Reno, NV: Skipolini's Pizza

Subject: FOOD/DRINK

Place: Skipolini's Pizza

Locale: Reno, NV (South, "The Summit")

Skipolini's Website

Visits: 1 (06/04/16)

Food:     3.5 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Venue:   4.0 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Beverages:  3.0 out of 5 on the Burp-O-Meter

Will I return?: Yes.

NARRATIVE:

Kind of skirting my own little ruleset here since Skipolini's comprises more than one location. In this case however, it is a very small chain that I would not foresee ever opening more than one here in the Reno area. For some of you who have lived in the Sacramento and/or East Bay areas, Skipolini's will be a familiar name. For those new to Skipolini's, it should become a much appreciated new place to experience. This too would be the case for Linda and I since we never tried Skipolini's during either of our two stints in the Sacramento area.

If there is a singular claim to fame for Skipolini's, it would likely be their "Prego Pizza" which many claim is the culinary trigger to induce labor. 

Venue/Location: "Skips" can be found as a standalone restaurant within the popular "Summit" shopping center in South Reno. It occupies what originally opened as "Firkin & Wolf", which was a British-style pub and restaurant. I was fortunate to have actually eaten inside the F & W before it folded, so I was quite curious to see what transformation the new tenant made to the place. 

Skip's is a large place, with plenty of seating both indoors and out. There are two outdoor seat areas; one includes a bar-style shuffleboard game, artificial turf for bocce ball or beanbag toss games, as well as plenty of tables and chairs for dining al fresco. The second area again has a ton of seating plus several outdoor couches and chairs for a patio lounge vibe. Both outdoor sections have fireplaces and at least one of them provides a large flat-screen TV.

Walking in through the main doors, I see a layout that is generally the same as it was as Firkin & Wolf. The bar area is dead on the same, as is the open kitchen - which utilizes nearly an entire side of the wall. When I looked at an old picture of Firkin, it was clear that the ceiling treatment of antique looking tin remained as well. Skips definitely spiced things up a bit from the purposely dreary British-flavored interior however. There are several loud "mural" looking paintings along the main walls. A very large, artsy, "Skip's" lighted wall divides the bar from the restaurant to a degree. Multiple large chandeliers drop here and there from the sky. Booths, tables, high tops, etc., are available. They also offer a separated special event room (for a slight charge) off to one end (hmmmm, possible Foodfather venue???). There are the nearly-obligatory TVs sprinkled throughout, but not so much as to be any distraction. Overall, this is a comfortable, if not transformed, place to dine.

Drink: I only went with 3-stars here. Actually we both thought the drink menu was more than adequate, but for me, I think the beers on tap were a little thin, especially for a big pizza and pasta restaurant like this. I found a beer I already like here (Firestone 805), so I was just fine, but I really would have liked more from which to choose. The generic wine selections were also fine, not elaborate, but adequate. They offer Happy Hour from 2-6 Monday through Friday, so we can of course sample again. Several mixed cocktails also looked interesting.

Food: Again, I went a little low here (3.5), but again I will explain the rating for me. I had only heard about Skip's from others who had eaten there themselves (at the other locations) or had friends or family who had done the same. As stories get passed down the line, they tend to grow "larger" and better along the line (my stories I am sure are included in that pile of lore). So as we heard more and more about the food at Skip's, there was built an expectation that would be hard to match. 

Even with the expectations, since our ordering/sampling on this trip was limited to an appetizer and pizza, we did not get a good exploration of the many other things offered. Glancing through their extensive menu, I see plated entrees, sandwiches, pasta dishes I would very much like to try. Thus a return trip and review will take place.

We shared the "Calamari Fritti" appetizer to start. Outside of being a little less than "fryer-hot" when they arrived, I really enjoyed these lightly battered treats. No tentacles found in the bunch! (I don't mind them, but alas, I was not alone). The calamari cuts were limited to just the good, tender, meaty "rings". They arrived with very good aioli and marinara dips on the side (in fact I kept the dips to use with my pizza crust).

