Reno - Downtown
Downtown: land of blinky lights, endless buffets, one way streets and plenty of tourists.
St Mary's Health Network
236 W 6th St # 302 - (775) 770-3000 / (775) 323-5151 / (775) 770-7100
Washoe Medical Center
77 Pringle Way - 775-982-4100
Washoe Family and Urgent Care
975 Ryland, Ste. 100 - 775-982-5210
Burner Boutique
100 N Sierra St - (775) 322-9444
Welcome to Reno!
Downtown Reno is transforming. Home to a bubbling and very innovative arts community as well as most of our mega hotel-casino resorts, downtown IS an experience in itself apart from the rest of Reno, offering a variety of attractions amid old and modern, rehauling and vacant buildings, but currently one requiring the patience and sharpness of the experienced traveler.
Here is a brief travel narrative, pointing out some of the highlights to help guide you a through Downtown Reno. But for specific locations in and around Downtown, or to see the very many worthwhile hotels, curiosity shops, restaurants, bars, stores, wifi or coffeeshops, please be sure to look through the listings and map links towards the bottom of the page.
A few helpful notes:
Wherever you plan to park downtown, please be sure to remember to lock your vehicles. Less-and-less of Reno's parking is free, so be sure to have change available for parking meters. As with many places off the playa, we recommend some caution before cruising through a hotel-casino with your burner attire, props and esprit. Security might be looking for something unusual to take seriously. Just a word of friendly local advice.
Virginia Street is the heart of Downtown Reno. HOWEVER, Virginia Street is NOT the street to use to access or travel through Downtown. It is designed mostly for pedestrian tourists. Sierra and Center Streets – which are one-way streets – lie on either side of Virginia Street, and these are the streets to use. Use Sierra Street to access and travel south through Downtown, and Center Street to return north to I-80.
And, finally, a little side note to further help with navigation: streets divide into east and west on either side of Virginia St, and Virginia and streets parallel to it divide into north and south on either side of the river in Downtown Reno.
To the journey Downtown...
Coming off Interstate-80, if you take the first right, you will be on Sierra Street. This is the best street to access and travel through downtown from I-80.
In need of EMERGENCY MEDICAL attention? Turn right onto Sixth Street. St. Mary's will take excellent care of you.
Continuing down Sierra Street you will enter the casino-hotel complexes of Circus Circus, Silver Legacy and the El Dorado
Crossing the RR tracks at Third Street, to your left, a block over to Virginia Street, is the legendary Reno Arch.
Continuing down Sierra Street to First Street, this is where Reno’s burgeoning arts center begins. There is a decent parking garage on your right that is relatively easy to get in and out of. Rates are $1.50 an hour unless you shop at a store that will validate your parking. There are several galleries, museums, and other kinds of shops in the area, and walks or hang outs along the river are also highly recommended.
Most notably in this area is the Celtic Forest at the corner of Sierra and Island Streets, next to the Truckee River. A dramatic fire-arts installation and performance venue by Laura Kimpton, Jeff Schomberg, Antonio Ruperto, and Bob Hofmann, Celtic Forest was exhibited in Black Rock City in 2008, and can now be found in Downtown Reno c/o the Black Rock Arts Foundation and City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission from July 1 until December 1, 2009. Check out the schedule on the BRAF-Reno website to see for a schedule of events.
Right off Sierra, WEST down West First Street, you will soon find the West Street Marketplace, along with Java Jungle, Jungle Vino, and La Bussola, and down a few blocks further, the Greyhound Bus Station on Stevenson Lane, and to your right a block further at Ralston, in the Truckee River Lodge, you will find Reno’s oldest and quirkiest Vegetarian restaurant, the Pneumatic Diner.
Left off Sierra, EAST down West First Street, is the best place to access Virginia Street for south of Downtown.
At First and Virginia Streets you will find the world-famous Bruka Theatre -- our favorite local theatre -- if you have the time. Operated mostly by burners, Bruka shows some of the most amazing and wonderful and innovative theatre you will ever see.
