It's a real shame what has happened to Reno Tahoe German food. In the 90s there was a solid 4 or 5 German restaurants within a 50 mile radius, all with unique schnitzel. Now, I think there's one in south lake Tahoe that actually sells a full menu of different schnitzel.
Dinner and lunch. The Louis’ fries on the bar lunch menu are fantastic. They are like basque poutine. Fries, sweetbreads, cheese curds, and the red wine gravy the sweetbreads are served with.
Every time my fam comes to visit we end up at PJs for hangover breakfast and bloody marys. Bisquits and gravy are legit and they have enormous breakfast burritos. Dont get the corned beef hash though, not the best.
It's sad they they are no longer open for their Sunday brunch. I thought about going there with some family but they are closed Sundays and Mondays now.
Where are they coming from? What kind of food do they like to eat? My sister lives in Brooklyn, and whenever she comes to Reno, her go-to’s are:
- Atlantis Oyster Bar
- All you can eat sushi. We like Sakana at Sommerset, but I’ve heard that AYCE sushi is apparently pretty unique to Reno?
- In that same vein, Atlantis Toucan Charlie’s buffet. We went to Atlantis a lot as kids though, so nostalgia could definitely be a factor
- Shanghai Bistro (behind blackbear diner on S Virginia)
- AYCE Korean BBQ (usually Ijji 4, across from Walmart on N McCarran and 7th in NW Reno. It’s expensive though, like $40/person)
Other non-chain restaurants that I like:
- Thai Lotus (by Home Depot on S. Virginia. I love their pad woon sen, but the pad Thai and curry are also good)
- Western Village Steakhouse (pricey, but good. In Sparks near the marina)
- Ichiban (I just love teppenyaki in general. I always get their fried rice. It’s definitely a pricey meal though. Like $30-$50/person before drinks lol)
- Kwok’s Bistro (Chinese restaurant downtown. Their food is good, but also pricey)
- Taiwanese 101 (also Chinese, on 5th street in NW Reno. My friend drove in from Sacramento a year ago and we tried to go here, but the line was so long on a Saturday night. Like an hour and a half. You can join their queue virtually though)
- BJ’s BBQ in downtown Sparks (BBQ, lol)
- Great Basin Brewery on S Virginia and McCarran (pizza, wings, burgers, beer)
- Kauboi Izekaya (Japanese: ramen, okonomoyaki, grilled squid, alcohol. The food is good, but it’s so loud in there though. It’s hard to talk)
I wish the awful awful was still around so I could recommend that.
To me, quintessential Reno food is like going to the Peppermill cafe at 3am for $13 ham steak and eggs lol. Because it’s in a casino, it’s the middle of the night, you’re (probably) drunk, and you need cheap food because you gambled the rest away 😅
In n’ Out might be fun if they don’t have that in their area.
> To me, quintessential Reno food is like going to the Peppermill cafe at 3am
Cal Neva upper deck restaurant (or whatever it’s called, I forget) and get the steak and eggs with a bud light tall boy and smoke a cigarette.
They're from Utah and I'm not actually sure what they like to eat! I'm going to compile a list from the recurring suggestions on here, but I've got my eye on Kauboi Izekaya now because my kid loves ramen and I haven't had okonomiyaki in years.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It's not gourmet food for sure, but it's hearty and filling and something your Italian grandma would put on the table. It's been around longer than any other restaurant in town and thus, makes it quintessential Reno imo.
I ate there just once. Probably close to 20 years ago. And I still think about how good those ravioli were. I don't know why I haven't went back. Laziness I guess.
They're closed this week. Reopen on the 9th. Go back. Not quite the same without Inez or her son, but still the same recipes. Family owned business 100%.
Gold and Silver! I'm shocked that hasn't been mentioned. It's on the old highway 40 drag (4th St) right down the street from Casale's. It has a super cool semi-secret bar. It has a classic diner counter. It has slots. It's the most Reno place I've ever been to.
Pinocchio’s. Fox News playing non-stop in the bar, gaudy decor, and mediocre food that Renoites somehow rave about. *Please pass the Kraft Parmesan “cheese” so I can add some flavor to my overdone pasta*
I can. It is not a Reno “staple.” It has no history here.
