Christina T (TempleTallica)

After living in the area for 7.5 years we thought maybe we should FINALLY figure out how to visit this restaurant. We went recently for my birthday and I am beyond happy we did! Our server, Margaret, was funny, witty, kind, and attentive. She helped make a dinner date with my husband feel so special. My husband has the stroganoff with sirloin (warning, it has a LOT of mushrooms!) and I had the chicken which was one of SEVERAL gluten free options! I was thrilled to have something other than salads or a personal pizza to pick from! Our meals were amazing. I rarely finish an entire plate at a restaurant like this but this was the exception. I was actually sad that there wasn't anything left to eat except a small drumstick (not a fan of that part). Margaret checked in the perfect amount of times, added extra cherries to my Shirley Temple (don't judge me, I like them) and put a beautiful candle in my flour less chocolate cake. The cake was decadent and the perfect texture. I have no suggestions to improve the experience EXCEPT maybe re-padding the chair cushions ;) The vibe is casual but refined. Someone coming off the river would be just as home as a bunch of people dressed in Sunday best. I look forward to coming back and trying lunch on the patio this summer! Reservations are STRONGLY recommended especially if you want a river view. Definitely recommend for a nice evening out, anniversary, date night, birthday or just because!

J. Manuel Gonzalez

This is a review of the restaurant, not the hotel. Our party all had quite ample 16-ounce ribeyes that were a bit overdone for Medium, but still fine. Our table was along the outer perimeter of a circular floor plan, giving us a direct view over the Truckee River and snow-covered banks. However, this area did not seem to be heated except by osmosis from the interior, so if you come in winter, be guided.

Jeff Meyer

This review is for patio dining, we’ve never stayed at the motel. We enjoyed our lunch on the patio overlooking the river and appreciated the dog friendly atmosphere. Being right on the Truckee River trail it’s a handy stopping point for a meal or drink. They only had a single restroom open when we were there so a bit of a line up.

+2

Res Rehabber

The food is definitely overpriced at least on the patio. They have a different menu for inside dining. Obviously they have a captive audience and they get a lot of rafting clients coming off the river in the summer. But the truth is that their service is also miserable and not friendly and not helpful. Also they seem to run out of a lot of things by the end of the weekend which is frustrating because after the whole summer to get it right there still getting it wrong. Some people would definitely argue that the location mitigates the other frustrations and I am probably even in that camp myself. Beautiful to be able to sit right next to the river as it goes by, in the sun in the fresh air.

Sarah Mackenzie

Great location. The heater in the room is super loud, even when turned off. No AC in the summer. But nice staff and close to everything you need.

My husband's burger was not cooked enough. Food was ok. For orders over $75 tip is automatically included but it is at an order at the counter and self seating so that was unexpected.

Restaurant is clearly living off its past reputation and its location. Cool views of the river and proximity to Alpine Meadows. Service is good but food is below average especially for the price. Would not come back

Review for the restaurant and bar only: Just okay. Food wasn’t very good; dry and overcooked risotto, store bought desserts, stringy meat. Service was very kind, but I had to ask for a glass of water 3 times!! Very expensive for the quality. Come here for the atmosphere and drinks. Cool scene.

Our server was nice, but the food was bland and every ingredient was way over or way undercooked. Drinks were watery and the prices were extremely high - made worse by the poor quality food. I did not think it was worth the money and will not come back next time I'm in the area.

Emily Dahlberg

This is purely for the lunch experience, can't speak to dinner or the hotel. This place really seems to be relying on its location to draw people in and put no effort into food. Everything in Tahoe is overpriced but this is overpriced for cafeteria food as others have said. $20 for 3 small frozen chicken tenders and fries. If you spend over $75 (which is food for 4), they apply an automatic 18% service charge, but there is no service. You have to go up to order, get your own water, plastic ware and condiments, and bus your own table. Everything is served on paper plates

Despite an empty restaurant, we were told every table was “reserved.” The server removed our silverware, curtly told us to order at the bar, and walked off. A bit of hospitality would’ve made all the difference.