South on Virginia Street, across the Truckee River and beyond the small financial district, you will soon be entering what has lately come to be known as the Midtown District. A loose band of largely burner-owned, operated, or supportive businesses that have come to be the center of much of the local burning man community. Amendment 21, Great Basin Community Food Co-Op, EcoReno, Ace's Tattoo, Black Hole Body Piercing, Junkee Clothing Exchange, The Melting Pot World Emporium, The Zephyr Lounge, Romantic Sensations, 1099 Club, Chocolate Walrus Boutique, Carter Brothers Ace Hardware, and and High Desert Bicycles are the most notable highlights along a ½ mile stretch..
If you wish to continue south from here, look to the Plumb Lane hub.
But before leaving Midtown, a special note on two world famous burner businesses:
First is The Melting Pot World Emorium. Owners Eric and Monique and Kaz are long-time burners. You remember the Midnight Popcorn Palace. That's them. The Melting Pot not only offers a HUGE freaking variety of everything: goddess and diva wear, pipes and other related essentials, belly dance clothing and hip belts, poi, incense, candles, jewelry you won't find at the mall, costumes, men's and women's clothing that will make you feel fabulous along with light-up gadgets and gizmos. It’s also the only place in Reno and the last place before hitting the playa to buy Burning Man tickets. See below for all the important details.
AH! And second, but not least, right across the street is the Zephyr Lounge. Long time, big time, favorite hangout for anyone and everyone who has even the remotest connection to Burning Man or live music. Fabulous drinks. Cold beer. Killer music and some of the most fantastic people around. A long time connecting spot for burners pre & post playa, as well as year-round.
Need to get back to I-80 from anywhere in Downtown? Remember that Center Street, the street one block east of Virginia Street, is the street that will get you back to I-80.
And this concludes our vehicular tour of the Downtown Reno region. Thank you and please come again!
Okay. But let's say that you are or wish to be car-less around Downtown Reno. Great. Catch the *free* Sierra Spirit Citifare bus at the yellow signs along Sierra or Center, which lie on either side of Virginia Street. A map is posted at each bus stop. Buses arrive every 10 minutes to whisk you away. Make a note of where you left your wheels. The bus can take you throughout downtown. from the University of Nevada, Reno to the Nevada Museum of Art at Liberty Street. You can also access the regional bus-system closeby, at Center and Fourth streets, to venture to places around the entire region.
AM-PM Minimart
1390 S. Virginia - 775-329-9594 - map
South of downtown, AM-PM Minimarts typically carry some of the cheapest
gas in town.
West Street Market
148 West Street &emdash;ndash; 775-786-4848 - map
Open 11am-10pm daily. Brickhouse Bakery is open at 7am.
A marketplace of many different shops, each offering unique, eco-friendly experiences. West Street Wine Bar, Brickhouse Bakery, Reno Envy, Earthly Delights, Nikos Greek Kitchen, Se7en Tea House and Bar, Downtown Market Place, Great Basin Basket, Nevada EcoNet, Silver Trends, and Zukor’s Jewelry.
Great Basin Community Food Co-Op
542 1/2 Plumas Street &emdash;ndash; 775-324-6133 - map
Open 9am-8pm daily.
The wonderful people of Reno’s only community-owned food co-op are committed to supporting and providing local, sustainable, as well as organic products to the fullest extent possible. Providing a wide variety of produce, bulk foods, dried foods, water, drinks, lotions, solar ovens, shake lights, and biodegradable kitchenware, Great Basin encourages burners to special-order for their supplies for the playa. Check out the website (highlighted above) and contact the co-op for further information on what they carry, how to support the co-op, and to look into making pre-order arrangements. Ask about the "special package for the playa."
VOD
350 West Liberty Street – 775-323-3000 - map
Open Tue-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm.
VOD Deli is a wellness oriented business with a wide variety
of raw, vegan items on the menu, as well as energy bars, crackers, chocolates, snack nut and trail mixes,
super foods, and fresh raw organic juices and smoothies to-go. These products
represent the efforts of many businesses supporting raw organic sustainable
foods, many of which are vegan appropriate. You can also rent time
in their Far Infrared Saunas. Pre-orders accepted and appreciated.
