Where to Eat in Reno,NV

If you’re anything like me, finding new places to eat while traveling through a new town or city is one of the most exciting parts of a vacation. Why settle for “the usual” when there’s an opportunity to find the most delicious sandwich, slice of pizza, or chai tea you’ve ever had?! Lucky for you, I’ve tracked down some of the best, and I’m going to share where to find them…

This time I’m going to take you to Reno, Nevada. My husband and I lived there for 6 years right out of High School, so we had plenty of time to build our list of favorite local (and not so local) places to find some grub.

Here are a few of the BEST places to eat in Reno,NV:

1. Josef’s Vienna Bakery & Cafe – We discovered this hidden gem when I was 6 months pregnant and struck with a sudden craving for some baked goods. This was the only bakery I could find that was open that Sunday, and I am so thankful for that! Not only are they a bakery, but they have some of the best crepes I have ever had! P.S…. don’t you dare leave without buying a macaron. TRUST ME….

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2. Michael’s Deli – This was another pregnancy craving of mine. When I say craving, I mean we ate here at least three times a week the last two months of my pregnancy so I could get the same thing (TAB- turkey, avocado, and bacon sandwich on a croissant/ with a side of the best macaroni salad this world was ever blessed with). I suggest requesting your sandwich on a croissant, because who wouldn’t want that?

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3. Pirate’s Pizza – If you like thick, fluffy crust on your pizza and unique topping choices like seafood or beef gyro, this is the place for you! If you aren’t in the mood for pizza, they also have a variety of Italian and greek entrees for you to choose from. My personal favorite is the greek pizza (Beef gyro, greek olives, feta, red onions, tomatoes, and dolmade), and my husband loves the Japanese pizza ( Teriyaki chicken, pineapple, red onions, peppers, and tomatoes).

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4. Human Bean – I know this isn’t a local coffee house, but I spent three years trying new coffee places on my way to work every morning, and I always ended up craving my regular orders from my favorite little coffee hut! I don’t drink coffee so I can’t give recommendations on that, but my husband is a coffee addict and he also loves the human bean! My top three favorite drinks of the menu are: Green tea smoothie, Frozen hot chocolate, and the Mango smoothie.

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5. Dutch Bros – Yes, another coffee chain… but as someone who grew up in a small town and once again is living in another small town, Dutch Bros is one of those places my husband and I get so excited about when we venture into the city. I’ve never had a drink I didn’t like from Dutch Bros, and never had a bad experience because they have the sweetest people in the county working for them. My #1 drink reccomendation has to be their Iced Passionfruit Green Tea. I promise you, its the most refreshing beverage you will ever have. When I’m in the mood for a cozy drink, my second choice would definitely be their Pumpkin Pie Chai Tea (Hot or Iced). If you know what kind of drink sounds good, but aren’t sure about what flavor combos you want, just ask the person helping you and they will give you plenty of new ideas for drinks you probably never knew existed!

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Other restaurant recommendations include:

6. Little Philadelphia CheeseSteaks – Best in town!

7. Haven On Earth Bread & Bakery – Entirely gluten free bakery with the Best cinnamon rolls!

8. Chihuahua’s Cantina & Grill – friendly atmosphere, authentic food, and my favorite chips and salsa (another one of my pregnancy cravings).

9. Aldertos – I’ve probably eaten here more than any other place in Reno. It’s definitely not the fanciest place in town, but getting authentic Mexican food out of a drive through window for the same price (maybe even cheaper) than Taco Bell is always my choice when needing a quick meal.

10. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop – This was my favorite sandwich shop for the longest time. They use fresh, slow roasted meats in place of your usual lunch meat and you can taste the difference! Make sure you try their best seller “The Bobbie”( homemade turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo) YUM!

It was SO HARD to choose just 10 of my favorite places to eat in Reno, so one day I might just do another food tour for you. Have any recommendations for my next trip to the biggest little city? Let me know in the comments box!

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Crockpot Apple cider

I’m an iced drink type of person… like iced chai in December type, but I also believe you can’t fully appreciate Autumn without treating yourself to some hot apple cider once the leaves start falling. This apple cider recipe is so easy I almost feel like this isn’t a “recipe” at all. It takes less than 5 minutes to make and tastes like something you would only find at the apple orchard. Impress your guests this holiday season with the most DELICIOUS warm apple cider!

