Still one of the best breakfast places in the Truckee area. Have been coming since 2001 and the place looks exactly the same. There's no other breakfast in Truckee that I would recommend more. Consistent, good to large portions, and well priced. Definitely not a posh spot but a great breakfast for normal people. read more

Best breakfast around! The huevos rancheros are the best in the Tahoe basin and maybe even California! Awesome eggs Benedict, egg scrambles, cinnamon rolls and daily specials. This place gets busy but they work fast and efficiently. The cook staff and waitresses are great! read more

My family and I decided to try this restaurant out before heading home from camping. When we got there, we were told that we would be waiting for an 1 - 1.5 hours and we totally understood because we were a party of 9 and we were able to enjoy mimosas while we waited. Once we were seated and ordered our food, things started to go downhill: 1. A table of 4 that was seated after us were served their food before us. In a restaurant it's pretty standard that you serve people based on seating order, unless something is ordered that takes a long time to prepare, especially when you know that your customers have been waiting a long time to be seated. When we asked another waitress about it she was very nonchalant and said the orders get submitted when they get submitted like that was a good enough reason and didn't offer an apology. 2. The waitress had a hard time with hearing. We ordered irish coffee and she brought out iced tea. My son, whose 7, ordered the bear pancakes from the kids menu and she brought out blueberry pancakes from the regular menu. She offered to rectify it, but we had already waited for over 2 hours to be seated and receive our food that we didn't even bother with waiting for the bear pancakes. 3. We get the bill and the waitress was at least on it with removing the charge for the blueberry pancakes, but I guess we ended up paying for it later because I didn't leave a tip, but the charge that cleared my bank account was $15 over the original amount. Apparently, this is something that has not just happened to me because I looked at previous reviews just now and read a review where this was done to another customer. Guess I will be calling my bank tomorrow to rectify the issue. After my experience and scrolling and reading the reviews AFTER I ate at this establishment, I think it is safe to conclude that if you have a large party, you have a higher chance of poor customer service and a negative experience. I definitely will not be returning to this restaurant because the quality of the food wasn't worth the wait or service (it was mediocre). Also, be weary if your waitress is named Katie. read more

Such bad customer service!!! Our waitress treated me and my family so bad. She was rude and talked down to us the entire time. Refused to anything remotely normal that a waitress should do - like splitting our checks or idk, be a decent human being??? We just tried to have a nice family outing and it was a horrible experience. We will NEVER go here again. Subpar food and terrible service. Support other local places!!! They will treat you a million times better than this place. read more

I'm just seeing this now. Why would yelp take it down? It's a legitimate review of your establishment and the people you employ. Also, if not you. Who responded in the FB post? It says Your restaurants name when asking me why the one star. I responded when I saw your message why. I I wouldn't ever have even wrote this if I didn't get such a jerk message back. Are you saying I made it up? Why would I do that? The proof is in the screen shots honey.... if it wasn't you then it was someone who controls your Facebook page and that is a reflection of you and your business. Stop making excuses for your poor behavior or talk you business up like that when I honestly told you what happened. You can take this and learn from it or you can do what you did and question my honesty. Either way this review is an honest and true review. I hope people read it and see the pictures of proof. I don't know you personally and have no reason to make it up. Gross that you tried to get yelp to take it down. Yelp is for this very reason. Watch what you say and your employees better instead of lying and getting legitimate reviews off by asking yelp. More rudeness from you. read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - so nice at first! I mistakenly thought she was being sincere. see next screen shot as she quickly because condescending. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

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I have been going to Donner Kitchen since the '90's and still love stopping in to see that it still has a great breakfast menu! Get there early, often a line, but if you had a late night and get there late, they take care of your cocktail/coffee needs while in line. read more

Worth the drive to get those post hangover HUEVOS RANCHEROS...why bother with anything else? We ate there twice because my husband accidentally got the combo pancake boring thing so we had to go back for the huevos...best ever. read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Check it out! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

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Great place for breakfast and lunch! This will be our go to on our way to Reno! Come check it out, I recommend the famous "Kellies Huevos rancheros". Yum! read more

Donner Lake Kitchen is well-known by locals and travelers alike. That being said, arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table. If there is a small group of you, seating at the bar is based on a first come, first serve basis and you can usually avoid the wait time by sitting there. Donner Lake Kitchen is a fun breakfast spot that hones in on the locality of Donner Lake. The food is good and comforting, the staff is friendly, and the restaurant has a homey feel to it. I've had their scrambles and their eggs benedict and have been pleased each time. The eggs benedict sauce is nice and flavorful but isn't overwhelming and it goes great with their home fries! My vacation recommendation: Get out of bed early, catch the sunrise over Donner Lake, then head to Donner Lake Kitchen for a great comforting breakfast. read more

