River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

4.5

1081 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 21 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Sat, Sun 08:00–11:00 Lunch Sat 11:00–17:00 Sun 11:00–15:00 Happy Hour Mon–Fri, Sun 15:00–17:00 Dinner Daily 17:00–21:00
Phone number
(530) 583-4264
Website
http://riverranchlodge.com/dining
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
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
Area
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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

* Denotes Gluten Friendly. Please Specify when placing order. Orders of 6 or more entrées subject to 18% gratuity. ^Item may be cooked to order or contains raw/undercooked ingredients. Consuming raw or under-cooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food-borne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

Alpine Starters & Shareables

Add Chicken $7.00 | Prawn $12.00 | ^Tenderloin $12.00

Soup Du Jour
Ask Server
- CupUS$9.00
- BowlUS$12.00
* Caesar Salad
Whole Leaf Lettuce, Classic Caesar Dressing, Parmesan, Candied Lemon, Meyer Lemon Oil, Croutons
- HalfUS$12.00
- FullUS$17.00
* Winter Farm Salad
Baby Kale, Arugula, Roasted Squash, Citrus, Pear, Chèvre, Pistachio, Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
- HalfUS$10.00
- FullUS$16.00
* Wedge SaladUS$12.00
Iceberg, Bacon, Cherry Tomatoes, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Blue Cheese Dressing
* Crispy Brussels & Shishitos
Twice-Cooked Brussels & Peppers, Balsamic Glaze, Garlic, Parmesan, ^Sweet Onion Aioli
- Half OrderUS$12.00
- Full OrderUS$17.00
Artisan Cheese PlateUS$22.00
3 Cheese Varieties, Fig Jam, Seasonal Fruit, Flatbread Crackers
^Ahi PokeUS$25.00
Hawaiian Ahi Tuna, Poke Sauce, Avocado, Toasted Macadamia Nuts, Red Onion, Ginger, Wakame, Wontons
^CalamariUS$18.00
Rings & Tentacles, Lemon Aioli
* WingsUS$18.00
Choice of: Buffalo, Spicy Peach Chili, Sriracha Honey, or Teriyaki, Crudité
* Famous Ranch NachosUS$20.00
Mountain of Local Corn Chips, Cheese, Black Beans, Jalapeño, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream, Guacamole

River Ranch Signature Entrées

* ^New Zealand Elk Chops
Coriander-Crusted, Chimichurri Fingerling Potatoes, Root Vegetables, Chèvre *Please specify desired cooking temp in the notes: WELL, MEDIUM WELL, MEDIUM, MEDIUM RARE, RARE
- Single ChopUS$47.00
- Two ChopsUS$70.00
* Bison Short RibsUS$46.00
Bourbon Slow-Braised, Soy & Citrus Pan Glaze Mashed Baby Red Potatoes, Baby Carrots
* ^Top SirloinUS$45.00
Prime 8oz Baseball Cut, Blue Cheese Butter, Veal Jus Mashed Baby Red Potatoes, Grilled Broccolini
* ^USDA Prime Cut-of-the-Day** MARKET PRICE
~Please Inquire~ Mashed Baby Red Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms, Blue Cheese Butter, Veal Jus *Please specify desired cooking temp in the notes: WELL, MEDIUM WELL, MEDIUM, MEDIUM RARE, RARE
* Mary's Half ChickenUS$36.00
Organic, Pan Seared, Sherry-Mushroom Pan Jus Leek, Radish, Wild Rice
* ^Dayboat Diver ScallopsUS$49.00
Pan-Seared, Pancetta Butter Bean Escabeche
*^HalibutUS$45.00
Pan-Seared Fresh, Sesame Miso Glaze Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Baby Bok Choy
* Butternut Squash RisottoUS$26.00
Roasted Squash, Cipollini, Citrus-Herb Salad, Chive Oil
Pesto Rigatoni
Arugula Pesto, Roasted Squash, Broccolini, Pecorino, Pepitas
- VegetarianUS$24.00
- Italian SausageUS$30.00
Ranch Stroganoff
Fresh Local Egg Noodles, Crema, Red Wine, Chive
- Wild MushroomUS$24.00
- Wild Mushroom & ^TenderloinUS$36.00
* ^Chophouse CheeseburgerUS$22.00
1/2 Pound Wagyu Blend, Brioche Bun, Bacon, Extra Sharp White Cheddar, Beefsteak Tomato, Arugula, ^Sweet Onion Aioli, Fries *Please specify desired cooking temp in the notes: WELL, MEDIUM WELL, MEDIUM, MEDIUM RARE, RARE

What 1,081 people are saying

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tahoe / Reno Area
Healthy
Tahoe / Reno Area
Contemporary American
North Lake Tahoe
Best Overall
North Lake Tahoe
Best Food
North Lake Tahoe
Best Ambience
North Lake Tahoe
Best Value
North Lake Tahoe
Child-friendly
North Lake Tahoe
Healthy
North Lake Tahoe
Great for scenic views
North Lake Tahoe
Lively
North Lake Tahoe
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a "beautiful river view" and "rustic ambiance." Guests rave about the "attentive and friendly" service, with standout servers like Asa and Simone. The menu features "fabulous food," including standout dishes like beef stroganoff and elk chops. A perfect spot for special occasions!

