ABOUT US

Long before South Lake Tahoe was even a city, the building that now houses Kung Pao Hustle was already serving locals and visitors alike. Originally an A&W Root Beer stand with carhop service on roller skates, it later became the 50’s Diner—a beloved stop for car buffs and an iconic part of Tahoe’s dining history.

Over the decades, the space saw many short-lived ventures come and go. In 2025, Thanya and Oliver Starr purchased the property with a vision to restore its legacy as a true community gathering place. After a summer of renovation and restoration, that vision became Kung Pao Hustle.

Our mission is simple: to bring fun, fresh, fast, and flavorful Chinese food to South Lake Tahoe. Every dish is made to order with high-quality ingredients, wok-fired for bold flavor, and served with the same sense of energy and joy that first defined this location decades ago.

We also take pride in running a low-impact restaurant. Water is served on request, and our to-go packaging is compostable or recyclable whenever possible.

If you have special dietary needs, please let us know—we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

We’re proud to share this one-of-a-kind Tahoe space with you, and we hope you enjoy every bite.