This is another restaurant that is jam packed with visitors! We don't frequent it much because of this, however the food is always delicious. read more

Ok so just so you know, this place is definitely worth the wait, but be prepared... seriously the wait can be long! If your like me and can have a hangry spouse...you may want to bring some snacks! He started off hangry, but by the end we were both completely stuffed and satisfied that is for sure!! Huge pancakes with tons of butter and hot syrup is definitely my thing!! Really good sized portions and awesome service! We had our main waitress, another waitress that helped and a young man that came by with more water!! It was great! Again, definitely worth the wait! read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - This is called Pat's favorite (and chorizo) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

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The food was good but we waited almost an hour after sitting down to get it. We understand they were busy, but waiting almost an hour is ridiculous. To make matters worse, we had to ask for some compensation for the delay but didn't receive any. A 5-10% discount on our total tab would've been a nice gesture. Sadly we won't be back here any time soon. read more

My absolute favorite breakfast spot! Always perfect after an early morning Donner paddle! Crab eggs Benedict and mimosas are my favorite read more

If I could give them 10 stars, I would. Not only was the staff friendly and timely, but the food was amazing. The atmosphere of the restaurant felt like we were dining at someone's home and we LOVED it! My french toast was thick and cooked just right, and my boyfriend loved the Cowboy Breakfast (not a single bite was left on his plate). Definitely going to be our go-to breakfast spot every time we come to Truckee!! I couldn't be happier with this experience! read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - French toast with scrambled eggs and bacon & Cowboy Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

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What a great find! The food was so good (and the drinks - Bloody Mary's were maybe the best I've ever had), and very kind staff. They were so accommodating and friendly, and the service was quick too. Thanks for a great brunch! read more

Worst customer service!!! Our waitress was so rude and mad that she actually had to work and do her job. It didn't matter that me and my group I was with came 3 hours before closing time, she was upset no matter what. Refused to split our checks and and then the machines went down and we were forced to get cash from an "ATM machine", which was just a ghetto gas station across the street. It was honestly a nightmare. We couldn't get out of there fast enough. The degrading way the waitress treated us was honestly appalling and we will NEVER go here again and encourage everyone else to do the same! Go anywhere else!!! read more

Today is the Tuesday right after the new year weekend and this place is still full of visitors. The environment is lively and the food is excellent. I ordered sweet potato fries with French dip. The dip sauce is scrumptious. The waitress is attentive and helped us to take a family photo. No forceful surcharge for my family of 7, so here you go, 20%+ tips and a 5 stars review here. read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Frosty the snowman pancake, my kids love it. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

Stopped here in 8/29/2019 on my way home from Reno to have breakfast. They have a large menu. Had the Cowboy's Breakfast, it was very good and large, almost could not finish it.1/2 order of biscuits and gravy, patty sausage, hash browns, and eggs..$13 read more

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

Do yourself a favor and find somewhere else to eat. We will never go back here! the food took forever to come out and when we got out bill it was originally 117 dollars for 4 breakfast dishes which is okay for us, we tipped them cash and left. 2 days after we noticed that they charged 145 dollars on our card without us signing that 25% tip since we left cash for them as well. That place is a scam! but if you want to wait for an hour for your breakfast and get charged for service that is not worth it then try this place and see it for yourself. read more

Get ready! Your breakfast plate will be loaded with great home cooked food. From the pancakes to the Eggs Benedict, you can't go wrong. I felt like I was back in Alabama. Don't leave without trying the bacon Bloody Mary! read more

If you come here during weekend, it is a long line to wait... you can check in by yourself to put your name and how many people in your party on white board. If you are by yourself, you can check out the bar space. If there is any seat, you can take it. (They did not tell me that when I just arrived, I waited for 30 minutes to get a seat from the bar.) It takes about 20-30 minutes to get your food after you order in the rush hour. You can order drinks while you are waiting. I had their coffee, it is not bad at all! (I am very picky about coffee.) I order Veggie Eggs Benedict, it is super good, I love the source of the Benedict. I was pretty upset to wait for an hour to get my food, but I am very happy about the food. I definitely want to come back, but I will come here in the weekdays from now on. read more