EcoReno
18 Stewart Street, Suite B – 775-324-6326 – map
Open Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 11-5, Sun 11-3
Owned and operated by burners, EcoReno provides a large a variety of eco-friendly products for the environmentally-conscientious consumer, particularly for your personal cares and the home. Many kinds of cleansers and toiletries, as well as some solar and other eco-friendly electronic gadgets, that may interest you for life on the playa.
Spring Water Depot (formerly Crystal Springs)
901 S. Center Street, Reno - 775-323-5689 - map
24-Hour vending service available. Easy access to fill your own containers. no containers available for sale.
Pneumatic Diner
501 West First St. - 775-786-8888, ext. 106 - map
A long-time favorite hangout of many vegetarians and vegans as well as non-vegetarians, the laid back and cozy atmosphere quickly leads one to forget where one is in the biggest little city. Seating may be hard to come by, but its open everyday from 11-11 (Sunday brunch at 9 AM). The entrance is located in the northeast corner of the Truckee River Lodge Building on Ralston St. It's up the stairs on the back side of the building and is easy to miss if you don't know it's there.
Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant
855 East Fourth Street . 775-786-9020. - map
Open 11-3 and 5-9 Tue-Sun.
The region.s only Ethiopian restaurant providing exotic vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes.
Amendment
21 Grill & Sports Bar
425 S Virginia St. – 775-786-0808 - map
Open 11am – 10pm weekdays, 11am – 12:30am weekends.
The menu has a little for everyone ranging from simple pizza & burgers
to perfections like tri-tip & savory pasta entrees. Daily beer
and food specials, and a variety of games to play.
Blue Moon Pizza
190 California St. - 775-324-2828
Open 11-9 (Mon-Sat)/1-9 (Sun) - map
A local secret, Blue Moon wins accolades from folks in the know. Many vegetarian pizzas, and they stuff the pie to the brim.
Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs
775-329-2600 - 420 South Sierra St - map
Open 6:30am - 2pm daily
Silver Peak Grill and Taproom
135 N. Sierra Street - 775-284-3300 - map
124 Wonder Street – 775-324-1864 (The actual brewery is at
this location)
Open 11am -= midnight Mon-Thur. 11am-1am Sat-Sun
Very popular local brewery/restaurant with two locations to serve
you: One in the heart of the arts district, and the other is south
of downtown, just a few blocks away across from the very popular
Zephyr Lounge.. Features indoor and outdoor dining, serving imaginative
dishes and brews.
India Kabob and Curry
1091 S. Virginia - 775-348-6222 - map
11:30 - 10:30, lunch buffet from 11:30 til 3:00 in the same location
as the old Blue Heron
This Indian lunch buffet is better than most, the price is a bargain,
and they change the line-up on a regular basis. Particularly good
are the Chicken Tikka Masala, Veg Pakora, Tandoori Chicken, and their
awesome tamarind sauce. The rice is fluffy, the soups are hot, and
they have the standard selection of beers if you want something stronger
than Mango Lassi. Parking in back is through a narrow alley, but
there's decent street parking in the neighborhood. Next door on Virginia
across the alley is The Spy Shop, and they have more parking available.
Thai Chili Restaurant
1030 S. Virginia - 775-786-7878 - 11am-9pm - map
Zephyr Lounge
1074 S Virginia St - 775-324-9853 - map
Longtime burner magnet, the Zephyr Lounge is one of Reno’s
longest running hot spots for music, art, poetry and general socially
eclectic gatherings. It’s laid-back, neon, attitude and advertisement-free atmosphere invites people to express or just ignore. Live music
(up to six days a week) from local and national acts, and open mic
mondaze will arouse something of interest in everyone.
The Underground
555 E Fourth Street – 775-786-2582 - map
Big favorite among local burners. Host of many burner functions.
Variety of musical scenes.
