Reno's Vibrant Truckee River Arts District a Gathering Place Both Day and Night
Just in Time for the May 10-13 Reno River Festival, New Restaurants, Lounges and Businesses Set the Scene for Fun
The north section of Reno’s Truckee River Arts District is the place where a multi-million dollar whitewater park runs through a rapidly evolving corridor of hip restaurants, cafes, lounges, museums and specialty shops. In recent months, new eateries and night spots have opened near the river’s edge; all part of a colorful urban rebirth that has made the district a hub for locals and visitors day and night. These unique businesses are located within walking distance of 6,000 hotel rooms, downtown casinos and the Reno Events Center, which has recently hosted the likes of The Who and Aerosmith.
“Reno is in the midst of an incredible renaissance, and the river area has emerged as the place to be with fun and trendy spots to enjoy French cuisine, a night on the town at an ultra-lounge or simply a cup of tea or coffee with friends,” says Knud Svendsen, vice president of sales and marketing at the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. “A prime time to see and experience it all is during the Reno River Festival May 10-13.”
A sampling of some of the newest venues and established favorites includes:
New
Divine Ultra Lounge
95 N. Sierra Street, Suite 101
775.329.8088
www.divineultralounge.com
Contact: Ryan Leverty, Co-owner
A playful environment where guests unwind and let the world go by. Upscale, exclusive retreat catering to every whim, be it heavenly dining or sinful spirits. DJ talent and unique amenities including mood lighting, VIP booths and bottle service. One block north of the Truckee River, behind Century 12 Theatres. Open Tues. – Sun. at 5 p.m.
Wild River Grille
17 S. Virginia Street
775.901.1107
www.wildrivergrille.com
Contact: Chuck Shapiro, Owner
The newest grill with river-inspired décor is in the Riverside Artist Lofts building. Features creative, casual cuisine, incredible hand-crafted cocktails and a fabulous outdoor patio. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., serving lunch and dinner daily.
210 North (2 lounges & restaurant)
210 N. Sierra Street
775.786.6210
www.210north.com
Contact: Jill Gianoli, Co-owner
Unique facility with two establishments in one location: Meta-Lounge and the Divinity Lounge. Meta-Lounge boasts modern European furniture, glossy fabrics and two full-service bars catering to young professionals and the true club crowd. Divinity is their over-the-top décor lounge with glittering chrome curtains; an Eva Menz-designed 5000-piece, blown-glass chandelier; velvet loveseats; and a white marble bar, all set in a luxurious gaming environment where ‘suits and stilettos prevail.’ Open Weds. – Sat. at 9 p.m.
Se7en Teahouse and Bar
100 N. Arlington Avenue, 102
775.348.9526
www.seenatse7en.com
Contact: Huong Thai, Co-owner
Adding a bit of flavor, class and culture to the Reno community, this teahouse, bar and food venue provides a sanctuary for some quiet time or to meet up with friends. A large variety of teas ranging from organic to herbal, green to red, Asian to European, loose to bag. Coffees, sandwiches, pastries and appetizers also available. Turns into a cocktail lounge after 6 p.m., featuring a complete wine list, organic alcoholic and tea-accented concoctions. Sun. – Th. 10 a.m. – midnight, Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Imperial Bar & Lounge
150 N. Arlington Avenue,
775.324.6399
www.imperialbarandlounge.com
Contact: Justin Owen or Ryan Gold, co-owners
At this ‘gastropub,’ try beers and sliders after work, or a glass of wine after the movie. A community-oriented spot, with something for everyone and a special appeal to locals. A stripped-down, wide-open venue featuring 20-foot ceilings, exposed steel beams, and natural brick. Includes modern amenities like wide-screen TVs, custom-designed booths, and a sleek bar. Diverse menu includes thin crust pizzas, Panini sandwiches, meats and cheeses, a wide selection of beers on tap, and several wines. Hours are 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. daily.
Sierra Tap House
252 W. 1st Street
775.322.7678
www.sierrataphouse.com
Contact: Michael Connolly
Known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff and full liquor menu, this bar is located along the Truckee River. Offers a great patio for people watching and enjoying a nice microbrew in a relaxed, non-smoking atmosphere. Open Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m. to close; Sat. & Sun., noon to close.
