If you are in Reno and want to take a trip up to Virginia City for some Wild West fun, make the Red Dog Saloon either your first or last stop. This lively and fun bar and pizza restaurant has made a name for itself for its live music. Nearly every weekend a local or regional band like the Voodoo Dogs or Mumbo Gumbo will be heating up the stage with rock, blues, jazz or reggae tunes. Located in the old Comstock House built in the 1870s, located in the heart of Virginia City, this place serves up beers, wine, hot pizza and offers a beach BBQ on Sunday nights.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Ladies get their free first drink Sunday through Friday from 9 pm to 11 pm.
Christina's expert tip: The Charlatans got their first gig at the Red Dog and the bar has been a venue for Janis Joplin. Check out their original concert posters at the back of the restaurant.
Located in a bright orange building in the middle of Midtown Reno, The Z Bar is difficult to miss. It's also difficult to not like. In the area since 1952 under various names, The Z Bar is one of the most popular places in Reno to chill, enjoy one of their unique, craft cocktails and large patio area with fire pit. It's not easy to describe any of Z Bar's cocktails since the menu changes constantly. Sometimes the craft cocktails (such as their popular whiskey-based cocktails) will be named after locations in Reno, famous movie stars or fruits. Whatever you like, tell the bartender and they will make their own version of your favorite. The interior is cool and features funky Reno memorabilia and a dance floor. When the weather is nice, the backyard patio features a fountain, fire pits and fairy lights.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: While The Z Bar is most known for its craft cocktails, some nights the dancers spill out into the outdoor patio.
Christina's expert tip: The Z Bar's friendly bartenders and owner really know their spirits. Ask for a custom-made drink.
Located in the stylish Peppermill Resort Hotel, the EDGE nightclub embraces a 1920's style along with futuristic technical music, light shows and beautiful gogo dancers. This loungy club offers VIP seating, hot DJs on the weekends, choreographed dancing and a more dressed up style than any other club in town. Various cocktails, beer, wine and spirits are served at the club including Veuve Clicquot and Maker's Mark. Try the Blood Orange Margarita ($9, $32 pitcher) with Don Julio Reposado and Cointreau and blood orange puree. EDGE has a large dancefloor, two bars and an elegant entryway with a selfie station where you can get your photo taken with your friends. EDGE has some special event nights like Friday's Latin Dance Social with free salsa, bachata or cumbia lessons.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: EDGE is one of the more sophisticated clubs in Reno.
Christina's expert tip: If you want a break from the dancing, check out the Peppermill Resort Hotel's Terrace Lounge. The Lounge has a view of the mountains and resort pool area.
Located in the first no-gaming Whitney Peak Hotel in Downtown Reno, Cargo features a wide range of local, regional and international acts, bands, musicians and album release parties. The industrial style concert hall is intimate but large enough for dancing and groups of friends to party into the night. Visitors can purchase drinks at the Cargo bar or at the Roundabout Grill restaurant at the front of the hotel. Cargo has featured acts by Reel Big Fish, The Airborne Toxic Event, The Saddle Tramps and the hilarious March Fourth Band of Portland. Cargo's ticket prices range around $20 for most events.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Cargo has great sound and features a wide range of regional and national musical acts.
Christina's expert tip: Start out with a farm fresh dinner and cocktails at Roundabout Grill at the Whitney Peak before visiting Cargo.
5 Star Saloon is the longest running gay bar in Nevada and has been open since 1971. This funky bar in Downtown, right across from the Truckee River, has also made a name for itself for being a bit raunchy and for its crazy theme nights. The Star has a stripper pole and dancing cages and a wide range of visitors. This bar is conveniently located in downtown Reno near the West Street Market. A friendly environment for any sexual orientation is the main part of this saloon as well as live music, special events, free wi-fi and no cover charge.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The 5 Star Saloon was voted the best gay bar in Reno by Metromix.
Christina's expert tip: Visit 5 Star for their Karaoke and Open Mic Nights, which include many fun drinking games.
The Polo Lounge is a relaxed place for the over-30 crowd who enjoy a variety of music and a smoke-free lounge. Located in the center of Midtown, the Polo Lounge features music from the 80s, 90s and Top 40 as well as local and regional bands playing retro and current hits. The decor features dark wood and animal print fabric with toned down lighting. There are several pool tables and the bar features classic mixed drinks and beer and wine specials. The dance floor is smaller, but still a lot of fun. The Polo Lounge has nights dedicated to ladies, jazz, and special drinks featuring local spirits. Monday through Friday is happy hour with $3 domestic drinks.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Polo Lounge has been in the Reno area for over 20 years and caters to the more mature crowd.
Christina's expert tip: The Polo Lounge offers music and dance entertainment 5 days a week.
The Brew Brothers has been named the Best Brewpub in America by Nightclub & Bar magazine and has been voted "Best Microbrew, "Best Beer Selection" and "Best Live Music" in several Best of Reno polls and was named the highest selling brewpub in North America. The Brew Brothers is located in the Eldorado hotel and casino in downtown Reno. It's a fun place where you can get great draft microbrews, food and live music. The Brew Brothers brew their own beer and their specialties include the Big Dog IPA and the Wild Card Wheat Ale. Food includes pizza, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Try the Margarita Pizza and the Chicken and Apple Salad.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Brew Brothers is the only spot on this list that brews their own beer.
Christina's expert tip: Even if you are at The Brew Brothers for drinks and nightlife, come early for one of their excellent pizzas.
LEX Nightclub is the premier nightclub in Northern Nevada. Located in the Grand Sierra Resort near Downtown Reno, the club offers upscale concerts, dancing, networking and themed parties. The club has several bar locations, private VIP booths and excellent servers who provide bottle service. There are also security guards for the entrances and the restrooms. Various celebrity DJs like Steve Aoki, ENFO, perform regularly and the music changes every night. LEX also celebrates holidays like Halloween and New Year's with giant dance parties. Reservations are encouraged for special event nights and you can sign up ahead of time for VIP service.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: LEX has a fun wading pool in the middle of the club for the go-go girls.
Christina's expert tip: LEX has an upscale fashionable attire dress code. This is your chance to wear your party clothes.
Rum Bullions is located just under the massive mining rig in the main area of the resort. Taking its cue from the islands, Rum Bullions is a relaxed place to hang out, drink a few drinks with umbrellas in them and listen to (and dance to) local and regional live music. While you can hang out on the inside of the bar, check out its "back patio" where you can people watch and enjoy the bar's popular rum drinks. The bar features Thursday night karaoke and every weekend, live bands play a variety of tunes. The dance floor is always open.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Rum Bullions has live music several nights a week. Many acts are based in Reno.
Christina's expert tip: Rum Bullions is known for their cocktails for a great price. Try the Tropical Itch with passion fruit, bourbon, and orange juice served with a back scratcher.
Located in a historic hotel in Downtown Reno, Faces NV is Reno's newest gay bar and music venue. From the friendly bouncers and bartenders to the fun staff and patrons, a night out in this elegantly designed club with black chandeliers is a nice change from the typical bar. Faces NV features regular live and DJ performances as well as drag queen shows, dancing, costume parties and black light parties. The cocktails are well drinks are decently priced and some nights feature all-night happy hour. The bar mainly features club and EDM type performances, but here you can dance smoke-free.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Faces NV is probably Reno's most popular gay bar with fun events and drag queen shows.
Christina's expert tip: Special events (beside the popular drag shows) at Faces NV include karaoke, Studio 54 night, and all night happy hour.