The Scoop: The Squeeze In has an award-winning breakfast menu and creative brunch cocktails, and it offers an impressive spread for couples in the mood for an indulgent Valentine’s Day brunch. This restaurant has become famous throughout California, Nevada, and Texas for its classic flavors and friendly service, and it can hit the spot for couples seeking a casual and indulgent meal. As a family-owned brunch spot, the Squeeze In encourages couples to take a load off their minds and savor special moments surrounded by good food and good company.

Valentine’s Day can put pressure on couples to have extravagant romantic experiences, possibly involving sky-writing, rose petals, and champagne. However, not all couples feel the need to make such a fuss. Sometimes a quiet meal and a few sincere words can make hearts flutter just as much as something more elaborate and pricey.

The Squeeze In logo

You can start your Valentine’s Day on a sweet note by visiting the Squeeze In.

This Valentine’s Day, couples can give themselves a treat by having a romantic breakfast or lunch at The Squeeze In, a popular brunch restaurant in California, Nevada, and Texas. This early-morning date activity won’t break the bank, but it’ll warm your heart and fill your belly — and that’s more than enough to make it special.

The Squeeze In is an affordable alternative to upscale, white-tablecloth date spots, and its bustling atmosphere attracts couples seeking a decadent meal in a laid-back and family-friendly restaurant.

The Squeeze In restaurant opens at 7 a.m., and the kitchen keeps flipping pancakes and making omelettes until 2 p.m.

You don’t need to dress in your finest to receive a warm welcome at the Squeeze In. The restaurant is a casual place to grab breakfast or brunch, and it serves people of all ages and backgrounds.

Director of Marketing Megan Jensen said the Squeeze In can put couples in a romantic frame of mind throughout the year, and especially on Valentine’s Day. “We’re passionate about showing the love — it’s one of our values,” she said. “So, love is already in the air when you walk through our doors.”

The Perfect Place for a Cozy & Family-Friendly Brunch

The original Squeeze In opened in Truckee, California in 1974, and people would literally have to squeeze in to get a seat at this popular breakfast restaurant. It only had 14 tables, and they were always jam-packed with hungry patrons.

The Young family was among the most ardent supporters of the Squeeze In. The family of four traveled from Reno to dig into savory omelettes and sweet pancakes. Then, in 2003, the Young family used their savings to buy the restaurant because they wanted to keep its traditions going and help bring it to new communities.

Photo of strawberry pancakes

The Squeeze In kitchen serves a good mix of sweet and savory dishes.

Today, the Squeeze In has 11 locations (soon to be 12) that are open 363 days a year and offer a massive menu to satisfy its diverse brunch crowd.

The Squeeze In menu has a little something for everyone from a crab-stuffed omelet to strawberry-topped pancakes with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Even if you’re not big on breakfast, you can find something scrumptious on the Squeeze In lunch menu. The restaurant serves lunch all day (yes, even at 7 in the morning), so people can always have a sandwich or burger if that’s what their hearts desire.

Couples can also add a little spirit to their mornings by sampling some of Squeeze In’s adult beverages, which includes mimosas, beers, Irish coffee, and Bloody Marys. The Mimosa of the Month this February is the Strawberry Crush Mimosa. This drink is made with Odwalla’s Strawberry C Monster Smoothie blend, and it’s a wonderfully refreshing way to start the day.

The Hail Mary is perfect for sharing with a loved one because it’s so gigantic and includes half a grilled cheese sandwich along with three strips of bacon, three pepperoncinis, a stuffed olive, a celery stick, and a lemon wedge.

“The Squeeze In boasts a comfortable atmosphere with friendly associates there to greet and serve you,” Megan said. “Nothing quite says love like Valentine’s Day Brunch at a restaurant with a menu that has something for everyone.”

Couples Savor the Moment & Make Warm Memories

Squeeze In has been a breakfast staple for generations, and it has provided the setting for countless family traditions, date-night anniversaries, and special occasions over the years.

Some couples make a point to visit the Squeeze In every year on Valentine’s Day because they once had an especially memorable date there, or because it’s one of their favorite restaurants. The team is always happy to hear these stories and be part of such special memories for dating and married couples.

The Squeeze In's Valentine's Day post

The Squeeze In is a popular breakfast date spot, particularly on Valentine’s Day.

Andrea F. and her boyfriend visited the Squeeze In’s Reno location for a Valentine’s Day brunch in 2016, and they gave the restaurant five stars on Yelp. Not even a 45-minute wait could dampen their experience, and they said they planned to go back to try more of the omelets on the menu.

“The food was totally worth it. The menu has great variety for what you’re into — healthy, not so healthy. It has it all,” Andrea said. “The staff was really friendly, and the atmosphere is very cool.”

Catherine S. went to the Squeeze In on Valentine’s Day weekend and had a similarly enjoyable time. The server brought a bin of toys for her toddler to play with, and the Holy Crab dish impressed Catherine with its big seafood flavors. She also praised the mushroom sauce and melt-in-your-mouth omelets.

“I am still in shock how busy they were,” Catherine said. “They were efficient in making sure our cups were filled and articulate about explaining the menu.”

In a TripAdvisor review, Jennifer G. said she and her husband look forward to their Tahoe vacations, in part, because of the Squeeze In.

Photo of the Crabby Benny

The Squeeze In serves many decadent dishes that’ll have you hankering for more.

The couple has even driven two hours just for that breakfast. “Worth it,” Jennifer said. “Servers are always friendly and helpful, and the food is always delicious.”

If you’re lucky enough to live near one of its locations, the Squeeze In is a wonderful place to satisfy your cravings day in and day out. Kristin B. and her boyfriend live in Truckee and visit the Squeeze In often enough to be dubbed regulars. “We try to go once a week and are always happy with the great food and friendly service,” Kristin said.

Saundra P. left a review on Facebook to say that her family has been going to the Squeeze In for over 40 years. She once went with her parents, and now she goes with her grandson, who loves the bear-shaped pancakes. “The food is always delicious and generous, the atmosphere casual and friendly. Don’t change a thing,” she said. “Truckee will always be #1 in our hearts!”

The Squeeze In Has Grown Into a West Coast Phenomenon

Everyone has different expectations for Valentine’s Day, but the most important thing is simply being together. You don’t have to reserve a table at the most expensive dinner restaurant in town — heck, you don’t even have to wait for dinner. At the Squeeze In, you can have breakfast in style and enjoy some quality time with your main squeeze.

Couples can have fun exploring the menu — including the Squeezy Spirits — and ordering some good old-fashioned comfort food to start the day right. Whether you’re sharing a stack of pancakes or chowing down on hash browns, the Squeeze In can delight your senses and leave you well-satisfied by the end of the meal.

As Megan said, “If French Toast covered in strawberries and bananas and stuffed with cream cheese sounds good to you, then the Squeeze In is the perfect place for your Valentine’s Day brunch.”

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