Best Traditional Milkshake Sans Kiwi, Boba or Kale
Scooper’s
4040 Kietzke Lane, Reno
1356 Prater Way, Sparks
Every generation tries to improve on traditional treats, whether it’s putting pineapple on pizza, adding tapioca pearls to tea, or eschewing old-style custard for something called chai masala crème brûlée.
I’m OK with that. Culinary fusions make eating more interesting—but I draw the line at messing with milkshakes. Basil, rosemary, olive oil and botanicals like lavender, elderflower or hibiscus syrup should be nowhere near milk and ice cream. Yet, here we are in 2026.
There’s a cure for such heresy. Several shops across Northern Nevada still pour out the old malt-shop milkshakes, and Scooper’s makes my shakes.
They are thick and creamy, made with real milk without injected air. The traditional chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes remain popular, but Scooper’s also has flavors that do complement the milk and ice cream, including boysenberry, banana, peanut butter, white chocolate and marshmallow.
I may try one of those someday, but for now, I remain a milkshake Luddite, quaffing a chocolate shake or malt served with a side of nostalgia. Yeah, I’m a Boomer, buster, so keep your boba and botanicals to yourself.
—Frank X. Mullen
Best Caring Boutique Gym
Elysium Wellness Club
400 Mill St., Suite 101, Reno
Elysiumwellnessreno.com
I found Elysium Wellness Club in July 2024 while I was going through a difficult period of mental illness. I knew I had to find a new gym that suited my needs.
When I first wandered into Elysium—tucked inside an eccentric yet unassuming brick building on the corner of Mill Street and Holcomb Avenue—I knew it was the right place for me. With matte black and burnt orange walls; warm, low lighting; a plant wall; aesthetic backlit mirrors; a range of weights and equipment; and gender-neutral bathrooms, it was everything I’d ever wanted in a gym. And I felt calm, a stark contrast to my previous gyms with oppressive fluorescent lighting, weights slamming, people hogging machines and an overall ambience of stress.
Elysium co-owners and power couple Alyssa Ybarra, a licensed therapist, and her husband, Dylan Hoff, a personal trainer, created this welcoming space for people to find holistic well-being, focusing on mental health as well as physical. Ybarra has personally helped me so much in the past two years. She truly cares about each member, and that is not something you can find at a typical gym.
Did I mention it has impeccable lighting for gym selfies?
—Max Stone
Best Transformation of a Dive
The Elbow Room
2002 Victorian Ave., Sparks
Theelbowroomsparks.com
For most of 2021 and 2022, this unpretentious (maybe even super-basic) dive bar was home to some of the coolest punk and metal shows at the end of the COVID lockdowns. The raucous live music stopped after those two halcyon years—but the latest owners, who bought it in 2024, turned it into a place for adult-focused pinball playtime.
There are 14 pinball machines where the stage and mosh-floor used to be, and the bar often hosts tournaments on Fridays. It’s a cool idea that is helped along by the friendly staff members, who sometimes do some potluck-style food on weekends. Drinks are relatively cheap; the vibes are relatively chill; and this place has managed to keep its off-the-beaten-path charms.
I have to admit I miss it as a venue—seriously, it was wild and wonderful every time—but I will still accept it into my dive-bar heart as one of the most intriguing places in our fair cities to grab a brew (and try your hand at being a pinball wizard).
—Mark Earnest
Best Place to See Pioneer Trail Ruts in the Truckee Meadows
Hidden Valley Regional Park
The entrance at the end of Mia Vista Drive, Reno
Concrete and asphalt long ago sealed off most traces of the wagon-train emigrants, who crossed the Truckee Meadows in the 1840s and for decades thereafter—but one pioneer trail segment has survived into the 21st century.
The deep trail ruts within Hidden Valley Regional Park wind over brush-covered flats and rolling hills between what is now the Hidden Valley community and Sleepy Hollow Drive to the south. A portion of the trail is enclosed within a chain-link fence with an opening for visitor access. North and south of that section, the ruts continue for about a half-mile until they vanish in the sagebrush.
Whether the Donner Party trundled over the route on their way to a spring at Rattlesnake Mountain remains a matter of debate among historians. However, there’s plenty of evidence the path was used by wagons well into the Comstock era of the 19th century.
I’ve walked the route many times and often found traces of the emigrants and gold seekers who trod the path in the 1800s: a short length of iron chain; the lid from a can of “Pioneer Baking Soda;” ox shoes; broken tools; and other pioneer detritus. Leave such artifacts where they lie; federal law prohibits removing them.
The presence of wild horses, hawks, eagles, coyotes and other desert wildlife also make the short hike memorable.
To reach the historic trail, head to Hidden Valley Regional Park in southeast Reno. Drive south from Mira Loma Drive onto Hidden Valley Drive; turn right on Mia Vista Drive to the parking lot; and follow the dirt trail through the gate to experience a slice of history.