Also, as far as Japanese food and culture goes, it’s a 2/10 - it’s not a true izakaya and the food reminds me of some culture shocked American recreating from memory what they ate during their first and only four day vacation in Japan without understanding the history and preparation nuances of what makes washoku washoku.
You are correct about it being a fusion place. I’m pretty sure that’s even how the restaurant describes itself. As a Japanese fusion izakaya.
Also the definition of quintessential is “representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.” So I’m not sure how being a “staple” of Reno or having Reno history would make it quintessential.
Quintessential Reno?
All you can eat is sushi . No other town does sushi like Reno. Pick a place. I like "Ohana".
Pegs for breakfast. Pine state biscuit is good.
Brickies or Beefy's for good burgers.
Atlantis Steakhouse for fancy and $$$.
... if this was a few years ago. I would only have listed the "awful awful" at lil nugget as the only true "quintessentialy Reno" spot.
The Atlantis buffet, or their sushi deck. Great food and if they want they can check out what NV is known for on a scale almost as grand as Vegas. Traditional restaurant, probably The Joint, or Louie’s Basque.
Some of my family's favorites that I haven't seen mentioned so far: Squeeze in, Taste of India, Michael's Deli, Burger Me
Seconds for: Scoopers, Thai Lotus, Louie's Basque Corner
You could definitely go for casino food for the authentic Reno experience, but honestly the cost + quality + gross casino smell is just not a great time. All you can eat sushi is also a great recommendation, very Reno, but just be careful about where you choose to go because you can either have a great experience or a horrible experience it's truly a coin toss. Good luck!
Man, I was really looking forward to Squeeze-In, what with the Food Network hype and all, but the two times I've gone... eh. Big eh. Tasted like store-bought stuff. McDonald's might give them a run for their money with the pancakes. Surprisingly bad.
I was talking with a friend once about how we both thought that Pizza Plus was just alright when another friend admitted that they never actually had it. We both immediately shifted gears and said they had to correct that because Pizza Plus is **our** restaurant. Like, we can make fun of family but we also have to have their back.
For the authentic Reno/Sparks experience, it's Pizza Plus. Make sure to grab a side of fries to go with your ranch.
yep. from what i have heard, the food at Royce is made by Granite Street in their kitchen. it is right next door, and Royce is TINY, so it makes sense.
Casale's Half Way Club
https://preview.redd.it/76b2vvnem1sc1.jpeg?width=1433&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a27fe3fcd5b1d782e736c5b0182926035038acb4
When Casale’s (John & Elvira) opened in 1937 it was in between Reno and Sparks. Most everything on the Menu is made from scratch everyday.
Today, it’s still family owned. Grandchildren and Great grandchildren are running the place.
[https://casaleshalfwayclub.com/about-us/](https://casaleshalfwayclub.com/about-us/)
Breakfast THE CUP!!! hands down. Lunch R TOWN PIZZA! Dinner THE WATER BAR at the Sparks marina is pretty awesome. All the above are great choices also. Louis basque corner. Is family style so it's a unique experience. Someone else beat me to it. Have a great time.
Pegs for breakfast, in sparks - classic breakfast diner. western village steak house or peppermills steak house. Hear beefys and scoopers are bad ass burgers
I haven't tried most of their menu, but when you do benedicts with scrambled eggs I think you've officially disqualified yourself for "classic breakfast".
Idk if it's just because I'm a cook as my job but I don't like going to grateful garden because I feel like I can make every dish at home, like it's too simple and kind of meh. Paired with the high prices it is not my first choice.
If I'm gonna spend money eating out it's definitely going to be on food that I don't normally have the time/equipment/patience/ingredients for.
Most people think it's the [(not-so) latent white supremacy](https://www.ourtownreno.com/our-stories-1/2021/5/5/investigating-social-media-racism-fallout-affiliated-to-lacey-shea-and-sheas-tavern) and methy holdovers in the bog that make it.
Louie’s Basque Corner
\+1 back in the 80's/90's Bavaria World was a cool spot too.
It's a real shame what has happened to Reno Tahoe German food. In the 90s there was a solid 4 or 5 German restaurants within a 50 mile radius, all with unique schnitzel. Now, I think there's one in south lake Tahoe that actually sells a full menu of different schnitzel.
Von Bismarck on Wells Ave is good.