Calamari Fritti

On this trip, we decided to each try a "make your own" pizza, although there are plenty of specialty pizzas also offered. Their small make your own pizza with 1-2 items added is roughly $11. Sounds a little pricey at first, but keep in mind these "small" pizzas were large enough to each bring home plenty of leftovers. Linda tried a mushroom and sausage combo, and I went for the black olive and sausage. You also get to select from several of their pizza sauces (Red Sauce, Pesto Sauce, Homemade Creamy Pesto, Barbecue Sauce and Roasted Garlic Sauce - white). I thought the crust was nicely thought out and cooked - it was a bit thin and slightly crunchy underneath the main pie, but the surrounding crust was again a little crunchy and tender in the middle. The leftover crust was perfect dipped into the remainder of the aioli.

Mushroom & Sausage

Black Olive & Sausage

All in all, we both agreed that Skipolini's will be a hit here in Reno just as it is elsewhere. Moreover, the South Reno location screams for more places like Skip's. Even with a BJ's Brewpub next-door, Skipolini's will do quite well. Variety is the spice of life.

I can see a future Foodfather event for this joint.

-BG

Reno, NV: Centro Bar & Kitchen

Subject: FOOD/DRINK

Place: Centro Bar & Kitchen

Locale: Reno, NV (California Ave area)

Centro Bar & Kitchen Website

Visits: 1 (05/29/16)

Food:     4.5 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Venue:   5 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Beverages:  4.5 out of 5 on the Burp-O-Meter

Will I return?: Yes.

NARRATIVE:

From WIKIPEDIA:

Tapas are a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks...The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation, because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them.

So I have been aware of Centro Bar & Kitchen for quite a while. In fact it sits next to another favorite haunt here in town along California Avenue called "1864 Tavern". Most of the unique, small food spots around here actually provide delivery directly into places like 1864 free of charges - yet the idea, at least to me, of having small plates of appetizers and snacks as opposed to an entire, all-encompassing dinner platter just did not ever hit the mark.

It was not until Linda and I were enjoying lunch at "The Cheese Board" (to be reviewed later) that I was really drawn into Centro. You see, I have this thing about restaurants and/or taverns that have a street-facing open air section -- you know the type: the large, windowed garage door that brings the outdoors inside. Plus on this day, with the doors open, I had a good gander of the interior -- brick, Edison bulb lighting, eclectic decor. Hmmmm, okay, gotta try this place at least once.

Linda and I, along with our good dining/drinking companions, popped into Centro over the Memorial Day weekend. From the first look inside, I knew this was my kind of venue. Different options for seating as you might expect - tables, bar seating, high tops, small tables near the "garage door". One less than favorable section was the outdoor patio area in the back of the establishment -- a little stark, no music being piped in, and just so-so. As this area is somewhat residential, I can understand why there would be no music out back however. The music in the main part of the place was really good -- and better yet, musicians and bands unknown to us! (no Top 40 crap here). There are several other walkable points of interest nearby: The Nevada Museum of Art, several other restaurants and bars, small shops, etc.

As usual, we are here primarily to try new food and drink, and Centro for me did not disappoint. The server was also our bartender, and our service throughout was excellent. He gave us plenty of time to make decisions on our initial beverages, and made suggestions with several options, both drink and food, that worked out well. In my case, I enjoyed the best mixed drink I have had in a long time. The "Chili Centro Mule" was their spin on the Moscow Mule. Served in the traditional Mule-style copper mug, it included jalapeño infused vodka, ginger beer, lime juice and bitters - with a little jalapeño lifesaver floating on top. I was hooked from sip one. The flavor of the jalapeño jumped right out of the mug -- a much-welcomed fire tamed only slightly by the ginger beer and lime. I was taken hostage by this one. The ladies each had a hand-shaken Kamikaze (one raspberry or pomegranate, one standard as I recall), and our fourth player had something otherwise (can't recall because I was so hypnotized by that mule!).