—Frank X. Mullen
Best Resource for Eco-Friendly Witches
Coyote Supply Co.
30 Mary St., Suite 11, Reno
Coyotesupplyco.com
Nature provides everything a modern witch needs for their practice: herbs for spell work, moonlight to charge our crystals, and rituals that move with the changing of the seasons. But, of course, we can all use some help—so if you’re a witch who wants to honor the Earth with an eco-friendly approach to your practice, stop by Coyote Supply Co. the next time you’re in Midtown.
The small space is filled to the brim with ethically sourced ritual tools, an all-vegan lineup of items (minus the beeswax candles), and a book collection that can help deepen any witch’s practice. You can find books on Celtic herbalism, Asian shamanism, Appalachian folk magic and Mexican-American folk magic—alongside zero-waste guides. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the witch behind the register might be able to offer some recommendations.
When I first started my spiritual journey, boss witch Brianna Punsalang—whose practice is rooted in Celtic, Appalachian, Chinese and Philippine folk magic—was kind enough to recommend books on Filipino spiritualism.
When Punsalang and Michael Gomez opened the store in 2019, their intention was to create a safe space for fellow BIPOC LGBTQIA+ witches to shop sustainably. They did a remarkable job.
—Lynn Lazaro
Best Friendly Coffee Shop
The Roost
651 Booth St., Reno
Theroostreno.com
Down by Reno High School, on the corner of California Avenue and Booth Street, sits a three-window coffee shack, in the ’90s tradition of classic drive-through coffee shops, called The Roost. There, you will find a line of cars on both sides of the building waiting patiently for their morning caffeine fix.
What makes this little shack outstanding is the friendly staff inside, who, despite long lines, always have the best attitudes and kindest smiles. But the most impressive thing is that, even though the largest national chain opened a store less than a block from their windows, The Roost’s lines are still long, and their service is better than ever.
This is my favorite example of how to compete in the service industry: When the competition comes knocking, treat people better, and you will be just fine.
—Michael Moberly
Best Coffee Shop to Work Remotely
Chrome Coffee Works
131 Pine St., Reno
Instagram.com/chromecoffeeworks
As a person who works many remote jobs, I get stir-crazy at home and find I can often focus better at coffee shops. However, it seems like I always have at least one gripe: Either there aren’t enough tables; the tables are too small; it’s too crowded; there aren’t enough outlets; it’s too noisy; the Wi-Fi is iffy; the drinks are too expensive; the lighting is bad; or it closes way too early.
In 2024, Chrome Coffee Works entered the scene, taking up residence on Pine Street with its light-pink exterior and retro lettering. Chrome gets so many things right, such as the abundance of seating—and, most importantly, each seat has easy access to an outlet, so you never have to worry about your devices dying. The design is stylish and slightly minimalistic, with a distinct character inspired by vintage neon signage, traditional tattoos and classic coffee shop vibes.
The menu is pretty simple, and they do it well. The breakfast burritos are tasty, and both of my usual orders—drip coffee or an iced americano—make me want to quote Special Agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks: “That’s a damn fine cup of coffee.”
—Max Stone
Best Open Studios
Third Saturdays
1995 Dickerson Studios and Gallery
1995 Dickerson Road, Reno
Instagram.com/1995_dickerson
You never know what you might see on a third Saturday at the open studios on 1995 Dickerson Road. A vibrant watercolor sunrise emerging from a faded dictionary page, perhaps. A skeletal face peering from a bowling pin. Or an abstract painting receiving a final coat before shipment to its forever home.
Finished paintings reside alongside works in progress. Tables and cabinets overflow with upcycled materials, art supplies and possibilities. You won’t see doors or art isolated on a stark gallery wall like an insect specimen pinned to a card.
The pea-soup-green warehouse in a multi-color row is 1995 Dickerson, the studio home for 14 visual artists. Two have been working there for more than 15 years. Valuing companionship and collaboration over walls and doors, the artists work independently, but not in insolation. Such camaraderie extends to Saturday wanderers as well. It’s like hanging out in the garage of the cool neighbor you’d like to know better.
—Susan Winters
Best Community Conduit
Michael Tragash, Yelp community manager
A lot of people have strong feelings about Yelp, but in Reno, there is a legion of supportive, enthusiastic, fun Yelpers who genuinely show up and support local businesses. They are led by our region’s Yelp community manager, Michael Tragash, who has been the mastermind behind some of Reno’s most dynamic events, spanning nearly every community we have.