Established Favorites
Chocolate Bar
475 S. Arlington Street
775.337.1122
www.thechocbar.com
Contact: Sean Sette, Owner
This dessert and liquor bar is a swanky, urban rest stop featuring a variety of chocolate specialties including house-made biscotti, cakes and cookies, a cocoa amaretto martini and the chai-tini. Watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Chaplin films or Betty Boop cartoons on the mini TV screens along the bar. Open Tues.– Sun., 11 a.m. to close; Mon 5 p.m. – close.
Silver Peak Grill and Taproom
135 N. Sierra Street
775.284.3300
www.silverpeakbrewery.com
Contact: Trent Schmidt, Co-owner, 775.324.1864
Very popular local brewery/restaurant located in the heart of the arts district. Features indoor and outdoor dining and new menu items including red curry shrimp, grilled-lamb burger with kalamata olives and goat cheese, grilled flat-iron steak, pistachio-encrusted salmon and their signature white sangria (summers). Kitchen open 11 a.m. to midnight weekdays; to 1 a.m. Fri. & Sat.
Dreamer’s Coffee House, Deli & Art Gallery
17 S. Virginia St.
775.322.8040
www.dreamerscoffeeandart.com
Contact: Jonathan Bascombe, 775.322.2127
Located in the Riverside Artist Lofts, this coffee house offers comfortable sofas, free wireless, full coffee bar and deli menus, juices, soda, beer, wine, salads, soups, cheesecakes and pastries. Check Web site for live entertainment, artist receptions, Wine Walk and crafts. Open Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Beaujolais Bistro
130 West St.
775.323.2227
www.beaujolaisbistro.com
Contact: Bill Gilbert
Located just half a block from the Truckee River, this charming French restaurant has been housed in a nearly 100-year-old brick building since 2002. With a nearly all-French wine list and entrees that range from frog legs to roasted rack of lamb, Beaujolais is a quaint and cozy hidden hotspot. Open for lunch Tues.-Fri., 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner Tues.-Sun., starting at 5 p.m.
The Green Room
144 West Street
775.324.1224
www.renogreenroom.com
Contact: Kevin McGehee, Owner
Known for an eclectic variety of live music, this ‘smart bar’ (no gaming) focuses on music options, art and camraderie to accompany your cocktails. Atmosphere is ‘everybody is somebody.’ Free WiFi. Open 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily.
Java Jungle
246 West 1st Street
775.329.4484
www.javajunglevino.com
Contact: Matthew Polley, 775.745.3924 cell
The ultimate in coffee house experiences; serves superior coffee, espresso, and gourmet sandwiches. Atmosphere is friendly ‘urban jungle,’ featuring weekly poetry, art, music and free WiFi. Open 6 a.m. to midnight daily.
Jungle Vino
248 West 1st Street
775.329.4484
www.javajunglevino.com
Contact: Matthew Polley, 775.745.3924 cell
Fine wine and food in an intimate, sophisticated setting. Features a full-service bar, weekly wine tastings, and special events supporting local artists and music. Open Mon.-Thurs. 3 p.m.-12 p.m., Fri. 3 p.m.- 2 a.m., Sat. noon - 2 a.m., Sun. noon - midnight.
The 5-Star Saloon
132 West Street
775.329.2878
www.5starsaloon.net
Contact: Sophia Dobbs, Owner, 877.878.2812
Reno’s only downtown gay bar offers a friendly, sassy place with pool tables, live shows, live DJs, Internet jukebox, and free WiFi. No cover charge; free parking at the 1st Street Parking Gallery. Open 24/7.
Tonic, 231 W. 2nd Street, 775.337.6868,
Contact: Joshua Smeltz, Owner,
775.342.9446 (cell)
A ‘downtempo’ lounge featuring DJs, a dance floor, plasma screen showing cult classic movies, draft beer, wine and martini menus. A new Hooka Lounge is scheduled to open the end of April. OpenTues. – Saturdays, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Urban hip décor. Hours are 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. everyday.