Kirkwood Inn & Saloon
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
Hwy 88 & Carson PassKirkwood, CA 95646
(209) 258-7304
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Kirkwood Inn & Saloon
Review Highlights
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Thomas S.
Fiddletown, CA
10/14/2011
Simply awesome! I travel on HWY 88 from my home to Minden fairly often, and midway on that journey is the Kirkwood Inn & Saloon. I ALWAYS stop and eat (and have a cocktail or two) there. It's a historic location with many photographs and plaques explaining it's amazing historic significance, but more importantly, it exists now as an outpost of fabulous food and a GREAT atmosphere.
Last winter we made it through the carson pass and stopped there on the way through. We were staying in Minden for two days. We informed our waitress at the Kirkwood Inn & Saloon of what our plans were and she gave us her personnal cell number so we could check with her about the road conditions on the way back. I did so 2.5 days later as we were planning our trip back, and she saved us a harrowing and painful trip back on HWY 88 which would have ended in sure ruin, and we opted for HWY 50 instead... but this whole journey would have been a disaster had we not stopped and ate at the Kirkwood Inn and Saloon in the first place.
This place saved our holiday and had great food and amazing service... I'll stop there as a ritual every time I travel on HWY 88!!! -
Review from Laura G.
Merced, CA
11/4/2011
Hearty, cheap and cozy!
We came here for breakfast after a hike to Thunder Mountain. The food is flavorful, not overly greasy and the portions are large. The specials are popular for a reason!
I had a pepperjack omlette with peppers and onions served over campfries. It was nice and spicy without being over powering. I couldn't finish my whole plate, but it was great!
Two breakfast specials was under $20 with tip. Score!
Bar is open anytime and there's people at it, your breakfast drinking will not be judged here!
It's a little dark inside but there's seats by the window...
Also, ask for the wifi password if you don't have cell coverage! -
Review from Skyler W.
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This Saloon is seriously a legit old school style saloon. I felt like i had taken a time machine to year 1850. The atmosphere was great. The people were even better.
It was a nicer summer day in late June, my girlfriend and i decided we wanted to go up to Kirkwood after a day of mining and cave dwelling in Volcano, CA. We brought our sleds with us encase there was enough snow to have some fun. I was dumbfounded by the amount of snow they had. It was the week before 4th of July and the mountain looked like it was the middle of winter, not even any dirt patches. Simply amazing.
After an awesome time sledding we decided we needed a cocktail, and there was the Kirkwood Inn & Saloon. We took two shots of tequila and were on our way. It was quite the experience and well worth it.
I will definitely return the next time i am around the area, next visit i will be coming for their breakfast because it looked damn good! -
Review from Shirley Z.
Belmont, CA
12/27/2011
Went to ski with a group of friends on Christmas day.
Most of the places close early that day...then we found this place...
Waitress is so friendly and made you feel home. Fire place, decoration, food made the Christmas so delightly...Of course, Irish Coffee and their full bar can find your relaxation after a whole day ski.
We all love this place and definately will go back! -
Review from D W.
Signal Hill, CA
11/28/2011
Great food and a well-stocked bar! Everything you would want or need after a day on the slopes. The Chili and Cornbread is awesome!!!
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Review from Seong P.
6/13/2011
This was the closest place open for lunch, after ziplining at Kirkwood. We had the artichoke dip, grilled chicken sandwich, and what we thought would be an open faced roasted turkey sandwich with mash potatoes and gravy. Skip the turkey sandwich. It was incredibly salty and tasted like warmed up cold cuts. The chicken sandwich was cooked great but lacked flavor. Some mustard took care of that.
The artichoke dip was a very large, creamy portion with raw veggies and flatbread. This was very tasty. Our dining companions seemed to enjoy the tuna melt and a mountain of nachos, so maybe that's the way to go.