Chili Centro Mule

Moving ahead, we ordered and shared multiple tapas plates. The "Centro Deviled Egg" was five (yes, five) half-eggs deviled up with cherry pepper powder, chicharron dust, and a nice gremolata streamer. The chicharron dust (for you gringos, chicharron is basically fried pigskin, a crunchy snack) provided a tiny amount of crunch to the creamy deviled eggs. The delicate cherry pepper powder added spice, but not heat. A really nice treat.

Centro Deviled Egg - awesome

The "Spinach Salad" put a great spin on the usual green dish. Comprised of spinach (duh), pickled pear slices, prosciutto, pickled onions, cashews, warm bacon vinaigrette, and Bleu cheese crumbles. A really well-balanced plate of flavor - sweet and tart all the same, with the added texture from the cashews. I swear I dug out a marble-sized hunk of Bleu gold in the pile of joy.

Spinach Salad

"Three Daily Tacos" - the protein changes based on the chef's choice for the day. Today was "blackened chorizo". I would hasten to add that the chorizo used here at Centro seemed to be on the Spanish side (vs. Mexican), so it was a bit meatier and not quite as "melted down". All told, we thought overall, today's protein choice for the tacos was lacking just a bit. The rest of the taco filling was great however, and I would try these again just based on how they were constructed -- just needed a different meat choice.

Three Daily Tacos - Blackened Chorizo today

"Lobster Risotto Cake" - We all sampled this one. It was really tasty -- good creamy risotto, and the langostino was nicely poached. It could have used a bit more langostino, given the proportion of the risotto on the dish, but overall, it was really tasty.

Lobster Risotto Cake

"Sausage Plate" - Again, the base/type of sausages are rotated and chosen by the chef daily. The choices today were wild boar and andouille. They are grilled and served with pickled onion, a daily jam, along with an apple cabernet mostarda. The sausages were really tasty and worked well with the provided accompaniments. 

Sausage Plate - Wild Boar & Andouille today

"Filthy Fries" - My personal choice and my favorite for today. These qualify as fries only in the sense that it included wedge-cut potatoes -- other than that -- it was completely different than just fries. In fact, I doubt anything on this plate made it anywhere near a fryer. These well-roasted wedges (borderline crispy on the outside, but very tenderly cooked internally) are covered with short-rib meat, cotija cheese, a beer cheese sauce, capped with a little cherry pepper salsa, all of which sits atop a reduced balsamic drip and that great house gremolata. Glad I had my team to share with on this plate - it was a good portion and pretty much a small meal rather than a small plate.

"Filthy Fries" - my favorite today

There were plenty of other things on the menu at Centro I would really like to sample: "Charred Octopus", "Pork Belly", "Shrimp Po' Boy", "Fingerlings a la Centro", "Jal-Up In Your Fritter", to name a few. Additionally, there are drinks on the menu calling for a revisit: "Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita", "Tay Tay's Tonic", "Pomegranate Mojito", etc., etc., etc.

Centro Bar & Kitchen is a great place to share great things with great people. We never even made it to the desserts listed on the menu. Additionally, Centro features daily & happy hour deals throughout the week. I highly recommend visiting and exploring their menu. I will be going back.

-BG

South Lake Tahoe: Base Camp Pizza Co.

Subject: FOOD/DRINK

Place: Base Camp Pizza Co.

Locale: Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, CA

Base Camp Pizza Co. Website

Visits: 1 (05/23/16)

Food:     4 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Venue:   4 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Beverages:  4.5 out of 5 on the Burp-O-Meter

Will I return?: Yes, for any future stays/visits in South Lake Tahoe.

NARRATIVE:

I previously mentioned that I have drawn on locally-broadcast programs to gather ideas for new spots to visit. Especially for the entire Lake Tahoe area I have relied on Meghan Burke's "Tahoe Life" as well as Dreu Murin's "Ultimate Tahoe Adventures" for inspiration. Both programs include in-depth segments featuring restaurants and based on a Dreu Murin segment, we found ourselves at Base Camp Pizza Co. during a day trip with family.

The Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, where the base station for the Heavenly Gondola is located, has a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and activities located within an easy to walk venue. Linda and I have seen several restaurants come and go in this location over the years, including one under the Wolfgang Puck flagship of eateries. Not everything that works in the world outside of Lake Tahoe necessarily works locally. On the contrary, it seems that more often, it is the locally-flavored places that make an impression and succeed locally. This would appear to be the case for Base Camp Pizza Co.

Base Camp Pizza Co. holds a rather large footprint in the heart of the Heavenly Village center. For sunnier days, there is a large open-air section of tables and chairs. On this colder, rainier day, a covered, heated, open-air patio is also an option. There was live music provided under the covered section and several folks were happy to sit, drink, eat and listen. We on the other hand, great-nieces in tow, decided to eat indoors.

Covered, heated outdoor eating with entertainment

Plenty of different types of seating indoors: booths, tables, bar, etc. The vibe is "mining camp meets farm fresh". Camping lanterns overhead, lumbered walls, etc - you get the idea. Our party of 6 (including the munchkins) were quickly greeted, quickly seated, and had our server introduced right away. The server, although young, had good intuition and seemed to sense when we were ready to order a drink, food, etc. He was quickly attentive, but remained in the background until needed. The rest of the staff seemed to meld together well and were constantly moving about, helping each other bus tables, fill glasses, etc. Nice to see the enthusiasm. I also was pleased to see the "open kitchen" concept in play here. 

My niece's husband and I were both quite pleased to see an fairly extensive chalkboard of various draft beers from which to choose (did I ever mention I kind of like beer?). I love when I see a chalkboard offering versus a static display of beer. This to me implies that at least SOME rotation of handles occurs, thus meaning different choices at different times - variety is the true spice of life! Base Camp also offers wines, a full bar, yada, yada, yada.

Let's chat about food. Okay, initially the menu is not extensive. At closer glance, it is more than adequate given it is after all, a pizza place primarily. If you are providing less choices, make them GOOD choices. Base Camp hit the mark for us. Although tempting, we decided against appetizers, with the knowledge that we were hungry for pizza after a day of hiking in light rain.

Luckily, BCP offers all of their pizzas in a "personal" size - sounds small, but each personal pizza equates to four nice-sized slices. We all managed to chew through ours, but those final slices went down a bit slower than the first three. Each of our pizzas were different: Base Camp Pizza, Big Mountain Pizza, Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza, and Smoky BBQ Chicken Pizza. All quite unique, all quite good. The time from ordering to table was minimal, and that in itself is impressive in that the restaurant was bust the entire visit. 

The "Big Mountain"

The "Pear & Gorgonzola"

The "Smoky BBQ Chicken"

The "Base Camp"

All four of us adults thought the crust was just right, the toppings were very fresh, and the portions for the price were very good. A little on the pricey side for "just a pizza" but given the quality of the food, appropriate in my opinion. My great-nieces shared a bowl of "penne pasta with butter", and were happy "campers" (pun time). I believe there were at least six different kiddy options in the menu, including pizza.

What a combo!

For anyone staying in the Stateline area near the larger casinos, or just visiting for the day as we were, Base Camp Pizza Co. is a worthwhile diversion. 

We shall return!

-BG

Verdi, NV: The Sasquatch Tavern & Grill

Subject: FOOD

Place: The Sasquatch Tavern & Grill

Locale: Verdi, NV (775 Highway 40 W)

The SasquatchTavern & Grill  YELP link

Visits: 2 (most-recent was 04/30/2016)

Food:     4 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Venue:  3.5 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Beverages:  Only water this time, seriously!