1,081 Reviews

C
Cesar
San Francisco1 review
1.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
Had a 5 pm reservation I showed up 15 mins to check in 15 mins later i was till waiting with all I mean all the staff walk pass me only the female worker that started at 5 ask me if I have been helped and I replied No and ive been here for 15 mins s
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G
Gregory
Los Angeles1 review
3.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Staff was very unfriendly. I felt very uncomfortable like they didn't want us. Both hostess and our sever. The accustics are poor making it very high pitched noiney background. The food is very good. But plan on being their awhile, service is slow, even for a full service resturant and servers not welcoming.,
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles1 review
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful dinner! The food was amazing. The ambience is awesome so fun. Right on the river our table looked over a small river with rapids! Fun bar. Would highly recommend.
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R
Rene VIP
Montreal2 reviews
3.0
Dined on 26 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Food was ok at best. Steak was not very tender. Pasta were overcooked. New server with no experiences made it less enjoyable, we will not return. One good thing, to compensate for the bad service, the restaurant credited 50% of the cost of the bottle of wine, which was appreciated.
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A
Abby VIP
San Francisco10 reviews
2.0
Dined on 18 February 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
The service was way off tonight. Took forever to get out food in, waitress forgot multiple items, never brought us basic like extra water, never asked how our food was, forgot to tell us what they were out of until we were placing the order and ordered the thing they were out of, the hostess was rude/short with us from beginning…
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L
Lisa
Greater Boston5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a fabulous experience! The food was fantastic, and our server was excellent!
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M
Melissa
Sacramento1 review
5.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My boyfriend and I dined at River Ranch Lodge in Tahoe City on 2/15/2025, and we had such a great experience! Our waitress, Banga, was incredibly sweet and kind. She took the time to help me navigate the menu and made thoughtful suggestions, even though I'm quite selective with my choices. I ordered the Chophouse Cheeseburger, and my boyfriend had the Pulled Pork Sandwich--both were absolutely delicious, with excellent quality and generous portions. We were both very satisfied with our meal and highly recommend this restaurant. We'll definitely be returning whenever we're in the area!
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D
Deanna
Tahoe1 review
4.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
I wish that there was some sort of notice that the menu would be limited due to Valentine’s Day. We had a new server who left the menus on the table, our dessert came before our entrée , and dirty dishes were left on our table. Our server came by the table 3 times and left empty-handed, leaving the dirty dishes. Also the large peppers and brussels sprouts only had 4 peppers, it was a bummer. It was our first time going there
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DP
DeniseP VIP
San Francisco7 reviews
2.0
Dined on 9 February 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Unfortunately did not have a great experience at River Ranch. Party of 3 for my birthday dinner. Martini was over priced, and came without olives after waiting 20 mins for it and my husbands beer. It wasn’t that busy at the bar. Nachos were good, but my husbands steak was undercooked in the middle and over cooked on the edges. My scallops were undercooked and my son’s hamburger went “missing” so he had to wait for another one to be cooked while we started eating. Overall disappointing. Maybe they were just having an off Saturday evening but we won’t go back
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T
Tamar VIP
Central Coast10 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always a delightful dinner at River Ranch in a beautiful rustic restaurant with outstanding service. The bison short ribs are delicious as was everything else we ordered. Love coming here.
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FAQs

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (530) 583-4264.

River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant is rated 4.5 stars by 1081 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

2285 River Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Alpine Meadows Road
Area
Tahoe City
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Sat, Sun 08:00–11:00 Lunch Sat 11:00–17:00 Sun 11:00–15:00 Happy Hour Mon–Fri, Sun 15:00–17:00 Dinner Daily 17:00–21:00
Price
$31 to $50
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
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, Takeaway, 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 booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Alpine Starters & Shareables

Soup Du Jour

* Caesar Salad

* Winter Farm Salad

* Wedge SaladUS$12.00

* Crispy Brussels & Shishitos

Artisan Cheese PlateUS$22.00

^Ahi PokeUS$25.00

^CalamariUS$18.00

* WingsUS$18.00

* Famous Ranch NachosUS$20.00

River Ranch Signature Entrées

* ^New Zealand Elk Chops

* Bison Short RibsUS$46.00

* ^Top SirloinUS$45.00

* ^USDA Prime Cut-of-the-Day** MARKET PRICE

* Mary's Half ChickenUS$36.00

* ^Dayboat Diver ScallopsUS$49.00

*^HalibutUS$45.00

* Butternut Squash RisottoUS$26.00

Pesto Rigatoni

Ranch Stroganoff

* ^Chophouse CheeseburgerUS$22.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

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 bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information