Fresh, Fiery, and Handcrafted: A Look Inside Our House-Made Pasta Program
At Truckee Tavern and Grill, we believe great food starts with great decisions—like ditching the box and doing things the hard way, on purpose. When Culinary Director Chef Josh Dinsmore and Chef de Cuisine Ivan Reyes looked at the pasta game, they didn’t see room for compromise. In their words (only slightly edited for your grandmother’s sake), “We’re going to make good, honest food—and we’re going to do it ourselves.”
That rebellious spirit birthed our handmade pasta program, a true labor of love—and maybe vengeance—against the dry, forgettable stuff lining supermarket shelves. We currently feature two show-stopping dishes, and yes, they’re both made from scratch, every day, with just the right amount of obsession.
First up: our spinach pappardelle. This vibrant, silky pasta is paired with ground pork, sundried tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and a gin ember cream sauce that’s… well, kind of wild. In keeping with our woodfire roots, we drop a coal from our grill straight into the sauce. It’s not a gimmick—it’s how we layer in that smoky, fire-kissed depth you didn’t know cream sauce was missing.
Then there’s the house-made tortelli, lovingly stuffed with a crimini mushroom duxelle, thyme, and stracciatella cheese. We serve it with trumpet mushrooms, lemon thyme, chives, lemon zest, and a sherry brown butter sauce. And just when you think it can’t get better, we top it with shaved grana padano, because restraint is overrated.
This pasta program is more than a menu update—it’s a culinary philosophy. Guests have been losing their minds (in the best way), and internal reviews have called it “next-level.” We take that seriously.
As Chef Josh puts it,
“You can taste when something’s made with care. And you can definitely taste when it isn’t. We wanted to make pasta that tastes like someone gave a damn. That’s it.”
And because nature doesn’t stay static, neither does our pasta. These dishes rotate with the seasons, inspired by what’s fresh, local, and available. So yes, it’s delicious—but it’s also fleeting. A beautiful excuse to come back, again and again.
So come try them while they last. Your boxed pasta will never look at you the same way again.
Discover Rare Whiskey in the Heart of Truckee at Truckee Tavern & Grill
Let’s skip the small talk: we have every single release from the Old Rip Van Winkle lineup, including the highly sought-after and borderline-mythical Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye. This makes us one of the only whiskey bars in Northern California where you can actually taste the entire Van Winkle experience—without auctioning off your kidneys.
Discover Rare Whiskey in the Heart of Truckee at Truckee Tavern & Grill
If you're searching for the best whiskey bar in Truckee, California, congratulations—Google has delivered you to the promised land. At Truckee Tavern & Grill, we don’t just pour drinks—we pour legends. Located in the heart of historic downtown Truckee, we specialize in wood-fired cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a whiskey list that makes collectors weep.
An Elevated Dining and Whiskey Experience
Truckee Tavern isn’t just about ambiance (though yes, we do serve whiskey next to a fire, like civilized adults). Our menu celebrates locally sourced meats and produce, prepared over an open flame. But let’s be honest—you’re here for the whiskey.
The Full Old Rip Van Winkle Collection — Yes, Really
Let’s skip the small talk: we have every single release from the Old Rip Van Winkle lineup, including the highly sought-after and borderline-mythical Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye. This makes us one of the only whiskey bars in Northern California where you can actually taste the entire Van Winkle experience—without auctioning off your kidneys.
Here’s what’s in our vault:
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year (“Lot B”)
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year
Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye
Yes, that’s a full house of Van Winkle. Take a moment to collect yourself.
Blanton’s Gold and Other Rare Finds
If you’re into Blanton’s Gold Edition, congratulations on your excellent taste. Truckee Tavern proudly offers this rare expression—originally released only for international markets. With its rich notes of spicy rye, caramel, citrus, and oak, Blanton’s Gold is a showstopper, and it's only a pour away.
We also rotate in rare and hard-to-find bourbons and ryes from other coveted distilleries. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon hunter or a curious newcomer, our whiskey list reads like a love letter to American distilling. Click the link for our full Whiskey Menu.
Why Whiskey Lovers Flock to Truckee Tavern
Still wondering what sets us apart in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee whiskey scene? Here's a quick rundown:
Unmatched selection of rare bourbons and ryes
Expert staff who actually know the difference between wheat and rye (bless them)
A warm, woodsy, mountain-modern atmosphere
Perfect location for après-ski whiskey sipping or late-night fireside flights
Visit Truckee Tavern & Grill
Come explore the most impressive, rare whiskey selection in Truckee, just steps from the Amtrak station and all the charm of Donner Pass Road. Whether you’re celebrating, escaping, or just vibing with some Pappy, we’ve got your glass ready.
Book your table now and experience the rarest pours in Truckee-before someone else drinks them.
📍 10118 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
🔗 truckeetavern.com
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