The first part of summer is the best time to dine outside in Reno. The days are long, the wind has died down, and the evening heat is comfortable, not stifling. If you’re looking for a dining location with a spacious outdoor patio and zesty dining options, these six Reno restaurants stand out among the crowd.
Caption: Outdoor seating area at Wild River Grille (Source: Wild River Grille Facebook)
Wild River Grille
Overlooking the Truckee River, Wild River Grille is perfect for a date night or happy hour: the riverside buzzes with energy while the kitchen turns out dishes like seared scallops and elk medallions. Set in a historic hotel, Wild River Grille combines fresh, seasonal fare with a backdrop of bustling Downtown Reno. It’s a must-visit with signature cocktails and live music on warm summer evenings.
Washoe Public House
Located in downtown Reno, Washoe Public House has a vast menu that will delight even the most hard-to-please foodie. With its charcuterie boards, Scotch eggs and tempura tiger prawns for lunch, or elk chops, spring salmon and duck breast for dinner, Washoe Public House isn’t afraid to put a twist on classic dishes.
Its dog- and kid-friendly patio makes it a hit in summer, especially when you want to enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Reno. But the interior has a nice rustic, chic feel when the weather is inclement, and the restaurant also provides excellent catering options when you want to host a party at home or work.
Caption: Traditional Bruschetta at Skyline Kitchen and Vine (Source: Skyline Kitchen and Vine Facebook)
Skyline Kitchen and Vine
Perched in Reno’s scenic foothills, Skyline Kitchen and Vine is an escape from the mundane. The food is as elevated as the location, and you can enjoy panoramic views of Downtown Reno while you eat. A locals’ secret, the outdoor patio is a great place to soak in the sun while you eat and then watch the sunset during dessert. Skyline’s menu includes fresh seafood, premium steaks and no shortage of wines.
Stone House Cafe
Stone House Café is the sine que non of outdoor dining in Reno. The restaurant is in a charming midtown bungalow that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on a lush garden patio. In leafy Midtown, it has a distinct Mediterranean feel that pairs with its European-style food spanning from Eggs Benedict to grilled lamb chops.
This is the place to sip mimosas in the morning or unwind under string lights at night — a true oasis in Midtown.
Prost Biergarten
A bit more on the casual side, Prost Biergarten offers a lively slice of Munich in Reno. They serve large steins of German beer — types that are difficult to find in America for beer aficionados — along with plates of bratwurst, pretzels and other German favorites. Most popular around Oktoberfest, when live polka plays frequently, Prost Biergarten is great any time of year, especially on sunny afternoons when you can sit outside on the picnic tables.
Caption: Street Scenes at Brasserie Saint James (Source: Brasserie Saint James Facebook)
Brasserie Saint James
Set in a historic former icehouse, Brasserie Saint James is a Midtown gem that crafts an excellent variety of beers and Belgian-inspired eats. The sprawling outdoor patio consists of a wood deck up high and a shady alcove down low, providing plenty of space to enjoy some fresh air while you eat — any time of day.
Brasserie Saint Jaimes specials include their beer flights (with excellent sours and Belgian-style beers) as well as dishes like poutine, mussels in white wine and grilled rib eye steak.
As you can see, Reno’s booming economy and all-hours culture have brought a wealth of dining options to northern Nevada. The high desert climate often has a Mediterranean quality, especially in early summer, which makes outdoor dining perfect, so get out there and enjoy the local eats while the weather’s good!
