Great customer service really defines a business and I personally experienced that here. Brian, the owner took the time to speak with me personally, was professional, attentive and genuinely cared about my experience. As a business owner myself in the service industry, I really appreciate this level of customer care and vibe. At the end of the day it's your actions and how you treat your customers that people remember. It's so important to have that level of openness and accessibility, and when people know they can talk to the manager and have a great conversation. Overall, it was a great experience and great people. I'll definitely be bringing my family back to enjoy the food and beautiful Donner Lake. Highly recommend! Thank you, Brian, and to your Team! read more

Only for RICH people here. We came here from Reno on a holiday and wanted something to drink and to eat. The wheat beer was good, and the cocktail was nice. The fried shrimp were XXL size, was full of batter, and the sauce was sweet. We got the pulled pork and the burger, medium rare. I asked for the burger to be medium rare, and pink. After a brief wait, the pulled pork and burger came. The pulled pork was nice, but the burger grilled to match the black charcoal it was cooked. The 2 drinks, 1 appetizer, and 2 main came out to over $120+. WOW!!! You've got to be rich to afford these prices!!! Most likely will try another place so as not to break the bank. read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - American Near Me - Truckee, California

This place has really gone downhill in 2026. It was some of the worst service I've experienced in a long time, and the food was mediocre at best. The atmosphere felt off from the moment we arrived. The staff was rude, the food took an unusually long time to come out even though the restaurant wasn't busy, and they even brought us the wrong order. To make matters worse, they still charged us for the incorrect food. After reading other recent reviews, it's clear that our experience wasn't an isolated incident. Many people are describing the same problems. I sincerely hope the owner takes these reviews seriously and makes the necessary changes to improve the restaurant, because it has a lot of work to do. read more

If you're looking for an energetic bar scene, with bunch of local drinkers, this is the place. If you're looking for a good meal, served in reasonable time frame and arrives hot in temp, keep looking. read more

What We Ordered - Island Style Poke Bowl - Fish and Chips - Clam Chowder Loveee the poke bowl so much we came back twice. I made the mistake of trying the clam chowder the 2nd visit. It was mainly bland milk in a bowl with little to no clams.. (just clam shells) and some minced veggies. Fish and Chips were tasty! Fish was crispy and moist. read more

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The food was absolutely amazing. We had the poutine...wow! We had the tots with bacon and jalapeño. We ate leftover French dio today, and it was almost the best we have ever had. The beer was great! Mixed drinks were excellant. They make their own ginger syrup for a Moscow Mule. We cannot say enough good about our server, Courtney. She made us feel at home. She made us laugh. We felt like family. If you are ever anywhere near Donners Lake, this is the place to go read more

Pioneer Burger:Wagyu beef, secret bacon cheese sauce, onion's delicious,but $26? Added the curry gravy with the Pub frys both outstanding. Fry's are steak fry married to a seasoned curly fry, curry gravy=Tikka Masala sauce amaz. California Caesar: Good dressing, garlic crumbs The Pub Lagar on tap was light & refreshing. Split all this with the Mrs & it was plenty. Kiosk out front was a few minutes wait & it seemed the staff was overwhelmed. Our waitress did a great job,but it took 25 minutes for the main meal to arrive. Overall a delicious, spendy quick stop for dinner on a Thursday night. read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - Pioneer Burger & Pub frys - American Near Me - Truckee, California

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Okay, it had been awhile since I ate in the Truckee area. Quite a sticker shock for menu prices. Not really a guy who looks for a $28 wagyu beef smash burger and then have to add $1 for cheese. Just couldn't do it. Some ordered the pretzel bites, very good and the duck gravy poutine, also very good. Both were good choices and under $20 each. The location is great, right across from Donner Lake, but I just can't see myself returning based on the prices. Service was okay, food delivery was slow and our choices didn't come out together. Very little interaction from the service staff. Looks like they have a good bar and there were several people having drinks. If you don't mind the expense, give it a shot. read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - Menu at Donner Lake Pub - American Near Me - Truckee, California

