It was my last morning in Truckee after enjoying a multi day golf safari with my brothers-in-law. They had already left for home and I was flying out of Reno later in the morning. I really wasn't hungry, but wanted to enjoy a quality breakfast on the last day of a perfect trip. I used to take my family on summer vacations in Truckee many years ago and had fond memories of our trips to Donner Lake. I expanded my search for a great breakfast spot and came across the highly rated Donner Lake Kitchen. It was a glorious Sunday morning around 9:00 when I took the beautiful drive to the lake. I pulled into the parking area with my fingers crossed that I was going to get a seat. The place was packed. A nice gal approached me and I said, "Table for one please". She said, "Do you want to sit at the bar?" Sure, I said! That sounded perfect to me. I looked around at the guys sitting next to me and I knew I was in the right place. The entire vibe of the place is cool, comfortable, and filled with what seemed to be locals to me. The plates of food that the guys sitting next to me were enjoying looked incredible. The menu is HUGE and I guess their pancakes are supersized and delicious. I was tempted to order Eggs Benedict, but thankfully decided upon the #11, a 3-egg Scrambled Omelet with spinach, mushroom, tomato, and Ortega chilis, hash brown potatoes and a side of sourdough toast. That's an unusual order for me, but it sounded good at the time. Sitting at the bar, I had a good vantage point to observe the staff and kitchen. The entire team are real pros. They sling out a ton of quality food in a timely and efficient manner. The servers appear to have worked there for a long time and were very pleasant and professional. Out came my breakfast and I was amazed at how it good it looked. Well, it tasted even better. The waiter asked me if I wanted hot sauce and I noticed there was a bottle of Tapatio in front of me. I asked if he had any other hot sauce and he goes underneath the counter and lays two bottles of kicked up hot sauce from Truckee on me. Jackpot! I had a hankering for good hash browns but this place also serves home fries. I love they have two choices of potatoes for you to choose from. I don't go out to breakfast often, but I have rarely seen two options in the potato category. They also offer tortillas if you want them. The omelet was huge, and loaded with freshly cooked spinach, cheese, tomatoes....it was awesome. The hash browns were great and hit the spot. As usual, I poured on 3 or 4 of the various Smucker's jellies onto the toast. Delicious. The total bill was $21 out the door (food only), and I was very happy to pay that for a wonderful breakfast experience. I will definitely come back to eat more of the extensive menu. When I left, there were a bunch of people waiting outside and even noticed an outdoor seating area. I got the feeling this is the place to go in Donner Lake and you might have to wait to get a seat, depending on when you get there and how lucky you get on the timing. This is an easy 5-Star rating for me. read more

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Food was great. The lowest percentage option for tip was 20 percent. Service was great. I got there at 8 am in the morning it was 40 degrees All doors and windows where open. Every one in the restaurant was freezing. I ask my waitress and she closed the door. 3 mins later the other waitress A big and tall white woman open the door. She was dressed very inappropriate. With really short shorts. Shes about 6 feet tall heavy set. I dont know who the manager is. I still giving 5 stars. I hope Owner takes care of this. It appears the heavy set waitress is bullying the other waitress. As she said its cold but she cant close the door unless customers ask. Its a really nice place with great food. Not impressed with the 1 waitress. read more

Food: Food was good, but can be better. most breakfast items come with 2 eggs only, and charges extra for any other protein. Service: Feels like home :) Ambiance: a bit dark and noisy inside, but thats the vibe. read more

We have lunch here today and walked away very happy! The hostess was smiling and personable, just a really kind person! Our waitress listened to every detail and got us exactly what we wanted. Very good atmosphere, everyone was happy, food was excellent! read more

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Friendly staff, cute decor Bloody Mary was good but needed a little extra hot sauce for my taste. Will order it spicy next time. BlackBerry cream cheese stuffed French toast - perfect ratio of blackberry cream cheese to bread. Huevos rancheros - flavorful chorizo, delicious fresh salsa. Eggs were the perfect blend of over easy/ medium. Generous portion. Going for the half order next time. read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Huevos rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

