Sorensen's Cafe

Most of the food was tasty, the hamburger was overcooked when asked for rare. The server was very casual and consistently helpful. The inside seating was quaint and comfortable, but if you're expecting a fine dining environment, this is probably a bit more casual than you'd prefer.

Our server was warm and skilled. The space lacked adequate light and has lost a lot of charm with the removal of the old redwood round tables. The menu was OK. We would have appreciated a seafood option or a veggie side and more than a single salad option.

Sorensen's Resort Café in Hope Valley is an absolute gem! The setting is intimate, cozy, and perfectly captures the beauty of the surrounding nature. I hosted a few girlfriends at my cabin nearby, and we decided to book dinner here — we were all blown away! The food was delicious, and far exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere made it feel both relaxed and special at the same time. We left impressed, satisfied, and already talking about when we'll be back. A must-visit if you're anywhere near Hope Valley!

Such a disappointment. Having been to Sorensen's many times over the years and having enjoyed the food and ambiance immensely, our visit the other day was underwhelming at best. Specifically, the beef stew ($32!) had like 4 little chunks of beef and when I asked for additional bread I was told 'we don't do that' and some nonsense about 'the chef'. What!! It's stew, it gets bread. The waitress did relent and brought a few cold white bread rolls. But not without charging $10 extra. Huh? I'm more than willing to pay, and travel and dine frequently, but there was such a mismatch between price and quality that I literally felt ripped off. Shame on the new owners for having degraded this venerable spot. Can't recommend and won't go back. In defense, the chicken pot pie was passable.

I wish I had looked at reviewer Paul Morgan (review below) before going - I might have skipped the stop and mediocre food. He is spot on in his assessment and the beef stew photos tell the story of the decline of a dish once revered.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Great place to get some grub!

The menu is limited at this time of year. We ate light - the Spinach and Strawberry salad was very good. Corn chowder and berry cobbler also good. The “bread basket” at $10 was ridiculous, consisting of one kind of over-warmed commercial rolls. Why not some sourdough and perhaps a few breadsticks? Thanks.

Went to Hope valley to see the color change and decided to go to Sorensons Cafe for lunch. After waiting 45 minutes and still no food we decided to let our server know we were leaving . They could have been more professional and acknowledged the slow service , but didn’t happen. Will not return , food, menu choices, price and SLOW SERVICE are not worth it.. 45 year Tahoe Local

I have been coming to Sorensen’s for years. As a vegetarian in recent years since they were bought by Wylder I’ve found so many delicious options- quite a substantial menu. However- they seemed to have changed management and their menu has barely anything on it, particularly no vegetarian main dishes (except a veggie burger upon request). Therefore all I could have was a pretzel, a small spinach salad, and a side of sautéed squash as I do not like burgers. For my family of three (including my daughter who has a small bowl of plain pasta and husband who ate a bowl of beef stew) our bill was over $100 and I was left feeling unsatisfied and slightly hungry. Moreover, the waitress was extremely rude. Even though I love the idea of this cafe, sadly I won’t be going back unless they seriously update their menu and have friendlier waitstaff.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

Enjoy our lunch with our dog. Friendly staff and the cheese burger was done just right! Good recommendations for the beer from South Lake Tahoe.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place has changed management and sadly there are hardly any options for vegetarians. After a long day of hiking I was left unsatisfied with a pretzel and spinach salad. They literally had nothing else, unless you like veggie burgers which unfortunately, I do not. Also, the waitress was extremely rude and did not empathize at all with the limited food choices. Finally, the prices were ridiculous. A pretzel for $13, a small salad for over $20 and a small bowl of beef stew for my husband over $30. Despite this being in a lovely location, sadly I will not be coming back until they add more vegetarian options to the menu and get some friendlier staff.

Made a special trip to Hope Valley to see the leaves and to eat at this restaurant that I researched on yelp... tried the pot pie. The whole top was Joey and burnt. I asked her why and she said oh it's supposed to be that way., it was actually gross.. the wine was good. She had just opened a new bottle.  my husband had the burger. He said it was just OK.. The people were exceptionally nice. Cannot say anything bad about them. They were delightful. However, the kitchen needs help. It is not good food.

In October, people flock to Hope Valley for the chance to see the aspen groves is autumn color. The weather happened to be nice, so the outdoor seating was welcome. The groves did not disappoint—the golden leaves were spectacular! The food was good, and the waitress was able to accommodate my gluten-free needs. There were two downsides that made our experience at Sorensen's Csfe “good,” but not “great.” The first is that there was only one employee serving a full house of customers, covering both hostess and waitress duties. She was pleasant and efficient, but it was a challenge to attend to everyone solo. In their busiest season, the restaurant should consider hiring more wait-staff. The second downside is a limited menu.

Our motorcycle club stops here every chance we can.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is certainly a hidden gem near Lake Tahoe. Located near Desolation Wilderness in a beautiful setting. I would describe the food as elevated comfort food. The best chicken pot pie ever!

We had reservations and were told to take any table. The ones that were left were directly in front of their musician, who was loud and not great. We were then told to move because we were taking up a table for larger parties. The food was just ok and expensive for what you got.