When I moved to Reno 21 years ago, I enjoyed the kitschy bar scene, regularly stopping by some of the area’s gritty dives on weekends and after work. Cigarette-smoke-filled room, sticky floor, and surly bartender aside, I loved the unpretentious environment. On those visits, I didn’t have to dress to impress, the drinks were simple and strong, and I could hole up in the dark space and laugh with the regulars.
Over the years, more cosmopolitan bars have opened here, and my tastes have changed to match the elevated cocktail setting. Thus, my visits to the funkier spaces lessened. While I now prefer a perfectly crafted alcoholic concoction in a beautifully decorated room, on occasion I still like to pop inside an old neighborhood bar. I particularly appreciate dive bars’ history and cultural relevance and believe the sometimes-grimy spaces deserve to be preserved in all their dingy glory — vintage neon signs, ripped nylon bar stools, graffitied bathrooms, cheap drinks, colorful patrons, and all.
In this, our annual special Drinks edition, we pay homage to a few of our favorite local dive bars. Whether in a modest pub or swanky tavern, a great bartender makes more than a good drink; it’s about providing an experience. So we feature a few young guns wowing us with their bartending innovations and customer service skills.
Next, trek along as we profile a few of the best bloody marys served in Reno-Tahoe. And it’s citrus season, so why not whip up some tasty creations at home with our tips and tricks? We also give advice on creating delicious mulled cider because ’tis the season to warm your bones after a day on the slopes.
A great way to support your beloved drinks establishment or producer is to join the club. A lot of local booze purveyors highlight memberships, which does have its privileges. If you have a favorite local haunt, find out if the owner offers memberships, so you’ll have more reason to gather there with friends and family.
Whether it’s a trip to a treasured dive bar, brewery, wine shop, or distillery, be sure to get out and support local businesses. It’s so important to keep Reno-Tahoe in mind when making your spending choices. Support and drink local.
Cheers!
Amanda