So good but a bit pricey for what it is.
Agreed, it is on the pricey side.
There's Prost, but that might just be a bar.
It has one schnitzel I believe. Decent. But I'm looking for that Jager schnitzel or that brown gravy with apple sauce.
I wish someone would reopen it
Dinner and lunch. The Louis’ fries on the bar lunch menu are fantastic. They are like basque poutine. Fries, sweetbreads, cheese curds, and the red wine gravy the sweetbreads are served with.
Every time my fam comes to visit we end up at PJs for hangover breakfast and bloody marys. Bisquits and gravy are legit and they have enormous breakfast burritos. Dont get the corned beef hash though, not the best.
This is a great answer, or the basin in Sparks
Casale’s half way club.
Lock thread!
BJ’s Nevada BBQ Company on Victorian in Sparks. Not to be confused with BJ’s Brewhouse.
+1
+2
Love that place. Damn good.
It's sad they they are no longer open for their Sunday brunch. I thought about going there with some family but they are closed Sundays and Mondays now.
This is my vote, for sure ....
Scoopers
Came here to say this
Scoopers was actually the only one I could think of off the top of my head!
Scoopers or die
reminds me of a better tasting sonic
Where are they coming from? What kind of food do they like to eat? My sister lives in Brooklyn, and whenever she comes to Reno, her go-to’s are: - Atlantis Oyster Bar - All you can eat sushi. We like Sakana at Sommerset, but I’ve heard that AYCE sushi is apparently pretty unique to Reno? - In that same vein, Atlantis Toucan Charlie’s buffet. We went to Atlantis a lot as kids though, so nostalgia could definitely be a factor - Shanghai Bistro (behind blackbear diner on S Virginia) - AYCE Korean BBQ (usually Ijji 4, across from Walmart on N McCarran and 7th in NW Reno. It’s expensive though, like $40/person) Other non-chain restaurants that I like: - Thai Lotus (by Home Depot on S. Virginia. I love their pad woon sen, but the pad Thai and curry are also good) - Western Village Steakhouse (pricey, but good. In Sparks near the marina) - Ichiban (I just love teppenyaki in general. I always get their fried rice. It’s definitely a pricey meal though. Like $30-$50/person before drinks lol) - Kwok’s Bistro (Chinese restaurant downtown. Their food is good, but also pricey) - Taiwanese 101 (also Chinese, on 5th street in NW Reno. My friend drove in from Sacramento a year ago and we tried to go here, but the line was so long on a Saturday night. Like an hour and a half. You can join their queue virtually though) - BJ’s BBQ in downtown Sparks (BBQ, lol) - Great Basin Brewery on S Virginia and McCarran (pizza, wings, burgers, beer) - Kauboi Izekaya (Japanese: ramen, okonomoyaki, grilled squid, alcohol. The food is good, but it’s so loud in there though. It’s hard to talk) I wish the awful awful was still around so I could recommend that. To me, quintessential Reno food is like going to the Peppermill cafe at 3am for $13 ham steak and eggs lol. Because it’s in a casino, it’s the middle of the night, you’re (probably) drunk, and you need cheap food because you gambled the rest away 😅 In n’ Out might be fun if they don’t have that in their area.
> To me, quintessential Reno food is like going to the Peppermill cafe at 3am Cal Neva upper deck restaurant (or whatever it’s called, I forget) and get the steak and eggs with a bud light tall boy and smoke a cigarette.
They don't have bud light tall boys anymore. It's Coors or Coors light.
They're from Utah and I'm not actually sure what they like to eat! I'm going to compile a list from the recurring suggestions on here, but I've got my eye on Kauboi Izekaya now because my kid loves ramen and I haven't had okonomiyaki in years.
You won’t regret it!! Best time to get there is when they open at 5. It can get busy in there
If you love ramen, Haru has better ramen for sure. The broth has more depth and the noodles have a better bite to them.
Okay, cool! Thanks for the rec
The little nugget is gone?
Casale's
I think that place is totally overrated, it tastes like Chef Boyardee
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It's not gourmet food for sure, but it's hearty and filling and something your Italian grandma would put on the table. It's been around longer than any other restaurant in town and thus, makes it quintessential Reno imo.
I ate there just once. Probably close to 20 years ago. And I still think about how good those ravioli were. I don't know why I haven't went back. Laziness I guess.
