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    Taildragger Cafe

    4.2 (111 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Taildragger Cafe Photos

    TAILDRAGGER CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Taildragger Cafe

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    View of the airport
    Robbie R.

    I'm spending some down time at Tahoe outta the heat, but I needed to take a important meeting with one of my big bosses outta LA, so I told him to land the plane in Minden. It's the nearest practical airport to me. South Lake Tahoe is too busy and at high altitude as is the Truckee airport. I takes more experience to deal with the high altitude. The Taildragger Cafe is right here at the Minden Airport. Basically walking distance from where you can park the plane. The food here is very popular breakfast food, but they do serve all day till dinner even. Service is super friendly and efficient. The inside has I good view of the airport runways and planes. The full menu is posted online on their FB page. We had some lunch and did our meeting. I had a cheeseburger with fries and my boss had the Citation sandwich, which was roast beef with cheese and caramelized onions. My burger came with fries and we shared an order of onion rings. My burger was pretty good, cooked med rare as ordered. Pretty standard burger. My boss liked his Citation sandwich with the caramelized onions. The onion rings were decent as well. He had coffee too, and it was kept full and hot by the server. I'm glad this little restaurant is out here at the airport, it's a good place to have if you fly in and need food right away. The little airport I have in Redding has a Chinese restaurant with a view of the runways! I'll take little airports over big ones any day!

    tons of filling in the omelet
    M L.

    I'd heard that this little airport located between Minden and Carson had fantastic breakfast. Just take Airport Road from US395 and go east. Follow it to the end and there you are. Lots of parking, at least when I went. The dining area has lots of light from the outside with views of the planes and tarmac. I guess if you have a plane you can land here and just park and walk into the cafe and go fly off to somewhere else to eat. The friendly server was right over and served coffee. Looking over the menu, I ordered a build my own omelet ($10.50) with cheese, spinach, mushrooms and sausage. $10.50 is a good price for any omelet these days and these here are FOUR egg omelets. I got hashbrowns and toast too. Wow, when my breakfast arrived, it was huge! The omelet was stuffed high and had lots of chopped sausage in it .... heavy on the meat ... OK! The hashbrowns were some of the most perfect and tasty hashbrowns I ever had! The toast was buttered nice, but you do have to request jelly as it's not on the table like most places ... maybe too many customers stealing jelly off the table! I'll say, people were right saying this Taildragger Cafe has some great breakfast and low prices too!

    This is only a half order of the biscuits and gravy?! I couldn't believe the size!
    Molly M.

    A tiny restaurant located at the minden airport. It's cool bc you can watch all the planes takeoff and land while grabbing a bite. It was busy when we arrived and I realized it's bc the prices are unbeatable! I haven't seen prices this affordable in a decade! Offers Basic diner fair but the great service set in a supercool location puts it up to 5 stars for me.

    Paige E.

    Good breakfast, bloody Mary's really good, friendly service!! We will be back and try lunch & dinner!!

    Full order of biscuits and gravy filled the plate

    The food is so good and the prices are great. Love that it's right off the airport runway too.

    Biscuits and gravy

    Wonderful, friendly service, great prices and delicious food. That's all I need. Watching the planes was pretty fun too, though it was a bit quiet when we were there. Corned beef hash was soooo good, and hubby enjoyed his huevos rancheros. The biscuits and gravy was HUGE, you have been warned :)

    Here it is... located at the Minden-Tahoe airport.

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    6 months ago

    Amazing restaurant. Been here with my family and the food is great, staff was also very friendly and the area is really cozy.

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    1 year ago

    Classic American food, good specials also, great prices, fun view, and tatertots...sooo good

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    3 years ago

    Great place for a quick meal. Kids love watching the aircraft come and go when we get a window seat.

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good is very good cool view of the airport service is adequate breakfast is very good

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    3 years ago

    Awesome service. Unique atmosphere. Food was delicious and delivered to the table quickly.

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    We have eaten breakfast and lunch here several times. Never a bad meal! The staff was really friendly, too. We will go again soon.

