A trip to Reno isn’t complete without a fun night out and a great cocktail. So, I’m here to give you my recommendations for the best bars in Reno, Nevada. So, grab your friends and grab a cocktail. This is a living, breathing list, so it’ll be updated as I try new cocktail bars around Reno Tahoe.
The Emerson
Yelp Rating: 5 Stars
Gabbi Rating: 5 Stars
Website
Why I Like It: The mid-century decor with velvet and gold is the perfect mix of fun and luxury. The cocktails are delicious (and updated seasonally for fresh surprises) and it’s a lively bar without being overcrowded even at 11 pm on a Saturday. And it’s in the center of the Midtown Reno neighborhood, so it’s easy to hop from here to other bars and restaurants.
Death & Taxes
Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars
Gabbi Rating: 5 Stars
Menu
Why I Like It: I love Death & Taxes because of the craft cocktails, well-dressed bartenders and the quiet vibe. The space itself is very small and it does get busy. I actually prefer it for a mid-week cocktail instead of a Saturday night because you can sit and have a conversation. I’m not typically a whiskey drinker, but the Dead & Lovely cocktail is one of my favorites in town.
LoBar Social
Yelp Rating: 5 Stars
Gabbi Rating: 5 Stars
Website
Why I Like It: Lo Bar Social—formerly known as Matador Lounge and St. James Infirmary—has been reimagined by a new owner (the same folks who one Blind Dog Tavern and Poor Devil Saloon). With a downstairs that screams “speakeasy” and a rooftop that gives rosé-sipping, basic bitch energy, it’s the perfect combo of environments.
The Depot
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars
Gabbi Rating: 4 Stars
Website
Why I Like It: The Depot Craft Brewery & Distillery lives in the currently-being-revitalized area known as 4th Street or the Reno Brewery District. It’s one of the best bars in Reno, Nevada for brunch. The Manmosa is a full bottle of bubbly in a stein with some OJ. Sure, it’s not bottomless, but it gets the job done. Of course, you have to pair it with a tasty item off their brunch menu like the Buenas Carnitas. If you’re in more of a cocktail mood, try one with its very own distilled delights. I like anything with the Biggest Little Bourbon.
Chapel Tavern
Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars
Gabbi Rating: 5 Stars
Menu
Why I Like It: Chapel Tavern in MidTown Reno has been a staple for me since I moved to Reno. If you’re passionate about mixology or just appreciate great ambiance, this bar is a perfect place to come with friends. They update their menu seasonally, and I am a big fan of the frosé in the summer and the hot buttered rum or egg nog around the holidays. They also bring in live music—like the band I’m in, The Subtle Lovers—from time to time.
Amari
Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars
Gabbi Rating: 5 Stars
Menu
Why I Like It: Small (three indoor tables) but an amazing vibe and service. Dimly lit by candles with brick walls, it’s highly romantic to tuck away here. Enjoy spritzes, craft cocktails and even grappa flights.
The Loving Cup
Yelp Rating: 3.9 Stars
Gabbi Rating: 4.5 Stars
Website
Why I Like It: The Loving Cup has dive bar energy, but solid cocktails. Not far from S. Virginia Street, they’re always bringing in live music—from jazz nights to rock bands to DJs. I prefer to be there between 6-10 pm before it gets to wild and while I can still order pizza and wings from Satisfaction Pizza which is attached to the bar.
What’s the Reno, Nevada Bar Scene Like?
Reno, Nevada, is still widely associated with casinos and cowboys. But in recent years, the region known as Reno Tahoe, has welcomed an influx of young people to the area that work for companies like Tesla. And where there are cool, young, money-making Millenials, there will be a demand for trendy, Instagrammable and tasty bars. The Reno bar scene is crawling with new cocktail bars waiting to be explored and mixology magic waiting to be tasted. You’ll find a mix of dive bars and speakeasies and taverns and wine bars sprinkled throughout downtown and MidTown—all within an easy distance of each other. Hello, Bar Crawl!
Until my next night out, here goes nothing.
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