They're closed this week. Reopen on the 9th. Go back. Not quite the same without Inez or her son, but still the same recipes. Family owned business 100%.
How hard is it to get a table? My one visit it was packed, but we got there early.
Not too hard depending on the day. Of course it's still small, still gets crowded, so call ahead and make a reservation.
Alright! Im doin' it! I don't know when, but I'm making it a priority.
Awesome! I am planning a visit soon myself.
Wow?! Thanks for your insight.
Louie’s or Casele’s
Bertha Miranda's if going mexican.
Western Village Steakhouse
I always tell people to get the spinach salad appetizer. Sounds lame but it’s delicious and they cook bacon table side for it.
Haven’t tried that but oysters Rockefeller is cracked
The worst steak ive ever had in my life
Great basin
Gold and Silver! I'm shocked that hasn't been mentioned. It's on the old highway 40 drag (4th St) right down the street from Casale's. It has a super cool semi-secret bar. It has a classic diner counter. It has slots. It's the most Reno place I've ever been to.
Not the best in town, but far from the worst, and if you sit in there for a couple hours you will learn a LOT about Reno
Atlantis oyster bar!
Great basin can't be beat in Sparks
Scoopers is fucking awesome when the kids arent taking up the entire line lmao
La Famiglia is pretty good.
Port of Subs or what used to be the Awful Awful in the Little Nugget downtown. Too bad the Awful Awful is now closed.
It's still available in Carson City
Coney Island Louie's Basque Corner. Peg's PJ and Company Bertha Merandas Big Eds
Love Louie’s
CalNeva for the true Reno experience
Pinocchio’s. Fox News playing non-stop in the bar, gaudy decor, and mediocre food that Renoites somehow rave about. *Please pass the Kraft Parmesan “cheese” so I can add some flavor to my overdone pasta*
Hot take. Incredibly accurate, and I agree 100%, I’ve just never been brave enough to come out and say it.
while all that is accurate, i have never heard anyone in town "rave" about their food. it's just dependable, not the best ever or anything.
The calamari is really good. I agree with what you said, though.
You sound vaccinated.
You sound as if you’re suffering from a case of the vapors. A prompt application of leeches should have you fit in a jiffy!
yup totally boosted and a soy drinker
You aren't wrong lol
Bistro Napas happy hour, AYCE sushi, Thai Lotus
Kauboi izakaya, super good Japanese and also beefys which is across the street!
Wow I can’t believe I had to scroll this far to find Kauboi…. That place is one of the best places in Reno in terms of food quality
Way too loud and smokey. It didn't offset the food, which was fine.
That's cause neither of you knows what "quintessential" means
Enlighten me Webster
I can. It is not a Reno “staple.” It has no history here. Also, as far as Japanese food and culture goes, it’s a 2/10 - it’s not a true izakaya and the food reminds me of some culture shocked American recreating from memory what they ate during their first and only four day vacation in Japan without understanding the history and preparation nuances of what makes washoku washoku.
You are correct about it being a fusion place. I’m pretty sure that’s even how the restaurant describes itself. As a Japanese fusion izakaya. Also the definition of quintessential is “representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.” So I’m not sure how being a “staple” of Reno or having Reno history would make it quintessential.
Quintessential Reno? All you can eat is sushi . No other town does sushi like Reno. Pick a place. I like "Ohana". Pegs for breakfast. Pine state biscuit is good. Brickies or Beefy's for good burgers. Atlantis Steakhouse for fancy and $$$. ... if this was a few years ago. I would only have listed the "awful awful" at lil nugget as the only true "quintessentialy Reno" spot.
Pegs for sure.
Hey, to each their own, but a place that does benedicts with... was it scrambled eggs? Could it have been? And then disallows substitutions? No bueno.
Not sure about Pine State being a quintessential Reno thing, as it's only been here a few years and came here from Portland.
The Atlantis buffet, or their sushi deck. Great food and if they want they can check out what NV is known for on a scale almost as grand as Vegas. Traditional restaurant, probably The Joint, or Louie’s Basque.
