River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

Name: River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant
Address: 2285 River Road, Tahoe City, CA, United States, 96145
Telephone: (530) 583-4264
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

857 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Located on the banks of the Truckee River between Truckee and Tahoe City, this rustic old Tahoe lodge has been a Tahoe dining favorite for many, many years. Choose between a cozy table in our Alpine Dining Room or along the river in our River View Dining Room. In the summer, dine on our patio that overlooks the river. Enjoy great food and drink that is creative and interesting while being delicious and familiar. The menu changes seasonally to ensure use of the most available sustainable, fresh ingredients.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 1, 2023

10:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(530) 583-4264

Other options

Order online

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–4:45 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(530) 583-4264
Website
http://riverranchlodge.com/dining
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Andrew Adams
Catering
The River Ranch offers on-site catering for special events, served in our Alpine Dining room for year-round groups up to 35 guests. For large parties or weddings in the warmer months, we can accommodate up to 150 guests on our riverside Patio.
Private party facilities
The River Ranch Alpine Dining Room offers an indoor, year-round space for private dinners, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, family reunions, company parties and holiday festivities for up to 35 seated guests. In the Summer, our spacious riverside Patio can accommodate up to 150 seated guests.
Private party contact
Event Coordinator: (530) 583-4264 ext. 203

Location
2285 River Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Neighborhood
Tahoe City
Cross street
Alpine Meadows Road
Parking details
Complimentary, first-come first-serve
Public transit
Tahoe Area Regional Transit stops at the River Ranch sign.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Soup du Jour
Ask Your Server
- Cup$9.00
- Bowl$12.00
Baby Gem Caesar**$12.00
Whole Leaf Lettuce, Artisan Croutons, Shaved Parma, Classic Caesar Dressing, Meyer Lemon Oil, Candied Lemon
Seasonal Farm Salad**$13.00
Baby Greens, Winter Fruit, Bacon, Chèvre, Egg*, Candied Nuts, Dried Fruit, Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette
Wedge Salad**$12.00
Iceberg, Bacon, Cherry Tomatoes, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Blue Cheese Dressing
Crispy Brussels & Shishitos**$17.00
Twice-Cooked Local Brussels & Peppers, Balsamic, Garlic, Parmesan, Sweet Onion Aioli*
Artisan Cheese Plate$22.00
Chef's Choice 3 Cheese Varieties, Fig Jam, Fruit, Lavash
Ahi Poke*$23.00
Hawaiian Ahi Tuna, Poke Sauce, Avocado, Toasted Macadamia Nuts, Red Onion, Ginger, Wakame, Wontons
Calamari*$23.00
Rings & Tentacles, Napa Slaw, Lemon Aioli
Chophouse Angus Burger* **$20.00
1/2 Pound, Brioche Bun, Bacon, Extra Sharp White Cheddar, Beefsteak Tomato, Greens, Sweet Onion Aioli. Substitute Beyond Burger or Grilled Chicken Breast
Famous Ranch Nachos**$20.00
Mountain of Local Corn Chips, Cheese, Black Beans, Jalapeño, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream, Guacamole

Signature Entrées

Catch-Of-The-Day* **
Ask Your Server. Pan Seared Fresh, Romesco Sauce, Micro Greens Butternut Squash Quinoa
- Market Price
Day Boat Diver Scallops* **$44.00
Jumbo Dry Pack Scallops, Pan Seared, Citrus Oil, Micro Greens, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Sweet Pepper Coulis
USDA Prime Cut-Of-The-Day* **
Ask Your Server. Smashed Baby Red Potatoes, Sherried Wild Mushrooms, Mâitre d'Hôtel Butter, Veal Jus
- Market Price
Elk Chops*
Durham Ranch, Tellicherry Peppercorn-Crusted, Berry Demi-Glace, Garlic Herb Fingerling Potatoes, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Single Cut$40.00
- Double Cut$62.00
Bison Short Ribs*$40.00
Durham Ranch, Bourbon Slow Braised, Soy & Citrus Pan Glace, Smashed Baby Red Potatoes, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Mary's Half Chicken**$34.00
Organic, Pan Seared, Fresh Herbs, Sherry Pan Jus, Smashed Baby Red Potatoes, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Ranch Stroganoff
Fresh Local Egg Noodles, Crema, Red Wine, Scallions
- Wild Mushroom$24.00
- Wild Mushroom & Tenderloin$34.00
Truffled Cauliflower**$29.00
Butternut Squash Quinoa, Sweet Herb Pistou, Micro Greens