Will I return?: Definitely

NARRATIVE:

Not really sure why we had not revisited this little gem off the old Highway 40 just a couple miles from home. We happened to be at a rained out Reno Aces baseball game the other night with several friends, one of whom mentioned about the great fish and chips at the Sasquatch. This comment was not taken lightly by me given that this neighbor spends a lot of time across the pond in Great Britain. Everyone knows that really good fish and chips are found over there...so, we simply had to try them out!

Although I had a really long day bowling (correction, attempt at bowling) at a big tournament down in Carson City, I arrived home hungry and ready to go out. Linda knew about my perked ears regarding the fish and chips story, so off we go!

The Sasquatch falls into one of my favorite categories - a unique, local-only restaurant. Although I understand them to be either managed or owned or both by the same folks who run the Flowing Tide Pub local chain, this one is completely unique. It is a medium sized establishment, holding perhaps 40 patrons tops in my quick opinion. There is a table/booth area, a bar seat area, and maybe two or three high-tops near the bar. Perhaps ten video poker machines are embedded into some of the bar seats, smoking is NOT allowed inside (hooray!). There is also a canvas canopied outdoor seating area to one side and I believe smokers are allowed out there -- that works for me. The only thing I might say could be offputting to some would be the rock and roll (although out of my era) music piping into the bar area and permeating around the place. Did not bother us however.

Two young ladies were working all of the dining areas and taking drink orders. They were quick to tend to us although today we were H20 lightweights. Our food orders were taken right away. We were both pleased at the quick turnaround on the food, and it was all served promptly (hot = good). Since I had already inhaled some fries and a cheeseburger at the bowling alley for lunch, I opted instead for the three taco plate. Linda on the other hand was determined to score the highly-regarded fish and chips plate.

Trio of Steak Tacos

I have to say that even with a borderline appetite after a long day, these tacos were outstanding! I chose the steak version (chicken, shrimp, and fish are the other proteins available) and I quickly tackled this drippy trio of joy. The steak was nicely grilled and sliced and literally filled each flour tortilla. They add a nice chipotle cream sauce, pico de gallo and a little cheese. I was a little worried about a potential soak through on the tortillas that would push me into fork mode, but that never happened. A great dish for me.

Fish and Chips!

The real story of the meal was the fish and chips, and the Sasquatch came through big time. Out came this very appetizing plate of nicely battered whitefish (likely cod). The coating was golden brown and very even in appearance. There were four (4) nice sized filets laid atop lightly battered chips (okay, fries you blokes). I enjoyed the creamy coleslaw off to the side more than Linda did --- but I am into that creamy stuff balancing out the tartness of the tartar sauce, etc. on the plate. She was overall pleased with the dinner, and outside of some coleslaw left on the plate (I was a bit full by now), there was not much left for any vultures floating over Verdi.

There was no question between us about the quality of the food at Sasquatch. Both dinners were belly fillers, and the value matched the price just fine for us. There are many more things we spied on the menu that will bring us back in search of another great meal at a unique place.

BIGFOOT RULES!
--BG

Reno: The Stick Sports Lounge

Subject: FOOD & BEVERAGE

Place: The Stick Sports Lounge

Locale: Reno (Sierra St/Truckee River)

The Stick Sports Lounge  Website

Visits: 1 (most-recent was 03/03/2016)

Food:     3 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Venue:  5 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Beverages:  4 out of 5 on the Burp-O-Meter

Will I return?: Definitely

NARRATIVE:

Part of the continuing rebirth ("Renossance" as they call it) of the downtown corridor and outlying neighborhood pockets, The Stick brings another fresh concept into play. Billing themselves as "Reno's First Ever, Non-Smoking, Non-Gaming, Sports Lounge!" is a crafty idea in an area dense with the downtown-expected bar, lounge, casino and restaurant population throughout Virginia street. Occupying a space most recently known as the "Chocolate Bar", one would be hard-pressed to believe anything else had actually been here before. A complete interior redo is apparent, and as in other places I have reviewed, the exterior is deceiving.