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Get The Hashbrowns! They're cooked perfectly, with a crispy, oily outside and a soft, mushy, potato-y inside. My mouth is watering just thinking about them! As for the rest of the restaurant, Donner Lake Kitchen is a cute little diner-style establishment tucked back behind another building. There's parking all around the restaurant, and it's easy to get to. The drive up to it is beautiful, as it's right on the lake. When I went, we waited for about 15 minutes before a waitress came over to help us, which I'm guessing is out of the ordinary because they get some great reviews. After we ordered, everything went very smoothly. Their breakfast menu is pretty big, with many scrambles, omelettes, and breakfast plates to choose from. I went in with my family, and none of us were disappointed with our orders. Although this place is up in the mountains, all of the veggies were fresh. The coffee wasn't bad, either! I'd recommend stopping in to Donner Lake Kitchen if you're in the area. You'll get great food and drinks in a quintessential old-Tahoe style restaurant. It's a must-try! read more

Food takes a while but it's worth the wait and the staff make the wait more fun. Great service and real community vibe.

They do get busy so call ahead if possible or just get there early! They don't have too many tables so they fill up fast. They quickly greeted us at our table and offered up some drinks. We did have to ask for more coffee which I feel like they should be asking you until you have refused some coffee but that's just me. Other than that the food came out with good timing. I ordered the cowboy biscuits and let's just say the biscuits and gravy were one of my favorites ever tried. Top 3 for sure! Eggs were cooked right, runny how I like them. My fiance order the crab cake Benedict and was not disappointed. And last but not least the chilaquiles, those looked delicious as well. My sister boyfriend didn't complain so I assume they were up to his standards. The table got quiet once the food came so you know thats always a good sign!! I'll definitely be back on my next visit to Tahoe. 10/10 recommended read more

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Excellent quality breakfast, and service with a smile. I'd recommend highly. I had the eggs Benedict. Perfect. The blackberry cream cheese stuffed French toast was amazing too. read more

This was such a surprise. Wonderful atmosphere and staff. The food was fresh and flavorful. Loved the Eggs Benedict. read more

Donner Lake Kitchen - Wonderful food. Best eggs Benedict ever. Nice atmosphere and staff. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Truckee, California

Classic diner near Donner Lake. I have a feeling it really shines for breakfast but we were here for lunch so will stick to a review of that. IT is clearly very popular, we had to wait a while to get in and parking was tight but I think the wait was worthwhile Fortunately lunch was good too. I had the tostada, which while not exceptional was fresh and tasty and reasonably portioned. My father in-law, who has very particular dietary preferences, did well with the veggie quesadilla (my son enjoyed the kids quesadilla). My wife got the veggie potatoes, a nice sort of scramble with fresh veggies. I was really pleased at how all ingredients seemed fresh, I've been burned before at restaurants in this area that clearly rely on canned or frozen items so I always appreciate that places like this one get fresh veggies brought in. Service was nice. Overall no complaints, would return. read more

Found this one through Yelp. Do not be fooled by the exterior, because the breakfast is great. Giant coffee mugs. Everything made to order. Eggs Benedict was perfect. Eggs just right. Wife had the feta special and gave it 2 thumbs up. Would definitely hit this place if you want a great breakfast in Truckee read more

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

This place is great, a must if you're in town. We come here every year while we're up here for Labor Day and it's always great. Its an awesome place to take the kids as well! read more

owner and staff don't wear masks, unsafe establishment. Was quoted 45min upon arrival. Waited for 40min, and when I checked in with the hostess, was quoted 30 minutes more. Additionally, my family was publicly humiliated bc the owner stumbled on her own and dropped her tray of drinks, none of which was MY fault. To expect any of your customers to help clean up glass, a mess that you made, is putting your customers at risk. The owner felt the need to blame somebody, so she publicly refused to serve my family and called me Entitled. Entitlement is refusing to wear a mask and not protecting the very people that keep you in business. Extremely unprofessional, terrible customer service. Don't waste your time or money here. Gladly updating my review to clarify: 1. Spoke to the Owner upon arrival (older lady): she told me specifically 45 min, please believe I would not have put my name down if it was 1-1.5hr wait, towing 3 kids under 4. 2. Checked in 10min after, with waitress (owners daughter) to politely ask for a menu while we waited. She bluntly told me it was online. Um, ok? 3. 45 minutes in, I stood at the entrance (where it says on the floor "please wait here") to get an update on our table. Arms crossed, why? B/c it was cold! This is when the waitress said 30 more minutes. And I wasnt rude, but did mention, "well the other waitress told us 45 minutes?". Im sure I wasnt the only customer asking questions. Plenty of other people ordering drinks. Sorry to annoy you, but you are in the Service Industry, where customers ask questions. I suggest hiring a hostess with the capacity to estimate turnaround times in a friendly manner, so that servers can focus on serving. Otherwise, reservations on weekends seems to be the only solution to not overwhelm your staff. read more

