Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar

For a fine-dining option with a full bar, along with a spectacular view of downtown Truckee and the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains, be sure to include Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar on your list of dining establishments. Tucked inside one of the oldest ski lodges in the country and serving dinner every evening, this multiple award-winning gem features a menu with mainstay entrées and specials, all brimming with sustainable seafood options, grass-fed beef, and organic produce whenever possible. Try the Tahoe Food Hub butternut squash enchilada with Ancho chili mole, cilantro, white cheddar, and toasted pumpkin seeds, or the grass-fed Durham Ranch cheeseburger with waffle fries.

Continuing on we will go to one of the amazing restaurants near Truckee, CA, located in one of the oldest ski lodges in the nation, Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar. Not only do they offer takeout and outdoor dining, perfect for a lazy summer morning enjoying good food under the sun, but should you happen to want to come back, they have live music playing every Thursday and Friday evenings. Enjoy a variety of drinks, including wine and cocktails which can be made to go, ranging from your good old coffee to juices, Bloody Marys, mimosas, and more!

Among the fine dining favorites is Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar, which was voted Best Fine Dining, Best Chef and Best Bar. For contemporary American cuisine Moody’s Bistro & Lounge is a top pick, but if Old-World Italian is more your style head to Pianeta Ristorante. The Asian cuisine at Dragonfly Restaurant has received many accolades, while the Pacific Crest Grill offers great live music, a delicious menu, and plenty of free-flowing libations.

Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar is a historic dining destination located at the Hilltop Lodge in Downtown Truckee. The restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Truckee River and downtown area, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a fun night out with friends. With a vast dining room and an expansive deck, Cottonwood is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning Sierra views.

Your body is hopefully now delightfully sore from hours of shredding pow, as it’s time to kick back with some friends and family and unwind. Cottonwood has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of a place my family used to frequent at Sugarloaf called Hugs with its intimate, historic setting. With beautiful views of downtown Truckee, and dining in what used to be the warming hut for this historic ski area.

Overlook downtown Truckee and the Truckee River as you savor a glass of Pinot in a classic ski lodge. Hand-built from salvaged railroad ties in 1928 and featured one of the first mechanical lifts in the nation, the Hilltop Lodge’s location has gone through several iterations in its life. As of 1989, it has featured the Cottonwood Restaurant, home to an elevated dining menu and a full bar with hand-crafted cocktails.

Lastly, Cottonwood Restaurant resides in an authentic ski lodge hand-built nearly 100 years ago in 1928. The restaurant combines “comfort and camaraderie” to create a truly unique dining experience in the mountains, with a full bar, a lively music scene, and delicious cuisine. Their menu features rustic, high-quality steaks, lamb, and other hearty entrees, as well as burgers, salads, and indulgent sides.

Highlights: Perched on a hill with panoramic views of Truckee’s winter lights, Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar offers a warm, cabin-style ambiance perfect for winter dining. The cozy space, complete with a crackling fireplace, adds a touch of rustic romance. Try their signature steak or a vegetarian option like mushroom stroganoff, paired with a craft cocktail or a warming glass of mulled wine.

Another Lake Tahoe gem I adore is Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar. This has some of the best views in Truckee so not only are you enjoying fabulous cocktails and yummy eats but you’re also enjoying views of downtown Truckee while dining. They also have a fabulous brunch offered on Saturday & Sunday which I’ve heard (I have yet to visit it’s on my bucket list) is amazing!

Choose between crispy Baby Back Ribs grilled with jerk spice, and served with house made barbecue sauce or Jerk-spiced Fried Rock Prawns with Cajun tartar sauce. Order a Braised free Range Rabbit Cassoulet with Andouille sausage, garlic, rosemary and white beans, or simply opt for a Cheeseburger with waffle fries. Here, the wine and beer lists are extensive.

A post shared by Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar (@cottonwoodtruckee). Set at planned community Hilltop within an authentic, hand-built ski lodge from 1928, The Cottonwood is filled to the brim with history. Its interior is dedicated to showcasing Sierra skiing heritage, with photographs taking visitors on a visual journey from the early 1900s to now.

Nestled in the hills with a panoramic view of Truckee, Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar provides the perfect setting for a Valentine’s Day dinner. With its intimate atmosphere and cozy firepit patio, it’s ideal for couples seeking both warmth and breathtaking views. The menu offers a blend of modern American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.

Experience unmatched views of downtown Truckee and the stunning Sierra mountains from Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar. Housed in one of the nation’s oldest ski lodges, this historic venue offers a truly unique Sierra dining experience. Enjoy the comfort, camaraderie, and captivating tales of mountain adventures while savoring delicious cuisine.

Located at historic Hilltop Lodge, Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar overlooks Downtown Truckee and the beautiful Truckee river. Enjoy fine dining, comfort, camaraderie, and live acoustic music, as you enjoy gorgeous views from one of the nation's oldest Restaurants. 10142 Rue Hilltop, Truckee, CA 96161

My favorite spot for a romantic dinner in Truckee is Cottonwood Restaurant. Situated on a hill overlooking historic downtown Truckee and the Truckee, you can’t beat the view. My tip is to get a reservation on the early side, so you can watch the sun set from their deck or out the picture windows.

The Cottonwood Restaurant is a Truckee staple, serving eclectic dishes, drinks, and desserts. It’s located on a small hilltop in downtown Truckee, and from the patio, guests have a beautiful sunset view of the Truckee River. During the week, Cottonwood Restaurant is only open for dinner.

Truckee's Cottonwood Restaurant has great views over the town's historic downtown area, Le Chamois is one of the most popular ski resort bars in the country, and the west shore's Chambers Landing has some of the best views (and booziest cocktails) around the lake.

Cottonwood Restaurant is another well-loved Truckee restaurant. It’s perched on a bit of hill downtown and has a fantastic sunset view over the Truckee River from its patio. Cottonwood Restaurant serves delicious and unique dishes, drinks, and desserts.

Housed in a historic 1928 building with scenic views over Truckee, Cottonwood offers northern California cuisine with dishes like herb-roasted chicken and venison chops. The rustic ambiance is complemented by live music on selected nights.

Cottonwood Restaurant-Definitely more of a fancier spot for fine dining, but still rustic and comfortable. Delicious award winning food & awesome view of downtown Truckee and the surrounding area. Also accommodating of larger groups.

For great dining with a full bar, along with spectacular views of downtown Truckee and the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains, be sure to include Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar on your dining list.

Favorite Deck/Patio Eating: Cottonwood Restaurant - sitting out on the patio deck and looking out at the awesome views of the Truckee River, Downtown Truckee Commercial Row, and the Mountains!

Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar is a top-tier dining establishment known for its exceptional cuisine and charming ambiance. It’s the perfect spot for a memorable evening.

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