Happenings
Team Whiskey, a local brand known for combining apparel, whiskey tasting and sports, is hosting its second Team Whiskey Bonanza at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, at 1350 N. Wells Ave., from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 5. The event will feature whiskey tastings, outdoor sports activities, 50-plus vendors, line-dancing instruction, a DJ and live music by North 40 Band. Founded in 2019 by Kevin and Justin Stang, the company launched the Team Whiskey Cancer Foundation in 2022 to financially assist families who have a loved one receiving cancer treatment. Tickets start at $45 without whiskey, and $65 with whiskey. For tickets and information, visit teamwhiskeybonanza.com.
Openings
Smith and River, at 50 N. Sierra St., in Reno, closed on Feb. 15; owners Colin and Mary Beth Smith said they would focus on their Roundabout Group businesses. In its place will be Toro Bravo, a new effort from Sergio Romero of La Condesa Eatery, and Rene Preciado from Mexcal Reno. Watch for it to open sometime in March.
Fast-casual franchise Dave’s Hot Chicken opened at The Outlets at Legends, at 1565 E. Lincoln Way, in Sparks, on Feb. 7. Known for its spicy chicken, the restaurant chain expanded rapidly across the country since its founding in 2017, with the Sparks spot being its first foray into Northern Nevada. Patrons are required to sign a waiver if they go for the spiciest pepper option—reaper. Learn more at daveshotchicken.com.
Also new to The Outlets as of Feb. 7 is 7-Spices Indian restaurant and tap house. Featuring curries, biryani dosas and tandoori-style entrees, 7-Spices’ menu showcases a variety of traditional South Asian dishes. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday and is located at 1180 Scheels Drive, Suite B-115. See the full menu at www.7spicesindiancuisine.com.
Lake Tahoe AleWorX, specializing in woodfired pizza, salads and craft beer, opened its third location on Jan. 30 at 324 E. Fourth St., in the former Record Street Brewing Co.; AleWorX is also running the space’s live entertainment venue, The Alpine Reno. Founder Luca Genasci stated in a press release that the new location is about “community and creating a space for people to gather, celebrate and connect.” AleWorX offers weekend brunch options ranging from egg-based dishes to sweet breakfast favorites and hearty sandwiches. Learn more at laketahoealeworx.com/reno.
Bone Appetit Bar-b-Que Grill is now open at 675 N. McCarran Blvd., in Sparks. Launched by owner Kim Daniels as a food truck in Las Vegas eight years ago, Bone Appetit arrived in Reno in 2021 as a food truck, and then moved into Reno Public Market in 2023. After a successful run, Bone Appetit moved to become a standalone restaurant with an emphasis on catering. Check out boneappetitcatering.com for hours and contact information.
Boar’s Nest Saloon is the newest bar to occupy the space at 601 W. Second St. in Reno. Open every day from noon until midnight, this retro dive bar boasts a pool table, and poker and keno machines. An old-fashioned jukebox befits the vintage atmosphere. Bar-goers can stop by for happy hour Monday-Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and can enjoy the $6 beer and shot combo. Learn more at www.boarsnestsaloon.com.
Virginia City has welcomed two new restaurants since the start of the year. Lost Seoul Saloon and Hi Me Cafe are the new residents of 5 N. C St. Lost Seoul brings Korean-American fusion cuisine to the historic town for the first time. The menu features chicken and beef bowls, burgers, wings and fried rice dishes. At the same address is Hi Me Cafe, a boba and ramen shop that also functions as an event space. For more information, visit www.lostseoulsaloon.com and www.instagram.com/himecafe_.
Closings
Bibo Coffee Company has closed its location at 75 Foothill Road, in South Reno; the other two locations remain open.
Wienerschnitzel and Chavelita’s Cocina Mexicana, both on Mill Street, closed at the end of January due to the Regional Transportation Commission’s street-widening project.
Sabrina’s West Street Kitchen closed on Feb. 8; the owner announced on social media that after eight years, it was “time for me to pass the torch, and for me to embrace a new chapter in life.”
Grafted Whiskey & Wine Bar on Rancharrah Parkway has closed. However, owners Jade and Chad Bogan are still running their nonprofit, Grafted Kitchen, to provide culinary training to at-risk teens and young adults. Learn more at graftedkitchen.com.
Wish we had some different cuisines, we have so many chicken places, burgers, pizza, Thai, etc. how about something completely different like a Polish restaurant or German, I’d love some pierogi or potato pancakes