We got to sit outside in warm, sunny weather, surrounded by snow, before the long drive home. Not a bad way to spend some time. -
Review from Paul K.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2011
There's great camping and hiking on this stretch of 88. There's lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers and some amazing scenery all along this stretch up through Carson Pass. The ONLY place we could find to eat was the Inn. After camping out and hiking the lovely trails nearby, a cold beer and burger are VERY satisfying. When we arrived, we parked outside the kitchen where the cook and a waitress were taking a break. Being after 8pm, they told us that the kitchen was closed but the cook told us he'd make us a couple burgers with fries and we said, "Thanks!" The burger was one welcome meal and it was one of the best I've had. It's not a cheap place to eat but it's reasonable enough.
Breakfasts here are large and delicious, we took our plates outside for some glorious morning sunshine. I recommend doing the same, the view is great.
All in all, this place has been around for a reason, and I think it will be around a lot longer.
Cheers -
Review from Kevin S.
Philadelphia, PA
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you are in Kirkwood, this is practically your only choice within about a 45 mile radius. The food isn't always great, and service can get bogged down on crowded nights, but it is always a nice place to sit back and eat a burger after a day skiing. Breakfast offers huge portions at reasonable prices, but things can get expensive at lunch and dinner.
Go for the atmosphere and local spirit. I would recommend the burgers, grilled chicken sandwich, or the local favorite Alpine Chicken. -
Review from Ngo L.
San Diego, CA
4/11/2011
This place looks nothing close to a steakhouse. In fact, it just looks like am small motel.
However, the prime rib was amazing! Definitely was not expecting a great meal at a reasonable price. Service was also great for a little hole-in-the-wall place.
I'd definitely come back again! -
Review from Portawok X.
San Leandro, CA
7/13/2010
You'll wait awhile for a table, but it is worth it. It's really, truly the only game in town. Delicious ribeye, phenomenal burger.
I can't wait to return. It's SOOOOO good. -
Review from Richard A.
Placerville, CA
9/27/2010 2 photos
After 12 hours of hiking and rock climbing through the El Dorado National forest on a recent hunting outing, the Kirkwood Inn was a much needed respite! The beers were ice cold and the incredible burgers (seemed like a 1/2 pound) were hanging off the bun with all the right accompaniments. I initially thought that due to my appetite and thirst being what it was (I was feeling like I could easily eat the south-end of a north-bound bear) that my review may be biased. However, with much reflection, hunger and thirst aside, the food and service was top notch! We walked in, sat down and had two servers catering to our beer and food order requests. I did not opt for the sweet potato fries or wedge fries (Zack Fries?) and ordered the regular fries. The regular fries are very thin cut shoestring style fries. I will go for the wedge cut seasoned fries next visit.
The atmosphere of the rustic 1800's facility topped off an excellent meal! I will definitely stop here again when in the area. -
Review from Tim H.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/17/2010
This is the last stop off the highway before heading east or west. The food is real good. Large cold drinks on a hot summer is the answer. Or a warm drink in the winter.
I have been visiting this place for over 25 years, during the many seasons one thing hasn't changed the food is always been on the spot. Now its crowded but if you can wait outside for a few and watch the tress grow its worth it.
This is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet, take some lunch to-go take a ride to caples lake. Great spot for lunch off the dam, there's a small trail off the right near the bathroom enjoy!.
I say when in Alpine County check them out! -
Review from Scott L.
Belmont, CA
8/10/2009 1 photo
This is a review by a vegetarian
... of breakfast at a place most people go to for drink and dinner
... during the summer when most people will come here in winter.
The only reasons to not love the Kirkwood Inn is if you are too tall for the ceiling, can't handle "Grateful dead" and "Eagles" on the radio, or are one of those communists who like pancakes the size of silver dollars. At this place the room is cozy, classic easy rock is playing throughout, and the pancake is the size of the pan. A short stack mean one monster and a full stack is two.
Probably only 4 stars back in civilization but this is out in God's country. -
Review from Kristin V.
