This guide to the best things to do after dinner in Reno includes a range of nightlife hot spots, live music venues, and sunset locations. These cool local places are where you can experience some of the best atmosphere, sights, and flavors in the vibrant city of northwest Nevada.

For its small size and large personality, Reno is known as the “Biggest Little City in the World”. From its famous casinos to the growing hip brewery and distillery scene, Reno has lots of activities to choose from for a late-night experience. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled time or a romantic evening, there are plenty of things to do after dinner in Reno.

  • 1

    Downtown Reno

    The center of all the activity

    Downtown Reno
    • Nightlife

    Downtown Reno is the beating heart of the vibrant city. The neighbourhood is buzzing 24/7, with numerous casinos, event centres, and restaurants. The iconic Reno sign is located in the middle of Downtown on North Virginia Street and is lit up at night, making it a popular spot to begin a night on the town.

    The city is known for its world-class casinos, and most of them can be found in the Downtown area. Many of the big names such as Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Eldorado Resort Casino, and Club Cal Neva are all within a block of each other along North Virginia Street.

    Location: N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, USA

    Map
  • 2

    Midtown Reno

    A thriving neighbourhood with hip bars and gastropubs

    Midtown Reno
    • Nightlife

    Midtown Reno is one of the trendiest parts of the city. The neighbourhood just south of Downtown is packed full of local boutiques, cocktail bars, tattoo parlors, craft breweries, and international restaurants. A stroll along South Virginia Street at night reveals plenty of activity and places to choose from.

    If you’re searching for an after-dinner drinking spot, Midtown is home to a variety of local cocktail lounges, gastropubs, wine bars, and vintage speakeasies. Some of the bars offer outdoor patios for summer happy hour and live music events throughout the weekend.

    Location: S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, USA

    Map
  • 3

    Windy Hill Scenic Overlook

    Sunsets and panoramic views over Reno

    Windy Hill Scenic Overlook
    • Budget
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Windy Hill Scenic Overlook offers one of the best views of Reno city. From the roadside parking area and lookout, you can see across the Downtown Reno area and north to the mountains behind the city. It’s best visited at sunset time when you can admire the colorful sky and city lights slowly flickering on for the evening.

    It’s an easy spot to reach by automobile. The overlook is located in Audrey Harris Park, south of Downtown on Lakeside Drive, past Bartley Ranch Regional Park. There are only about 15 parking spots available and a few covered benches, so arrive early to ensure you secure a park. There are also some walking trails connecting to other parks from there.

    Location: Audrey Harris Park, 6600 Lakeside Dr, Reno, NV 89511, USA

    Map
  • 4

    Reno craft breweries and distilleries

    Locally produced beer and spirits

    Reno craft breweries and distilleries
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    While Reno has always been known for its casinos, the city is also home to a burgeoning craft brewery and distillery scene. The Downtown and Midtown neighbourhoods are home to several local breweries and distilleries, putting their own spin on traditional beer and spirits.

    Many establishments also offer brewery and distillery tours, so you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how their ranges of offerings are produced. From craft beer to whiskey and gin, you can sample some of the best local beverages at a brewery or distillery in Reno.

  • 5

    West Wind El Rancho 4 Drive-In Theater

    Movies on a big outdoor screen

    West Wind El Rancho 4 Drive-In Theater
    • Couples
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    West Wind El Rancho Drive-In Theater offers a chance to enjoy a classic movie experience in Reno. Located just 5 minutes east of Downtown Reno, the fully digital outdoor movie theater has four large parking lots with 4 separate screens. The drive-in theater means that you can watch the latest movies from the comfort of your automobile.

    Every night, you can find the latest Hollywood releases showing at various times. Ticket prices are also quite reasonable. They also operate a snack bar, or you can bring your own food and beverages. With only a few drive-in theaters left in the country, it’s a unique night-time activity to experience while in Reno.

    Location: 555 El Rancho Dr suite 2, Sparks, NV 89431, USA

    Phone: +1 775-358-6920

    Map
  • 6

    Reno Events Center

    For a concert or sporting game

    Reno Events Center
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    Reno Events Center is a large multipurpose arena in Downtown Reno. Located in the entertainment center, the 7,000-seat stadium was built in 2005 to host a range of sporting and musical events in the city. It’s been home to basketball and soccer games, as well as music concerts and world tours.

    You can purchase tickets from the Reno Events Center Box Office or from the Silver Legacy Box Office, as well as online. Located in the middle of Downtown, it’s easily accessible within walking distance of many hotels and restaurants in the area. Otherwise, parking is available for a cost at the arena.

    Location: 400 University Wy, Reno, NV 89501, USA

    Phone: +1 775-335-8800

    Map
  • 7

    Cargo: Whitney Peak Hotel

    Live concerts and a bar

    Cargo: Whitney Peak Hotel
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    Cargo is a live concert venue inside the Whitney Peak Hotel in Downtown Reno. The intimate venue offers a range of regional and international acts, including solo singers, bands, and DJs. The concert hall has enough space for dancing with a large floor space in front of the stage.

    You can also purchase beverages at the Cargo Bar or the Heritage Bar and Restaurant in the hotel. With signature cocktails and craft beers, it makes for a fun night out enjoying some live music and a drink. Ticket prices mostly depend on the act.

    Location: 255 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, USA

    Map
  • 8

    Pub crawl walking tours

    Tour the city's best pubs

    Pub crawl walking tours
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    Pub crawl walking tours in Reno offer a nice introduction to the city's nightlife scene. On a group walking tour, you can hop from one pub or bar to the next with a group of friends and a local guide. There is a range of themed pub crawls throughout the year, so you can experience the best nightlife in the city.

    There are weekly pub crawls in Reno’s Downtown and Riverwalk District. Otherwise, there are also special Santa Crawls in December, Leprechaun Crawls on St Patrick’s Day, and Zombie Crawls near Halloween. If you’re more of a wine drinker, there are also Reno Wine Walks in the Riverwalk District every month.

  • 9

    Reno nightclubs

    Cool venues to dance the night away

    Reno nightclubs
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    Reno nightclubs range from intimate DJ-run dance clubs to large concert halls with live acts. There are plenty of places to dance into the early morning hours in Downtown Reno. Many of the city’s best clubs are located inside the numerous casinos, with multi-level bars and different dance floors across the huge complexes.

    Many of Reno’s nightclubs have various music genres offered on different nights of the week, including '90s hits, techno, and country pop. Opening from around 10 pm, many of the clubs shut around 3 am on weekends.

  • 10

    Casinos in Reno

    A wide selection of world-class gaming venues

    Casinos in Reno
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Reno is famous for its casinos. While smaller than its fellow Nevada city of Las Vegas, Reno is still home to over 20 casinos. Mostly located around the Downtown area, you’ll find some huge resort-style casinos as well as more local, scruffy gaming joints.

    While the larger casinos offer multiple levels of games and tables, plus restaurants, shops, and nightclubs, some of the smaller places offer vintage slot machines and local sports betting. Many of the main casinos are within walking distance of each other on North Virginia Road, making them easy to reach from anywhere in Downtown Reno.

Elisha Donkin | Contributing Writer