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This place employees criminals and when there called out on it they blame the customer. It was stated I swiped my card and tipped 50% of the bill. I swiped my card and left 20$ at the bar counter. Further more we had 3 individuals at the lake that day none of us drink alcohol seems like the tip amount was changed 3 times by the same waitress. My family will continue to wright bad reviews we will be making a police report and contacting the local authorities. This is FRAUD. Charging people that a tip that your employees are inputting. Just like Jake from State Farm is responsible for all those drivers on the road. Jake when your employees steal from your customers you are responsible. Maybe not criminally but you are responsible for my loss. Again this can be a peaceful thing give me my 27 dollar tip back again this must be happening all the time there this isn't a FIRST. Your a business owner I seen all your shit smark comments back at your customers it's sad man. Nice place shitty people and an even worse owner. read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - American Near Me - Truckee, California

The hamburger was horrible and the fries arrived cold. The service was lacking. And it was overpriced. Would never go back.

Best burger in the area. It tastes just as good as it looks! Super juicy and flavorful, cooked to order and somehow the bun is sturdy enough not to fall apart when eating, which is rare to find in the juicy big burger business Definitely worth a trip out to beautiful Donner lake on old hwy 40, if not just for this burger read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - American Near Me - Truckee, California

Nice bar. Big TVs. And a solid menu. Of course I has the Donner Dip and it didn't disappoint. Bread was fresh. Meat nice a warm. A little chewy and the dip. Perfect. Next time I won't wait for CalTran to close 80 to stop in! Thank you for being open and have great choices! read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - The dock outside the restaurant - American Near Me - Truckee, California

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Servers could use an attitude check. Drinks were good. Food was overpriced but still held up. If it wasn't for its location, we wouldn't be going back. read more

We have been stopping in here for 3 years now, primarily after completing a local hike. Sadly, the experience has gone downhill as other reviews have noted. Staff seem overwhelmed - tables seem to receive their food randomly, and 1 of the 5 in our party received their meal well after the rest (ticket was lost, but it's all on one ticket). The brisket was terrible (very fatty) and could not be finished. A salad ordered without onions came loaded with them and went unfinished. The brat bun was burnt, not toasted, and also could not be finished. Final tally: One meal out of five came out as expected. The chicken pesto sandwich and their fries are the only items I can recommend here, but honestly, just go to 50:50 Brewing or any of the other much more pleasant spots in Truckee. read more

The burgers were delicious, with bold flavors that hit all the right spots. The service was excellent--friendly and attentive. We loved the outdoor seating, which was perfect for our dog, who enjoyed the vibe as much as we did. One hiccup: when I asked about the Taleggio cheese on the burger, the server described it as a spicy cheddar, which missed the mark. Taleggio is actually a semi-soft Italian cheese with a pungent aroma but a mild, creamy, buttery flavor with a fruity tang. That strong smell caught my attention, prompting me to look it up. Overall, a great experience despite the cheese mix-up! read more

I recently came to The Pub after not having been here since before the pandemic, and was happy that it's still the place I remember - with the best fries in the area. Honestly the spiral cut fries are what keep me coming back, but it's also a nice place to hang out with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. There's a really cool mural outside now too which definitely matches the vibe. I've never had an issue with the service or food, though will admit it's pretty expensive for what it is. I'd come more often if it wasn't hard to justify the price and other places I could go for what I'll be spending, however, it's not too different from other places around Tahoe. Overall it's a great place to have a drink or a quick bite if you're in the mood for an American style bar! read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - Burger & Fries - American Near Me - Truckee, California

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Staff are all very attentive and check on you frequently. We sat on the patio because I love the bear mural. Try the lugnuts at least once. Not my thing but my friends loved the concept of a tator tot & jalapeño wrapped in bacon then dipped in beer cheese. read more

