Jack's at the Tracks — Review by Food Network
Truckee, United States — Comfort Food, American
Guy Fieri visits Jack's at the Tracks, a beautifully restored 1948 Coleman Diner Car in Truckee, California, where East Coast transplant Bud Haley and New Zealand chef Phil Brown serve upscale comfort food classics. The highlight is the crab cake eggs benedict featuring homemade English muffins, fresh crab cakes, and creamy hollandaise sauce, which the host praises for its excellent execution and quality ingredients.
What was great: Handmade corned beef, eggs benedict with homemade crab cakes and hollandaise, homemade English muffins with great chew and texture, classic 1948 Coleman Diner Car atmosphere, upscale take on comfort food
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The morning started with the Morning Addictions, a creative dish of hash browns topped with balsamic vinaigrette and eggs that impressed immediately. The handmade corned beef stood out as some of the best the reviewer has ever tasted, highlighting the kitchen's commitment to scratch cooking. The star of the visit was undoubtedly the eggs benedict featuring homemade crab cakes and fresh hollandaise sauce on top of homemade English muffins. The crab cakes were made with blue crab, egg, and lump crab mixed with sauteed peppers and onions, chili flake, chili powder, crushed saltine crackers, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. The homemade English muffins displayed wonderful texture and chew, created using bread flour and proper fermentation technique. The poached eggs were delicate and perfectly cooked, while the hollandaise was silky and rich without being overpowering.
The Experience
Jack's at the Tracks is housed in an original 1948 Coleman Diner Car, completely restored and filled with classic chrome and character. The diner features an appealing bar seating area that the reviewer loved, maintaining the authentic vintage aesthetic while serving contemporary cuisine. Owner Bud Haley, an East Coast transplant, discovered the diner and completely renovated it, bringing in New Zealand chef Phil Brown to put a creative spin on classic comfort food. The atmosphere successfully balances nostalgic charm with modern culinary ambition, creating a destination worth visiting.
Value & Pricing
No specific pricing was mentioned in the transcript, though the quality of ingredients and preparation suggests premium pricing typical of upscale comfort food establishments.
Notable Moments
This was an original all the way through and through. And when it came up for sale, I came in here and I said, 'This is me.'
The corn beef is handmade. It's the best I've had.
So, you're the first [to make English muffins on Triple D].
The Verdict
Jack's at the Tracks is a must-visit destination for anyone in the Truckee area seeking elevated comfort food in an iconic setting. The commitment to making everything from scratch, from English muffins to hollandaise to crab cakes, demonstrates genuine culinary passion. This restaurant is perfect for travelers who want to experience both nostalgic diner charm and sophisticated food preparation in one memorable package.