Rashmi Wadhwa

We're a family with a 4 year old child who has dietary restrictions so need to carry food for him and family (just to keep things simple around a child with special needs). Prior to booking stay, I called them to get clarification about microwave access. The listing clearly says rooms dont have microwave access. On the phone, the receptionist told me there is a microwave in the common area which can be accessed at anytime. When we arrived and requested for microwave, the receptionist very rudely told me they have "never had a microwave" for guest access and even if they have a microwave they would never allow guests to access it while the "restaurant is open" (or even after hours). Its not what she said, its how she said it. Just obnoxiously rude. After a lot of begging and pleading, she said she can take my food and warm it up for the child. Moments later, she knocks on my room door as I'm prepping the food to be warmed up, and she rudely says I spoke to my manager, I cannot warm up your food for you its not allowed. 1. Incorrect information given prior to booking 2. Rudely denied access to microwave, not at all empathetic of child with needs Again, its not what she said, its how she said it. Disappointing and sad experience.

Molly Walton

Oof, restaurant atmosphere and food was NOT a good experience, tho the service was amazing. :/ The room (restaurant) was cold as ice, we were freezing even after moving away from the windows. The lighting on the table is offensive/LED, and made it impossible to read the menu. The menu itself was confusing and inaccurate. My husband’s pork chop and my elk were a bit fatty and low on actual edible meat. I probably had only two fingerling potatoes (quartered) on my plate and a few thin carrots (undercooked and cold) as my sides - a very underwhelming amount of actual food for $47. Brussel sprout app was overcooked and slathered in aioli - bummer. Only a few shishitos in there. Best service tho. I’m sorry to post this, for the staff, whom were all lovely and professional. I resist ever writing bad reviews but the owner needs to step it up and give the is place some love. Oh, and the entryway was dirty and the bathroom door was grimy. I’m embarrassed for my town! I’ve had decent meals here previously, but this was really sad. Grandma loved her butternut squash ravioli! I enjoyed my wine.

Leo

DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!! The food is awful, overpriced, and came out within seconds of ordering. Not to mention the food was old, cold and doesn't look like the google picture. They definitely pre cooked everything and then had it sit under some heat all day. Now me and my boyfriend are suffering from a stomach ache. Honestly you’re better off going to McDonald’s.

Emily McGrew

Review only for lunch on the deck Absolutely awful. Think high school cafeteria food but worse. The shrimp ceviche tasted like nothing. It shouldn’t be difficult to fry up chicken tenders and fries but it’s obvious they chose the cheapest frozen food they could get. The patio area is falling apart and is dirty. Old junk such as empty display cases just sitting out on the open are a nice touch. I think the dinner service is better but I’m not going to risk it. I guess they are lucky they have customers from the rafts who don’t know any better so they don’t have to try!

Ramona Freeland

Our recent experience at River Ranch restaurant, following a day of river activities, presented several challenges. Despite an initial positive impression, including commendable service from the bar staff, our dining experience was significantly impacted by a prolonged delay in food service, exceeding one hour. Furthermore, we were informed that our seating area was designated for a reservation scheduled to begin within thirty minutes. While we accommodated this, the food remained delayed for an additional twenty-five minutes. Subsequently, without providing an explanation, Manager Alex Monshin removed our food and indicated he was contacting law enforcement. Despite our calm demeanor and lack of any disruptive behavior, the manager declined to engage in further discussion or offer a refund.. We will never frequent this establishment again as a result of this disrespectful business behavior by the Manager Alex Monshin. Since we didnt get to eat our meal because the manager took our food and theew it away, we called our credit card companies and disputed the charge. This encounter was just horrible and he never did call law enforcement. Terrible service on his part. Ruined our entire dinning experience

Carlie Haslett

I have never been so disappointed in a dining experience in my life. For a restaurant that has been high on my list to visit, I am absolutely appalled at how unorganized and downright rude this place is. They literally took the food off our table and threw it away since the table was needed for a prior reservation which we understood. They took over an hour to get us our food. We figured we could just take our food to go if the time ran over. But nope, no explanation, no apology, nothing. Just snatched it up off the table and tossed it and said we needed to go. The staff seemed completely overwhelmed, snapping at customers instead of helping, and the manager Alex was no better, condescending, dismissive, and clearly unable to manage the chaos happening in their own restaurant. It is one thing to have a busy day, but it is another to treat paying customers like an inconvenience and then act like it is somehow our fault for expecting basic service. The vibe is chaotic, the staff is disorganized, and the management is clueless. Save your money and your time. There are plenty of other places that actually appreciate their customers and know how to run a restaurant. I am beyond disappointed.