Voted as some of the best pizza in Reno, Pirate's Pizza has been in the city for decades and still serves some of the thickest and biggest pies in the area. Try Pirate's international pizzas like the Greek and the Mexican. The Russian Pizza ($23.99 large) has meatballs marinated in wine, ricotta cheese, red onions, peppers, and Roma tomatoes and the Japanese Pizza ($23.99 large) has teriyaki chicken, pineapple, red onions, green peppers and Roma tomatoes. You can also choose from Italian entrees like Baked Ravioli ($9.99) and calzones and panini sandwiches. Pirate's Pizza is located just south of Midtown Reno.
Recommended for Pizza because: Pirate's Gourmet Pizza offers some of the biggest pizzas in Reno, with impressively fresh toppings and attentive service.
Christina's expert tip: Pirate's Pizza is super thick. A small is good for two people.
The classic pizza joint has been alive and well in Reno for decades. J.J's Pie Company is located in a more dicey part of town, but that doesn't stop locals from coming to this laid back spot for large pies and a pitcher of beer. Some favorites are Combo Appetizer Basket ($9.95) with Chicken Fingers, Mozzarella Sticks, Onion Rings, Jalape�o Poppers and Zucchini Slices and the $6.99 J.J's salad with garlic bread. For pies check out the Valdez ($24.77 large) with chorizo, jalape�os, tomatoes, sausage, bell peppers and cumin spice. Pick up a hot or cold sub to take with you as well.
Recommended for Pizza because: Check out J.J.'s if you're looking for a down-to-earth pizza place with large pitchers of beer.
Christina's expert tip: Visit J.J's website for pizza coupons.
The Brew Brothers brewery and pub is located in the Eldorado resort and casino in Downtown Reno. A popular place for appetizers, burgers, ribs, homemade soup and delicious salads, this lively pub also serves some great gourmet wood fired pizza. The Brew Brother also features eight custom microbrews and has been voted "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 has nightly music and live events on the weekends. Come down for Live Band Karaoke on Mondays - first prize is a $50 bar tab.
Recommended for Pizza because: Check out the Happy Hour for The Brew Brother 2-for-1 pizza deal.
Christina's expert tip: The Brew Brothers has been named Best Brewpub in America by Nightclub & Bar magazine.
The Blind Onion has several locations in Reno, but the most popular restaurant is located in South Reno near Whole Foods. All locations (Sparks and North Reno as well) serve a great assortment of homemade pizzas that have their signature hand twisted crust. Try the house specialty Breath Buster pizza ($22.45 large) with homemade sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, linguisa, red onions and loads of minced garlic on top. The Popeye ($25.24 large) has pesto-Alfredo sauce, spinach, chicken breast, mozzarella and red onions and fresh Roma tomatoes added after baking. Try the Cinnamon sticks�dough stuffed with a cream cheese, cinnamon and sugar spread for dessert.
Recommended for Pizza because: Blind Onion sells "super slices" of all their signatures pizzas.
Christina's expert tip: The Blind Onion Happy Hour is every day 3:30 to 5:30 pm.
The Little Waldorf (Lil Wal) is a Reno classic. Located just north of the University, this is where you go before, during or after one of the big football games. It's also a fun place to pick up a salad, pizza or one of their huge burgers. The Lil Wal's decor is a discussion topic as well. The walls and ceiling are filled with Western objet d'art including wagons, flags, mounted heads and other lively items. The menu features items like Big Al's Fiesta Salad ($10.49) with grilled chicken, lettuce, black beans, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole all in a crisp tortilla shell and the Thunder Humper burger ($10.99) served open face smothered with Kick Ass Chili cheddar and topped with cheese and onions.
Recommended for Pizza because: The Wal's pizza dough is made from scratch in-house. That means fresh pizza every time you come in.
Christina's expert tip: Get $15 off a large pizza every Saturday from 9-10PM.
