Rainbow Tavern & Lodge

First time stopping at the Lodge. We were just passing through but had to stop and look inside.
So cute. Old world charm. We wished we got there sooner for brunch. Sunday’s the restaurant closes at 3pm. Just walking around the hotel you can just feel the history there. If the walls could talk.
We will defiantly be back earlier enough to have brunch.

We have stopped here twice for dinner and we love the options and food. The kids love the stone soup! The restaurant is warm and inviting and the staff helpful and friendly. They have a nice bar and a good range of craft beers. We’ll stop by again!

Currently closed for the season. Check before you go.
I really enjoyed coming here. Food had consistently been getting better since new ownership. but when they dropped the internet to there customers. I stopped going.

I was pretty disappointed with this place. It has SO MUCH potential but is most likely going to end up just another business that fails due to incompetent management.
My fiancée and I first visited this place in early January while searching for a wedding venue. We instantly fell in love with the gorgeous surroundings and cozy mountain feel of the lodge. Unfortunately, trying to work with the staff there to book our wedding date turned out to be a total nightmare. There has only been 1 or 2 weddings there since the new management took over so they are still getting all of their wedding information, offerings and policies put together. Since it was so difficult to get complete information, I wanted to meet with the general manager before signing our contract to go over all our unanswered questions. I ended up trying for TWO months to schedule this meeting and they were never able to accommodate me. They were always «too busy». When I finally told them I couldn’t afford to hold off any longer, the response was «too busy sorry it didn’t work out».
It just kinda blows my mind since they would of profited a huge amount off of our wedding, and the place has seemed totally dead the few times I visited. I wonder if the new owners are aware their general manager in passing up these opportunities on their behalf– all because he couldn’t find an hour to meet with me.
This place has amazing potential. I was SO EXCITED to get married there and was totally heartbroken when I had to finally let it go. I hope the owner invests in more competent management so this place can reach it’s full potential.

Back at Rainbow last weekend and I’m loving it even more. It is the quaintest of places and really feels like you have stepped back in time. The new management is really on the ball and dedicated to making it better than ever. Many aspects have been replaced and upgraded keeping the original charm. I strongly recommend a stay or at least a drink or a meal there!

I have been wanting to go to this place for years. Last time we drove by decided to stop and realized it was closed down. I had heard that it was being reopened so on our way home from a day in the snow today decided to try it out. Food was great. Its nice to find a place that actually makes, and cooks its food. If your looking for bland, processed frozen food, then this is not the place to go. The food was fresh, and even our picky kids ate everything on their plate. There are not too many options to eat between the ski resorts and Auburn so this place is perfectly located.

Well over a hundred years old and has seen several iterations including gambling hall, speakeasy, trout farm and Highway 40 roadside stop. This ain’t no Disney re-​creation… it’s the real deal and she wears her time well! I’ve been stopping here since I was just a kid and the 2 lane road out front was THE road to Reno and beyond. But last weekend was the first time I’ve spent the night… wow… waited tooooo long for that one. The NEW OWNERS are giving the grand ol’ dame the love she needs & desires and making her guests welcome with smiles, good food reasonably priced, new beds and bedding and the same great setting.

Great place to stop off for some hot cocoa and to feel as if you have finally reached the mountains. Love this place!

Made a 3 hour detour just to stay here on our way back to Washington state from the Bay Area. Ambiance terrific and new owners are fabulous. Brings back old memories as we have been coming here since we were teenagers! Love the new beds soooo nice and comfy. Room 14 was the BEST! Best of luck to the new owners to keep this icon around!

On the way to Tahoe City I dined at Rainbow once in August and again recently. It is very nice, had great food and efficient and friendly staff. I dinned on the deck, read a magazine and enjoyed nature. I do not know if you can dine or enjoy a wine overlooking that eddy of the Yuba River but it would be very tranquil — that view is worth the stop.
I have had the Sierra Salad and Trout. Both were fresh and filling but light. The fried calamari and onion soups were great appetizers.
The dinners were very pleasant and calming. The first time I dined there the owner asked me about how I enjoyed my meal — nice touch. The wait staff was attentive, accurate and courteous.
As the weather cools I’ll dine inside. The inside is a comfortable lodge. I have never stayed at the lodge so cannot comment about it. But each time I drive– and stop-​by it is customers.
I recommend it, and trust its continuing success signals the expansion of such lodges.

Awesome place. Really friendly staff, super comfortable beds and clean. Very nice place to stay in the mountains.