What 857 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tahoe / Reno Area
Hot spot
Tahoe / Reno Area
Lively
Tahoe / Reno Area
Contemporary American
North Lake Tahoe
Best Overall
North Lake Tahoe
Best Food
North Lake Tahoe
Best Service
North Lake Tahoe
Best Ambiance
North Lake Tahoe
Best Value
North Lake Tahoe
Hot spot
North Lake Tahoe
Great for fine wines
North Lake Tahoe
Great for outdoor dining
North Lake Tahoe
Romantic
North Lake Tahoe
Great for scenic views
North Lake Tahoe
Good for special occasions
North Lake Tahoe
Lively
North Lake Tahoe
Most Booked

Sort by

KG
KathyG
San Francisco
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall2food3service2ambience2
The food was good and the atmosphere was loud! The server was nice and could have been better.
TH
TomH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was simply delicious. My wife had the Cauliflower salad and Ihad the chicken dish which was awesome.
SA
SheilaA1225
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Mackenzie was awesome, great food n wine recommendations, very attentive. Restaurant is older but wonderful ambience right next to Truckee River rapids making it a relaxing fun and enjoyable experience
S
Sarahh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Enjoyed in regular food, the deer was some new experience.
TH
TerryH
Central Coast
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Nice setting, mediocre food, very overpriced. Server very good.
t
twinkle
San Francisco
16 reviews
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience5
This has been our go to restaurant for years. Unfortunately while prices have risen sharply, food quality has not. It was obvious that my entree had been sitting out for some time before being served. Bread was obviously old. Even the french fries on my wife's plate seemed to have been cooked long before serving and were lukewarm. While I love the setting and ambiance I wish the food were better.
a
alans
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Great location and a real find. Well recommended.
SM
SteveM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Lovre this place. We've dined here many times. On this occasion we decided to spend the night as well. Just wonderful. We look forward to our return.
SM
ScottM
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent experience. Perfect for a celebration. Wonderful Sazerac.
GA
GADinator
San Francisco
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Great view of the river when it’s running and some wildlife (coyote) in the evening hours. Menu has game (elk and bison) that you don’t often see. The Elk chops are great although the roasted potatoes along with the veggie hash was too dry of a combo with the beautifully medium rare Elk. The stroganoff was also fabulous (with both the mushrooms and the beef). Almost wish I could take a bath in that sauce! Worth the short drive from the big resorts!!!
j
jeangab75
Tahoe
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
View is the best part of this restaurant. The food was great, service was fair. Food took a long time to arrive - but we were right behind a large group, so this maybe explains the delay. Service was a bit too much on the friendly / casual side for my taste, considering the price point of the restaurant - around 40 to 50 dollars for an entree. I would have like something a bit more formal. The restaurant room was cold too.
TD
ToughDuck
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Do not get the duck special. Short ribs were good, nachos were good, calamari was good.
CF
CaroleF
Tahoe
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We make a point of dining at River Ranch each year when we come to Tahoe. The food is always delicious with attentive service.
M
M1022
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the atmosphere and setting…food was delicious and service was friendly. We would definitely recommend!
WR
WoodyR
Tahoe
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went here for Mother's Day Brunch. The breakfast was outstanding. My compliments to the chef. I ordered Crab Benedict and it was perfect. I'm always leary about ordering Benedict due to past experiences at other restaurants. The portions were large and the atmosphere was great. They gave us a table overlooking the river. Staff was awesome. Would highly recommend this restaurant. 👍
SK
StanK
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
This place is really suprisingly good and a true local favorite. The setting, on the river, the service, and the food quality are all very good.
SB
SusanB
Tahoe
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The bar bill was outrageous! My husband had his usual cocktail, $7-8 everywhere else, including Tahoe, and was $18 at River Ranch. We will eat there again but will not go for drinks.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely lovely view ! Was a lovely pitstop on our way back home… OpenTable helped us find the selection as we would’ve never found it without OpenTable!
SM
SaraM
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience2
Overbooked and understaffed. Stressed out waitress couldn't get our drinks out of the bar as there was just one bartender with a full bar, a special event snd a full restaurant. Food was okay ( short ribs, scallops, roast chicken and cauliflower risotto). The waitress gave us all the dessert options before we were finished, but then never came back to take our order - brought our bill instead. When I asked if we could order dessert, she told me not to be rude and that she had to wait on an adjacent table. The bus boy apologized for her behavior, which was kind, unfortunate that he felt he needed to say something. We won't be coming back.
BR
BobR
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I gave "ambience" 4 stars only because it cannot decide whether it is a fancy restaurant or a sports bar. If you like both, you're in luck!
D
Deborah
Tahoe
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and fun atmosphere. A local staple for casual or upscale food, plus a great bar to hang out with friends for a cocktail, beer or glass of wine. The service was superb with quick seating and the food came out quickly and hot. Sit in the River View and watch the Truckee River. In the summer watch the rafters paddle by.
d
debidoright
Central Coast
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday but always our go to. Always so good!
NF
NancyF
New England
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Awesome place! Had the best poke I've ever had, great brussels (how they can be messed up!) but the short ribs were really over cooked. Still, in the middle of this insane snow season, I appreciated them being open and serving up as good as they did! Great cocktails too!
g
gregd
Salt Lake City
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Romantic rustic lodge on the river. Snowing outside, big warm fire crackling. Good food and really good service. Decent wine list. Pretty expensive but it seems all decent restaurants are these days.
CD
ChrisD
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorite spots, especially when things are busy in the basin.
SO
ScottO
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’ve been wanting to go to this place for some time during previous visits but it ilea’s always booked . This time we reserved in advance for our anniversary and it was great. The location is cool, our server, Court, was outstanding and the food was great. Will definitely come back.
KA
KoryA
Sacramento
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible food and great service. River Ranch is one of our favorite places to go for special occasions.
C
Calsun
Tahoe
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Good food. Old fashioned environment but could be refreshed. Service was good. Nice view of the river.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tahoe
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My Girlfriend and I had a very lovely time our food was great.
CB
ChristineB
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had dinner both nights we stayed there. Tuesday is a limited menu. My husband loved his lamb shank, my stroganoff was so-so. Our window table on the river was lovely and romantic. Wednesday nights full menu was much better for me. The scallops & risotto were delicious. My husband said the Elk was really good. I didn’t request a window table and we were sat along side the bar wall across from another table. Our server Stewart was fantastic but request a window table if possible. River Ranch Lodge is a always beautiful Tahoe experience.
ES
EricS
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Appreciated the staff calling me prior to my dinner reservation letting me know there is a limited menu on Tuesdays.
LB
LisaB
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love to go to River Ranch. Asa is a fabulous waiter. Sit in the bar area.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and friendly staff.
g
georgepiv
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a treat! Service, Menu and atmosphere. Lots of character and history.
DP
DaveP
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bar and restaurant were great. Food was amazing. Service spot on. Love this place.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tahoe
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
River Ranch was my families favorite meal when we were in Tahoe in the Sixties. I had not been back to eat inside in years. I have had meals on the patio in the summer. We have added River Ranch to our favorites when we are in Tahoe.
DM
DanM
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great overall experience, service and food! Our party had a blast and we are looking forward to coming back soon.
PU
PamU
Dallas
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was very good. Service was excellent and the room by the fireplace was quiet. The River side is louder.
KM
KMarch
San Diego
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Reservations accommodated us with the preferred area, prompt and polite service. Festive atmosphere. Been enjoying dinners here every time we come to town.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We drive past this place all the time on the way to our lake house, but never thought to stop in. On a whim, I made dinner reservations for date night (in-laws babysat), which doesn’t happen often. We loved the food! Our server was amazing! And it wasn’t too loud. They followed our requests for seating left in the notes and everything was perfect!!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant using the Order Online button. River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (530) 583-4264.