Amendment 21 Grill & Sports Bar
425 S Virginia St. – 775-786-0808 - map
Open 11am – 10pm weekdays, 11am – 12:30am weekends.
A favorite place among many local burners, and one that does a lot for the local community, Amendment 21's menu has a little for everyone ranging from simple pizza & burgers to perfections like tri-tip & savory pasta entrees, daily beer and food specials, a variety of games to play, and regular quality entertainment.
1099 Club
1099 S Virginia St - 775-329-1099 - map
This is a good starting point if you're looking for a rainbow pride tour of Reno. Find drag revues, patio parties, and the dish on other GLBT business and resources.
Red Rock Studio
241 S. Sierra St - 775-324-2468 - map
One of the more unique lounges in town - clean and cozy, wonderful service, and some class ! Open most all day with espressos.
The 5-Star Saloon
132 West Street - 775-329-2878 - map
Open 24/7
A downtown-Reno gay bar that offers a friendly, sassy place, with pool tables, live shows, live DJs, Internet jukebox, and free WiFi. No cover charge; free parking at the 1st Street Parking Gallery.
The Patio
600 W. 5th Street - 775-323-6565 - map
A very classy, friendly gay bar with mixed crowd, and deluxe pool tables. Mostly women on Friday nights.
Jungle Vino
248 West 1st Street - 775-329-4484 - map
Open Mon. — Thurs. 3 p.m.— 12 p.m., Fri. 3 p.m.— 2 a.m., Sat. noon — 2 a.m., Sun. noon — midnight.
Fine wine and food in an intimate, sophisticated setting. Features a full-service bar, weekly wine tastings, and special events supporting local artists and music.
Se7en Teahouse and Bar
100 N. Arlington Avenue - 775-348-9526 - map
Sun. — Th. 10 a.m. — midnight, Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. — 2 a.m.
Adding a bit of flavor, class and culture to the Reno community, this teahouse, bar and food venue provides a sanctuary for some quiet time or to meet up with friends. A large variety of teas ranging from organic to herbal, green to red, Asian to European, loose to bag. Coffees, sandwiches, pastries and appetizers also available. Turns into a cocktail lounge after 6 p.m., featuring a complete wine list, organic alcoholic and tea-accented concoctions.
Sierra Tap House
252 West First Street - 775-348-9526 - map
Open Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m. to close; Sat. & Sun., noon-close.
Known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff and full liquor menu, this bar is located along the Truckee River. Offers a great patio for people watching and enjoying a nice microbrew in a relaxed, non-smoking atmosphere.
Silver Peak Grill and Taproom
135 N. Sierra Street - 775-284-3300 - map
124 Wonder Street – 775-324-1864 (The actual brewery is at
this location)
Open 11am – midnight weekdays; 11am-1am Fri. & Sat.
Very popular local brewery/restaurant with two locations to serve
you: One in the heart of the arts district, and the other is south
of downtown, just a few blocks away across from the very popular
Zephyr Lounge.. Features indoor and outdoor dining, serving imaginative
dishes and brews.
Washoe County Library
301 S Center St - 775-327-8300 - map
Monday, 9-5, Tuesday, 1-7, Wed-Fri, 9-5, Sat, 11-3, one hour free computer access.
Dreamer's Coffeehouse & Deli
17 S Virginia St - 775-322-8040 - map
7 AM - 9 PM (Open until 10 PM on Fri and Sat)
Wireless.
Java Jungle
246 W 1st St - 775-329-4484 - map
Nevada Museum of Art
160 West Liberty Street - 775-329-3333 - 775-329-1541 - map
The 5-Star Saloon
132 West Street - 775-329-2878 - map
Amendment
21 Grill & Sports
Bar
425 S Virginia St. – 775-786-0808 - map
Dreamer's Coffeehouse & Deli
17 S Virginia St - 775-322-8040 - map
7 AM - 9 PM (Open until 10 PM on Fri and Sat)
Wireless access.
