River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant: Experience American Cuisine by the River

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!

My husband and I had a 5 night stay at The River Ranch Lodge March 5th-9th. We were recommended the Lodge from our future daughter in law Courtney who is a server in the dining room. The front desk staff were so welcoming and friendly and of course accommodating. Danielle couldn’t have been any sweeter!! Our rooms were very nice and inviting, and we were pleased to have streaming apps available to enjoy during our time in the rooms. We started each of our mornings with the wonderful continental breakfast seated in the restaurant looking out to spectacular views of the river. The morning wait staff were very willing to help in any way possible. We enjoyed two outstanding, dinners during our stay. The evening atmosphere in the restaurant was very cozy with nice mood lighting. The servers were very knowledgeable and so lovely! Our first night stay we enjoyed dinner in the restaurant. I ordered the Caesar salad and the buffalo wings. Both were plated very nicely and were delicious. The buffalo wings had a unique smokey taste. Our last evening stay we again dined in the restaurant. We started with the Crispy Brussel sprouts and Shishitos. YUM! For my i had the fillet that was served with mashed potatoes and Broccolini. My fillet was cooked to perfection and the meal was very delicious as well! What a delightful experience. As a whole our stay was just lovely! I had just one area that needed improvement, and I noted it on the comment card the morning we checked out.The shower head in our room had a terrible spray and suggested it be replaced. Today just 8 days after checking out that that shower head has already been replaced! Danielle was kind enough to send Courtney a little video showing the new shower head and how nicely it worked. Courtney shared that video with us and we were very impressed how quickly that problem was addressed. This shows how much they care about the comfort of their visitors...but we already knew that from our stay!

What a beautiful feeling, waking up to the sound of the river flowing. This place is super cozy and the staff is amazing, especially Sonia working in the kitchen, went above and beyond taking care of me and my family. Ms. Banga at the front office is also very sweet and helpful. But definitely be BEAR aware, we had encounter the very first night when we were unloading our car.

The Food is absolutely delicious! Service is well planned and location is gorgeous....right on the River @ the Base of Alpine

10/10. We came here on a Monday night in early summer. Admittedly the restaurant was not very full but that did not diminish the experience at all. This place is a classic in all the best senses of the word. Fantastic cocktails. Approachable wine list. Great food with generous portions (split them, trust me). The riverside seating is absolutely special. I can’t wait to come back.

We love River Ranch Lodge. Although we stay at Byrons Bach, the restaurant and bar here are incredible. We often order the wings, steak, nachos and wedge salad. The staff are always great - Particularly Acer and his wife - Make sure you ask for Acer when you are next in. Probably some of the best food in tahoe.

We decided to stay here solely by chance and we were VERY happy with the decision. The rooms are great and the food at the restaurant was excellent! This is a must try and the bar is great. Truly where the locals go but probably don’t tell anyone.

The rooms are nothing special, but the place has incredible charm and history. Great location to easily get to Alpine, Squaw, Truckee or Tahoe City. Restaurant has excellent food, wine list is ok, service is wonderful!