Every month, you will find another creative way to interact with a part of our citizenry you may not have seen before, from a local Diwali and Bollywood celebration, to fun date nights with free tastes just for RSVPing. His legendary partnership with the Discovery Museum—an event first called Yelpstronomy, then renamed Beyond the Bite—featured local businesses pushing their creativity in interactive ways and is still the gold standard for food and beverage events.
I can’t wait to see what he’s up to next.
—Michael Moberly
Best Place for Tweens (and Their Friends and Relatives) to Craft
Tooti Frooti
141 Vesta St., Reno
Tootifrooti.shop
It seems like whenever family visits Reno during the summer, perfect weather gives way to scorching temps, making certain outdoor activities unbearable for a tween who hates the heat.
Luckily, I stumbled on a local toy shop that hosts monthly craft workshops—with an open studio, bookable a day in advance.
At Tooti Frooti, owner Francesca Martinez offers a plethora of kawaii (basically Japanese for “cute and loveable”) goods. She’s also set up Gigil Studios, a workshop space for decoden crafts—fancifully decorated hair clips, pencil cases and the like using charms, baubles and silicone “fake whipped cream.”
Booking an appointment is simple—go online; purchase an item to decorate ($10-$40); and show up. One-hour sessions include a quick lesson and unlimited charms to complete your masterpiece. Monthly workshops are listed on Tooti Frooti’s website.
With such a friendly staff and affordable creative options, the Gigil Studio experience should be a permanent fixture on a tween’s visit rotation.
—Misty Kinser
Best Book About Dead People in the Black Rock Desert
Black Rock Dead: True Tales From One of Nevada’s Most Treacherous Deserts
By Christopher Brooks and Christina Preston
Black Rock Dead: True Tales From One of Nevada’s Most Treacherous Deserts isn’t just the best book about Nevada’s desert deaths—it’s likely the only one.
The recently published volume documents the accidents, illnesses, battle casualties, homicides and suicides that have occurred in the Black Rock and nearby environs. The chronology stretches from the doomed wagon trains of 1846 to Burning Man. The authors did deep research, digging up tales gleaned from oral histories, government reports, pioneer journals and newspaper accounts.
In the mid-1800s, the Black Rock Desert earned the title of “death route” for star-crossed pioneers; it remains a treacherous landscape for modern travelers. The stories include the true-crime tale of the murder of Peter Lassen in 1859, the saga of “Shoshone Mike” Daggett in 1911, and the more recent fates of folks who were just looking for a fun afternoon in the canyons or on the playa, but became stranded in a place where cell phone service doesn’t exist; daily temperatures can swing from scorching to freezing; and water is scarce.
Some of the entries in this well-researched catalogue of suffering are short bulletins. Other tales—such as the Shoshone Mike massacre—are related in detailed chapters. The book is a macabre compendium of the unfortunate souls who were murdered, died of thirst, froze to death, killed themselves, or were burned, drowned, crushed.
The Black Rock, apparently, is haunted by more ghosts than any cemetery. It’s not a “fun read,” but it’s an interesting one. Black Rock Dead is available on Amazon in hardcover or paperback.
—Frank X. Mullen
Best Cannoli Delivery in Reno
Café Evié and Rolli Cannoli
www.cafe-evie.com
When I tell you that I have found the best cannoli in Nevada, I want you to understand the enormity of this discovery. As a proud New Jerseyan living in Reno, my quest for a good cannoli is something bordering on obsessive. I’ve scoured the West Coast for anything resembling the mythic Italian pastries of my childhood. To my family, the cannoli is a symbol of memories in the making, and we often celebrate milestones—like my son’s first birthday—with cannolis overnighted from Brooklyn.
You’ve probably tasted Café Evié and Rolli Cannoli’s desserts without even knowing it. They create many of the delicious cakes and delicacies served at high-end restaurants in the Reno-Tahoe area. The husband-and-wife team, Evie and Johnnie Sorrentino, grew up in New York and brought their knowledge of Southern European desserts to the high desert. To experience these mouthwatering pastries, call or email Rolli Cannoli, and Johnnie will deliver them directly.
For cannoli purists, I recommend the Johnnie Cannoli kit—and you can pipe your own fresh cannolis right from the pastry bag. If you’ve never had a cannoli before, and you want a full smorgasbord of flavor, try the 10-pack.
May you celebrate your next special moment with the magic of a cannoli.
—Jessi Sprocket Janusee
Best Music Venue You Might Not Know Is a Music Venue
Corrigan’s Lost Highway
1526 S. Wells Ave., Reno
Instagram.com/corrigans_losthighway
This place, a lighthouse for fun along Wells Avenue for many decades, is trying hard not to be a normal venue.
It has two interchangeable names. There’s nothing even close to a regular music schedule, with maybe a show a month—if they feel like it. The music is either outdoors on a huge stage or from a tiny tent. Or, the band is tucked into a very horizontal corner, blasting at you with both barrels.
