TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA – Truckee is a fancy town, with plenty of fancy places to eat.
From the wildly upscale Trokay, to cute little bistros like Tangerine, to pretty much anything you eat at the Ritz Carlton, you can easily find fine dining.
But what if you–like me–are traveling with your family? My wife and I recently visited Truckee with our three young kids (ages 8, 5 and 4) and we’ve gone there for years with the whole family.
Here’s my list of Truckee’s best family and kid friendly dining options–with food that you, as an adult, will still love.
Note: Hours and menu items are accurate as of publication, but make sure to confirm before you go.
1) Burger Me!
I was originally drawn to this place when I read that Guy Fieri called it one of his top-ten burgers in America.
The funky restaurant is right in downtown Truckee, and serves delicious, made-to-order burgers.
I tried the Smashburger, which was excellent. They have delicious and very inexpensive kids’ meals, too.
Heads up that parking can get tricky on busy nights. I got takeout.
Why families love it: Fast, casual, and built for picky eaters. You can keep it simple (classic burger + fries) or go more adventurous (bison/elk), and they explicitly offer a kids menu.
Best things to get
- Kids menu combo (fries + drink options are part of the setup).
- Garlic fries if you’re sharing sides.
- Build-your-own burger for the “no sauce/no veggies” crowd.
If you go
- Address: 10418 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee
- Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
2) Jax at the Tracks
This is Truckee’s classic diner, with a very East Coast feel that works well in the snow!
If your kids love trains, they’ll enjoy popping outside (with you, of course!) as big Union Pacific locomotives rumble by right next to the restaurant.
Jax is open for breakfast, so it’s a good spot for carb loading before skiing!
Why families love it: It’s a classic diner vibe (big menu, comfort food, booths), and it’s open early — perfect if you’re trying to feed kids before the day really starts.
Best things to get
- Breakfast plates when you want a hearty start (and easy sharing).
- Burgers and fries for lunch/dinner when everyone wants something familiar.
If you go
- Address: 10144 W River St, Truckee
- Hours: Daily 7am-9pm (Sunday later)
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3) Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats
Need a great place for a family friendly “après ski”? Moody’s is nicer and more upscale than the other casual spots on our list, but it’s still plenty low-key enough to be kid friendly–especially at lunch.
My kids love the cheese fondue. Served with apples and baguette, it’s a fantastic meal to warm you up after skiing.
Moody’s has a great burger, “spicy big people drinks” for the adults, and reasonably-priced kids’ meals. Heads up that the Italian soda offered with the kids’ meals isn’t as sweet as your kids might expect if they’re used to the Torani kind–add some Splenda!
Why families love it: This is the “nice dinner” option that still works for families if you go early — you get a real downtown Truckee night out, and it’s in the historic Truckee Hotel.
Best things to get
- Fondue! It’s the perfect sharing item, kids love it, and it will warm you up after skiing.
- Great burgers, too.
If you go
- Address: 10007 Bridge St, Truckee (Truckee Hotel)
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to close; Sat-Sun 11:30am to close
- Phone: (530) 587-8688
4) Village Pizzeria
Ordering pizza can feel like giving up. Yes, it’s simple and cheap, and kids will reliably eat it. But it can also feel like a sacrifice for the adults.
Not at Village Pizzeria. Their pizza is classic (not thin crust Naples style or anything too out there), but it’s extremely well made and delicious.
They also have standout pasta option. Look at the amount of melted cheese on these meatballs!
Dine in or grab takeout for a tasty meal in your cabin or hotel.
Why families love it: The classic “everyone agrees on pizza” solution — easy dine-in, easy takeout, and a straight-ahead family restaurant vibe.
Best things to get
- A couple pizzas + a salad and you’re basically guaranteed a peaceful meal. The pasta dishes are excellent too…really good sauce.
- If you’ve got a mixed-age crew, this is one of the simplest places to keep everyone happy. Great for a casual meal back at the hotel, too.
If you go
- Address: 11329 Deerfield Dr, Truckee
- Hours: Often listed to about 9:30pm (double-check day-of if you’re arriving late).
5) Pizza on the Hill (Tahoe Donner)
Another pizza option, but with a twist. In the Summer, this is the perfect spot. You can eat outside, and there’s a playground literally at the restaurant.
That buys you some peace to enjoy a drink and a slice of your own.
Why families love it: It’s basically engineered for kids: pizza, casual atmosphere, outdoor seating, and the playground.
Best things to get
- Pizza + classic appetizers — the menu is designed for groups, and it’s easy to share.
- They have a small but strong beer selection.
If you go
- Where: Northwoods Clubhouse, 11509 Northwoods Blvd, Truckee
- Typical hours: Fri-Tue, 4-8pm (and they sometimes post holiday-hour stretches)
- To-go orders: Call (530) 582-9669
6) Little Truckee Ice Creamery
Finish off your meal with a stop in to Little Truckee Ice Creamery, right by West End Beach near Donner Lake.
Especially in the Summer, you can sit outside. Even in the winter, they keep limited hours and serve hot cocoa.
If you’re staying at Donner Lake Inn, it’s a one-block walk. Can’t beat that.
Why families love it: This is the easiest “everybody wins” stop in Truckee — quick counter service, fun rotating flavors, and the kind of treat that resets everyone’s mood after a long day outside. They’re known for small-batch, super-premium ice cream made locally, plus non-dairy options.
Best things to get
- Whatever the seasonal scoop is (they typically keep a wide daily rotation).
- Non-dairy flavors/sorbets for dairy-sensitive kids.
- Ice cream cake if you’re celebrating a Tahoe trip birthday.
If you go
- Address: 15628 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
- Phone: 530-587-2884
- Winter hours: Thu-Mon 1:00-6:00; closed Tue/Wed (seasonal hours can change, so it’s worth checking before you drive over).
