Keeping you informed of Northern Nevada’s local food-and-drink news.
As the temperatures take a nose dive and area menus increasingly feature drinks in warm mugs and hearty soups, the Northern Nevada food scene keeps on heating up. We’re announcing plenty of openings to keep your dining experiences fresh this winter, plus a few other tidbits to help you stay in the know.
Openings/Accolades
An influx of new eateries is filling up the pipeline — but we’re not complaining. With surprises popping up and long-awaited openings finally coming to fruition, there is a lot to explore in Reno and beyond.
In August, Gambi’s, an Italian restaurant with pirate-themed flair, opened in Somersett’s Town Square. Diners can enjoy dinner in the cigar lounge, at the bar, or seated in a plush, red booth in the restaurant, and share classic Italian dishes along with cocktails, beer, and wine — some of which comes from the owner’s label that shares the freebooter theme.
Tandem Chocolates is blending artistry and chocolate-making with its gourmet bonbons and other decadent goodies. Phyllis Robinson is the chocolatier behind the painted sweets that look as good as they taste. Having sold her treats throughout the region previously, Robinson hosted a soft opening on July 29 at her brick-and-mortar location on South Virginia Street, where fans can indulge Thursday through Sunday.
In a comeback story, Rounds Bakery shut its doors during the pandemic, and now it’s back with two locations in which to sell its baked goods. You’ll be able to purchase your favorite breads and other sweets at The Outlets at Legends in Sparks and Rounds’ new wholesale production facility on Sixth Street in Downtown Reno, in the old Bavarian World location.
Previously BurgerIM, SIZL. Burger also has opened (under the same ownership and not part of a franchise) at The Outlets at Legends. Located next to the Galaxy Theatre and one of two Key & Code locations, the locally owned burger joint serves a menu of classic and creative burgers, wings, and sides. It’s also the ghost kitchen behind Mr. Beast Burger, NASCAR Refuel, and Mariah Carey’s Cookies.
Another story of revival comes to us from Carson City, with news from Joe France and his wife, Bonnie. Once the owners of Virginia City Joe’s and Joe’s All American in Mound House (which both closed in November 2020), the Frances have opened a new space with the goal of getting back to their roots and offering more downhome cooking at the new Carson City Joe’s.
Attention fans of Michael’s Deli in Midtown Reno: A second location of the beloved deli now can be found in South Reno in the South Meadows neighborhood near Flowing Tide. The same lineup of Italian subs, hot and cold sandwiches, and salads is up for grabs in the former Subway space.
Playfield ’76 is taking up space in the previous Imperial Lounge location. The barcade concept brought food, drinks, and arcade games to Downtown Reno with its Sept. 21 opening.
Schussboom Brewing Co. finally debuted its own brews in August. Previously serving a lineup of local ales, the facility was proud to announce that alongside favorites from other establishments, the Schussboom brand now is thriving.
Mark Estee also is expanding his brew game. On Sept. 15, his restaurant business, Reno Local Food Group, announced a merger with Great Basin Brewing Co. Tom and Bonda Young are passing the torch of their long-running hometown brewery, which has two locations: the original brewery in Sparks and another in South Reno.
Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant also is expanding its drink menu, with a lineup of spiced Ethiopian teas. The bottled drinks come in packs of six for $18 or are $3.50 each. Dine in, pick up, or request a shipment.
The long-awaited Sparks Water Bar officially opened at the Sparks Marina in August, bringing locals another opportunity to taste the vibrant (and boozy) Wet Woody. From Gar Woods’ Tom Turner (who owns several other restaurants at Lake Tahoe), the waterfront bar serves both food and drinks, including a Wet Woody special every Wednesday.
Cocktails are the focus at California Avenue’s newest neighborhood bar. Forest St. Station, on the corner of California Avenue and Forest Street, does away with the overly trendy vibe and instead offers local brews, spirits, and a cocktail list with a homey feel. The best part? It’s open seven days a week.
Congratulations go to Git-R-Smoked BBQ. The Fernley-based food trailer took home top honors from the annual Nugget Rib Cook Off event held over Labor Day weekend, bringing the gold back to Northern Nevada after several consecutive years’ worth of non-local winners. The man behind the truck is Kevin McFarland, a notable name in the barbecue game since 2013. However, to get a taste of the best ribs in the land, you’ll have to book the trailer for a catering event.
After 16 years, the Great Basin Community Food Co-op in Reno made its last payments in October to co-op member-owners and is now completely out of debt. The co-op started as a buying club in 2005, and its leaders borrowed $720,000 to set up home in its current location. We are so proud of the co-op and its supporters for reaching this milestone.
Closures/Changing Hands
Saying goodbye is hard to do, but month after month we find ourselves waving farewell to some of our favorite food-and-drink spots, both old and new.
While Huntsman Brewing opened at the original location of Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery on Wonder Street in Midtown on Sept. 3 (a new venture by the owners of Huntsman Tavern in Sparks), news broke that Silver Peak on the River on Sierra Street was sold to new owners as well.
Bertha Miranda’s Mexican Restaurant in Reno is up for sale as its owner and namesake, who is 80, looks to retire. The restaurant will stay open and fully operational until a sale is complete, and whoever buys it may choose to continue operating it as is. The sale includes the property, an adjacent lot, and the rights to the Bertha Miranda’s name.
We’re sad to bid adieu to The Daily Bagel, which has long been a staple in the Reno community. In September, the owners decided to part ways, and the eatery closed for good after 11 years in business.
While it’s been a busy few months for the region’s food scene, the culinary explosion is just getting underway. Plenty of new leases and business announcements are trickling in, meaning the coming year should be filled with even more to explore in Northern Nevada. From important mergers to new buildings, we’re looking forward to a year full of surprises and long-awaited openings to keep our bellies full and palates satisfied.
Until next time, remember to eat, drink, and support local!
Nora Heston Tarte is a longtime Reno resident. You can follow her local exploits and travel adventures on Instagram @Wanderlust_n_wine.
