Old 5 Mile House — Restaurant in Nevada City

I grew up down in Nevada City and often went up the hill past the 5mile house, or around the mountain there. In town this weekend for our 40yr reunion at NU and met up with my dad's wife down the road from the five mile house...first thing I noticed the the new owners, Bill and Dee Dee did was change the name back to the "historical" name of The Five Mile House...Thank you! Being a historical town, we like our history and it's great to see the name back! Now, let's talk food and service...my dad's wife said the last time she was in this restaurant (different name) her and my dad received basically NO service and so they got up and left. I told her it's under new management/ownership...let's try it. And we were all glad we did. First, we were promptly greeted and seated. Our server, Jenny (super cool lady) came right over and got our drinks and my appetizer request going (Crab stuffed Jalapeno Poppers! 😬). She (dad's wife) ordered a loaded pizza with no jalapenos or onions. So delicious! My wife and I shared a house salad...it was plenty sized! And the Cambozola burger! (Right...what the heck...it appears to be a type of cheese like a brie) With candied bacon. Cooked to perfection and SO delicious, I was left wishing I had ordered my own. My dad's wife was super happy how the new owners have made the place...but bummed because she is moving. I met Bill and thanked him, and must tell anyone reading...head on over and SUPPORT LOCAL! Bill and Dee Dee are training well and have made this place a destination for locals and hungry travelers. I wish them the best! Of course, I forgot photos this time...guess I'll have to go back...I really want that Bourbon Bread Pudding!! 😳 Great...

I ordered the tri tip, waited 30 minutes, and was then told they were out. I asked for the chicken--also out.

So I unfortunately went with the brisket.

What arrived was... a $27 plate featuring one lonely, sad sliver of meat. I've now seen photos in other reviews showing triple the amount of brisket. I can only assume they were running low and rationing it out.

Unfortunately, the brisket was dry and flavorless. The coleslaw tasted like a science experiment involving vinegar and sugar, and the cornbread was dry and hard.

But I was starving. So I ate what I could and gently let the waitress know the brisket was dry. To her credit, she gave us half off the plate--which makes me think she knew I had been served the end-times portion.

Still, if I hadn't said anything?

I came home still hungry and heated up some premade meatballs from the back of the freezer.

And to make things worse - my poor husband got a burger and onion rings and ended the evening bonding with the toilet bowl.

I really hate to leave a bad review for a local business - and normally will not do that - but this was bad enough I felt...

The 5 Mile House has seen many renditions over the years. We recently went during the soft opening of the latest…Having worked in the restaurant industry in a past life, I knew to give them grace - especially on a Friday night! The place was packed but we were seated immediately. Once seated we were greeted by our server quickly and our drink order was submitted right away. Once drinks arrived (not long), we gave our dinner order and then we waited. We did have to wait a long time for the food, but our server checked on us, as well as the owner. We understood the kitchen was still working out the kinks. BUT, once the food did arrive, it was DELICIOUS! Definitely worth the wait!! We were so hungry I forgot to take good pictures, so will try to remember next time we go. We all had burgers and they were cooked perfectly and the fries were awesome! Well definitely...