Rated as one of the best casino buffets in town, The Buffet at the Eldorado features hundreds of delicious items for breakfast, lunch and dinner including a huge salad bar, prepared salads, American, Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisine and the popular pizza bar with homemade pizzas. The Eldorado has its own bakery, butcher shop, pasta shop and even a gelato factory. In fact, you might not want to save dessert for last. Their massive dessert section features cakes, pies, petit four, bread pudding with sauces and a large gelato area with real Italian gelato in flavors like blackberry and espresso.
Recommended for Pizza because: Even though you can get a lot more than pizza here, their various pies are really tasty.
Christina's expert tip: The Buffet features various special pricing. Try the Sunday Brunch for only $17.99 for adults and $9.99 for children.
Creating quality homemade wood fired pizzas is the goal of this beautiful restaurant in South Reno. The menu not only features classics like the Margherita ($14) but also signature pizzas and a few guest pizzas from other restaurants. While eating in this cozy place with wood details and copper lighting, you can enjoy an appetizer of Mama's Meatballs ($6) with homemade tomato sauce, the Wedge Salad ($8) with iceberg lettuce and house-made blue cheese dressing. For pies check out the Linda ($15) with smoked mozzarella, ricotta, sliced lemon and finished with arugula and honey. For dessert, the dessert pizza has Nutella and bananas.
Recommended for Pizza because: Southcreek's wood fired pizzas are made with artisan Neapolitan-style dough, making for an authentic experience.
Christina's expert tip: Check out Southcreek's Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday 2:30 to 5:00 pm.
Wild Garlic Pizza and Pub in Reno has two locations: the original location in Midtown and a new location in Downtown Reno. This friendly, neighborhood pizza joint makes and serves homemade pizza, wings, salads, panini and signature sauces with a nice selection of microbrews and other drinks. Start off a night with one of their knot appetizers like Pesto Knots ($6.95) served with homemade tomato sauce. Next pick up a pie to go or to stay. Choose from the healthful Plato's Pie ($25.45 large) with hummus, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, Kalamata olives, red onions, artichoke hearts and feta cheese.
Recommended for Pizza because: Wild Garlic provides a great selection at the bar in addition to some of the best pizza in Reno. And don't forget their signature sauces; they're a must-try.
Christina's expert tip: Free anchovies are added to any pizza on Tuesdays.
Located in a cute shopping center in the lush area of Southwest Reno, Eclipse Pizza Company serves pizza with the healthiest and freshest ingredients available. They also have huge, delicious salads, calzones and a variety of chicken wing flavors. Try the Downievile (named after a local Gold Rush town) for $21 for a large. It's topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, pepperoncinis, jalapenos, artichoke hearts and Roma tomatoes. Try their Apple Goat Cheese Salad ($6/$8.50) with greens, candied pecans, dried cranberries, grape tomatoes, apple slices goat cheese topped with a Champagne vinaigrette. Eclipse serves a variety of local and regional brews as well.
Recommended for Pizza because: Eclipse offers creative takes on pizza, while remaining dedicated to quality and freshness.
Christina's expert tip: In warmer weather Eclipse Pizza has a great shaded area for alfresco dining.
The Noble Pie Parlor in Downtown Reno is a great late night stop, but this funky pizza parlor located in a vintage hotel also has some nice lunch options that won't break the bank. Noble Pie uses only non GMO produce and meats for their handmade sausage and meatballs. They make their Sicilian dough and Brooklyn style sauce in-house. Starting off, try the Garlic Knots ($3.99) or the homemade Meatballs ($6.49). A medium pie goes for about $15-$19 and includes specialties like the Ain't No Thing with proscuitto, pineapple, red onion, toasted almonds and cinnamon or the Wrangler with rippin ranch and backyard BBQ sauce, pepperoni, sausage, jalapeno, pineapple, green onion, creamy horseradish cheese.
Recommended for Pizza because: Noble Pie brings New York style pizza to Downtown Reno.
Christina's expert tip: Come on Sunday mornings for Noble Pie's Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar.