Driftwood Cafe

4.4
2260 reviews

About

American Restaurant

Details

  • DeliveryAvailable
  • TakeoutAvailable
  • Curbside pickupAvailable

Location

Driftwood Cafe
1001 HEAVENLY VILLAGE WAY, South Lake Tahoe, CA
96150, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.4
2,260 reviews
5 stars
1,495
4 stars
418
3 stars
153
2 stars
81
1 star
113

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Food Quality

Feedback on food quality was mixed, with some praising the deliciousness while others found it bland or poorly prepared.

Service

Service received varied reviews; some customers highlighted friendly and attentive staff, while others reported slow or rude service.

Atmosphere

The restaurant's atmosphere was generally described as cozy and welcoming, contributing positively to the dining experience.

Value

Many customers felt the portions were generous and reasonably priced, although some noted that the food did not always meet expectations for the price.
  • SM
    Sergio Morales
    3 days ago
    5.0
    SUPER busy but SUPER fast. The cooks need some recognition for knocking out food that fast. Word to the wise, when youre on the wait-list you'll get a text that you got 7 minutes to get to the host stand, get there on time, not a minute later, you will get booted.
  • JP
    Jasmine Perez
    5 days ago
    1.0
    I went to eat breakfast today and it was VERY BLAND… no salt or pepper on any food. I did not know you could mess up breakfast so bad. I got the trailhead over easy eggs, sausage, has browns and biscuits and gravy…. Everything tasted like it was cooked in water . I put salt and pepper (a lot of it) and still tasted like nothing. I look maybe 4 bites . The first 2 bites I thought I just had a bad bite but nope … NASTY! My fiancé got the strawberry and cream cheese stuffed French toast. The cream cheese tasted sour , like maybe 3 pieces of strawberries… not even fresh strawberries which I understand, also ham on the side and it was so bland .. HAM BLAND!!! I don’t understand how everything was so bland. My finances sister got a standard sandwich with chips and salsa and it did not looked like any mayo was on it resulting it in dry, and the chips and salsa ! Don’t even get me started cause the chips??? No flavor taste like it was cooked in water … not even a lick of salt on them it was horrible. The salsa tasted like if you gave a child the ingredients and told them to wing it.!.!!! We still payed and tipped 20% but I will never come here again. Food could definitely be better. Also the hasbrowns only tasted fine with loads of ketchup or hot sauce on it to mask the taste of it being super bland and cooked in boiling water with dust. Otherwise the coffee and lemonade was good. Everything else was horrible and I wish I didn’t pay but I know to not come again .
  • J2
    JAM 2021
    Jan 6, 2026
    2.0
    The food was okay; however, the service could have been more attentive, as the server only came to my table when I called for him. Two days later, I returned to give the restaurant a second chance, but the experience was worse than the first. My water cup was dirty, the service was below standard, and the table was not properly set. I had to ask for sugar and ketchup since there was none on the table. During my first visit, I refilled my own coffee because the server was not around. On the second visit, I waited about 20 minutes just to get a coffee refill. Unfortunately, due to these repeated issues, I won’t be returning. There are better restaurants in the area.
  • JS
    Jeff Straw
    Jan 4, 2026
    5.0
    My second time eating here and it was just as awesome as the first. Their Breakfast Food is really terrific. I have to eat gluten free and their GF toast is delicious. Iced vanilla latte was also 🥰 Service from Paula was terrific. And the manager Amy was delightful (just like my first visit) I was sitting on the end of the counter so near where the staff fills their drinks - and their vibes are friendly and upbeat.
  • KK
    Karo Karapetyan
    Jan 1, 2026
    4.0
    Great atmosphere and service, food just shy of five stars. I really enjoyed my visit to Driftwood Cafe. The interior design is fantastic—warm, cozy, and full of character. The humorous and clever joke signs throughout the restaurant are a great touch and definitely add to the overall charm and personality of the place. It’s a fun environment and makes the experience feel relaxed and welcoming. The service was also very nice. Staff were friendly, attentive, and made us feel comfortable, even though the restaurant was busy. The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is the food quality. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it didn’t quite reach the level I’d expect for a five-star experience. Solid and enjoyable, just not outstanding. Overall, a great spot with awesome vibes, good service, and a fun atmosphere. I’d definitely come back and would recommend it—especially if you value ambiance as much as the food.