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Terrible service. We ended up leaving 20 minutes after not being seen. Waiter was chatting with friends at the bar instead. $30 just for a hamburger. And the woman carrying the waters was holding the open cups up against her boobs and armpits. So the part you put your mouth on was in her open armpit. read more

Hella expensive. Big burly man giving intimidating vibes. I couldn't relax the whole time we ate. He was constantly checking in with us but our server was already on top of it. Then this sweet lady looked like she was new and learning and he was just all over her. *slams round tray* "use a tray" It was so awkward and the employees just looked scared the whole time. read more

I did not come here looking for a fight. I came with family, friends, and the simple expectation that a pub might understand the meaning of public. Instead, we were met with hostility before hospitality, contempt before conversation. Our party of 19 entered calmly and respectfully. At no point did we demand accommodation beyond reason. Had the establishment been forthright, had they simply said, "We cannot support a group this size right now", we would have thanked them and adjusted our plans accordingly. That would have been honest. That would have been professional. What we received instead was scorn. The bartender, who also appeared to be the waiter and owner, addressed my wife with visible irritation and barely concealed anger. The looks alone told the story: we were unwelcome before a word was spoken. Not because of behavior, but because of presence. This is a pub that charges $30+ for a burger and yet cannot afford basic courtesy. Let me be clear: capacity limits are understandable. Operational constraints are real. But rudeness is a choice. So is arrogance. And this establishment chose both. A restaurant is not judged solely by its food, but by how it treats people when circumstances are inconvenient. When tested, this place failed, loudly and without apology. If you believe hospitality is a privilege rather than a responsibility, you may feel at home here. If you value professionalism, respect, and transparency, spend your money elsewhere. I know we will. read more

A good, fun, and local pub. Decent food, good bar selection, nice staff, and good ambiance.

Cute pub by Donner Lake, bring cash to avoid cc fee. Expect resort town pricing. Enjoyed our lunch and beers. Impressive liquor selection. Some indoor seating and lots of outdoor seating. Right across from West End Beach. read more

Small place but great food. Service has always been great every time we go. Keep it up!

Overall, the staff and food were pretty good, however, there was significant confusion when trying to order a whiskey, and ultimately they charged us $20 for a whiskey that they didn't even have on hand. I called two different phone numbers left two different voicemails, never heard back and never was credited for the $20 drink that we never even saw. I'd have given a better rating except I expect a little bit better customer service when an error of this nature is made. read more

Came in on a Friday afternoon to grab some drinks and lunch. The hostess was super friendly and seated us quickly. Our server came to take our drink order and seemed slightly irritated about our questions, then we came to find that several of our drinks weren't available and had to find some other choices. We ordered tacos and fish and chips, the fish came out burnt and undercooked inside and as our tacos were placed on the table our server promptly picked them up and took them away, no communication with us as to why. We found out after asking that they had the wrong filling, would have appreciated communication prior to having to flag the server down and ask. A new plate of fish was prepared and brought back perfectly cooked and tasted great. While we had issues with our food and it was the kitchens downfall, our server came across frustrated with us and seemed annoyed or bothered by our requests to fix our meal. We spoke with the server upon leaving to express our concerns and how we felt uncomfortable during our visit. Overall the food was good however the server was less than desirable. read more

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The food is overpriced and terrible. I ordered a brisket sandwich and the meat was all fat and very tough. I would never go back.

Absolutely the most dog friendly place I've ever been. The servers were super friendly and the food was really good! I had a side of Mac and cheese (yum) and a poke bowl. Hubs had a salad and side of o-rings that were exceptional. Not cheap ($100 with no drinks) but a very nice experience so worth it. Everyone on the patio had at least one dog. no drama, everyone just vibin' read more

I would think that with all the poor reviews this place would up their game. It's so easy to be nice. Food was good but overpriced. Waitress was nice. 5.00 for a coke and no offer for refills!! I won't be back. Prices are way too much. read more

