The Free Bird

2753 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, United States
$$$ Coffee shop
(225 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Nestled in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, The Free Bird is a charming coffee shop that has quickly become a local favorite. Located at 2753 Lake Tahoe Blvd, this cozy spot is more than just a place to grab your morning brew; it's a haven for coffee lovers and health enthusiasts alike.

The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, filled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. Whether you're grabbing a cup to go or planning to linger a bit, The Free Bird's intimate setting makes it a perfect stop during your lake-side adventures.

The menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a selection of delicious coffees and superfood bowls. Start your day with a Café Au Lait or an Iced Coffee, expertly crafted to satisfy both your caffeine cravings and taste buds. For a refreshing health boost, don't miss their Acai Bowl or Chronic Bowl, both bursting with vibrant flavors and nutrients. And for smoothie lovers, The Free Bird offers blended delights like Green Machine and Power Greens, perfect for a quick pick-me-up any time of the day.

But it’s not just the exceptional beverages that make The Free Bird stand out; the customer experiences are glowing. Just ask local patrons like Steve Guttbinder, who describes it as “a superb local find,” where every cup is made to order and accompanied by “delicious pastries.” If you're in the mood for something sweet, \(gluten-free options are plentiful, keeping everyone in mind, as McKenzie Koch highlights the amazing house-made syrups and chai that truly elevate the experience.

What truly enhances the Free Bird experience is the personable and friendly staff. The baristas are known for their welcoming demeanor, crafting every drink with a smile, as noted by Anthony Perry, who appreciated the delightful atmosphere alongside tasty lavender and rose syrups. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself chatting with the owner, whose dedication to quality and service shines through in every cup.

For a delightful experience, step into The Free Bird for your morning coffee or a light breakfast. It's more than just a pit stop—it's a celebration of community and quality coffee culture. Whether you choose to enjoy your drink at the quaint cafe or take it on a lovely morning walk along the trail behind, every visit to The Free Bird is sure to warm your heart and fill your stomach!

Don’t miss this little gem on your journey around South Lake Tahoe; it's the perfect way to fuel your day!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible seating
No wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Has seating
Amenities
Has Wi-Fi
No toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Saturday

7:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

7:30 AM - 2:00 AM

225 Reviews
Steve Guttbinder

20 Sep 2025

A superb local find with every cup made to order. Delicious pastries too! A perfect spot to hit up before you drive over to the Nevada side of heavenly as you drink, eat, and keep warm in your car as this is definitely a pick up your order and go type of spot.

McKenzie Koch

07 Sep 2025

I love Free Bird! Amazing chai and house made syrups. Their gluten free options are greatly appreciated as well.

Serge T

31 Aug 2025

Great coffee!! Omfg!!! Yes. Please put in mouth!

Katherine W

26 Aug 2025

The best of SLT! Orange cranberry muffin & a Cocoa Bliss to start Saturday right! Local’s choice, always great service and atmosphere! Get a bagel with the house grown/made herb cream cheese!

Fredrik

25 Aug 2025

Cute little shack to get a good cup of coffee while riding around the lake or visiting South Lake. I only stopped by for a quick cappuccino but it was great. Good beans and well calibrated machine and tidy foamed milk resulted in a great cup. I was the only customer around as the very friendly staff mentioned it’s in-between seasons so I take it the place is probably a lot busier otherwise, but I was treated to very fast and friendly service.

Anthony Perry

10 Jul 2025

They were SO nice! House-made Lavender & Rose syrups go so hard. Cute little coffee shop right next to the red hut if you want breakfast too. Barista’s were wonderfully friendly, would 1000% recommend going here for coffee or light breakfast.

Gloria

20 Jun 2025

Smallest coffee place I've ever been but, big in charm and personality. Everytime I come to So. Lake Tahoe I love to visit this place. Staff are welcoming, friendly and always make me feel good about being there. You can also enjoy a morning walk as you sip your coffee at the trail behind Free Bird. The dirty chai, extra spicy is fantastic!

Kay

28 May 2025

Fantastic little place with delicious bagels, muffins and coffee. Very friendly owner who makes sure your coffee is just the way you like it. Parking in front and back. Don’t miss this little gem!

Join the The Free Bird Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.