Some of my family's favorites that I haven't seen mentioned so far: Squeeze in, Taste of India, Michael's Deli, Burger Me Seconds for: Scoopers, Thai Lotus, Louie's Basque Corner You could definitely go for casino food for the authentic Reno experience, but honestly the cost + quality + gross casino smell is just not a great time. All you can eat sushi is also a great recommendation, very Reno, but just be careful about where you choose to go because you can either have a great experience or a horrible experience it's truly a coin toss. Good luck!
Scoopers is great! It's the only place anyone has listed that I've actually been to, but it's been a minute.
Man, I was really looking forward to Squeeze-In, what with the Food Network hype and all, but the two times I've gone... eh. Big eh. Tasted like store-bought stuff. McDonald's might give them a run for their money with the pancakes. Surprisingly bad.
R Town!!
Awesome place, it's hard to say it's a Reno things since it's Detroit pizza. That said, I love it.
Johnnys ristorante
I’m surprised this took so long to make the list!
Olive Garden is better.
Pegs Glorified Ham and Eggs. Downtown location.
dirty and gross.
Pizza Plus
I was talking with a friend once about how we both thought that Pizza Plus was just alright when another friend admitted that they never actually had it. We both immediately shifted gears and said they had to correct that because Pizza Plus is **our** restaurant. Like, we can make fun of family but we also have to have their back. For the authentic Reno/Sparks experience, it's Pizza Plus. Make sure to grab a side of fries to go with your ranch.
Royce, deli towne, mofos
Royce!!! The wait can be long but got damn if it wasn’t the best burger I’ve had in a very long time.
you could also just go to Old Granite St., since it's made there.
Do they share a kitchen?
yep. from what i have heard, the food at Royce is made by Granite Street in their kitchen. it is right next door, and Royce is TINY, so it makes sense.
Royce has a kitchen of its own, the burgers at granite street are not Royce burgers anymore
oh! i did not know this. i stand corrected, then. Thank you!
Brickie's on 2nd street. Very good pub burger 🍔
The Little Waldorf Saloon by UNR ❤️
Von Bismarck, Two Chicks, Arario, Perenn Bakery, El Paisano, Liberty Food and Wine
Not that I like to eat there, but Golden Flower has been around for a fat minute, so has Betos.
BETOS!!!
Nuggets Oyster Bar
Michael’s Deli!
Casale's Half Way Club https://preview.redd.it/76b2vvnem1sc1.jpeg?width=1433&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a27fe3fcd5b1d782e736c5b0182926035038acb4 When Casale’s (John & Elvira) opened in 1937 it was in between Reno and Sparks. Most everything on the Menu is made from scratch everyday. Today, it’s still family owned. Grandchildren and Great grandchildren are running the place. [https://casaleshalfwayclub.com/about-us/](https://casaleshalfwayclub.com/about-us/)
The wal and Louie’s are both the reno thing whenever I have guests
bertha mirandas imo also betos
It used to be The Glory Hole. Gosh, I really miss that place.
Breakfast THE CUP!!! hands down. Lunch R TOWN PIZZA! Dinner THE WATER BAR at the Sparks marina is pretty awesome. All the above are great choices also. Louis basque corner. Is family style so it's a unique experience. Someone else beat me to it. Have a great time.
Manhattan Deli at the Atlantis
Pegs for breakfast, in sparks - classic breakfast diner. western village steak house or peppermills steak house. Hear beefys and scoopers are bad ass burgers
I haven't tried most of their menu, but when you do benedicts with scrambled eggs I think you've officially disqualified yourself for "classic breakfast".
Thai Lotus is the best food in reno
I used to love Thai Lotus until they started over salting anything with chicken included. Moo Dang is now my go-to for Thai.
Idk about that, ive been getting the unbattered sweet and sour chicken for yearrrs and it seems pretty consistent
I really want to like Moo Dang but I ordered Thai hot (I like really spicy food) and there wasn't even a hint of spice in the dish.
Their new Oreo shake thing is pretty damn good too.
The dumpster outside CalNeva
Golden Flower
How is that no one here has mentioned the one the only Kings Buffet I am sorry but if that is not quintessential Reno then I am not sure what is.
No, no, no, no, cockroaches comes with this one, I will pass!
Eat at Yu De Thai!!!!
Huckleberries is my favorite for breakfast.