We stopped in on a Tuesday right when they opened as a pit stop between work visits. It was empty and stayed empty the entire time but that's expected when everyone is on the slopes. The server was quick and just the right amount of attentive. The pub was small but comfortable and since it was such a nice day the doors were open which was great. I got the pulled pork sandwich and it was delicious! I wish there was more sauce but that's just how I am. read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - Location - American Near Me - Truckee, California

Wonderful lunch right next to Donner Lake. Staff was friendly and the food was great. read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - American Near Me - Truckee, California

The worst place I have ever been in Truckee. We have a vacation home and come to Truckee often, We have truly never been treated worse by their bartender. The rudest employees. I could not even sit down that is how rude they are. I have never been spoken to this way. DO NOT GO! Wish I could give 0 stars. read more

Great selection of draft beers and they have Sunday ticket! Do not sleep on the brisket sandwich- thick slab of perfectly smoked in house brisket. My Jewish mother approved. We will be back for more. read more

Excellent place! We stopped here on our way home heading back from Tahoe and we could not have picked a better place to dine at for lunch. We were on the lookout for a place that was dog friendly that could accommodate our family plus our little guy that we took on vacation and this place seemed to have the most promising reviews. Love the casual, laid-back, nice atmosphere. We were seated outside on some bench tables under the shade. Our server was awesome. Super friendly and very attentive. Everything on the menu looked so appealing. I ended up getting a lettuce wrap burger. My husband got some pesto sandwich and the kids split a burger. Everything was absolutely incredibly delicious. You can tell everything is made fresh. And their house made fries were insanely good! I could've ate a bucket of those alone. Overall great spot and we would most definitely visit again on our next trip up. read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - American Near Me - Truckee, California

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They know how to make fried comfort food! Fish and chips came with 2 big pieces of cod, juicy inside and crispy outside, the fries were big wedge fries with lots of potato inside each fry, onion rings stayed crispy even after it cooled down. The burger was pretty good as well. Definitely recommending adding the caramelized onion on top. The service was friendly and food came in relatively reasonable time given they were quite packed on a Saturday evening on a long weekend. Don't recommend outdoor seating for dinner since it gets dark and cold pretty fast. read more

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We were greeted by a male host, who made the four of us feel very unwelcome when entering the pub. He could have at least faked a smile and been more welcoming. Considering we came to eat and drink beer there for our first time. Anyway, between the four of us, we had two burgers, two French dips, two beers and two sodas. Our bill came out to be approximately $150+ (tipping not included) for pub food. UGH!!! Food was pretty good and the service was adequate. Nice place by the lake, but due to our unwelcoming experience and expensive prices. We'll probably not return and go somewhere else next time. read more

Friendly local pub with cordial service. It's located at the west end of Donner Lake. You can sit indoors or pick an outside table to enjoy the fresh mountain air. They have a selection of microbrews on draft. The unusually shaped pub fries are good! You can get them with pub cheese dip (w/Guinness). Dogs are welcome at the outside tables. read more

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Excellent service, delicious food and a nice view. What more do you want ? A clean bathroom ? They have that too!! read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - The tacos. Way too much food!! Took half home - American Near Me - Truckee, California

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This is a convenient location, just steps from the west end Donner lake park and just up the road from the boat ramp. The beers are cold and the food is satisfying. Our waitress had great timing. Sit outside to soak up the sierra rays! read more

The Pub at Donner Lake - Brisket sandwich with fries and Fig Mtn. hazy. - American Near Me - Truckee, California

The food was good, but $80 for 2 burgers, fries and sodas kinda made me choke. OK, it's Truckee, but dang!

Maybe this is new norm but $80 plus tip for lunch seems kind of steep to me. The food was great and i'm thinking you're paying for the view that comes with the food. There were several instances of bees nearing the seats. Service was quick and the food was fresh I just have a hard time spending so much for lunch items. I ordered the chicken sandwich which was great and beautifully presented and a Rubicon crawler, which was similar to a Rum runner. I guess next time I can nix the drink but paying $50 for my share was a tough pill to swallow. Part of the experience I guess. read more

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