Gabbi Hall
Just between Midtown Reno and downtown Reno sits a side street called California Ave. It’s a low foot-traffic road near the Nevada Museum of Art packed with big flavor. Along the street are hot spots like Monaciello and 1864 Tavern. And of course, the restaurant of the hour: Centro Bar & Restaurant.
Centro serves up small plates, cocktails and mocktails in a very hipster setting. Think exposed brick, pop-art paintings, garage door windows that open up in the summer, metal stools and an open kitchen where you can watch the action. It’s an intimately-sized space and perfect for any occasion except maybe a large party (more than 6 people) given the size of the space.
I have been to Centro Bar & Kitchen on two occasions: work lunch with my team and dinner with my mom. I’m glad my mom is a patient woman who allowed me to photograph the food before we ate it. She’s a gem.
What to Order at Centro Bar & Kitchen
On this particular visit, I was participating in Dry January–so no alcohol for me. However, the bartender made me a mocktail, specifically the Beet El Chapo minus the mezcal. They describe this cocktail as a “tasty beverage with Bozal mezcal, beet simple syrup, lime, and jalapeño!” 10 out of 10 would recommend to a friend and I loved having a fancy drink to go with my food. I do recommend sitting at the bar for easy access to the bartender and as a bonus, you can watch them cook the food right in front of you. It might even help you decide what to order! That’s how my mom and I ended up with the lamb meatballs.
Octopus Hanger Steak Shrimp Po’ Boy
Beets
This salad is a delightful way to start the meal. A beet salad with arugala, honey, goat cheese and mandarin oranges. It’s sweet and tangy and savory.
Hangar Steak
Served with a tomato sauce, green chili sauce and potatoes, the hangar steak (I recommend it medium rare) is a dream. I saw the chef grill it up to perfection right in front of my mom and at the bar. The sauces have a little kick, but it’s not what I’d call spicy. If you love red meat, order this.
Octopus
This is octopus like I’d never had it. It’s grilled and gets a little charred and crispy on the outside. I’ve only ever had it on sushi. If you’re looking for something unique, this is a must-eat dish.
Shrimp Po’ Boy
This was one of my mom’s picks. It’s a full roll cut into three pieces filled with shrimp, sriracha, honey and cabbage slaw. The toast the bun and while it is a little too much bread in my opinion, the flavors are perfect.
View The Full Centro Bar & Kitchen Menu Here.
Where is Centro Bar & Kitchen?
Address: 236 California Ave., Reno, NV 89509
Until my next meal, here goes nothing.
Everything you had sounds incredible! And that drink – so creative with the beet juice and I love a cocktail with a little heat.
I know, right? Such surprising flavors that paired so nicely.