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A Must-Stop Gem in Truckee! If you are driving into North Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake Kitchen is the perfect pit stop. It's located right next to the lake, making it a super convenient and scenic spot to stretch your legs and grab a bite. The Experience We arrived on a Friday afternoon and, despite it being a busy time, we only had a 10-minute wait before being seated. It's a family-owned spot, and you can really feel that warmth in the service--the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. We absolutely loved the relaxed, local vibe of the place. The Food The portions here are generous and the flavors are spot on. Here is what we tried: * The Turkey Melt: My wife ordered this and it was massive! It came on perfectly grilled sourdough with cheddar, grilled onions, turkey, bacon, and avocado. She paired it with a fresh side salad and said the sandwich was amazing. * The Tuna Melt (with a twist): I went for the tuna melt on grilled sourdough with jack cheese, tomatoes, and--the best part--jalapeños and grilled onions. It was a fantastic twist on a classic. I got the sweet potato fries on the side; they gave me a huge portion and they were delicious. * "San Julian Style" Chicken Tacos: My son got these and was really happy with his dish. You get three corn tortillas filled with chicken cooked in their homemade salsa, topped with lettuce, tomato, and avocado. They serve them with salsa and sour cream on the side--definitely a hit! Verdict We definitely recommend this place! Between the tasty food, the friendly atmosphere, and the prime location right by the water, it's easily one of our favorite finds in the area. We will definitely be back. Tip: If you're heading toward the slopes or the lake, don't just drive by--pull over and eat here! read more

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Sunday morning, very busy, we had quite a wait of 45 mins to sit and 35 for the food to come after ordering, let me just tell you it is worth the wait ! Delicious! Best part is Big Portions so come hungry! Every plate was amazing and would love to come back again. I never thought I would like a savory sandwich that had Honey in it, (the sweet Porky sandwich) so delicious! It's a very busy diner and that's because the food is good! Service was great, they're very attentive, we ordered some toast & butter while we waited for our food, staff here js great ! Definitely recommend you stop by if you're looking for a good tasty meal ! read more

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This kitchen spot has been around for 50 yrs. Our waitress has worked there for 39 yrs. They do everything well and they know it. Great customer service, friendly knowledgeable staff makes you feel welcome immediately. Cute place and the layout is makes for a great ambiance. The breakfast was so good that we came twice during our Lake Tahoe stay. Highly recommend the stuffed French toast, skillets and add a bloody mary! read more

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This is one of those spots that you should definitely bring potential real estate clients to. Eating here will make you want to own a cabin in Donner Pass. It's seriously that inspiring. These days it's a little chilly in the morning, but they have a place to hang your heavy coats by the door. The food is splendid, everything has a good presentation, the cook has been slinging hash here for 35 years. There's a master of culinary work painting frescos for a museum. I had the chicken fried steak with home fries. The hot chocolate warmed my soul. I had a wonderful server, and the staff overall was very attentive. So run, in big boots with sturdy tread, mind the ice. But get in here if you get a chance. read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Sugar cookies and half melted candy canes making your cocoa minty. Delicious!!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

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Amazing food! If you're a diabetic (I am) and partake in the fruit filled pancakes, take a big bolus of insulin. read more

Enjoyed a very nice lunch this afternoon in Truckee-Donner area. Local style restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. Very warm welcome followed by a delicious Frisco burger, and an All American cheeseburger. Service very accommodating in a casual atmosphere. Menu had a broad selection of items. Specials are available! I missed the teriyaki mushroom burger special. My quest loved his Frisco burger, I was in a simple mood today. Fries were delicious and gobbled up by all. Burger was also very good. I say this is a good stop for a satisfying casual breakfast/lunch Stop. Second time, will return. read more

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We came here right before heading back home. It's a very small and popular place. We waited for a while to be seated because we were a large group of 11. Let me tell you.......it was worth the wait! The food, portions were amazing with reasonable prices. We left our plates clean! The staff was very nice and our food came out quick even with the amount of people we had. Will definitely come here next time! read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Frosty the snowman pancakes! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

It was a beautiful drive from Sparks, Nevada and came to Donner Lake Kitchen Saturday morning. It's a cute cabin-like restaurant that's close to Donner Lake Memorial State Park. We were one of the first guests at 7am when they opened. The place is well kept and clean. It looks spacious and has several seating. Kelly, the owner, welcomed us and took our order and it came out about 15 minutes later. The food was yummy! I had the filled toast with bacon and my hubby tried the biscuits and gravy. Food was sumptuous! We shall be back soon! It was about 8 or 8:30 when people started coming in. So if you want to avoid waiting, be there as soon as you can. It has outdoor seating outside as well right by the huge parking lot. It's a nice place to be when you visit Truckee. read more

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Donner Lake Kitchen is a cute little cafe with a very homestyle aesthetic. I came here for brunch with a few friends on a Friday. We all ordered breakfast items and they were very good. I had the cowboy breakfast, but asked for an extra biscuit instead of hash browns. The staff was very accommodating of this switch and the food was delicious. While we were happy with our food, the service was less than ideal. After being seated and having our order taken, it took about an hour for us to receive our food. By the time we did get our food, the restaurant was actually closed for the day. Furthermore, one person in our party ordered a soda, and it was not served to us until we asked about it again 45 minutes into waiting. Our table was not checked on once during the time we were waiting for our food. For this reason alone, I likely would not return unless I knew the restaurant was not busy. read more

