A Local’s Guide to Your Day in MidTown

A Local’s Guide to Your Day in MidTown Have you ever wanted to experience Reno’s MidTown District like a local? Follow along with a Reno local Abbey Kay shows you around and shares some of her favorite restaurants, shops, artwork and bars. From breakfast stops to cute clothing boutiques, mural finds and coffee breaks, get an insider's guide to some of the best spots to see. Here’s a detailed recap of how this local takes on MidTown!

Start with Breakfast

Two Chicks is the golden nugget of MidTown’s breakfast scene. When you're spending a day in Midtown, it's always a good idea to start the day here. It’s owned by the same two ladies who started the famous Gourmelt Food Truck, which specializes in creative grilled cheese sandwiches, and what they’ve done with a breakfast menu will blow your mind. Everything on the menu is fresh from their sourdough pancakes to their biscuits and gravy. Abbey Kay's favorite is the Rise & Shine Sandwich from their lunch menu which has eggs, bacon, cheese and cream cheese on toasted rye bread.

Shop a Little

MidTown is the place to go if you're looking for unique boutiques and shops. A couple of favorite clothing stores are Sierra Belle and Nomad Boutique. They live right across the parking lot from Two Chicks, inside the shopping center called The Sticks. Sierra Belle is for the indie girl who sports hats, booties and isn’t afraid to wear suede. Nomad Boutique is full of florals, knit sweaters and the most beautiful dressing room space around. These are two must-stop places to shop when in MidTown.

Time to Thrift

One of the hippest places to thrift in MidTown is Junkee Clothing Exchange. They’re the local’s favorite for costume shopping, and half of their store is dedicated to vintage antiques. Whether you’re looking for a statement outfit or for some eclectic home décor, it’s a great place to explore and experience. The Antique Mall just down Virginia Street is a great place to hit up as well.

Book Nook

Don't miss the dreamy aesthetic of Sundance Books & Music on the corner of California Avenue and S. Sierra Street. The beautiful white building with tall columns and a gorgeous front yard are the perfect setting for this local bookstore. Inside, the two-story layout offers new and used books in all categories. They even have a wall dedicated entirely to Nevada. The space is beautiful and so worth a visit.

Coffee Break

Reno loves its coffee, and so does Abbey Kay! One MidTown favorite is Old World Coffee, serving up tea, coffee and a tasty rotating seasonal menu. With their simple menu design, cocktail-inspired drinks and modern storefront, you can’t help but pop inside for a drink. They’re friendly and helpful, and always have some local artwork on display. Another great place to stop is JoStella Coffee Company, a family-owned coffee shop with a super cozy vibe.

Paint the City

Murals are all around MidTown and they add a bit of color and magic to the streets and alleys. Reno has a special place in its heart for local muralists and even hosts a mural expo. Walk the streets of MidTown and you’re sure to come across some beautiful street art. Some of Abbey Kay's favorite Reno muralists are Erik Burke and Mike Lucido.

Plant Place

Succulents and cacti are all the plant rage nowadays. Who knew plants could party? Natural Selection, located on St. Lawrence street, it’s where Abbey Kay and many locals go to satisfy their green thumbs. The shop has a wide variety of plants to choose from and is also a place where you can buy very unique taxidermy items. The owner is very helpful in letting you know how to care for each plant once it’s yours, which makes this place extra great.

Grab a Drink

If you worked up a thirst, don't worry! MidTown is home to some of Reno's coolest cocktail bars, like Death & Taxes, Amari and The Emerson, as well as bars with great beer selections, such as Piñon Bottle Company and Chapel Tavern. Another gem in MidTown is Z Bar, with a colorful outdoor patio complete with fire pits. MidTown truly has so much to offer. This was just one day and one way to experience a sliver of what you can truly see there. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in MidTown, perfect for lunch, dinner or happy hour. Tattoo parlors, bagel shops, bars, furniture stores, salons and more all live in the heart of MidTown Reno. You could spend every day down there for a week straight and still have more to explore which is why locals and visitors love it so much! Reno native, Abbey Kay, is a lifestyle blogger who loves fashion, donuts, pizza, coffee and thrifting. But more than anything, she loves sharing her passion for the Biggest Little City. Let's see how she spends a day in Reno's MidTown district. (Hint, you won't leave hungry or empty-handed!) Thanks for tagging along on my MidTown adventure. Follow along on for more Reno behind the scenes - AbbeyKay and AbbeyKayBlog!