Our Top Coffee Spots
Listen, we get it – the casino Starbucks is convenient and that 7/11 coffee technically contains caffeine. But Reno's coffee scene is hiding a not-so-secret secret: we've got an incredible coffee culture that'll make you rethink everything you know about your morning fix. From quick cups that'll get you moving to sophisticated single-origin espressos that'll have you using words like 'notes' and 'finish' unironically, our local roasters are doing something special here. Every spot on this list is locally owned and operated, which means your caffeine addiction is actually supporting small businesses (see? you're practically a hero). Whether you're craving a meticulously crafted pour-over, a breve latte that'll change your life, or just an iced mocha that doesn't taste like it came from a vending machine, we've got you covered. Time to graduate from casino coffee and head where the locals actually get caffeinated.
1. Hand Craft Coffee Company
300 South Wells Ave, #5
Reno, NV 89502
Let's address what you're thinking when you walk into Handcraft: 'Am I cool enough to be here?' Don't worry – beneath that NorCal-tech-meets-tattoo-artist aesthetic and sea of MacBooks lies one of the friendliest coffee spots in town. Yes, it's usually packed with people who look like they could either debug your website or design your next tattoo, but that's just because they've discovered what you're about to find out: these folks take their coffee seriously (without taking themselves too seriously). The space feels like that cool friend's living room – if your friend had pro-level espresso equipment and killer barista skills. Their pastry game is strong thanks to goodies from some of our favorite local bakeries, and while they offer a few solid sandwich options, let's be real: you're here for the stellar coffee and surprisingly welcoming vibe. Pro tip: when summer hits, their hidden patio is like finding a secret garden in the middle of an office park – the perfect secluded spot to tackle that laptop work while pretending you're not technically at the office.
2. Hub Coffee Roasters
727 Riverside Dr.
Reno, NV 89503
If Reno's coffee scene were a movie, Hub would be that character who started as a plucky underdog and grew into the beloved hometown hero. These folks have quietly taken over the city's coffee game, and after one sip, you'll understand exactly why. While they're popping up all over town (spreading good coffee like caffeinated Johnny Appleseed), their riverside location is where the magic really happens. Nestled right along the Truckee, it's the kind of spot that makes you want to become a morning person – think dappled sunlight through the trees, a year-round patio that welcomes both two-legged and four-legged friends, and prime views of ambitious joggers that'll make you feel productive just by association. The coffee's so good that they've started shipping it nationwide, which is perfect for when you're back home trying to explain to friends why you're suddenly so picky about your morning brew. Pro tip: their cold brew is dangerous – dangerously smooth, that is. You've been warned.
3. Coffeebar
682 Mt. Rose St.
Reno, NV 89509
California cool meets Reno charm at Coffeebar, a Nevada City transplant that's basically the Swiss Army knife of local drink spots. Tucked away like a delicious secret, this place transforms throughout the day – morning coffee spot, midday lunch destination, evening wine bar. Their house-made pastries are the kind of thing that'll make you consider skipping actual lunch, but their savory dishes are equally compelling. Feeling extra? Head to their Roastery location, where coffee nerds can geek out over pour-overs and get an insider's look at the roasting process. It's like a coffee masterclass that happens to also serve incredibly good drinks. Pro tip: their day-to-night transformation means you can basically live here from sunrise to sunset without anyone judging your life choices.
4. Magpie Coffee Roasters
1715 South Wells.
Reno, NV 89502
Magpie isn't just a coffee shop – it's a coffee pilgrimage for those who take their brew seriously. This isn't your grab-and-go morning spot; it's a temple where the art of coffee-making is treated with almost religious reverence. They're so committed to the craft that their opening hours seem more like a suggestion than a schedule. The roaster in the back fills the space with an aroma that'll make coffee lovers weak in the knees, and the vibe suggests they're more interested in perfecting each pour-over than in, you know, actually making money. Their espresso is the kind of experience that makes you wonder if you've ever truly had coffee before. Pro tip: embrace the slightly aloof attitude – it's not rudeness, it's dedication to the bean. The double espresso here isn't just a drink, it's a statement. And that statement is: 'We care about coffee more than your need for caffeine convenience.'
5. Cafe Con Papi
495 E. Sixth Street
Reno, NV 89512
Tucked away in a spot so hidden you'd swear it was intentional, Cafe con Papi is that coffee shop you'd only know about if a local whispered the address in your ear. The building looks like nothing special from the outside – which is precisely its charm. Step inside, and you're suddenly transported to what feels like a tiny Havana cafe, complete with coffee that arrives with a delightful punch of cinnamon and a subtle cayenne kick. Their mocha isn't just good, it's the kind of drink that makes you pause and appreciate the craft. Latin desserts like their flan provide the perfect sidekick to your coffee, and the whole place feels like a secret you're thrilled to have discovered. Pro tip: this is the definition of a neighborhood gem – blink and you might miss it, but those who know, know.
6. Old World Coffee Lab
104 California Avenue
Reno, NV 89509
Old World Coffee Lab isn't just a coffee shop – it's a coffee laboratory where enthusiasm borders on scientific precision. The kind of place where baristas view ‘to-go’ espressos as coffee blasphemy and will happily school you on proper consumption techniques. They'll serve your espresso with a complimentary shot of sparkling water to cleanse your palate, because that's just how seriously they take their craft. Locally roasted beans, award-winning blends, and a downtown vibe that's packed with professionals looking for their caffeine fix. Skip this spot if you're hunting for substantial food or killer pastries – this is purely about the coffee. Pro tip: come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. These folks aren't just serving coffee; they're conducting a masterclass in every cup.