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    4 years ago

    Had a meeting for dinner here. Food was good, better than most airport restaurants I have been to. Very good service.

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    Page 1 of 3

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    Review Highlights - Taildragger Cafe

    I loved this little cafe located in the Minden airport and adequately decorated with a cool aviation theme.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Cowboy's Cafe

    Cowboy's Cafe

    4.1
    (325 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    If you want a no frills, stick to your bones, simple kind of breakfast, you can definitely get it…read morehere. They have a pretty extensive menu. I wanted some breakfast without having to go to an IHOP or Denny's. The place is TINY. Mostly 2-top tables and a handful of booths and bar seating. If you are seated at a regular table, expect to be friendly with the guests next to you. It's such tight quarters that you can't help but start having conversations with the people next to you. I got the pork chops with eggs and hash browns. You get 2 decent sized bone-in pork chops. They were well seasoned and juicy. Really good. My son got a pancake from the kid's menu that was shaped like a Mickey Mouse head. It was huge. I got a sausage patty to go with it. This was the only sub-par item as it was dry and lifeless. I feel like it was sitting on the flat top or under a heat lamp for hours. It wasn't worth eating. Other than that, the food we had over all was good. The service was OK. The morning we went, it seemed like there was only 1 server for the entire restaurant. She was taking orders,serving, AND bussing tables. So, the quality of service wasn't the best. She was rushed. Glad I was able to try a local spot.

    We have been coming to Cowboys Café for a few months now I've already done a review, but thought I…read morewould add another one. Cowboys Café is on the north end of town in Minden Nevada. You really have to look. Or you will gonna miss turning into it because it's in a very small plaza. There is a sign outside that says Cowboys Café, but you really gotta kind of look for it. This morning, as we were eating there, I was thinking that this place reminds me of an old style truckstop. You walk in and it's a real western flavor. There's a bar seating and booth seating and tables. The walls are decorated with different kinds of rifles and all kinds of different western style decorations, which is really cool. You're always greeted warmly by the staff. The place gets pretty packed at times, especially on Sundays. But we always seem to get a seat. If we wait it's not usually a very long wait and the food is very much worth the wait. I've been slowly working my way through the menu since we've been coming here. I've had the chicken fried steak. I've had the pancakes. I believe we've even stopped in there for lunch and I had a really good cheeseburger. I've also tried the chili. That is very good. This morning I tried the linguiça with eggs and man it was amazing. They have the best home fries anywhere. The coffee is always good and it's strong the way I like it. So if you haven't been in here, you need to get in here and give these guys a try and I guarantee you'll be coming back.

    Photos
    Inside photo looking back at the commodes.
    Inside photo looking back at the commodes.
    The best chicken fried steak anywhere.
    The best chicken fried steak anywhere.
    Breakfast Burger

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    Breakfast Burger
    Cocos N Moes

    Cocos N Moes

    4.7
    (40 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    What an amazing hidden gem in Minden! I came here on 8/4 with a group of girl friends (8 of us…read moretotal) and it was about a 30 minute wait for them to get a table that big together. Waitress were super helpful, kind and friendly. They were joking back and forth with us and in good spirits. Moe was very hospitable and joked right along with us. Another girl and I ordered a cold brew coffee, a couple other girls added that to their breakfast because it was so delicious and MASSIVE. All the portion sizes were also MASSIVE. I had the Traditional Eggs benedict. I have no complaints about the flavor, presentation or accompanying fruit cup. The sauce was the perfect portion for the meal and my food wasn't swimming in sauce. My one critique is that my eggs were a little too well done. I don't like my yolks completely runny, but these had absolutely no run to them. (see accompanying picture). If/when I go back, I'll definitely ask if that is standard and if so, to undercook them a bit so there's a little run to the yolk. Other than that minor detail this plaice is still 10/10. It's worth the drive out of Reno for this little gem tucked right off the main highway/street in Minden/Gardnerville.

