Best of Northern Nevada 2026!
Here it is—the 2026 Best of Northern Nevada issue!
This is where we celebrate all of the business owners, creatives and other people, places and things that make up Northern Nevada’s unique, special character. We here at the RN&R are not the ones who decide which people, places and things are the best—we leave that up to you, our readers.
Well, you have spoken! You’ve seen to it that many of your perennial favorites kept their top spots in the poll this year. You showed some real love for newcomers (and relative newcomers), too.
What most caught my eye as we reviewed the results was just how many of our region’s best-kept secrets you revealed this time around by voting an impressive number of first-time runners-up into the results.
If you’re looking for a nonprofit to volunteer with, a golf course to play or a Central American café to try, be sure to look at both the winners and the lists of finalists! And if you weren’t sure which dive-bar backyard dumpling purveyor also serves high-quality, opulently garnished hot dogs … well, read on. That’s one of many things I learned from this year’s poll. I bet you’ll find some new inspiration in here, too.
Because Reno culture keeps evolving, we added some new categories this year—so now the Best Of issue is a place where you can learn what your neighbors’ favorite pickleball courts and international markets are. Good to know.
Producing the Best Of issue always makes me reflect on the incredible talent, hard work and integrity that so many members of our community put into making life here great for all of us. Hats off to all of the winners and finalists—and thank you to everyone who voted!
—Kris Vagner
The Best of Northern Nevada 2026
Best of Northern Nevada 2025: Readers’ Picks
By Staff
September 14, 2026
Ladies and gentlemen: We present to you the winners and finalists of the 2026 Best of Northern Nevada readers’ poll.
Best of Northern Nevada 2026: Staff Picks
By Staff
September 14, 2026
Our staffers and contributors offer their opinions on some of Northern Nevada’s best offerings.
A cut above: Haircuts, products, cocktails and coffee: How does Derby Barber and Supply—voted Best Barber Shop—do it all?
By Susan Winters
September 14, 2026
RN&R readers selected Derby Barber & Supply as the Best Barber Shop, while Derby’s Bridget Varney won Best Barber; Vincent Gravallese came in second. The shop is also a runner-up in the Best Bar and Best Craft Cocktails categories.
Collaborative frame of mind: Voted Best Frame Shop, Nevada Fine Arts is a hub for ideas, advice and supplies
By Lynn Lazaro
September 14, 2026
Under Mandy Medlin’s leadership, Nevada Fine Arts has been voted Best Frame Shop for two consecutive years by RN&R readers.
Culinary time capsule: A perennial Best of Northern Nevada winner, Western Village Steakhouse has endured for 43 years and counting
By Michael Moberly
September 14, 2026
The vibes at Western Village Steakhouse are impeccably Nevadan, in the best possible way. No wonder its name appears five times in the Best of Northern Nevada readers’ poll results.
This newsletter is brought to you by these winners!
Two Chicks: Best Bloody Mary, Best Breakfast
We are Haley (Red Chick) and Jessie (Yellow Chick). Nevada Natives and Reno enthusiasts, we have been in the food and beverage industry since we first held employment! We even met by working at a restaurant together! Best friends and co-workers, we are more like sisters than business partners. We have both held just about every food service position; I guess you could say the industry is in our blood. We first entered into owning our own food business with the GourMelt Grilled Cheese Truck in 2011. We had wonderful success, many awards, and great fun with the food truck but it was always our plan to move on to brick and mortar. Two Chicks, which opened in 2014, is our first full dining restaurant. We are proud of our menus and our commitment to offer fresh ingredients, homemade dishes and elevated comfort food. All of our food is made with love and we hope you feel like family in our place!
Silver State Pie Co.: Best Food Truck
At Silver State Pie Co., we believe that pie is incredibly versatile. Pie doesn’t only have to be sweet; it can make a wonderfully satisfying savory meal any time of day. That’s why we strive to bring creative and delicious pies to the Reno-Tahoe area. Whether you’re looking for something as classic as our signature chicken pot pie, or looking to try one of our seasonal hand pies, we hope Silver State Pie Co. is your first choice. Oh and don’t worry, we will always offer some sweet treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. No matter what, we believe everyone should eat more pie!
Recycled Records: Best Place to Buy CDs or Vinyl
A huge thank you to everyone in Northern Nevada for your vote(s). We do not take for granted your continued support for all these years! We appreciate every one of you—especially our awesome regular customers. Thank you!
Noble Pie Parlor: Best Late-Night Dining, Best Chicken Wings
Specializing in East Coast Style artisan oven-fired pizzas, you can enjoy Noble Pie Parlor by the slice or the whole pie! We are slicing, dicing, roasting and toasting daily. Noble Pie Parlor proudly supports our community projects and local businesses, such as Our Center, the Holland Project, KWNK Community Radio, and more! Thank you for voting us the best year after year!
The Best of Northern Nevada print edition
Click the cover to peruse!