Fallen Leaf, CA
3/17/2011
I've seen this place a times driving home from Kirkwood and never stopped in, and I'm so glad my passenger wanted to stop on the last trip! The tacos were recommended and they were delicious, as was my bloody mary. Nothing like grease and spice after a long day of riding. The bartenders are friendly and the decor is great too. I will be back!
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Review from ron p.
Sacramento, CA
5/26/2011
We try to come up once a year for Sunday breakfast with the Miata club in Sacramento. The Inn only let us down one time but it wasn't their fault - last year they had no electricity when we arrived. But the food and service has always been great. A short stack (one pancake the size of my front wheel) and a side of bacon will keep me alive for a week. All we are waiting on now is for some snow to melt on our favorite back roads so we can enjoy another trip up the hill.
Ron
Sacramento -
Review from Marlon O.
Benicia, CA
5/26/2008
I have got to give this place 5 stars this year. We were snowed in with road closures so we booked an over priced condo at Kirkwood. Come morning power was out at the entire resort and the only place w/ power was this place. Geez the place was crowded and being Super Bowl Sunday didnt help any.
They were patient and got folks seated in a timely fashion. We had to share a table w/ another family but they were great conversation and also very nice. Food was excellent and the kind that sticks to you till lunch and even further depending on you of course.
The staff kept us all informed on weather and road conditions. -
Review from Dylan ..
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2010
$23 for a pulled pork sandwich, a blue-cheese burger, iced tea, and fries for all.
I can't speak for the pork sandwich, but the burger was top notch, service was kind, and the price was right.
You definitely step into the late 1800's when you walk in this place, down to the ancient wooden beams, fireplace, and antiques on the walls. I wandered around the room and read up on "Snowshoe" Thompson while I waiting for the entree.
Cool place, I'll be back for sure. -
Review from Becca A.
Rancho Cordova, CA
7/5/2010
oooohhhh, the food here is WONDERFUL... the hubby and i were lucky to stay up in kirkwood over july 4th weekend, and were told to go to the kirkwood inn for lunch. and so we went, w/ no expectations.
everything was AWESOME.. we arrived around 1pm on july 3d, a very busy weekend up kirkwood way, and during the spain-paraguay world cup match.. we sat down right at the bar, and had top-notch service despite the whole restaurant (and tables outside) being full-up during the entire time we were there.
we ordered the seared ahi-salad and tuna melt sandwich w/ onion rings to share, and everything was PERFECT, and with little touches to make sure you knew they were paying attention... the ahi salad had a wasabi dressing to clear out the sinuses (but in a good way!), the onion rings had just the right amount of deep-fried batter protection, and the tuna melt had BRIE in it. food heaven, and in 15 minutes from order, at the busiest time of the day. shakey approved! -
Review from Kara V.
3/29/2010
You might not think to stop here for food, as it looks like a store at a gas station. Its right next to Kirkwood Cross Country ski area. They have the most kick ass burgers here! and the rest of the food is pretty good too. I think they are open year round. I like coming here after a long cross country ski day and chowing down on a big ole juicy burger and fries. Beer is good here too!
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Review from HEATHER S.
Fremont, CA
12/23/2010
Yummy appetizers. Must try the "blue moon cheddar soup". This place is very rustic.
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Review from Jay P.
San Jose, CA
9/12/2010 1 photo
This summer, I've been doing a lot of hike-fish trips in the Kirkwood area. On my first trip, I passed this place and planned to go back for lunch after I did some fishing up in the sticks. When I first walked in, I knew that the place had been there for a loooong time. Turns out, this place was established before Kirkwood Ski Resort was even conceived. The joint has an old rustic feel to it. The lighting is dim, just like a saloon should be. When I go here, I order a Kirkwood Burger or if it's after 1700 hours, I'll order a Ribeye. I highly recommend either of these goodies. To be honest, I was surprised that they were that good. After being in the sticks, hustlin' for the catch, it's nice to rest a bit and grab some grub. I'm glad I stopped by here. If you're in this neck of the woods off the 88, have a bite.
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Review from Matt R.
