TL;DR: After years as part of the Truckee and Lake Tahoe community, we've gotten to know the businesses we trust and genuinely refer people to. This is that list — no paid placements, no kickbacks. Just the places we've experienced or heard about from people we trust. Updated regularly as the community evolves.
One thing we've learned since opening in 2018: Truckee punches far above its weight for a small mountain town. Great coffee, real restaurants, outdoor shops that actually know their stuff, wellness spots that don't feel corporate. We're sharing what we know because we've benefited from this community — and because when our clients come to town for an appointment, we want them to have a good experience beyond our studio doors.
Galleries, history, music, and the creative side of Truckee.
Independent artist offering original creature and animal artwork as high-quality prints on canvas ($200–$500) and a clothing line featuring original designs — creatures, bears, mountain lions, parrots, aliens. All art is original and copyrighted by RYNo. The shop also carries pieces like the Acid Bear, Mighty Bear, Mountain Lion, and Bird of Prey as ready-to-buy prints.
Why we recommend it: RYNo is the artist behind the mural in our studio — a bold creature piece that anchors the space. The original artwork on our website logo is based on that same mural. Beyond the shop, RYNo puts out original creature and animal prints ($200–$500) and a clothing line with designs that don't feel like licensing-agreement graphics. If you want something that came from an actual artist, it's worth a look.
📍 Online at rynoart.com · Available in Truckee area
Truckee's local independent radio station, broadcasting at 101.5 FM (KTKE). Triple A format playing everything from Led Zeppelin to Kings of Leon, The Cure to B.B. King — no corporate playlists, no "the man" telling them what to play. They report local news, events, and weather year-round, with daily ski condition reports in winter and outdoor adventure features in summer. Partner with Tahoe resorts to give away free lift tickets through the snow season, and concert tickets and gift certificates in summer.
Why we recommend it: Their mission says it: "Our mission is to entertain and inform the local community. We are INDEPENDENT so we can play and talk about what YOU want to hear." That's a rare thing. Tune in on your drive up, or stream live — it's the local soundtrack of Truckee you won't get anywhere else.
📍 11890 Donner Pass Rd, Ste 2, Truckee, CA 96161 · (530) 587-9999
[ Brief description. ]
Why we recommend it: [ Why we recommend it. ]
📍 [ Location ]
Cannabis and body care for the post-tattoo recovery period and beyond.
A licensed California cannabis dispensary serving Truckee and North Lake Tahoe via delivery. They carry a range of products for both recreational and medical customers. Known for fast, discreet delivery in unmarked vehicles and knowledgeable, unhurried staff.
Why we recommend it: Voted best cannabis dispensary in Truckee. When you're recovering from a session and want something to help manage discomfort and sleep, these folks are the local option that actually knows their products. Delivery means you don't have to go anywhere.
📍 Delivers to Truckee & North Lake Tahoe, CA
[ Brief description. ]
Why we recommend it: [ Why we recommend it. ]
📍 [ Location ]
Our go-to spots for eating and drinking in and around Truckee.
Founded by Swiss-born Esther and Werner Ospelt, Zuri brings an honest Swiss cafe experience to Truckee — quality at the forefront of everything they do. Fresh prepared breakfast and lunch, hand-baked treats, and well-crafted coffee drinks. The menu runs to organic avocado toast, house-made sandwiches, and daily specials alongside the usual espresso drinks.
Why we recommend it: Esther's vision was to bring the warmth of Swiss alpine cafes to Truckee — and they've done exactly that. Great baristas, genuinely fresh food, and a quality-first attitude that comes through in every cup. Open 6am–4pm daily. Right on Donner Pass Road, easy stop before or after an appointment.
📍 11357 Donner Pass Rd, Suite G, Truckee, CA 96161 · (530) 536-5151
Family-owned and operated rotisserie restaurant in Truckee, CA. What started as a shared dream around the dinner table is now a community staple built on tradition, hard work, and meals that feel like home. Their signature soy-lime marinated rotisserie chicken, slow-roasted tri-tip, and pork are the backbone of a menu that also includes burritos, tacos, and Mexican staples. The Golden Burrito is a Truckee classic.
Why we recommend it: Fast, fresh, and made to order — exactly what you want after a long session. They describe it best: "We're here to feed you like family — because that's who we are." Online ordering available so you can skip the line. Beer on site, no reservations needed. Located at 11357 Donner Pass Rd — same center as Zuri Coffee Co., making it an easy stop on appointment day.
📍 11357 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
A rustic neighborhood tavern on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in Tahoma, CA. Executive Chef Quinten Frye's vision: "a restaurant for local folks" — modern California cuisine built around seasonally shaped menus, locally sourced produce, and special relationships with area farmers and ranchers. Their specialty pizzas and tavern-style plates are what they call "unmatched."
Why we recommend it: When the West Shore needed a spot for locals, Frye delivered one worth driving to. Their menu changes with the seasons — burrata flatbreads, roasted octopus, beef short rib poutine, craft pizzas like the Sausage with charred red onion and piquillos — and they pour from a rotating beer and wine list that stays local. It's the kind of place where sharing a board and a pizza feels like exactly what the mountains called you here for. Open 4–9 p.m. daily, closed Mondays. About 30 minutes from Truckee, but nothing else like it between here and the lake.
📍 7000 W. Lake Blvd, Tahoma, CA 96142
[ Brief description of the business — what it is, what it does, who it's for. 1-3 sentences. ]
Why we recommend it: [ One-paragraph explanation of why we trust this business and who it's best for. ]
📍 [ Location / Address ]
[ Brief description. ]
Why we recommend it: [ Why we recommend it. ]
📍 [ Location ]
Truckee lives outside. These are the operators and resources that do it right.
[ Brief description. ]
Why we recommend it: [ Why we recommend it. ]
📍 [ Location ]
[ Brief description. ]
Why we recommend it: [ Why we recommend it. ]
📍 [ Location ]
Massage, bodywork, and recovery — the things that complement getting tattooed.
[ Brief description. ]
Why we recommend it: [ Why we recommend it. ]
📍 [ Location ]
[ Brief description. ]
Why we recommend it: [ Why we recommend it. ]
📍 [ Location ]
The businesses that don't fit neatly elsewhere but deserve a mention.
[ Brief description. ]
Why we recommend it: [ Why we recommend it. ]
📍 [ Location ]
When you're in town for an appointment, make a day of it. We'll see you at the studio.
Book Appointment