    My small family dinner grew into a giant party in my backyard. No way was I cooking for that many…read morepeople! A friend recommended Cocos n Moes for catering. What a great choice! Ordering was easy, they kept in touch, and on the day of the event, showed up on time with everything we needed. The delicious food was plentiful, and we had a ton of compliments, especially on the brisket. I instantly started thinking, "When is the next party?" So I'd have an excuse to order again!

    Photos
    Cute!
    Cute!
    Chipotle Benedict
    Chipotle Benedict
    Inside

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    Inside
    1862 David Walley's Restaurant & Saloon

    1862 David Walley's Restaurant & Saloon

    3.4
    (315 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$

    Food was excellent but the air conditioning was broken. Also took almost an hour to get our food…read moreonce we ordered. Requested a side salad when we ordered, was asked if we wanted that prior to the meal. Took 32 minutes to get the salad.

    We arrived at DW on a Sunday afternoon just before 4 pm- check in time…read more We were given a list of local restaurants- at the top was 1864. The receptionist let us know that they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. So we decided to try it out first night. We were ready to be out of the car for the day and just walk over. We were told by the hostess that the restaurant was closed to a large party for a family reunion until 7:30, but we could order off the full menu at the bar. We were very happy with our experience here. The bartender/server was very welcoming and friendly. He first said they were in the middle of changing over their wine and beer offerings and was ready to share today's offerings. He didn't rush us at all on ordering and timed out our appetizer, salad, then main course perfectly. We started with the stuffed button mushrooms- so yummy. Then we shared a ceaser salad with large grilled prawns on top- he had the kitchen split it in the back for us. Such a nice touch My hubby ordered the bison burger MR- it was cooked perfectly and the fries were hot and crispy I ordered the DWR veggie pasta- so, so yummy. I'm still thinking about it days later dnd hoping to get in here to eat again before we leave. The sauce is so lemony and perfect. It's a huge portion- so I was able to take more then 1/2 back to our condo with me and work on over the next few days. Our server took time to welcome us and visit with us when he wasn't busy. Also sharing some of his favorite other restaurants in the area so we had places to eat on the days 1862 is closed. The restaurant is tastefully decorated and clean. As was the restroom. We will for sure be back

    Photos
    1862 David Walley's Restaurant & Saloon
    Strawberry Short Cake dessert
    Strawberry Short Cake dessert
    The Perfect Martini

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    The Perfect Martini
    Cook’d

    Cook’d

    3.9
    (440 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    I got the tri tip sandwish and raviollis for lunch…read more Both were fantastic and good size portions I didn't feel skimped. Prices and services from staff were both top notch. The owner Bryan came out to greet me and we had a great chat about the summer season.. Very friendly atmosphere and would totally come back for lunch or dinner.

    The waiter was very nice , good service , prompt and polite . Food was mediocre…read more Except the eggplant . I heard from someone that these were family recipes? I hope not . The egg plant was total shoe leather . I could not even bite into it and naw off a bite, so I didn't . I have all my teeth and want to keep them. . But I had ordered sliders and tacos . The tacos were the best of the lot . These were happy hour appetizers . I have been in the restaurant business most of my life and I am 65 now . Sorry to be harsh , but it was a total disappointment . Because I have been serving food most of my life , I also hate to complain. But the more I think about it , ya'll should fix it . I was trying to figure out what you actually did to the egg plant that made it that way? But again, service was awesome . I read rest of reviews , someone said they are opening in Reno. You should seriously get your shiz together before you try that or you may lose everything . You have many 5 star reviews, but wonder if they are friends or drinking heavily, the bad reviews are all pretty consistent . Seriously, would love to see more wonderful options in this area , would like to see you succeed . But to charge high prices and not fix what needs to be , is not good to open somewhere else . I will say I noticed little woman in the back , was kind of wondering if she was doing things properly sanitation wise . Looked a little iffy. But have noticed a couple reviews on that. Anyway, good luck.

    Photos
    Fall yall!
    Fall yall!
    Fish tacos on our happy hour
    Fish tacos on our happy hour
    Tri tip anyone?