*** If serving more than 5 guests, double recipe.

Ingredients:

• 64oz 100% fresh-pressed spiced apple cider
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 Granny Smith apple, cut into large cubes
• 3 cinnamon sticks

Directions:

1. Set crockpot to low 3 hours before guests arrive. Add cider and brown sugar, whisk until sugar is dissolved. Add remaining ingredients.
2. Once guests have arrived, set crockpot to “warm” setting to avoid cider getting too hot.
3. Enjoy!

maple chocolate chip oat cookies

When it comes to Fall baking, I love pumpkin treats just as much as the next person, but in my opinion, maple is the flavor of the season. I try to put a pop of maple flavor into every desert possible. These maple chocolate chip oat cookies taste like a bowl of warm oatmeal on a stormy Fall day, and nothing is better than that, in my opinion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour + 1 Tablespoon
• 1 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and all sugars together for 2 minutes until well combined.
4. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, maple extract, and maple syrup, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Add the chocolate chips and mix on low speed until well combined. Cover tightly and refrigerate 30 min – one hour. *(if chilling dough overnight, let dough sit out for 30 minutes before baking)
6. Using a cookie scoop, scoop dough onto parchment lined cookie sheet, leaving 1 inch between each ball of dough. Gently press down each ball of dough to slightly flatten them.
7. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
8. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
9. Enjoy!

chicken jalapeno dip

When planning any kind of get-together , some type of dip is always on the menu. They are perfect for informal or formal gatherings, can usually be made the night before, and very rarely are there leftovers to try to fit back into the fridge. This chicken jalapeño dip can be made with any array of appetizers or eaten as a meal in itself (what my family likes to do). Don’t let the word “jalapeño” scare you away. The jalapeños are cooked before they go into the oven, so you get all the flavor with very little spice!

Ingredients:

• 1lb cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken makes this process super easy)
• 1 block cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 2 cups shredded mexi blend cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can rotel tomatoes (do not drain)
• 4 jalapeños, seeds/membrane removed, chopped
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

1. Cook bacon and set aside, leaving all leftover grease in the pan. Cook chopped onions and jalapeños in grease until onions are translucent.
2. Add chicken, cubed cream cheese, and garlic to the pan and cook on med-low heat until cream cheese is fully melted. Add rotel tomatoes and stir.
3. Crumble bacon, leaving 2-3 tablespoons aside for garnish.
4. Mix in bacon and one cup of cheese. Stir and pour into 9×13 casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon on top.
5. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes until edges are bubbly.
6. Let cool 10 minutes before eating. Enjoy!

Crockpot sausage and potatoes

Even the pickiest eaters in our family approve of this fast and easy recipe. This is one of those recipes where most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry at all times, so you won’t have a mile long grocery list of ingredients for one meal. This hearty, cozy, crockpot meal is sure to be requested time and time again!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups red potatoes cut into bite size pieces
• 12 oz smoked kielbasa, cut into bite size pieces
• 10 oz package frozen peppers and onions
• 2 1/2 cups cheese, shredded

Sauce:

• one can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon parsley

Directions:

1. Mix all sauce ingredients together in medium bowl, set aside.
2. Add all ingredients, except 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese to crocpot. pour sauce over the top and mix together.
3. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours, until potatoes are soft.
4. Enjoy!

Southern green beans

Southern green beans are an easy, yet flavorful recipe that will make any ordinary meal feel special. Whether its a summer barbecue or thanksgiving dinner, this side dish will pair well with anything!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans cut green beans, drained
• 6 slices bacon
• one tomato, diced
• one large onion, thinly sliced
• one tablespoon butter
• one teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Cook bacon until cooked, but not crispy, reserving half of the remaining grease. Set bacon aside and chop when cooled.
2. In remaining bacon grease, add butter and onions. Cook onions on med – low heat until soft, about 15 minutes.
3. Add green beans, garlic, chopped bacon, tomato, and seasonings. Stir and cook on medium heat 10-12 minutes.
4. Enjoy!

pierogi ( w/ bacon & grilled onions)

If you’re searching for a quick and easy dinner, you’ve come to the right place! Made with pre-made pierogi from the freezer section, this recipe has very few steps and ingredients to make your meal reach the table in less than 30 minutes! (Note: pierogi is pasta filled with creamy potatoes and cheese, which is extremely rich in flavor.. you only need 4-5/ person to fill them up!)