Unscientific studies indicate high caffiene per milligram, meaning we're wide awake for hours after a visit to Dreamer's. Also right next door to the Black Rock Arts Foundation funded art installation Celtic Forest (see below in the Random Curiosities section for details)."
Java Jungle
246 W 1st St - 775-329-4484 - map
Hospitals/Urgent Care Facilities
M St Mary's Health Network
236 W 6th St # 302 - 775-770-3000 - 775-323-5151 - map - map above
W Renown
Regional Medical Center (Trauma Center, for emergencies)
155 Mill Street - 775-982-4100 - map - map above
F Renown
Medical Groups
975 Ryland, Ste. 100 - 775-982-5210 - map - map above
US Bank
1 East Liberty - 775-688-6626 - map
Bank of America
700 N Virginia St - 775-688-8383 - map
Bank of America
401 S Virginia St - 775-688-8778 - 775-688-8630 - map
Reno Bike Project
541 E Fourth Street - 775-323-4488 - map
A used-bike seller and community bike-shop operated by many burners, get a bike at a great price while they last! Check out the website, or email renobikeproject (at) gmail.com. Located in the alley between Bell and Ralston streets.
High Desert Bicycles
1527 S Virginia Street – 775-322-5588 - map
Open Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5, though call ahead for after-hour appointments.
Selling a variety of new and used bikes, helmets, lighting, tubes, baskets, and a multitude of other accessories. Also a bike repair shop, and the purchase of any bike receives a free one-year service.
College Cyclery
622 S Virginia St - 775-323-1809 - map
Silver Legacy Resort Casino
407 North Virginia Street -800-687-8733 - map
The Silver Legacy is welcome to all burners. Book your stay by calling
800-687-8733 or visiting http://www.silverlegacyreno.com.
Circus Circus Reno Hotel and Casino
500 N Sierra St; 775.329.0711; 775.789.5604 - map
Circus Circus is burner-friendly and is offering a free “Fun
Book” per guest ($65 value). Visit: http://www.circusreno.com to book your stay.
Sands Regency Casino Hotel
345 N Arlington Ave - 775-348-2200 - 800-648-3553 - 775-322-2647
- map
Lots of surface and indoor parking. Free pool parties, Sun, Wed,
and Friday, 6-8/10pm. The Sands is offering a special room rate for
burners of $29 Mon-Thurs; $69 Fri-Sun. Call 866.FUN.STAY and ask
for code: BMAN09. For more information on this hotel visit http://www.sandsregency.com/.
ElDorado Hotel & Casino
345 N Virginia St - 800-879-8879 - 775 879-8879
- map
20% off Room Rates plus 2-for-1 Breakfast Buffet & Eldorado Fun Book with $75 in dining, entertainment, and gaming discounts. Effective Dates . Aug. 25-27, Sep. 1-3, and Sep. 7-10. Call and mention BURN09
Club Cal Neva
38 E 2nd St., 775-323-1046 – map
The Club Cal Neva is offering a special package for burners. Sunday
-Thursday: $34.99; Fri-Sat $84.99. Call 877-777-7303 or visit www.clubcalneva.com/rooms.php and refer to code: BM09.
Econo Lodge
666 N Wells Ave - 775-329-3125 - map
Motel 6
866 N Wells Avenue, Reno, NV 89512 - 775-786-9852 - 775-786-3162 - map
I-80 at N Wells Avenue Exit #14
Days Inn
701 E 7th St - 775-786-4070 - map
Carter Bros. Ace Hardware
1215 S Virginia Street – 775-337-1200 – map
One of the few hardware stores in town that is independently seeking to meet the shade and camping needs of the burning man participant. Stocking up on a wide variety of playa-specific hardware, camping, and lighting needs.
Wild Sierra Adventures
Corner of West and Fifth Streets (at the Silver Legacy Adventure Desk) - 775-323-8928 or 866-323-8928 - map
Greyhound Bus Station
155 Stevenson Street – 775-322-2970 – map
The Melting Pot World Emporium
1049 S Virginia St - 775-322-9445 - map
Regular hours: Mon – Fri, 10-7, Sat. 11-7, Sun. 12-5. Week
of Burning Man, open later. Closed Labor Day weekend.