DON'T DINE HERE. I'm sure this is the neighborhood spot, but we had a terrible experience. Our initial wait time was 45 mins. We were not complaining. When we kindly checked the status of our table with the hostess she said another 30. We walked back to waiting area to give our family the update. Then the hostess came back outside, spilled the entire tray of drinks she was serving on the floor, became super flustered walked over to our party and in front of our kids said - "You guys are entitled, and I will not serve you." Wait, what?? How are we entitled?? We were in disbelief. Did we cause you to drop your drinks? People check in on their wait times all the time, it's part of the restaurant business. We respectfully left Did not want to experience anymore of that craziness. Also, based on other negative reviews, particularly about service, there seems to be a reoccurring detail of one waitress treating patrons rudely. Perhaps that's the issue?? UPDATE: not surprised by the owners response. She should get her facts straight bc her waitress quoted us a 45 min wait. no way would we have waited 2 hrs with 3 kids under 4 y/o for scrambled eggs and pancakes. And we were waiting in the parking lot, so not blocking anyone from doing their job. Still doesn't change my experience and clearly the unprofessional owner that can't own up to her mistakes, and who would flat out lie to save face. read more

Cute diner style restaurant with amazing food and service!! The wait wasn't long, we put our name on the white board and honestly waited maybe 15 minutes..if that... seated quickly.. server came right away. So nice, friendly and gave us the local feel.. loved it! The food was absolutely amazing! We cleared our plates.. the blackberry cream cheese stuffed French toast .. those were out of this world. The pancakes with the eggs and bacon were amazing. Service great, atmosphere great. Definitely will be coming back when we're in the area. read more

They STOLE MONEY FROM ME AND MY FRIEND. My husband left no tip because we waited 2 hours and then were left with shitty service and cold food. They put a 2 in front of that 0 on the tip to make it a 20 dollar tip, WHICH IS STEALING. They put a 2 in front of my friends 5 dollar tip. Hope you like dealing with the bank, this place is a scam. read more

BEWARE: Food Poisoning!!! We were on our way to Tahoe and decided to order take out so we could eat the food while on the road. We ordered the French Dip, Crab Eggs Benedict, Pancakes, and Huevos Rancheros. The food didn't look too appetizing as what was shown on the pictures but we decided to eat the food anyways because this would be our first meal of the day. After a couple of hours we started to feel nauseous and sick! It ruined our entire trip. Avoid the food at all cost! read more

Updating this review. I am still bother that it is members only, but I understand. I'm sure one of the "Bay Area Transplants" reported those loose covid restriction and ruined it for every one outside of Truckee. The irony is that the fearful liberal now has a Truckee address and can eat inside. read more

Amazing breakfast spot - a hidden gem. Even tho they were busy - we had a great server - who even shared a little bit of history of area since we are out of state visitors. read more

Seems like they are short staffed so it took longer than stated to get a table but once seated it was awesome. GREAT service and food plus the location is super cute and just down the road from the Pioneer Monument. read more

Awesome Down-home great food unpretentious. Old Tahoe normal un-work, no fusion cuisine just great food

I have come to the dlk since I was 7. Now I'm really a lot older. I have not only watched Kelly's kids grow up, but also now have kids of their own. This is a happy family owned loving place. The wait times are normally an hour to 2 or more. Food is usually just as long and definitely worth it! I will tell you the food is hand made per table and the best you will ever have. This is our sweet town of Donner Lake. We are slow paced and friendly. If you are going to be rude or in a hurry keep on going! Or go back to where you came from! I was there when the reviews of "27 days" ago came in. They were in the wrong most definitely! Come get your take out and enjoy Truckee's finest. But please don't be rude. read more

Katie, on my last review you responded with" absence makes the heart fonder", you were right. We visited Truckee June 5th through June 14th for a little vacation, and my wife and I enjoyed breakfast and lunch at the DLK. Our first breakfast we had was our favorite; the Huevos Rancheros and the Cowboy Breakfast (biscuits and gravy); two days in a row! FANTASTIC! The lunch, which was our first time for lunch, was fantastic. A beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze, I had the Pastrami sandwich and my wife had the Reuben, both excited the palate. Kellie, our server, was very fun to talk with and made us feel part of the family. My wife had a fun time talking to you about Cabella's, our favorite sporting goods store. We had such a wonderful experience with Donner Lake Kitchen that we are planning to visit again within the next month or so. Thank you for ALWAYS making our stay at Truckee a memorable one. Looking forward to visiting again. Guests for life, Adam and Gabriella Wild read more