The Best of Tahoe Donner Dining This Summer

By Ali Dickson

We’re celebrating 50 years of family fun this year. From the association’s beginnings in 1971, memorable dining has always been a part of Tahoe Donner. Whether you want your dining options to fuel your adventure, complement your fun or offer an experience all on its own, the dining options at Tahoe Donner are sure to make the whole family smile.

BEST GRAB-AND-GO BREAKFAST
A day of adventure at Tahoe Donner starts early. When hitting the links this summer, begin your day with quick, easy and delicious breakfast. Grab-and-go breakfast is available 30 minutes before the first tee time until 10AM in the Pro Shop. Tee off usually begins around 7AM during the regular season.

HISTORICAL FUN FACT: The Golf Course opened with 18 holes in 1976 and was one of the first amenities at Tahoe Donner. Original amenities also included the Downhill Ski Complex, Donner Lake Beach Area, Northwoods Clubhouse, Northwoods Pool, Tennis Center, Campground and Equestrian Center.

BEST FROZEN DRINKS
Nothing is more classic – or more refreshing – than a margarita on the beach. While the kids are enjoying hot dogs, sandwiches, sodas and more, you can relax with a cold margarita, an ice-cold beer, tropical cocktails and more from 11AM-6PM every day at the Marina Grill. With specials like $5 Margarita Mondays starting June 21, sipping on deals has never been easier.

HISTORICAL FUN FACT: Beach Club Marina first opened in the 1970s and was rebuilt in 1997. In 2015, solar installations were placed on the boathouse at Beach Club Marina. As of 2020, the rebate, associated tax incentives and raw energy savings have paid for this investment, and the marina will have renewable energy for decades to come!

BEST POOLSIDE SNACKS
For light snack options to keep you afloat when finding your inner fish at the Trout Creek Recreation Pool, the Marco Polo Grill has your quintessential summertime staples. Chips, soft drinks, candy, bars, sandwiches and more are available for quick bites and major flavors (and splashes!) daily from 11:30AM-3PM.

HISTORICAL FUN FACT: Trout Creek Recreation Center opened in 1992. Many members remember the days when the fitness and cardio activities were in the now-aerobics room. Additional spa and kiddie pool expansions occurred in 2002. The first expansion of the Rec Center completed in 2005 expanded the building by an additional 8,000 square feet, and an interior remodel and expansion was completed to maximize and increase workout space in 2020.

BEST POST-TRAIL BEER
It’s safe to say the options are pretty much endless when it comes to the Tahoe Donner trail system. Whether you want to hike, run, ride a horse, race your bike, go birding or soak up the wisdom of the trees, it’s easy to spend hours on the trails. When your adventure does come to an end, celebrate at Alder Creek Cafe with a local FiftyFifty Brewing Co. IPA or a relaxing glass of wine. Pair with an always-popular soft pretzel with homemade cheese sauce. To learn more about the opening day at Alder Creek Cafe, visit tahoedonner.com/aldercreekcafe. For a family-fun lunch experience, try the newly renovated Pizza on the Hill opening later this summer.

HISTORICAL FUN FACT: In the early 2000s, Tahoe Donner purchased over 400 acres that we know today as Euer Valley for a truly enhanced trail system experience. Thanks to this acquisition, we have 482 more acres to enjoy year-round.

BEST SCENIC LUNCH
Sometimes, lunch should linger. Whether you’ve just burned some serious calories at the Trout Creek Recreation Center, played 18 holes at the golf course or dropped by for ambiance and afternoon sunshine, The Pavilion at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub overlooks the golf course and offers first-come, first-served summer lunch options from 11:30AM-3PM daily. Favorite entrées include Grilled Fish Tacos and The Mulligan sandwich.

HISTORICAL FUN FACT: Tahoe Donner Golf Course and Trout Creek Recreation Center are Tahoe Donner’s most recently renovated amenities! The Rec Center fully reopened in 2020, and the Golf Course reopened this season in 2021 with more than $2 million of renovations that golfers of all skill levels will appreciate.

BEST FAMILY-FUN DINNER
The fun doesn’t have to stop at dinner time! With outdoor seating, a playground, Recreation Hut activities and a fresh new menu, Pizza on the Hill at the Northwoods Clubhouse offers something for the whole family. Fun for the kids, happy hour specials for the parents and fresh pizza – what could be better? Discover Italian-inspired gourmet pizza the parents are sure to enjoy using fresh and local ingredients (don’t worry, we will still have kid favorites as well!) along with a rotating selection of local craft beers. To learn more about the opening day at Pizza on the Hill, visit tahoedonner.com/pizza.

HISTORICAL FUN FACT: Northwoods Clubhouse’s first restaurant was the Northwoods Clubhouse Bar and Grill! Pizza on the Hill originally opened in 2007, and this season marks a fresh new take on this favorite family destination.

BEST DINNER + DRINK PAIRING
An evening at Tahoe Donner is sure to wrap up your day in style and with taste. Indoor dining, outdoor seating and take-out orders from The Lodge Restaurant & Pub are offered 5-9PM daily, and this neighborhood bistro caters to both young and sophisticated taste buds. A hand-picked wine selection complements the quality local ingredients found in the menu for an unforgettable evening. The perfect summer dish: a light and fresh sushi-grade Ahi Poke Bowl paired with our 2018 Columna Albarino hailing from Riaz Baixas, Spain (91 points and organic). Albarino delivers a mouthwatering blend of minerality and tropicality that pairs beautifully with seafood and sushi.

HISTORICAL FUN FACT: The Lodge Restaurant & Pub opened its doors in 2005, but before The Lodge, the place to be after a round on the greens was at the Golf Course Roughhouse Restaurant.

For more information on dining hours, locations and more, check out page 20 or visit tahoedonner.com.