Yet, this place rules for music fans. The band selection is impeccable, with a range from quieter indie rock to completely insane metal. The sound quality is killer. There’s no cover charge, although donations are encouraged with subtlety and go directly to the bands. And, even when there’s not a show on its property, it becomes a place to hang during shows at the very close Holland Project (for those of us above 21, that is).
It’s clear that they have no intention of becoming a regular venue, which is absolutely a smart idea. That gives Corrigan’s (or Lost Highway, or whatever) a non-slick, near-basement-or-backyard vibe that I hope it keeps forever.
—Mark Earnest
Best Casino Happy Hour
Bistro Napa at the Atlantis
3800 S. Virginia St., Reno
Atlantiscasino.com/dining/fine-dining/atlantis-bistro-napa
It’s 5:20 p.m. on a Thursday. I have not eaten anything all day, and work was annoying—so I need food and a nice, strong cocktail.
The hubby and I have just arrived at the Atlantis to partake in one of Reno’s best happy hours, at the bar/lounge area of Bistro Napa—although here, they call it “Social Hour,” and it’s actually two hours, 4 to 6 p.m. daily (holidays excluded). For these amazing two hours, all of the small plates, flatbreads and beverages on the special lounge menu are half-price. This means Bistro Napa’s Hibiscus Manhattan—made with Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel and Australian Hibiscus—is just $9. Count me in.
But there’s a problem: Every single one of the tables and bar seats in the lounge is occupied. Ugh. Normally, I don’t wait to stalk tables or bar seats—but for Bistro Napa’s social hour, I’ll make an exception. To repeat: $9 Hibiscus Manhattans!
Around 5:40, we see a gentleman sitting by himself at a table get up to leave. The second he’s out of his chair, we (carefully and politely) rush to the table and sit down. Score!
We place our order with minutes to spare before the 6 p.m. deadline: first and foremost, two orders of the amazing prime-rib sliders (which come with delicious skinny fries). The ahi tuna. The wild mushroom flatbread. Because the hubby was really craving fries, a full order of the skinny fries. The Thai beef lettuce cups. And, yes, my beloved $9 Hibiscus Manhattan.
The total bill, before tax and tip: $68. Amazing. (Be sure to tip the servers on the full price before the 50 percent discount. They work very hard during social hour!)
—Jimmy Boegle
Best Place to Experience Biodiversity, Anthropocene-Style
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N. Sierra St., Reno
Rancho San Rafael is a great place to see native animals—birds all over the park, dragonflies around the ponds, frogs inside the sprinkler boxes. It’s also weirdly good for seeing animals that shouldn’t be here—from obviously out-of-place creatures like a tame gray and white bunny to established, introduced species like American bullfrogs and red-eared slider turtles, native not to Nevada but to the eastern and central parts of the country.
Rancho’s three kinds of squirrels make a special mash-up. The California ground squirrels are long-time natives, while the fox squirrels—obvious non-natives from the East—mysteriously appeared in Reno only in 2024. The western gray squirrels are in a more ambiguous category; they apparently moved in on their own from the Sierra Nevada, so they’re technically native, but they probably can only survive in town because of the urban forest.
Basically, Rancho is an archetype of wildlife-watching in the Anthropocene (aka the epoch of vast human alterations to the planet—aka now). The old-school environmentalist in me wishes I could snap my fingers, Thanos-like, and make the non-native organisms disappear.
Another part of me, though, sees a fox squirrel at Rancho and just thinks, “Wow, that is so cool!”
—Alan de Queiroz
Best Knowledgeable Italian Grocery Purveyor
Bella Italia
606 W. Plumb Lane, Suite 4, Reno
Bellaitalia-store.com
Fussing over recipes is more or less what I live for, and, last spring, I decided to level up my fresh pasta game. Reddit cooks told me to switch from all-purpose flour to semolina, and Yelp told me the place to get it locally is Bella Italia, a tiny specialty foods shop nestled into the Arlington Gardens Mall.
Lorena Merighi, who owns the shop with her husband, Marco, recommended mixing two flours, advised me that the dough would act differently than what I was used to, and gave me a thorough tutorial on how to handle it. My dough was stretchy and cooperative on the first try, thanks to her expertise—and my cheese raviolis were a hit.
Not only does Lorena know her European flours inside out; she knows the intricacies of every last pasta, sauce, meat, cheese, condiment and imported sweet she stocks. She recommended an olive oil for the specific use I had in mind—drizzling it on burrata—and it could not have been more perfect for the job. The gummy-but-not-too-gummy lemon candies I bought tasted like fresh citrus: super-satisfying and unlike any candy I’d had before. If you’re on my Christmas list, a treat from Bella Italia might just be your next gift.
Meanwhile, I eagerly await Lorena’s next recommendation.