A genuine welcome is offered from the two young ladies at the reception dais. Although they had menus in hand ready to lead us to a table, for this first try we instead opt to seat ourselves at the main floor bar (yes, main floor). There is plenty of not only barstool seating, but combination table/chair/settee and standalone table options. From our barstools, we have not only a great view of many large HDTVs, but also can look out onto Sierra Street off to one side, the seating areas directly around our backs, and up towards the second-floor bar and seating. The main floor also has two large booths, and after speaking with the management, there will be even more HDTVs hung onto each of the booth walls. We walked into The Stick during a soft opening after all -- still applying polish here and there for their grand opening.

Wandered up to check out the upstairs section. There is a smaller version of their bar upstairs (but a huge 65-inch, curved-screen HDTV), and again plenty of seating. While there are not as many barstools up here, there are plenty of tables, not to mention three more booths (already having TVs installed in each). These three booths are not as big as the two downstairs, in my estimation each could easily handle six peeps.

2nd Floor Bar

A view from the top to the Main Bar

Although "The Stick" labels itself as a sports bar it for me was not overdone. I did not feel that sports were being advertised nor driven down my gullet when I walked in and sat down. Sure, there's what? eight different screens just behind the bar throwing out an unending line of games, matches, ex-player opinions, etc., directly in our path, but in no way did I feel obligated to pay any attention. The employees were not wearing whistles and zebra shirts. I think I like it, I like it a LOT.

Their draft beer selection seems to have something for everyone - dark stouts to hard cider. The bar managers will be rotating beers as often as tap-possible, and really, the choices made to this point were very good. The lineup of other alcohol was also impressive, and sticking with the recent trends, many are of the locally created type. Our bartender was hand-mixing drinks in the old-school tradition which is always refreshing to see. Some of their specialty drinks can be found via the website link above. During Happy Hour (M-F 2:30-5:30), they offered many of their draft beers for $3! Other drink specials (including wine) to be had as well. Additionally, they offer $5 appetizer specials during Happy Hour.

I would like to address my seemingly low score (3/5) on the Fork-O-Meter. I am basing this fair mark on the single appetizer that I tried. I called for their "Pulled Pork French Fries with Bacon". Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this appetizer and finished it to the very bottom of my bowl. I guess my druthers with this specific dish was with the pulled pork itself - and in that regard I am very picky. I have owned several meat smokers in the past and on occasion created some excellent pulled pork. Therefore I think I have a real critical tongue when it comes to anything slow-smoked (or claimed to be slow-smoked) like a pulled pork dish. For this try, the pork was just ok, still a tiny bit to the under-rendered side, but that is my opinion. Again, this was a soft opening, so I would expect all things to improve. It did not keep me from finishing now did it?

Pulled-Pork French Fries

Now my dining/drinking partner went with another interesting choice - "Deep-fried Guacamole Bombs". Breaded orbs of guacamole deep-fried and served with a spicy sauce on the side. He was quite happy with the Bombs and suggested it to two other customers who followed suit. In fact, while we were there, customers around us also tried the "Pork Shanks" which looked much like those "Pork Pops" I tried at "Mellow Fellow" (see my blog for that one). The multiple folks who tried the pork shanks were really happy with their selection. It will be on my list next time.

Guacamole Bombs

It was not until I sat down this morning to write this review that I realized too that The Stick also has a small, but interesting Brunch Menu. I have no idea what days and hours these brunch options are available, but sign me up. The first item listed hit me like a trash truck - Chorizo Burrito. I again ask that you review all sections of their menu; many items are calling me to come back in. On another really positive note, since The Stick advertises to be a non-gaming, non-smoking establishment, it was nice to NOT have to eat on a little wooden tray sitting over the top of a video poker machine while dining at the bar. That is a jackpot in itself!

Overall, I really do enjoy this new place in spite of my so-so initial food rating. Every new kitchen tweaks their menu until they settle into a good flow, and that is no different here. I am confident that The Stick will do well here - and on the basis of all the walk in traffic we witnessed on our Thursday afternoon visit, they will thrive.