Homestyle kitchen with huge portions and a dedicated customer base - the one downside is that the wait time can be 45 mins. read more

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A local gem with a friendly vibe and great food. The parking is limited and gets a little crowded during peak times but it is well worth the wait! read more

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We've been coming out here for a couple of years ! This place is quaint & cozy , Mom & Pop restaurant. It is one of our favorite places to go to when we're heading back to the East Bay . They're always on a wait but seriously we don't mind the wait b/c the food & service is worth the wait . We usually order the country fried steak , single pancake & our friends usually order the mushroom & spinach omelette & eggs Benedict & of course Bloody Mary's. The huevos rancheros is another favorite ! The food is comforting & just simply homemade & fresh yumminess . The place runs like a very well oiled machine . You write your name on the dry erase board & boom you will eventually get sat but they do burn & churn . It's not a real big place but I love the coziness & warmth of servers & owners are just the BEST !!! We will continue to visit this restaurant . Y'all need to check out this Awesome breakfast place . One day we will try it for lunch . read more

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The wait was way too long for a burrito and a traditional breakfast plate. The waitress lost our ticket and was confused, they asked us what we ordered after they just took our order. Food was good, but overall I think the service was poor. read more

Donner Lake Kitchen was one of the highlights of our trip! The breakfast was absolutely delicious, everything was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The portions were very generous, and you can tell they use high-quality ingredients. The staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. If you're around the area, this is a must-visit for breakfast. We can't wait to come back. Thank you staff! read more

Ordered a burrito specifically without green sauce, and they still put green sauce on it. My son took one bite without realizing it was on there, then noticed it and couldn't eat the rest. We explained what happened and asked if they could simply remove the burrito from the bill since it was barely touched and we had specifically requested no green sauce. They refused and still charged us for it. What makes it even worse is the ridiculous pricing for the smallest substitutions. I ordered fruit instead of hash browns and was charged an extra $5 for something that should be a basic substitution. Apparently every little change comes with an unreasonable upcharge. For the price, the service should be much better. Getting a simple order wrong, refusing to make it right, and then charging excessive fees for everything is unacceptable. Definitely not somewhere I'd return to. read more

Maybe the food is excellent, but the restaurant seems determined to keep it a mystery by not giving us a chance to try it. We stood at the reception, as instructed on the board, waiting to be seated during a weekday lunch hour. The restaurant did not even seem overly busy, but after 10 minutes of waiting, no one seemed to notice our existence. No greeting, no "we'll be with you shortly," not even eye contact. We finally decided to walk through the door and ask a server whether they were still seating new customers. We got a cold, clipped "yeah," followed by the server immediately looking away and walking off. We waited a few more minutes afterward to see whether anyone might eventually decide to seat us, but no one did. If the goal was to make potential customers feel invisible before they even sit down, mission accomplished. read more

Great food and decor, worth the wait & the wait staff are super friendly! Everyone there were super concerned and didn't hesitate to help out! :) read more

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Amazing location right next to the lake. Cowboy Breakfast might be my favorite in all of Truckee! Also have fun pancake designs for the kids (shaped like a rabbit). French toast is excellent. read more

My favorite restaurant in Truckee! A truly perfect huevos rancheros and the family run feel is absolutely a haven. Thank you for being the best! read more

Friendly staff and plenty of great tasting food. It can get crowded on weekends. Bring cash if you eant to avoid any charge card fees.

Great spot near donner lake! Fire breakfast food, stuffed French toast was a hit. As was the hot cocoa. Huevos rancheros went crazy as well! read more

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Absolutely delicious place to have breakfast or lunch, the waitresses who I met were fantastic and fun! I don't know when I've had a better breakfast... read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Half an eggs, Benedict with bacon and spinach. Yum. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

Food was excellent, but I'm not sure if our order got lost or what, but multiple tables after us received their orders before us. The server was very rude and confrontational about the issue. Based on other reviews, this seems like a one off. read more

My friends and I stopped in for a late breakfast on our way home. The service was excellent but i dream about this sandwich all the time. 10/10 would recommend! The house salad was light and refreshing as well! read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Breakfast B.L.A.S.T sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

Ten friends and I met up at the Donner Lake Kitchen and the friendly folks there accommodated our big group easily. Everyone raved about their meals, and we all agreed we'd be back soon with spouses and/or friends. Highly recommended. read more

Food took a long time to get on a takeout order (Saturday morning rush), but it was both plentiful and delicious. The restaurant has ample outdoor space for eating, but they wouldn't serve anyone outside (staffing issue, maybe). The woman who took my order and the other woman who handed it to me were so happy and polite - made my day better! The price for this meal was shocking at $28 before the tip. read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Biscuits and gravy, hash browns, bacon, two eggs over easy and an OJ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

