Reno: Beefy's

Subject: FOOD

Place: Beefy's

Locale: Reno (Midtown)

Beefy's Kitchen Website (Facebook)

Visits: 1

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

Venue:  4 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter
Drinks:  3 out of 5 on the Burp-O-Meter (please see my comments)

Will I return?: Yes

NARRATIVE:

Looks like an old, small diner, and in fact I believe it is just that many years removed. The new owner/operator had only been in place for roughly six months during my visit as I recall. Make no mistake, this place it small and seating is what I would term "diverse" - a booth here and there, small table and chair over that way, more seats nearing the back doors, plus the expected diner stools at a tiny counter. 

Another thing that added to the unique atmosphere: there is a TV playing in the dining area, and on our day there specifically, a classic, early James Bond movie (Sean Connery era) was on the air. Magic!

The kitchen and serving areas are also unique. Somehow, in very limited space, this tiny kitchen and front counter operates efficiently. Incredible to see just how much equipment can be made functional in this puzzle. To some, this crunched kitchen might cause fear - "it just can't be very clean in there" - but to me it is all good atmosphere! The two guys cooking in the kitchen worked sardine-like, poking their eyes and orders through a small porthole of a window out to the server. The server (I believe it was the owner) is a true multi-tasker. He was taking orders from customers, serving the beverages, taking payments (via iPad), expediting and serving orders from the kitchen window. All the while he joked continuously with the customers, and not in a phony way. It was engaging listening and responding to him. Felt very welcomed. In many ways, the customers become part of the entire process here.

I want to address my low rating of the "Drinks" section higher-above. The one and only reason I gave this three (3) burps is simply due to a lack in numbers of beer choices on tap. There are only a couple of taps here. BUT I hasten to add that the beers (which rotate as needed) offered this day were in fact EXCELLENT choices. I just wish they had more from which to choose. There are some good bottled varieties also available. Given the lack of room here, quite understandable.

On the food front, it was all really, really good. The jalapeño and pepper jack burger, called the "Vaquero" was awesome. Savored each bite. The slices of jalapeño were deep-fried, which provided some crunch. The patty was juicy (and, well, "Beefy"). It has been a while, but I think the fries were twice-fried, which I really enjoy. A truly satisfying lunch. Funny because one of my dining partners on this occasion had NO intention of eating lunch - "I am not hungry" said he. Once he got a gander of what was being served up, he quickly changed his mind and dove in with both fork and knife.

I have not yet been able to return, but I certainly plan to do so. So many places to go.