Best Bars in Reno

Whispering Vine has several locations in the Reno area, but one of the best for location and people watching is located in Midtown Reno. Right in the middle of the Sticks retail and restaurant development, Whispering Vine is a classic wine bar with large windows to enjoy the summer weather. The decor is simple but elegant and the wine selection decorates the entire space. Whispering Vine has wines available from around the world including both popular and more esoteric wines from nearby California vineyards. Their signature collection also includes wines from nearby Oregon and Washington vineyards. If you are not in the mood for wine, order one of their custom made cocktails.

This classic and stylish bar in the Reno Arts District is popular for both drinks and pub grub. The space is large and has a central bar and seating along the edge in booths or along the large window which is usually open in the summertime. The drink and food menu is extensive and you can order your choice of cocktail and several dozen wines and beer selections. Try the Framboise and the Margaritas on the rocks. Coors Light is $2. The menu includes various items such as thin crust pizza, vegetarian, chicken and beef sliders with crispy frites, Baked Mac & Cheese, Pear, Bacon and Gorgonzola Salad and Paninis.

The Ole Bridge Pub is located right on the Truckee River and offers patio seating, hardwood floors, specialty draft beers like Scrimshaw Pilsner, Deschutes Hop in the Dark IPA and Rogue John John Dead Guy Ale, organic wines and shuffleboard. They have over a dozen beers and ciders on tap and feature a daily beer. Happy hour is from 5:00-7:00 Monday through Friday with 1/2 off pitchers and bottles of wine. The Ole Bridge Pub has a great patio for summer imbibing with views of the Truckee Riverwalk. The Ole Bridge is located just across the street from the downtown Reno movie theater and right next to Campo.

Reno's beer selection gets a massive boost from Beer NV. This bar serves local, regional and international beers from 60 taps--the most in Northern Nevada. The bar is stylish and cool with lighting made from beer kegs and plenty of fun events. Beer NV also gives back to the community by donating to a monthly non-profit from every drink poured. Beer NV also serves flights of various beers as well as cocktails, Bloody Mary drinks, margaritas and other specialty drinks from their selection of spirits. Beer NV does not serve food, but you are allowed to bring in outside food to have with your beer.

Located in The Basement, a former historic post office converted into retail and restaurant space, Seven Troughs Distilling Company is a craft distillery focused on creating high-quality spirits utilizing local ingredients. The Seven Troughs Speakeasy is an extension of the distillery and features the spirits in a delicious range of cocktails. The speakeasy even offers small plates for covert dining in a cozy space. Try the Chukar Chaser (named after a local bird) with Seven Troughs Straight Bourbon, orange bitters, ginger beer and lime paired with a smoked salmon mac and cheese ($10) or the Pineapple Express with whiskey and pineapple juice along with the charcuterie board ($24). The bar also serves a weekend brunch featuring monte cristo sliders ($8) and quiche ($6).

Named after a local pine tree, Pi�on Bottle Company caters to those who really love their beer. Featuring a staggering number of bottled and on-tap beers, Pi�on is the place to go if you want to try one (or a few) beers you may never have heard of. The friendly staff and helpful bartenders will give you samples of their on tap beers so you can make the best decision. Most of the beers are local or regional and seasonal offerings are constantly changing. The interior is spacious and made for larger groups so it can get busy. However, when the weather is nice, the large patio is perfect for a get-together. In addition, you can order a pizza from Noble Pie next door and have it delivered to your table.

Death & Taxes is the harbinger of what's new in Reno. This cool and stylish bar features black walls, black leather sofas, chandeliers and a wall of beautiful spirits. The signature cocktails are updated regularly and feature sensuous ingredients, many made by the creative mixologists. Sit at the bar and watch the show as the passionate bartenders craft a beautiful cocktail. Savor these drinks because they are not cheap. Most cocktails range between $11 and $15, but they are worth it. D&T also serves local and regional wine and beer. Death & Taxes is usually calm and quiet until later in the evening when this cozy bar can fill up.

Contrary to the name of this bar, Rum Sugar Lime doesn't only offer mojitos and other tropical cocktails. Tucked into a brick building in Midtown Reno, this beautiful bar serves a streamlined menu of classic drinks where you can really enjoy the ingredients. The atmosphere of the bar is contemporary and clean with hints of polished tiki details. The menu includes both shaken and stirred drinks including the classic daiquiri. Other drinks include the Rum Tum Tum with rum, honey and lychee nut, the Saturn with gin, passionfruit, orgeat and Velvet Falernum. The bar also serves bottled beers and wines by the glass. The cocktails range in price from around $10 to $16 each and do take some time to create so sit back and relax.

The 1864 Tavern in the CalAve District is an homage to the state of Nevada. The decor is reminiscent of a Victorian home with a slight Steampunk vibe and portraits of Abraham Lincoln, the president who made Nevada a state. The bar features Silver State themed cocktails like the Gold Rush with Whiskey, Honey Clover, Fresh Lemon, Angostura Bitters and the VC Mule with Vodka, Fresh Ginger Syrup, Lime and topped with club soda and ginger candy. 1864 also serves local and regional beer and wine and even freshly made juices for the non-drinking patron. 1864 also has some fun classes on mixology, whiskeys and absinthe as well as various music, historical, and Steampunk events.

The Eddy is a unique addition to the Reno bar scene. Located in the heart of Downtown by the Truckee River, the Eddy is an open-air bar and social scene surrounded and protected by shipping containers. Several of the containers hold three bars that serve various cocktails and local beers. The bars have minimal wine choices, but the bartenders are friendly. There are several bar seats as well as outdoor tables with shade. What's best about The Eddy is the courtyard with various games like giant Jenga, bocce and cornhole. There are a few interactive Burning Man sculptures, fire pits, bike parking, and some popup shops and galleries. Children and pets are also welcome.