Post #789562 by TheBoozehounder on Fri, Aug 31, 2018 9:57 AM

Reno Bars

Hello all... here is a few bars and lounges in the Reno/Sparks area that may be worth a visit. Unfortunately, no actual Tiki bars survived in the area, hopefully we will see a resurgence in the future.

Midtown area of Reno has been developed quite a bit in the past few years. Lots of bars, boutique shops, restaurants and more specialty shops.

The Public House is a usual go-to for me. Friendly bartenders, great beer selection and strong cocktails. There is an outdoor patio area as well as an outdoor bar which serves as an event bar and usually has a few beers on tap and a specialty cocktail promoted by different alcohol companies. DJs spin actual vinyl records on Friday and Saturday nights... and next door there is a curio store called Natural Selection that sells a wide selection of plants and taxidermy animals (a bit odd but fun to browse). Located on Saint Lawrence Avenue

Next is a fairly newer bar called Rum, Sugar, Lime... which I have yet to visit. But, it looks promising. Here is some text that I got from their website. Rum. Sugar. Lime. The Holy Trinity of tropical drinks.
Nearly all tropical cocktail recipes are some spin on these three ingredients. You’re invited to experience Reno’s newest contemporary cocktail bar with a decidedly tropical flavor.

I believe they do a Tiki Tuesday or something along those lines. Located at: 1039 S. Virginia Street

Down the street from there is the Z Bar (formerly Zephyr). It has been continuously operating since 1953. I use to frequent years ago while the bartender, Boyd, was concocting new drink recipes... mostly using fresh fruit and fire. I was happy to be the taste test pilot. Boyd moved on but I believe he left his craft cocktail recipes in the hands of the new bartenders and taught them how to properly make them. Also located on S. Virginia St.

Other notable bars in the midtown area...

Death & Taxes - Sophisticated speakeasy with luxe leather couches & vintage furnishings pouring inventive cocktails.

Chapel Tavern - Cozy watering hole with a diverse selection of drinks including wine, beer & signature cocktails.

Brasserie Saint James - The restaurant opened to the public on October 17, 2012 on the site of an old icehouse with its own water supply. Over one hundred emptied wine barrels are kept for maturing their beers. The brewery acquired space in San Francisco's Mission District for a second location in 2015, which opened the following year. They also have a great selection of booze and food.

Next off to the River Walk area.

Ole Bridge Pub - has a great craft beer selection as well as craft cocktails. They even make a mai tai and have tiki mugs (although, I usually drink beer when here).

West Street Market has a few food and drink options. Most notably the DeLuxe and West Steet Wine Bar if that’s your thing.

Also on the Riverwalk is Sierra Nevada Taphouse, Campi, and Wild River Grill. All of which have cocktail selections and outdoor seating overlooking the Truckee River.

There is a few in Sparks that might be worth checking out. Aside from the bars on Victorian Square and throughout the rest of town which are fairly standardized watering holes, there are these two that somewhat stand out...

Atomic Bootlegger Lounge - inside Sierra Sid's Casino, features Spark's first craft cocktail bar and the only known craft bar inside a 24/7 truck stop. Disclaimer: I have not been yet, but will hopefully do so soon and report back.

And the kicker that actually surprised me...

Mariscos El Bar Co (The China Clipper/The Pirate Ship)

Again; skeptical of what might have became of this place, I haven’t ventured in. But, after some research, I think I need to visit and support this operation.

The Pirate Ship opened originally as Cap'n Bill's Fish and Chips in 1971. From 1972-1981, it was known as Neptune's Gallery. In 1982, it became the China Clipper. I'm not sure when it became the Pirate Ship. The restaurant has been closed since around 2008. In 2017(?) it reopened as Mariscos El Bar Co., here are some photos...

There’s quite a few other great bars in Reno... I will update soon. Cheers!