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8 Great Truckee Family Friendly Restaurants To Enjoy With Kids

Alex Silgalis
June 11, 2024
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Truckee's Mountain Cuisine isn’t just good. It's on par with cities many times its size. While it can be hard to find a restaurant that serves delicious adult food and yet is super kid-friendly, Truckee is a special place. From a great spot to get a pie down to the yummiest ice cream you’ve ever had, we guarantee both your kids and you will enjoy these Truckee family friendly restaurants.

1. Grab A Slice At Best Pies Pizzeria & Restaurant

When you think of Truckee family friendly restaurants, one of the first places that comes to mind is a pizza parlor. And in downtown Truckee that means Best Pies Pizza. Specialty pies include varieties such as the Garbage Pie with sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, mushroom, olives, bell peppers, and onions. They have a kids menu which features a pasta dish that Nonna would make for her grandchildren. And for the adults, they have an extensive selection of beer to choose from.

2. Order A Pie At Zano's Family Italian & Pizzeria

Another awesome spot for a big pizza pie is Zano’s. Along with their tasty pizzas, they also serve classic Italian fare such as Veal Picatta, hearty lasagna, and penne with meatballs. If you don’t feel like dining in, you can order a pizza to take home that’s half-baked. This ensures that it’s just as fresh and scrumptious as if you're having it in their cozy establishment.

3. Enjoy The Best Omelette In The Universe At Squeeze In

As the name suggests, the original Squeeze In on Main Street is cozy when it comes to space. Hence the “Squeeze In” moniker. Featured on the Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay," this breakfast spot has all the normal fixin’s but the star of the show is their omelets. Serving up over 60 different variations, including the “Racy Tracy” which was on the show. Beware that if you do come during the morning rush, you’ll have to wait. Best bet is to come early or late.

4. Enjoy A Frosty Pint At Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House

Just north of the main drag in historic downtown Truckee, you’ll find the Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House. Situated in a century old building, it has the perfect combination of rustic meets modern comforts. More than sixteen of their crafted brews made from Lake Tahoe’s water are on tap. On a summer’s day, their large outdoor beer garden is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy their food. Minors are welcome and they offer booster chairs. The outdoor beer garden is also four legged family friendly. 

5. Dive Into A Classic Diner At Jax At The Tracks

Craving an East Coast style diner on the West Coast? Look no further than Jax at the Tracks. Housed in an original 1948 Kullman Diner from Philly that now sits next to Truckee's downtown railroad tracks, JAX offers honest food with a twist. Iconic dishes like their meatloaf wrapped in applewood bacon with broccolini and mashed potatoes is to die for. Be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you won’t go wrong here. It’s no wonder that Guy Fieri showcased this place on Diners, Drive Ins, & Dives. It also made his list of favorite California restaurants on the drive to Lake Tahoe.

6. Fuel Up For Adventure At Donner Lake Kitchen

Iconic. An institution. Open since the mid-1970’s, Donner Lake Kitchen is one of the longest running dining establishments in the region. Located a stone’s throw from the shores of Donner Lake, inside you’ll find a cozy cabin with wide wooden planks and comfy decor. It’s one of those places you go to when you want a hearty breakfast that makes you feel good. Huge portions are the norm to ensure you have enough energy for a full day of adventure in the mountains or on the waters of Donner Lake.

7. Chomp Down On A Juicy Elk Burger At Burger Me

Burger Me is yet another restaurant that’s been featured on the Food Network. A lot of restaurants pay lip service that they use the finest ingredients possible. Burger Me goes beyond anyone’s expectations. Produce from Habeger Produce. Bread from Truckee Sourdough. Meats from Sierra Meat and Seafood. You will taste the difference! From a classic burger to their Ahi or Elk Burgers, this is a MUST for one of the Truckee family friendly restaurants to visit. A Guy Fieri favorite restuarant on the drive to Lake Tahoe.

8. Little Truckee Ice Creamery

You can’t have a list of family friendly spots without calling out at least one ice creamery. Tucked away on a quiet stretch across from Donner Lake, this place is worth the drive. In their words, they don’t just make great ice cream, but super premium all natural ice cream. Constantly rotating flavors include items such as the ever popular Truckee Trails - pine nut brittle and brownie chunks in a sweet cream ice cream. Even humdrum options are unique like their Vanilla. A Simple yet complex concoction made with real organic Madagascar Vanilla beans. 

Alex Silgalis

Born and raised as a flat lander in Chicagoland, Alex spent his summers working to save up for a season pass to the local hill along with any trips out West or beyond he could squeeze in. It was during his travels, both as a kid & an adult, Alex discovered his inspiration for Local Freshies® . His idea was to create the No. 1 Web site providing the local scoop on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer alongside the love of his life and business partner, Jaime Pirozzi.


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