Las Vegas and Reno boast world-class culinary scenes, but locals know that some of the best bites and beverages can only be found off the beaten path, deep in the heart of the Silver State. From Sagebrush Saloons and award-winning roadhouses to holes-in-the-wall and farm-to-table cafés, you never know where your heart—or your stomach—will lead you here.
Nevada Restaurants & Bars
Saved You a Seat
Nevada is home to a mix of iconic foods, including the famous shrimp cocktail, juicy prime rib, and mouthwatering Basque dishes. You’ll also find a thriving Thai food scene, all-you-can-eat sushi, and, of course, five-star buffets.
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Get to Know Nevada Basque
Nevada is home to many cultures, each boasting a rich heritage with equally iconic foods. But perhaps no global cuisine has become as intertwined with the Nevada experience as Basque flavors.
In a classic Nevada Basque restaurant, you’ll tuck into history and heritage one hearty course at a time. In the 19th century, many Basques emigrated to northern Nevada’s mountain ranges and valleys, often as sheepherders. When they returned to nearby towns for supplies, most would head to the familiarity of Basque-run boarding houses, where they could speak their unique language, share a family-style meal, play games, and drink with their fellow countrymen.
Today, many of these original Basque hotels and restaurants still carry on that tradition—especially in Elko, Winnemucca, Reno, and Gardnerville. These eateries serve up massive garlic-loaded steaks, the juiciest lamb shanks you’ll ever taste, and a smorgasbord of other Basque cooking and family-style staples like golden french fries, green beans, soup, salad, spaghetti, and, of course, the official state drink of Nevada: the Picon Punch.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Chowing down on the most delicious steak sandwich ever? Don’t forget to say hey to your barmates and servers while you’re eating. You never know if that cherished recipe you’re enjoying could’ve been their uncle’s, grandpa’s, or longtime family friend’s.
Nevada Diners & Burger Joints
Venture beyond the neon and discover local diners whipping up perfectly seasoned, local beef (and artisan black bean veggie burgers, too), topped with fresh produce and sandwiched between made-from-scratch buns. Don’t forget about hand-cut steak fries and secret-recipe fry sauce, all washed down with an ice-cold beer. With monstrous burger challenges, decadent pies, handmade ice cream, and plenty more on the menu, do your taste buds a flavor favor at the unforgettable, small-town eateries serving up goods all across Nevada.
Classic Nevada Steakhouses
Las Vegas sizzles with some of the country’s most legendary steakhouses, like the Golden Steer Steakhouse (a Rat Pack favorite), Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, and even Hugo’s Cellar—where every lady is greeted with a long-stemmed rose. Up north, sink your teeth into award-winning prime rib paradise at Bimini Steakhouse, The Steak House at Western Village, and Cactus Creek Prime Steakhouse in the Reno-Sparks area. Outside the casinos, just about every city and town in the Silver State is equipped with an outstanding steakhouse, too. Head for the Pine Lodge Dinner House in Lamoille, or find a few Saturday night roadhouse prime rib or ribeye feeds at many Sagebrush Saloons.
Chris Wessling
Sagebrush Saloons
Silver State history tastes as pure as its pours in historic, real-deal western saloons found off many Nevada backroads. From famous saloons where Mark Twain drank to staples nestled in some of the country’s most remote locales, these legendary watering holes have offered respite for 19th-century prospectors and modern road warriors alike. Whether you’re taking in 360-degree views of Big Smoky Valley from a bar counter or rewarding yourself with a frosty beer (and maybe a chili dog or two) after a day in Death Valley National Park, the Silver State’s classic Sagebrush Saloons will surely wet your whistle.
Nevada Wineries, Breweries, & Distilleries
Like its breathtaking landscapes, Nevada’s flavors stand out—and our wineries, breweries, and distilleries are no exception. Treat yourself to locally sourced meads, wine featuring desert-grown grapes, one of the only estate distilleries in the country, and a variety of eclectic beers and spirits, all handcrafted in the Silver State.
TASTES LIKE HOME
Show us what you’re snacking on with #TravelNevada and you may find your meal pictured right here.