Family-owned and operated by burners, this wonderful place is also a year-round and longtime favorite of the local and world burner community. Lots and lots of great, exotic, ethnic, futuristic, and fashionable costuming, clothing, lingerie, googles, bags, jewelry, masks, hats, pasties, capes, wings, hoola hoops, playa-safe boas, umbrellas, ready-to-go el-wire kits, flags, tapestries, playa gifts, carrying packs, poi, smoking tools, body and eco-friendly lotions and oils, and other curiosities...
The Melting Pot is also one of the few places on the planet that sells tickets to Burning Man, and the very last place to get a ticket before departing the pavement, as no tickets will be sold at the entrance to Black Rock City. Tickets will be available at The Melting Pot while supplies last, or at the very latest until August 29. Given these facts, it is still very much advised that you get your ticket well before embarking on your journey to the playa, such as at Burning Man Tickets Online. If you are fortunate to get a ticket at The Melting Pot though, EXACT CASH ONLY is accepted.
La Bussola
254 W 1st St – 775-348-8858 - map
Local artists studio with many unique and quirky items to buy.
Junkee Cothing Exchange and Burner Boutique
960 S Virginia St.– 775-322-5868 - map
Open every day, 11am-8pm
Owned and operated by burners Jessica and Troy, Junkee Clothing Exchange is a wonderful journey back in time and space to find a huge....variety of vintage and recycled clothing, fun hats, glasses, jewelry, shoes, masks, bicycles, as well as handmade costumes and other accessories for the playa. Also a place to sell back, recycle your playawear! Junkee's is also house to some other shops, most notably the Burner Boutique
Celtic Forest
Corner of Sierra and Island Streets, next to the Truckee River - map
A dramatic fire-arts installation and performance venue by Laura Kimpton, Jeff Schomberg, Antonio Ruperto, and Bob Hofmann, Celtic Forest was exhibited in Black Rock City in 2008, and can now be found in Downtown Reno c/o the Black Rock Arts Foundation and City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission from July 1 until December 1, 2009. Check out the schedule on the BRAF-Reno website to see for a schedule of events: braf-reno.ning.com
Nevada Museum of Art
160 West Liberty Street - 775-329-3333 - 775-329-1541 - map
Open Wed-Sun. 10am-5pm; Thur 10am-8pm.
Reno's largest art museum, and bringing a little more of the playa through art exhibitions and installations to Reno every year -- most notably Kate Raudenbush’s Guardian of Eden.
Bruka Theatre
99 North Virginia St – 775-323-3221 - map
Our favorite theatre and production company, founded and operated mostly by burners to create and share the experience of innovative theatre.
Romantic Sensations
1065 S Virginia St - 775-322-1884 - map
Very large adult boutique store.
Chocolate Walrus Boutique
1278 South Virginia St – 775-825-2267 – Open 10-9, Sun
11-6 - map
Adult boutique offering romance.
Aces Tattoo
681 S Virginia St - 775-333-0915 - map
Black Hole Body Piercing
912 S Virginia St - 775-329-6010 - map
12 Noon - 8 PM / Sun-Mon 12 Noon - 6 PM
Salvation Army
1925 Sutro St - 775-688-4588 - 775-688-4589 - map
9 AM - 6 PM, Closed Sundays
Rankin's Auto Service Inc
530 Merrill (off Wells near I-80) - 775-329-8433 - map
8 AM - 5 PM, Mon-Fri
Reno Vulcanizing Auto Care & Tire Works
590 N Virginia St - 775-322-2141 - map
Mon-Fri 8 AM - 6 PM, Sat 8 AM - 5 PM, Auto service and tires.
Need more info? Try: Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, Reno News and Review, Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno Magazine, Reno Passport, National Traffic and Road Closure Information, PlayReno, NevadaNet, goTahoe.com, Tahoe.com, Fernleynews.com. 