Ingredients:

• two frozen 16 oz boxes cheese pierogies
• 1 lb bacon
• one large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare pierogies as directed on the back of package. Strain water when done.
2. Fry bacon, leaving half the grease in pan when done. Crumble bacon when cooled.
3. To the pan with remaining bacon grease, add butter and sliced onions. Saute onions until soft.
4. When onions are soft, add pierogies and crumbled bacon. Stir and garnish with parmesan cheese.
5. Enjoy!

Apple Cobbler Muffins ( w/ Maple Glaze)

Are you a fan of apple cobbler? Apple fritters? Maple bars, perhaps? If so, take a look at your new favorite muffin recipe. These taste like a combination of all three wrapped up into the form of a muffin, so technically you can eat these for breakfast!

Muffin Ingredients:

• 2 apples, peeled & cut into small cubes. Soak in 1/4 cup orange juice (do not throw out orange juice!)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Cobbler Topping:

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup chopped oats

Maple Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Glaze instructions:

1. BEFORE STARTING MUFFINS…Using electric mixer or whisk, mix all glaze ingredients together until smooth.
2. Place in fridge while muffins are being prepared.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a medium saucepan on med-low heat, combine apples and orange juice, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook for 10-15 min, until apples have started to soften. Take off heat and let cool 10 minutes.
3. Mix together butters and sugars until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla until just combined.
4. Add in apple mixture. Stir in until just combined.
5. In medium bow, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix and gradually add to wet mixture.
6. Scoop muffin mixture into a muffin tin either greased or lined with muffin liners.
7. In a small bowl, Combine cobbler topping ingredients with your hands until crumbly, sprinkle on top of each muffin.
8. Bake 18-20 minutes.
9. Let cool 10 minutes. Drizzle prepared maple glaze over the top & let glaze set additional 20 minutes before eating.
10. Enjoy!

easy lemon icebox pie

Lemon icebox pie is an end of summer classic that has been loved for generations. For years, I would spend HOURS making the original recipe… sometimes having to restart because of a lumpy custard disaster. Then, a couple years ago I decided to try a “shortcut” version because I didn’t have an entire afternoon to dedicate to this beloved tradition, and guess what?? It was delicious! Want to know something even better? The filling only has FOUR INGREDIENTS!

Ingredients:

Filling:

• One 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
• 14 oz condensed milk
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust:

• 2 cups crushed Nilla wafer cookies
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Crust Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a medium bowl, mix crust ingredients together and press into pie pan until crust is formed.
3. Bake 10-12 minute, cool completely before filling.

Filling Directions:

1. Using electric mixer, mix cream cheese and condensed milk until smooth.
2. Add lemon juice and vanilla, mix until combined.
3. Pour mixture into cooled pie crust and refrigerate 5 hours.
4. Garnish with whip cream and thinly sliced lemon, if desired.
5. Enjoy!

Shortcut Enchiladas

Enchiladas are one of my favorite foods, but I only make them a couple times a year. Why? They take FOREVER to make! Between preparing the meat, shredding cheese, and going through the assembly line process to prepare them, it takes an entire afternoon to prepare before it even goes into the oven! If you feel the same way about this dish, then fear not! I have the perfect shortcut recipe for you.

Here’s my “shortcut” version:

Ingredients:

• one package frozen burritos/ chimichangas
• 2 cups shredded fiesta blend cheese
• one can olives
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 10oz can enchilada sauce
• vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Place up to 8 frozen burritos in the microwave on a plate and cook for one minute on each side until they are soft, but not fully cooked through.
2. Put 1 inch of oil in pan, then put on med-low heat (oil will be ready when you put the edge of a burrito in and it starts to fry). Fry each side of burrito for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. (put no more than 2 burritos in oil at a time)
3. Once burritos are golden, put in 9×11 baking dish and top with sauce, cheese, olives, and tomatoes.
4. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with a bit of parmesan cheese and Enjoy!