Reno is infamous for having a little something for everybody. Upscale, casual, or downright dirty, Reno is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and general entertainment options. But when it comes to planning a night of seedy underground traveling, where are the best dive spots to hit? Where has cheap drinks, a jukebox to blow up, and a bartender with stories that would make Charlie Sheen fall off of his bar stool?
Despite having a reputation for class and sophistication, we would be lying if we said there haven’t been a few nights where we tore up the town on a tour of Reno’s more undemanding bars. Here are just a few of our favorites.
*Side note: We know that this varies from person to person, but we must warn that some of these places allow smoking inside. Some might not find that to their liking
· The Hideout: Located off Ryland just before Wells, The Hideout is an infamous Reno watering hole. This is your quintessential dive bar. You walk in to two pools tables, a jukebox ready to engulf, and a long stretch of bar. This is the kind of place where the bartender can out-drink you. There’s not a ton of beer selection, particularly when it comes to their tap choices, but they’ve got plenty of whiskey to keep you happy and warm. Rumor has it that the infamous Ke$ha made a pit stop here while performing in Reno. Good enough for her? Well, the Hideout will always be good enough for us.
· Shea’s Tavern: Shea’s is right in the center of things, located just a few blocks south from downtown right on Virginia St. It often scares ladies and small children walking their dogs, who are near blown away by the raw punk and metal music blasting from inside on any given occasion. But don’t let that put you off. Its unrefined approach posts no dress code and no inhibitions. With great drink specials and possibly some of the most wide open hours in the city, Shea’s lives up to its reputation of never letting a patron go thirsty.
· Abby’s Highway 40: The classic Reno dive bar. Think: 4th street. Relaxed. Everyone’s welcome, everyone’s friendly. And they’ve really got all the necessities for a dive bar. On any given day, one can catch live music, spend a warm night in their massive backyard/beer garden, or enjoy the comfortable, no-frills-needed atmosphere inside the bar. One thing is for sure- you’ll walk away with stories you would have never otherwise heard. And that’s a good thing.
· Wonder Bar: The classic 70’s sign, the perfect spot for Wells Ave bar crawling, or just place to come feel at home- the Wonder Bar is your prime dive bar pit stop. You walk in and it’s relatively simple: a bar, some video poker, darts board, jukebox, and a few feet of moving room. But while you’re intrigued with simplicity, remember that the jukebox is meant to be played, and the few feet of room is meant for any kind of dancing; the darts games lead to new best friends and the bar is lined with interesting characters. This is a place that looks ordinary at first, but show up on the right night/day, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the most comfortable, anything goes kind of party. Oh, and if you smell something good coming from the back patio, be sure not to pass it by.
So there you have it! While there are more we’d love to include, these are really what we consider to the highest quality of keeping it real. Unbutton your collar, or maybe the whole shirt after a few, and crawl around to the “dark side” of Reno. We think you’ll find yourself redefining the term “diamond in the rough”.
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