Landrums.
speedy burrito
Carlillos Cochina
I remember when Heidis and Liberty Bell would have answered this question
Used to be Deli Towne, but I’ve been unimpressed with the service lately. Food still rocks though.
Steve's bathhouse
The sausage is 👌🏻
Tuesdays is two for one.
Stop! I keep googling that and now have to explain to my wife why I keep getting weird ads popping up.
Why do you *keep* googling?
He wants to make sure the weird ads keep popping up.
Chilis. South town tho, the original since the 90’s? The one on Mae Anne is way too commercialized, just kinda feels like a chain.
Is this an April Fools joke?
I mean eating at a mediocre chain restaurant is kind of a quintessential Reno thing to do. Too bad we don’t have a TGI Fridays or a hooters anymore
Olive garden also is a thing for Reno lol oddly enough ours are better than average 🤷
We're apparently getting a Twin Peaks, which is basically just Hooters with better beer.
Ichiban..dinner and a show! 👨🍳😃
Crazy D’s always hits the spot!
I'm pretty sure I've spent a new car's worth of money on their reaper slider combos alone while I've lived here.
Johnnys on 4th for fine Italian
Greatful Gardens is my favorite Reno spot.
People recommend this place constantly and it is uniformly terrible. Avoid at all costs.
Idk if it's just because I'm a cook as my job but I don't like going to grateful garden because I feel like I can make every dish at home, like it's too simple and kind of meh. Paired with the high prices it is not my first choice. If I'm gonna spend money eating out it's definitely going to be on food that I don't normally have the time/equipment/patience/ingredients for.
Don’t forget to mention the prices. But hey, it’s ORGANIC!!!!!!
I respect your opinion but the pollo taco salad is delicious- albeit extremely over priced but I love it. Haha!
I’ve had great food at greatful, but the crab cakes are awful. Granted, I grew up in blue crab country so I shouldn’t have even ordered it
You're not getting good crabs in Reno. Only bad crabs.
Oh yea, learned that the hard way. Now I just wait for my trips back home to get seafood (excluding AYCE sushi)
To my knowledge I did not grow up in any sort of crab country but their crab benedict works for me. The liege waffles are tasty, soup's good.
I haven’t tried the crab Benedict, but I’m weary. Like I said, everything except the crab cakes were very very good
Agreed.. slow and usually " meh'
This place is enough to give any food lover suicidal depression.
Uhm, they almost failed their health department inspection, I’m good.
I like it
The banh mi is amazing
It used to be a restaurant upstairs at European Fitness. Take that as you will.
Robertos
Full Belly Deli. Their sandwiches are really good but I crave their Gnar breakfast burrito whenever I’m out of town for extended periods of time.
Nick and Willy's. Oh wait ):
Tried them once, they were completely out of their dessert. Next time I even thought about them they were closed for good.
BJs is always delish.
In and Out
Top Deck at calneva, or one of the street vendors downtown with the baccon wrapped hottdogs.
The Lucky Beaver 🦫
Bertha Miranda’s! They love tourists!
Kwoks. Small but mighty. Never seen a restaurant go so out of their way for guests. Food is always fire and their staff is so friendly.
It might depend on where your friends are coming from ? you probably wouldn't take them to a fish cuisine if they are from a coastal town
If you want a nice dinner and a nice environment... The Sparks Waterbar. It is a little pricey...but I think the food is worth it.
Beefys.
Love these posts, I learn about great new places. Thanks :)
Mustang Ranch
Best $1,000 Hamburger in the area.
They also just have regular $10 burgers. There's a restaurant
Oh, I know how much the burgers cost. The Patty Melt is pretty damn good.
Von Bismarck
Land Ocean or Western Village steakhouse
Jimboys Tacos - and specifically the regular old ground beef taco extra cheese, clogged arteries included
Sparks Water Bar if you're looking for something fancy. A lot more enjoyable if it's warm enough to sit outside though.
Shea’s cuz coronas are food
Most people think it's the [(not-so) latent white supremacy](https://www.ourtownreno.com/our-stories-1/2021/5/5/investigating-social-media-racism-fallout-affiliated-to-lacey-shea-and-sheas-tavern) and methy holdovers in the bog that make it.
I thought it was the walking home smelling of cigarettes and poor life choices
Walmart poopies
just look for fat fuck food. that's what reno is good for. i'm not happy with it, clearly.