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5 Best Bars in Reno, NV

Nightlife in Reno offers big-time fun

By Stephanie Inman on July 17, 2015

Gateway to Reno
Reno / iStock/DenisTangneyJr

Whether you are looking for a night to (vaguely) remember or a low-key place to cozy up to your loved one, Reno, Nev., has an awesome nightlife and a variety of bars to satisfy your thirst. From breweries with dozens of local beers to an upscale lounge with lots of swank, we combed the area and found the five best bars in Reno. Happy drinking!

Shooters Saloon

 This dive bar is the quintessential Reno dive, in every way. This laid-back joint with its too cool atmosphere has table hockey, a pool table, and … wait for it … hula-hoops. You are guaranteed to have a good time with the friendly staff behind the bar who isn’t afraid to make drinks with a heavy hand. Down some cheap beers ($2 PBRs!), select a tune from the old-school jukebox, and you will have died and gone to big-kid heaven.

St James Infirmary

 This place on California Avenue shares its name with an old Louis Armstrong jazz tune. It also shares the tune’s cool vibe and jazzy awesomeness. It can get pretty packed, so make sure to get there early, but unlike many other bars, you won’t have to wait for attentive service. Order the Moscow mule, one of the best you’ll ever have, and if it’s a nice night, head up to the roof-top bar for a nice view.

Ceol Irish Pub

A Reno favorite, this place has an event for almost every night of the week: Tune-In Tuesday’s, Whiskey Wednesdays, Thursday’s Pub Quiz Night, and live music on Friday and Saturday. A classic Irish pub where you can find a proper pint and an even better whiskey selection; it’s about as close as you can get to Ireland while remaining stateside. If you come here for St. Patrick’s Day … forget about it. No, I mean, you literally won’t remember the evening.

The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery

Reno may not be known for its breweries, but the Depot measures up against any of the best breweries out of beer capitals like Asheville and Denver. Located in an old train station, the atmosphere is perfect for sipping on a cold one. The beer selection is top rated, but the service and food don’t pale in comparison.

Imperial Bar & Lounge

Don’t be fooled by its minimalist exterior. Inside, the Imperial packs in a menu that’s swanky enough for corporate day lunchers, a high-ceiling industrial vibe that’s cool without being pretentious, and a list of daily specials that attracts frugal foodies looking for “modern American dining.” If late night is your thing, the Imperial has you covered, too. The local college scene shows up around 11 and goes home at “close,” which is whenever the bar feels like it – a sure sign of a great hang.

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