I will return without a doubt.

-BG

Reno: The Depot

Subject: FOOD & BEVERAGE

Place: The Depot - Brewery - Distillery - Restaurant

Locale: Reno (Aces Ballpark Area)

The Depot  Website

Visits: 3 (most-recent was October 2015)

Food:     4 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Venue:  5 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Beverages:  3 out of 5 on the Burp-O-Meter

Will I return?: Probably

NARRATIVE:

Here again, we have a clever building repurposed from a previous life. The Depot was built in 1910 as the headquarters for the Nevada - California - Oregon Railway system. What the current owners have done is to transform the facility into a multi-use dining and drinking establishment while at the same time not subtracting from the historical feel whatsoever. I really like being here.

The exterior of the Depot is very clean and that appearance carries itself right into the entrance. Very crisp lines throughout, with vintage-looking Edison bulb lighting sprinkled about. The are two floors here, both anchored by a bar - the upstairs bar being slightly smaller, but with the same vintage flair. Several different dining areas are available, including some upstairs. One interesting note: on the main floor men's restroom, the original floor safe, obviously weighing a LOT, still occupies one of the walls behind plexiglass (sorry ladies, but see their web page for a picture). Bar stools, high-top tables, and conventional seating is available. Additionally, there exist a couple rooms in which couch seats are provided to imbibe and socialize.

Main floor bar area

2nd Floor Bar area

I enjoy eating in the upstairs section primarily because I can peer out the very large windows out onto the world while dining. Would like to go back here on a nice, snowy day for that view. It seems a bit quieter upstairs, regardless of the proximity of the bar. It is a nice place away from the main floor, but without losing the feel of the main floor. Nothing wrong at all with the main floor bar and dining rooms. The main floor is where louder discussions were taking place and was definitely the place to hang out with work peers etc.

As the name implies, this is not only a restaurant and brewery, but a distillery as well. The Depot distills their very own Whiskeys, Bourbon, and Gin. The resulting products have slowly been filtering out into different bars and restaurants throughout the greater Reno area (just saw their whiskey at the Wild Garlic yesterday) - another sign of how small local businesses are supporting their like kinds in the region.

A wide variety of different, unique beers are produced on site by The Depot. Each of those sampled by yours truly were quite good, although I generally will not venture into the lighter versions of any beer. A current listing and description of their beers can be reviewed on the website link provided above.

I have actually eaten here on two of my three (to date) visits. The first visit was eating at the main bar. The second was enjoyed at an upstairs table near a wonderful window. Again I would recommend reviewing The Depot menu via the website link in order to better understand their other offerings - after all, I don't eat EVERYTHING on the menu, but I certainly do my best.

House ground beef patty, house pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut
& Russian dressing. The fries include a house made catsup.

Chicken wings with house made BBQ sauce.

Cous cous and Kale Salad: Pears, Bleu cheese & kale tossed with candied pear
vinaigrette & topped with pomegranate seeds. Added grilled chicken to this one.

Beer-battered Vidalia Onion Rings w/ housemade BBQ Sauce

The food overall at The Depot is remarkably good. Above that, the other offerings in the menu are also enticing. I recall not being able to make up my mind on one selection (hence the extra onion rings, wings, etc). I truly believe that everything here was well-prepared and served promptly. In fact, on one of the nights we visited, they were providing each table with a new appetizer idea - cornbread fritters with a bourbon glaze and served with honey - that we quickly snatched up and enjoyed. These fritters are now on the permanent appetizer menu.

Truth be told, as much as we enjoyed the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere at The Depot, I think while we would definitely enjoy coming back here (and will), it is almost a place I would want to "save" for special occasions or when dining with out of town guests. It is that kind of a special place - a great facility with excellent food (and choices of the same), and offering a decent selection of beverages. A place to hold in reserve like a trump card. 

We shall play this hand again.

-BG