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