The lodge itself is old world with modern comfort. It’s located in the beautiful Sierra’s with greenery, nature and hiking trails everywhere. I can only imagine its beauty in snow season. A river runs right by the hotel and we were able to gaze out the window and take it all in. They also have a stunning lawn with a gazebo. It would be perfect for a wedding or vow renewal.
The lodge itself has so much personality and rustic charm!!! The rooms are beautifully rustic but warm and cosy. Ahhhh the beds are super comfortable!!! The bathrooms are pristine with a cool retro vibe.
What sets this bed and breakfast apart from others is the stellar customer service! It’s a family run place and and it’s obvious they are a team. From the first moment we arrived we were given a warm welcome by the owner. He showed us around and made us feel like family. The owners daughters were our servers. They were so cute and professional. They provided us with the best friendly service!!! The restaurant’s menu was simple but AMAZING offering steaks, burgers, pasta, salads and sandwiches. All around excellent.
They have a beautiful bar with nice beers on draft my husband enjoyed. I enjoyed the local wines and there was a full bar of all sorts of other options. The bartender was super friendly and the manager was helping with anything and everything!
I can’t wait to go back in snow season! It’s our new go to place for Tahoe!

I visited for my first time ever, having heard great things about the new owners and management, and I’m happy to say they did not disappoint!!!
It’s charming and historic, and the rooms were immaculate and very cozy.
The restaurant is now open, and the food was awesome! I had the Sierra Salad, and absolutely loved it! My fiancé had the bacon burger w/​steak cut fries and it was awesome. The wine list was great, and the full bar is a huge added bonus. We loved the river views and the beautiful dining room, but the personnel really were the icing on the cake. The owners and g.m. were so accommodating and super friendly, and the chef came out and talked with us, and we were so impressed. I love this place!!!

No huge banner hangs outside, but the public needs to know: Rainbow Lodge is under new management. We were in the area and needed a place to spend the night, and we were fortunate to find the Rainbow Lodge. The rooms were comfortable and the 2 queen size beds in our room were a bonus because the kids had a bed to themselves. We grabbed a bite at the restaurant downstairs, and the service was on point! We were actually waited on by the Owner’s daughters (superwoman and super girl)… We just grabbed some burgers and fries but next time we hope to try their steaks (which we hear are pretty amazing). Great family run lodge with great, warm service. Until next time, keep up the good work Mr. Craig!

I am wavering between 3 and 4 stars. Given the new management and we came just as they reopened, I am giving it a 4. I like the owners and the property a lot. I stayed here the weekend of March 2, 2014. The lodge has just reopened under new ownership. So reviews prior to January or so 2014 wouldn’t apply anymore in terms of management. Hopefully they can get a fresh start.
The good: the location is really easy to get to from San Francisco if you want to access ski areas in Donner and Truckee area, especially Sugar Bowl and Northstar is reasonably close. Royal Gorge is super close and it’s possible they’ll figure out how to connect it with the ski trails there. The owner thought a trail existed but due to their new ownership and lousy snow season, it’s unclear where it is, but I’m sure they’ll sort it. It’s also super close to Loch Levain hike which is glorious in the summer. It was a bad day for skiing so we drove a short distance to Truckee and had a great day shopping and brunching.
It’s an old historic lodge with a more than 100 year history. It’s cozy, rustic, and charming. The rooms were immaculate, no tv except for in lobby (which was off most of the time), which I like in a ski lodge, good bed linens (towels are a bit mediocre but this is not a luxury place), a closet for hanging wet ski clothes, and our room (#12) had a lovely view of the river. Once the restaurant opens, the dining room has views of the river and outdoor veranda for summer guests.
The owner and his daughters and staff couldn’t have been sweeter, and the owner was touchingly proud of the property, its history, and couldn’t wait to get started in making it a haven for skiers, hikers, and diners in this area. The dining room and bar weren’t open yet so can’t comment, but it’s a lovely setting and one I would return to. The owner’s enthusiasm and concern about the guests comfort portends a great future for this charming, historic lodge.
There can be improvements. Breakfast wasn’t great, but then again, they don’t have the dining room open so don’t have fresh food flowing into the property. Most of offerings were packaged processed food. It’s an old building so it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in all the squeaks and creaks of an old stagecoach stop. The squeaks can be disruptive to sleep but maybe we were unlucky with habits of people in room above us.
Nonetheless, it is a wonderful cozy, immaculately clean place, and friendly place, and worth visiting as the price is very reasonable, and historical places like this are rare. The walls are covered by historical photos showing the fascinating life of this lodge near Donner Pass. I have high hopes for the new owners and look forward to returning when the restaurant is up and running.

Hey Unilocal,please remove all reviews prior to 2014 for Rainbow Lodge to give the new owners a fair shake. I’m giving the new owners 5 starts for taking it over and bringing it back to life. I’ve gone to Rainbow Lodge (formerly Rainbow Tavern) all my life and even worked there awhile as a teenager back in the 60s when Kenny Heimbach was the owner. My grandparents built a cabin in the area at the same time that Rainbow was built using the same architect (Raymond Jeans from UC Berkeley). Kudos and best wishes to Craig Mitchell for reviving this historic beautiful old place! I am looking forward to the reopening.