Oakland, CA
1/15/2008
One key to good Yelp reviews, IMNSHO, is to properly scale expectations to promises. Rosamunde's will not have the same level of service as French Laundry, The Alley will not have the same clientele as the bar at the W, and Ying Kee will not be as tidy as P.F. Chang's. It's all about how a place delivers on its promises, and how it relates to the expectations of the 'hood. In a similar vein, an informed Yelper knows the expectations and context. French restaurants won't (and should not) serve "distinct flavors" like Chez Panisse because Chez Panisse is California cuisine, not French cuisine. Beer bars rarely make creative pseudo-martinis, and Carolina BBQ isn't supposed to be red and sweet.
With that in mind, the Kirkwood Inn succeeds because it is a best of breed, a big fish in a small pond, and very good at delivering what it promises, and doing it better than any place in the neighborhood (especially since the 'hood is barely a village, 30mi from Tahoe proper). After a day of skiing, you might want excellent beer, hot coffee drinks, and comfort food in a rustic mountain setting, and this is what you'll get. Situated across the road from Kirkwood Mountain Resort (I hope that's the proper name, lest the mean and bitter luxury resort real estate salespeople get angry at dirtbag non-luxury telemarkers like myself), it captures everything that you'd want out of a historic high-mountain pass rest stop. Burgers and meat-based sandwiches are affordable and tasty all around. The Irish coffee can include both Jameson and Bailey's. Black Butte is on tap, along with an assortment of pale ales and a few light American lagers. The service is homey and friendly, and solo travelers and skiers can simply sit down at the bar, make friends with the folks sitting on either side, and have a nice afternoon chat moderated by the attentive bar staff. The TVs play all of the weekend's sporting events, in case you missed something while riding lifts or hiking the backcountry.
The new Kirkwood village has a nice bar and restaurant (actually, more than one these days) just off the main square ("Off the Wall"), which is actually quite good by Tahoe slopeside standards, but you'll never feel at home there, even if you buy into a partial ownership scheme in one of the special mountain residences. And the Battered Beaver is no more. More likely than not, someone with a name badge will bitch at you for tracking snow into the "VIP" bathroom, and you'll cross the highway to Zach Kirkwood's old cabin and meet the sort of people who make Kirkwood a fun place to ski.Listed in: The Places I Go, The Mokelumne Wine Trail
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Review from Lauren L.
3/26/2010
Sssssssh. The tacos are a secret.
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Review from Steve C.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2007
We are regulars at the Kirkwood Inn and would recommend this for anyone coming to the Kirkwood Ski resort. The food is consistent and high quality. It is a bit more expensive than comparable restaurants in the Bay Area, but this is completely understandable because everything is shipped from a long way from the restaurant. The wait staff is very friendly and the restaurant is a throw back to the early days of the mountains. The place is absolutely awesome to bring families and it is also a nice place to have a drink after a long day on the hill. This is the best place to go when the road is closed. The atmosphere is party like when the snow is coming down hard.
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Review from Val Z.
Emeryville, CA
9/21/2007
Good place to eat in Kirkwood, but get there BEFORE 5pm for much cheaper eats - later, the place is too expensive for me (but, there aren't many other options).
Food is decent, ambiance is *excellent* (rustic & cozy), price before 5pm is very good, and if you're around during the week before 5pm, you can't beat the $1.50 taco special. -
Review from Stephanie H.
Palo Alto, CA
Updated - 4/10/2010
Last time I went, I was severely disappointed. They prices were higher than I remembered and it was rather unimpressive. It's still a classic landmark, so be sure to go if you've never been, but otherwise, don't rush out to eat there.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/27/2009
I've been a devoted diner at this joint for as long as I have been eating. They have great burgers… Read more »
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Review from ROGER C.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2011
Great place after skiing, love the fish tacos! Staff is great too
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Review from Matt G.
Palo Alto, CA
1/6/2009
The dining room has a fantastic old time cabin feel (looks like it came from the late 19th century), and on Saturday night, they had two talented people playing folk songs.
