Reno Restaurant Tips by bpwarne

Pho 777: Vietnamese Noodle Restaurant

We ate at this restaurant twice in November, 2007 after reading rave reviews on the internet. It did not disappoint. Prices are cheap, portions are large, staff is friendly and efficient. This is a very popular restaurant and you may have to wait in line a bit to be seated. The food is well worth the wait. Ambiance is rather low, but not a problem at these prices

Favorite Dish: Shrimp Pho(Noodle soup) and #19( Shrimp, pork and egg roll over a bed of rice vermicelli with fresh vegetables and a special sauce). This is enough for two people as portions are quite large. Try the Lemonade also.

Address: 201 E. 2nd Street

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Across from Harrahs, a block or two from the main strip, Virginia Street

Phone: 775 323 7777

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

The Garden Restaurant: Surprisingly odd location, surprisingly great food

This restaurant is located inside the European Fitness Center on the second floor, on Virginia Street. We were rather taken aback by it's location and pleasantly surprised by the detached atmosphere of this restaurant. Though in a health club, it is located in a very quiet corner and has a very relaxed atmosphere to it, almost a romantic setting, with lots of plants and windows fronting the main street. Many vegetarian entrees, some organic entrees, heart healthy entrees, as well as chicken, fish, and pork.Homemade soups and desserts. Beer, wine, soft drinks, juices and protein/fruit smoothies. The owner is very ammicable. We had a great dinner in this quiet restaurant and will return on our next trip to Reno. The fact that it is right next door to the Peppermill makes it a very appealing get away from the hustle of the casino, especially if you are looking for vegetarian faire.

Favorite Dish: Chicken wrap with avocado, brown rice. Carrot cake looked delicious. Salmon wrap and garden salad were also delicious.

Address: 2999 South Virginia Street

Comparison: about average

Directions: Just south of the Peppermill Casino, above the European Fitness Center, 2nd floor.

Phone: 775 826 9711

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Vegan/Vegetarian

The Green Papaya: Traditional Thai Cuisine in Reno

Fantastic authentic Thai restaurant with great presentation, good service and very little atmosphere, located in a strip mall. Great vegetarian selection. No MSG. Possibly the very best Thai in Reno.

Favorite Dish: Gren Papaya Salad, Yellow Curry, Basil Eggplant, Thai Iced Tea

Address: 4786 Caughlin Parkway

Comparison: about average

Phone: (775) 826-8116

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Tahoe Roasting Company: seems like an odd location but...

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Coffeehouse

Java Jungle: Java Jungle - Great location, so-so espresso

While I like the location and atmosphere of this coffee cafe, the milk based espresso drinks are just a step above mediocre. Weak drinks. Free internet and free wireless connections. The usual fare of sandwiches/treats. Its proximity to the river and the multiplex theater ensures it is always busy.

Comparison: about average

Directions: West of Virginia, by the river.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Coffeehouse

Aroma Club: Possibly the best Cappuccino in Reno?

I sure most will agree with me that Reno has never been a city to be considered on the cutting edge of the Espresso culture. Still, I have always found it a bit odd that I have never been able to find a Cappuccino that was anything even more than mediocre - until Aroma Club. Aroma Club has classic Italian (1/3, 1/3, 1/3) caps at very reasonable prices and the best part...they are great tasting. This place is definitely worth the visit for the Caps alone. However, this little shop has a further uniqueness (for this area) and that is the Russian and Russian inspired dishes on the menu. Soups, Vegetarian Borsht, dumplings, etc. If that isn't enough, the owner is a Vegetarian, making this a great place for a cap, breakfast, or lunch.A I know I will definitely be back on my next visit to Reno..

Address: 4001 South Virginia Street, Suite A/C

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Across the street from Atlantis Casino, in the
Reno Town Mall.

Phone: 775-825-7725

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Coffeehouse

Website: http://www.aromaclubreno.com/

Spitfire Bar and Grill: Great English Pub Food in Reno!!

This has to be our new favorite restaurant in Reno. Ambiance is great with an aviation theme, a bit noisy on a Friday evening with a large crowd but that only adds to the enjoyment.. Staff is very, very friendly and cheerful, and makes a point of welcoming you to their establishment. Service is excellent, Chef is from Wimbledon. Portions are large, delicious and presented well. We enjoyed our first dinner here so much we returned the very next afternoon for lunch. My only disappointment was that on both visits I could not make room for any of the authentic English desserts! I guess there's only one way to remedy that...

Favorite Dish: Steak & Ale Pie - comes with mashed potatoes, a few garden veggies and a Huge side salad, all for $12. Add a Lancaster beer and you might think you're in downtown London.

Fish & Chips - absolutely huge portion, comes with Mushy Peas and Slaw.

Portobello Burger - Huge, huge, huge! With a side salad or Chips.

Address: 4050 S McCarran Blvd Reno, NV 89502

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Just south of the airport on S. McCarran

Phone: (775) 737-4440

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Website: http://www.spitfirereno.com