I am overjoyed to read in the Sacramento Bee about the new owners of the Historic Rainbow Lodge. My family visited this lodge in years gone by, I had dates at this lodge, I was proposed to at this lodge, spent my wedding night at this lodge, and returned every year for our anniversary until a few years ago when my heart was broken for the sad condition it had fallen into. I sincerely hope that the new owners from Rocklin, CA. I live now in Lincoln, CA. I had an occasion to talk briefly with one of the former owners and found that there was no love or appreciation for this lodge.
The new co-​owner of the lodge, Craig Mitchell stated, Initially our focus is to get the lodge and restaurant and bar open and return it to its former glory.” God bless you for that. There was never any marketing of the lodge, which we could never understand. It was a loss when the young people from all over the world would come and work at the lodge. I remember one anniversary, a few years back, when we were the only guests, it was a blizzard and all the power went out. The young staff members and care taker all sat around the fireplace with us to keep warm and we had a wonderful evening of friendship. Our anniversary was marked on the kitchen calendar and each year when we came up to celebrate the staff new exactly what we were going to order at our meal. We once thought about offering to pay for the «threadbare» carpet as the lodge began to go downhill in 2005, and also replace the bedspread and bedding in the «honeymoon suite.» (It was proudly replaced the year before our honeymoon but remained the same bedding for 10 years) Sadly we just stopped going to the lodge.
So congratulations to the new owners. We pray that you can restore this «grand lady.» When you do we will return for celebrate our 14^th wedding anniversary.
Patricia and Jim Branham

The Rainbow Lodge has been one of my affordable overnight choices when up in the North Lake Tahoe area for skiing. It’s not Resort fancy, but it’s not the Clair Tappan Lodge either. It’s also old Europe charming, comfortable, and funky cool. I also like the rustic bar, breakfast in the morning, the wilderness setting (and right off I-​80), and the haunting legacy of this Lodge. It’s just the place that my elderly Parents would also stay. The rooms are also a bit small and not all of them come with a private shower (which would keep Gayle away). They once distinguished that by offering a choice of an A, B, or C room.
Today’s Historical Footnote:
The original section of the lodge was built in the last 1800s and originally used a stage stop. Extensions were later made in the 1920s and you can see for yourself the progress of the lodge by looking at the pine logs in the ceilings. The two different shapes of the logs show where the extension was made. Also, step into the bar area and notice the bricked in window that used to be the exterior of the lodge.
After the extension, the lodge became a popular stop for local residents who enjoyed a little gambling. Then this place transitioned to being a popular fishing spot (for Rainbow Trout along the Yuba River). The Chef here would then cook it up for you. And today as before, you can rent gear and ski around the Rainbow Lodge area in the Winter.

This business is so utterly dysfunctional, I am blown away that it is still in business.
What I saw last week was so awful, I think that I might report them to BBB, DCA and their liquor license.
We come here as we pass through to Tahoe, and on every occasion, we have seen a display of unprofessionalism by management that has our mouths on the ground.
The most recent was the manager, Lynn, drinking on the job with another employee ‘Angie.’ While I normally wouldn’t have a problem with this, it went so far as affecting the ability to do their job and saw ‘Angie’ puking in the bathroom. She then went back to handling food again.
Needless to say, we walked out. When I tried to contact the manager, she did not return my calls. I then tried to contact the General Manager and he did not return my calls either.
I felt sorry for the poor young bartender who seemed to be doing everyone else’s job that night, God Bless her.
Upon talking to other staff there and reading the reviews here, I have heard horror stories about Lynn, the General Manager Dave and other employees who fall par to being upright citizens and employees. What saddens me the most is that we had been coming here for years and it used to be a great pit stop on our trek from the Bay Area. Now, it’s just a sad little place with drunk employees and poor management. The food is also terrible. Thank God for the young bartender who gives generous pours– it’s the only thing saving this place.
We will find another destination and not return to this hell hole. I suggest everyone who reads this does the same and spares themselves from puking employees and bad managers named Lynn.

We arrived at the Lodge the afternoon before our friend’s wedding. Never been to this part of California and was pleasantly surprised by the surrounding raw beauty as well as the old rustic charm at the Lodge.
Had a reasonable dinner at the Lodge’s restaurant though very few options for vegetarians/​vegans. And, do you really want to be there when wild boar is served next to you?
Enjoyed having drinks in the old-​time bar even though there was a deer or moose head sticking out of the wall. It ain’t San Francisco, baby… and you have to go with the flow. But we were having fun and even contemplating having a family Christmas there some time in the future.
The bed was reasonably comfortable and the room didn’t get too chilly as we feared. But… no hot water in the morning for a shower. I tried later in the afternoon, before the wedding, and still no hot water. The front desk acted surprised when I mentioned this but later I heard other complaints from guests about the showers.
I was not happy with a stinging sponge bath and without washing my hair. It wasn’t until the next day, after literally running the tub water for 20 minutes, that I got something reasonable enough to take a shower in.
So, I kind of felt like I was camping. And the room price was far too much to pay for camping. I think the place is old and they don’t want to make the necessary repairs.