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    Tri tip anyone?
    Woodett's Diner

    Woodett's Diner

    3.7
    (293 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Had breakfast here this morning and my chicken fried steak was really good and my eggs were cooked…read moreperfectly! Prices are reasonable but they seem like they get really busy during the morning rush so prepare to wait a bit for refills and your order. We really enjoyed our breakfast here.

    First off, we were limited on restaurants open on a Monday…read more We finally found this one to be open and saw things we would eat from the menu. We were greeted and seated right away. I ordered the savoyarde omelette- the menu says no substitutions/ immune had bacon in it- at a different restaurant where you can sub- I would have asked no bacon, add mushrooms or avocado. But instead, I asked for bacon on the side to give to my meat eating hubby. The server said it was already diced up- we said that was fine in a ramekin so he could put it on his bacon waffle. This is not what happened- it came out a fat drippy bacon strip stuck into my cheese of my omelette... hubby grabbed it off quickly. I was so grossed out by this- normally I would want to send it back- but got the vibe if I had the kitchen might have done something undesirable to my meal... and it wasn't worth the hassle Hubby ordered the chicken fried steak and a side bacon waffle- he made his own chicken and waffles. He was happy with it after he recreated his meal. I can say we won't be back. The lack of caring made us uncomfortable about what other corners they might be cutting. Plenty of parking

    Photos
    Woodett's Diner
    Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich
    Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich
    Biscuits and Gravy Combo - delicious!

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    Biscuits and Gravy Combo - delicious!
    The Pink House

    The Pink House

    4.0
    (354 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$

    We stopped in for a cocktail and ran into a full-blown breakfast service today. We did not know…read morethey were serving brunch, but clearly it's caught on and we're late to the party. It was rainy, and so everybody was indoors, and it was kind of crowded, but that's a testament to the quality of the food. Our bartender, Maddy, was energetic and friendly, and it didn't hurt that she grew up six doors down on our street. My wife, ever the hugger, was thrilled to see her, and you could tell they had a mutual fondness for each other. So if you're into day drinking, and it's a Sunday, this is a great stop. Quality, alcohol, friendly faces, what look like good food, and a clean and pleasant environment made this the place to stop. Rest assured, we will be back

    Cute place situated at the foothills of Genoa. We came to celebrate a belated bday on 7/12 and…read morechose to sit outside since it was such a beautiful warm evening. As I was perusing through the menu, I noticed that many of the dishes have a southern/cajun twist. We learned that the chef was from Mississippi. We ordered: - Beet marinated deviled eggs w/crispy prosciutto. Very good! Worth ordering. The yolk mixture had a little kick to it. - NOLA BBQ shrimp. SO GOOD, but crazy spicy! But, I know heat tolerance is subjective. Aside from the spiciness, the flavors were spot on. You can taste the wine, butter and spices. It was so flavorful and you can sop up all that goodness with the bread it comes with. - Green Tomatoes Tchoupitoulas. Delicious! You get a stack of fried green tomatoes and it's smothered in crab & crawfish. I would get this again. - Beer can chicken. This is the only item we had that I felt we coulda bypassed. Didn't really taste like anything special other than just a regular roasted chicken. It was served with corn which was over cooked and potato salad which was under cooked. I took the chicken home, but left the corn and potatoes behind. They have an extensive cocktail menu which had great cheeky names to them. Service was fine. The day we went, it did take a while for our apps to arrive and then an even longer time to receive entrees. I can only imagine that the kitchen was backed up? I noticed other tables surrounding us had the same issues. One of the other tables said out loud that their food was taking forever. I noticed that they arrived 10-15 min after we did. All that aside, I would definitely be back to try other items. Keep in mind, they are pricey averaging at $30 and up.

    Photos
    Part of the lunch seating available.
    Part of the lunch seating available.
    Tchoupitoulas
    Tchoupitoulas
    Porch

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    Porch

    Taildragger Cafe - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

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