WHERE TO EAT

Soda Springs
General Store & Deli

In the late 19th century, general stores served as bustling hubs of the communities they served. A place residents and visitors could experience goods through sight, touch, and taste. The Soda Springs General Store & Deli captures that nostalgic essence, harkening back to that earlier era, a store where owners take pride in their establishment.

Relax after a hike with a made-to-order roast beef sandwich and a local frosty pint from their deli. Forgot something? You’ll find everything from camping necessities like hot dogs, high quality cheeses, and coffee to lodging items like laundry detergent and even knick-knacks you can bring back for a friend.

Old 40 Bar & Grill Donner Ski Ranch

Ever wondered where the last great ski bars went? A place where the food is top-notch, the servers are welcoming, and the beers don't break the bank. As you settle in at the bar nestled inside the Donner Ski Lodge, you'll realize you've found one of those rare gems.

In the summer, rub elbows with PCT thru-hikers sharing tales of their adventures. Come winter, you'll be surrounded by fellow skiers and snowboarders relishing the powder at either DSR or Sugar Bowl. And whatever you do, don't leave without trying a slice of homemade Strawberry or Rhubarb pie. It's just like grandma used to make.

For Real Dough Pizza

From backcountry skiing to hiking the Royal Gorge summer trails, adventurers on Donner Summit can surely work up an appetite. If you're yearning for a mouthwatering pie, a stop at For Real Dough Pizza is a must. This isn't just another pizza place; it's a foodie's paradise. To begin with, the sauce and dough are handcrafted using artisanal water sourced from a deep aquifer at 6,200 feet elevation. Then, drawing from recipes gathered over the years from the East Coast to the Midwest, they deliver a more traditional thin crust and a red savory sauce that is simply irresistible.

Summit Station

Royal Gorge's Summit Station will be open Fridays and Saturdays during the summer (June 28 – Aug 31) from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  The menu will include delicious American pub fare made from scratch in the kitchen; and there will be a full bar inside.  Relax on the deck and enjoy dinner plus a cocktail, beer or wine in the sunshine. 

Indian Kitchen 80

When journeying over Donner Summit, international cuisine might be the last thing on your mind. But if you're craving fast, affordable, and authentic Indian food, look no farther than Indian Kitchen 80, just off exit 165. This unassuming food truck offers a mouthwatering array of classic Indian dishes like Chicken Biryani, along with appetizers such as samosas and fresh garlic naan. While their website highlights their most popular items, the menu in person is even more extensive. Keep in mind, though, that being a food truck means there's limited to no seating available.

Subway

Established by Fred DeLuca in 1965, the iconic Subway restaurant lives up to its motto "Eat Fresh." The menu features submarine sandwiches (subs), wraps, salads, and beverages, all available at their numerous American multinational fast-food franchise outlets, including the one at Cisco Grove (I-80 exit 165).