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 857 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 1, 2023

10:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(530) 583-4264

Other options

Order online

Google Map for River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

2285 River Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Alpine Meadows Road
Neighborhood
Tahoe City
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–4:45 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Complimentary, first-come first-serve
Public transit
Tahoe Area Regional Transit stops at the River Ranch sign.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Andrew Adams
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://riverranchlodge.com/dining
Phone number
(530) 583-4264
Catering
The River Ranch offers on-site catering for special events, served in our Alpine Dining room for year-round groups up to 35 guests. For large parties or weddings in the warmer months, we can accommodate up to 150 guests on our riverside Patio.
Private party facilities
The River Ranch Alpine Dining Room offers an indoor, year-round space for private dinners, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, family reunions, company parties and holiday festivities for up to 35 seated guests. In the Summer, our spacious riverside Patio can accommodate up to 150 seated guests.
Private party contact
Event Coordinator: (530) 583-4264 ext. 203

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Truffled Cauliflower

Ranch Stroganoff

Elk Chops

Alpine Starters & Shareables

Soup du Jour

Baby Gem Caesar**$12.00

Seasonal Farm Salad**$13.00

Wedge Salad**$12.00

Crispy Brussels & Shishitos**$17.00

Artisan Cheese Plate$22.00

Ahi Poke*$23.00

Calamari*$23.00

Chophouse Angus Burger* **$20.00

Famous Ranch Nachos**$20.00

Signature Entrées

Catch-Of-The-Day* **

Day Boat Diver Scallops* **$44.00

USDA Prime Cut-Of-The-Day* **

Elk Chops*

Bison Short Ribs*$40.00

Mary's Half Chicken**$34.00

Ranch Stroganoff

Truffled Cauliflower**$29.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information