On our way to Reno we decided to make a pit stop for some breakfast. With no knowledge of what's in the area we decided to use yelp for recommendations and we got Donner Lake Kitchen. We were greeted outside and were told it would be a 45 minute wait for a table due to them being short a cook. They offered us drinks while we waited for our table. The Bloody Marys with bacon were amazing and had the correct amount of spice. Once we were seated and took in the ambiance was we knew this was going to be a great experience. We ordered two Cowboy's breakfast and a Traditional eggs Benedict. I don't think I can say anything that hasn't already been said in these posts. The food was amazing great flavor and great appearance. Gravy was thick and chunky full of flavor. The hollandaise sauce was great and the hash browns the correct amount of crisp to them. Everything was great. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that is like us, not from the area. Also props to the staff for being able to handle the Sunday's rush. Whoever is in charge should know that they have a solid team. read more

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A hidden gem of a restaurant! We had their Eggs Benedict with spinach and tomatoes with potatoes and over easy eggs and 'country fried chicken with potatoes and over easy eggs'. Both our late lunch @ 1:35 pm was very nice and good portions! read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - A hidden gem of a nice 'need-to-try' of a restaurant! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

The service, the character and the food! Wow. Definitely stopping again. Appreciate the vegetarian options.

Love this place. Are there twice last weekend while in town . Cosy mountain vibe, great staff and super hearty and delicious breakfast!

Food tasted great, place was packed but very quaint. Service was excellent! Highly recommend this place if you are in and or around Truckee! read more

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Recently, we spent a couple of relaxing days at Northstar and a friend recommended a spot on the west side of Donner Lake. They didn't give us a name, just a general location, so we set out on a little adventure. Luckily, it didn't take long before we found Donner Lake Kitchen. We arrived early and were warmly greeted by Ann, our server, who was friendly and attentive. The restaurant itself has a cozy, rustic feel but was clean and inviting. After settling in, we were served hot coffee and a Pepsi (since they don't carry Coke) with plenty of fresh citrus slices. Donner Lake Kitchen only serves breakfast and lunch, but the menu had a wide variety of options. On Ann's recommendation, I ordered the Benny's: crispy potato skins loaded with sautéed bacon, onions, mushrooms, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. My husband went with two fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. As the restaurant started filling up, I noticed how the servers worked together seamlessly, ensuring everyone was taken care of. Our breakfast arrived after a short wait, and it was well worth it. My potato skins were perfectly crisp and topped with a savory mix of mushrooms, bacon, and onions, all enhanced by the hollandaise. While I prefer a bit more lemon in my hollandaise, the dish still exceeded my expectations. Next time, though, I might ask for fruit on the side instead of more potatoes. My husband's pancakes were massive, light, and fluffy, with bacon that was just the right level of crispiness. As I write this review, I'm not sure I should even post it. Donner Lake Kitchen is a real gem tucked away by the lake, and part of me thinks it's better left off the radar. But it's too good not to share, so if you decide to go, promise not to tell too many people! read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Potato Skin Benny's. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

I have mixed emotions about this spot. My friends and I were in the area after hitting the slopes at Northstar. We needed some lunch, and arrived at 11 am on a Saturday. The queue was very long and we waited just a little over an hour to be seated. After we ordered, we waited another 45 minutes for our food to hit the table... This wait was BRUTAL. Many tables that were seated after us were getting served food, so we were getting confused... Did they forget our orders? Sierra Eggs Benedict (5/5): REALLY GOOD! Great portions. Perfectly runny poached egg and fresh avocado. A sufficient amount of hollandaise sauce, and the hashbrowns were satisfying! I like that they come unsalted and you add it yourself. I definitely recommend ordering this! Pancakes (1/5): These came out completely BURNT! I was shocked that it looked like this since other tables had fluffy golden brown stacks... Disappointed by this :( Overall, the eggs benedict was fantastic! The pancakes were not great... but the customer service was nice. However - I would NOT come back here to wait 1 hour and 45 minutes for food though. read more

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Pros: Interior space is nice and clean Staff was patient and helpful Food delivered on expectations Lots of "side order" options Cons: Price was slightly higher than anticipated 20 minute wait outside AND Parking lot and outdoor waiting area is dumpster-adjacent and smelly Repeat order: M&M pancake for the kid 2x Scrambled egg side for my picky eater (2x) bacon side for the table Eggs Benedict (fabulous) Side of 2x eggs for the spouse Hot chocolate + sprinkles option was great! read more

The BLT was amazing, and the meat lover's scramble was just as good. The service was the highlight, we had a short wait, we enjoyed drinks outside, and once we went in, everyone was incredibly friendly. Definitely a must! read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - BLT - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

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