Highway 50 next to Meek’s Lumber.
It’s easy to see why this is a favorite local spot. Full of local character and charm, including Lake Tahoe’s favorite detective’s favorite breakfast, the Owen McKenna Omelette.
The Red Hut Café was opened in 1959 and was originally called the old Donut Shop located at Stateline before it was physically moved to its current location. When Dick and Nancy Gardner purchased The Hut from Mac and Lorraine in 1984, they made sure the original layout and charm remained untouched.
An L-shaped breakfast counter and old fashioned booths occupy all the space inside. Vintage Tahoe photos and soda pop posters cover the walls. Inside you’ll hear people reminiscing about the good old days, or just catching up.
Besides the nostalgic atmosphere and local vibe, the breakfast and lunch dishes are well loved with little to no surprises. Just good home cooking.
Especially if you’re looking for a local celebrity’s dish. You see, the Red Hut is a favorite hangout of private detective Owen McKenna, who is featured in Todd Borg’s award-winning mystery thrillers set in, you guessed it, Tahoe. An obvious regular of The Hut, Owen craves his made to order omelette.
It turns out that one of Owen’s fans went into the Red Hut and wanted to order an Owen’s Omelette. So guess what? The Red Hut now serves the Owen’s Omelette made with eggs, cheddar cheese, fresh-cut tomatoes, Killer Salsa, and a dollop of sour cream on top. Todd’s eighth mystery thriller, Tahoe Heat, will be released August 2010. Click here for more details.
The Red Hut has 3 locations now. Honoring its history, the newest location on Ski Run Boulevard includes an ice cream parlor and has added a touch of nostalgia with old Tahoe photos and memorabilia. It even has a few of the old lift chairs from Heavenly Ski Resort hanging from the ceiling.
But if you’re looking for the original, the state-of-the-dying-art of home-style breakfast joints in Lake Tahoe, head to the original Red Hut located at 2749 Lake Tahoe Blvd (Hwy 50) next to Meek’s Lumber. And, if you see a handsome Harlequin Great Dane out front, don’t worry. That’s Spot. McKenna’s loyal companion.