Service was slow and one piece of meat came out medium raw instead of medium rare, but everything was tasty and I would come back.
If this restaurant were in a San Francisco, it would get 3 stars, but out on 88 at the edge of the Kirkwood ski resort, the combination of food and atmosphere after a day of skiing is so fantastic that Kirkwood Inn merits more. -
Review from Katie M.
Santa Clara, CA
7/30/2009
I LOVE this place! the resturant has a warm cozy cabiniy feeling to it! not only is the decor and resturant style great, the food is tasty! I got a burger once, and it was soooooo yummy! they have the best fries ever! also this restraunt is some what of a historic land mark. they have this little area in the inn where it says the history of it. it actually used to be a saloon in the 1800s and there are bullet holes in the bathroom, from olden fights....... how cool is that????? hahahahahaha basically come here!
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Review from Bryan B.
Burlingame, CA
1/15/2007
Best place for dinner in Kirkwood!! Okay, that may not be saying much since there aren't too many places in Kirkwood to choose from, but the Kirkwood Inn is one of a kind. The place is an old inn and saloon and has been in constant business for 100+ years. When you walk inn, you feel like you stepped back in time with the low beams and ceilings and saloon feel. If walls could talk, this joint would have plenty to say. Get there early and have a couple of beers at the bar, and then get ready for a gut buster of a meal. We skipped lunch on the mountain during the day, so we were starving by the time we got to the Inn. The portions are enormous, so definitely come hungry. I tried a little bit of everyone's, so I can say that the ribs, ny strip steak, and pork tenderloin are very good. And don't miss the garlic mashed potatoes. We wrapped it up with warm homemade cherry pie with vanilla ice cream. We then promptly went home and passed out from a long day, several beers, and a filling meal. Highly recommended.
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Review from Matty K.
12/23/2009
Seriously good. I had my doubts. After a long perilous drive, I decided I was starving. We decided to come here instead of paying for overpriced barely edible food at the resort. I was worried by the looks of the place that I would have to eat a grilled cheese sandwich because it didn't look vegetarian friendly at all. Lo and behold, they have menu options that are asterisked for the "healthy traveler." Most of them were vegetarian, a couple were low fat grilled chicken, tuna. I had the meadow burger and my friend had the french dip. He loved his sandwich and I LOVED the meadow burger. Guacamole, a marinated portabello mushroom, a grilled green pepper, sprouts, onions, cheese, and cucumbers made it delicious. The fries are great and his sweet potato fries were ok. He liked them and I didn't. Great atmosphere, low ceilings, dark and rustic. Friendly service and folks at the bar that strike up great conversation. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time. Will definitely come here from now on every time I'm snowboarding at Kirkwood.
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Review from Tine K.
Volcano, CA
7/14/2010
We used to love to go to Kirkwood for lunch or dinner or to just stop and have a beer. Unfortunately it no longer has a dog friendly patio. We live less than an hour away in Volcano and love to go to the local creeks and lakes with our dogs always knowing we could stop and top off our day by sitting outside and enjoying the good food and beverages. I am sad to say that we will not be back until this changes. There are other places along Hwy 88 that you can sit outside with your dogs that we will be going to instead. Cooks Station is one, the food is good and the people are freindly! In Volcano there is The Union where you can sit outside in a beautiful patio area with your dog and get one of the best burgers in CA! There is also Thomi's in Sutter Creek and Jackson where they will even bring your dog a biscuit and some water. So sorry Kirkwood, unless you change we won't be back!!!
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Review from kaylee a.
Goleta, CA
3/19/2010
I can't believe no one else mentioned THE TACOS! I believe that they are not on the menu (I haven't looked lately) and they may be only available during happy hour but they are delicious!! Chicken, beef or fish. As I live in southern-central-coastal California I only come to the area during ski season but I can't stop thinking about them the other 9 months of the year. It is a 8 hour drive from my house but I might plan a summer trip to the area based partially on the fact that I will get to eat THE TACOS while I am near. Oh and the service is great.
