I'm a former resident of Reno, having lived there for 8 years. I attended the University of Nevada, Reno for 3 1/2 years to earn my B.S., and then the University of Nevada School of Medicine for 4 years of medical school.

Needless to say, I had lots of chances to eat out!

Here are my top restaurant picks in Reno, NV:

I'm not going to cover any of the chain restaurants, because you could eat at those in any city.

Microbrewery

The Brew Brothers This microbrewery is located in the Eldorado Casino in downtown Reno. I'm not a big beer drinker, and I've only eaten there once or twice. However, the food was good, the microbrewery has won many awards, and if you are looking for a noisy place to have a good time, this is it!

Chinese

Shang Hai OK, this one's actually in Sparks. Take McCarren (it loops around the whole city) and turn north on Baring Blvd. Drive about 1 mile. Reed High School is on the left and Shang Hai is in the plaza on the right (there is a Smith's there). Look all the way in the left corner.

This is a little "mom and pop" Chinese place. They apparently own two others in Reno. The food here is awesome and the prices are cheap. Recently on a trip, my wife and I had lunch, Cashew Chicken, and Kon Pow Chicken, with soup and egg rolls. The bill was under $10!

Burgers

Archies There's a little place called Archies across the street from the University on North Virginia (almost to McCarren). It's clean, the burgers are great, as are the fries and onion rings.

BTW, a close second place in this category is The Nugget, an old casino in downtown Reno. It's very small (kinda dumpy) but get and "Awful, Awful." Just don't count calories!

BBQ

BJs Barbecue Another restaurant in Sparks. I believe it is on McCarren, about 1 mile north of I-80. This is another little place, but they have won many awards at rib cookoffs. You'll like it!

Steakhouse

The Steakhouse Located in John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, this place is fancier than the restaurants above. You'll pay a little more for your meal, but the steaks are incredible! John Ascuaga raises his own cattle for the restaurant. You must get dessert if you eat here!

Breakfast

Heidi's There are 3 locations: S. Virginia, next to Park Lane Mall, further down on S. Virginia near Southwest Pavilion, and Carson City. Heidi's is open from 6 am to 2 pm and serves only lunch and dinner. My wife loves the eggs benedict. I enjoyed every breakfast I ever ate here and they have great coffee! Also, if you order a soda, it comes in a glass so big you'll probably never need a refill. Not very expensive.

Buffet

The Rotisserie Back to John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks. This buffet is pricier than some of the "cheap buffets," but the food is incredible. Friday nights they have there seafood buffet where you can have various types of fish, crab legs, shrimp and almost anything else you can imagine. Be careful, it is All-You-Can-Eat. Trust me, you'll need to loosen your pants when you leave here!
Pizza

Pub N Sub An old college hangout of mine, the Pub is located near the university. Take University Terrace West from Virginia St. Turn right on Ralston, and it will be on your right hand side. I think it is at 10th St. It's a dive (aren't all college hangouts?), but the pizza (and subs, hot sandwiches, chicken wings, etc.) is incredible! Go during the summer and you can eat at picnic tables in the backyard. The only complaint I have: the environment is frequently smoke infested.

Mexican

Bertha Miranda's Located at 366 Mill St. (there's also one in Sparks, but I've never eaten at that one) in Reno. Turn East off S. Virginia onto Mill Street (Near the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts) and it's about 1 1/2 miles on the right. It's owned by Bertha Miranda (hence the name) who is a very pleasant Mexican-American lady who donates a lot of money back to the community. The food is pretty authentic and if you go on Friday or Saturday there is often live Hispanic music and dancing. Try a Margarita!
Italian

Skyline Cafe Finally, my favorite restaurant in all of Reno/Sparks! If you are on I-80 traveling West, Get off on the McCarren off ramp (in Reno, not Sparks). Turn left. Travel about 2-3 miles to Skyline Drive. Turn left and Skyline Cafe is about 1/2 mile down the street on the left. It's in a little strip mall.

It's not a very big restaurant, but if you have to wait, it is worth it! The view of the city is incredible (go at night) and the food is the best Italian I have ever eaten. We had our rehearsal dinner before our wedding at Skyline, and I go back whenever I am in town. Many people dress up to go there, but you'll be comfortable in jeans also. Try the chicken Castillo!


If you are traveling to Reno (or live there) I hope these give you some good ideas where to eat. I don't think you'll be upset!

Thanks for reading.

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