Our Top Lunch Spots
Listen up, lunch warriors – Reno isn't just a city that knows how to party after dark. When the clock strikes noon, this town transforms into a culinary playground that'll make your sad desk lunch look like a total joke. We're talking sandwiches stacked so high they're basically architectural wonders, burgers that require both hands and total commitment, and an Indian buffet so packed with flavor you'll want to pitch a tent and live there. From quick bites that'll fuel your afternoon to leisurely meals that make you want to extend your lunch break 'just a little bit longer,' these spots prove that the Biggest Little City takes lunch seriously. Forget those chain restaurants and sad food court options – we're about to show you where locals actually eat when the hunger hits.
Rubicon Deli
445 California Ave,
Reno, NV 89509
San Diego's sandwich savior has landed in Reno, and holy carbs, are we here for it. Rubicon isn't just slinging sandwiches – they're crafting flavor-packed monsters that laugh in the face of your standard lunch fare. Everything starts with their house-baked bread, which isn't just bread, but a flavor bomb that comes in wild varieties like bleu cheese and jalapeño jack. Pro tip: their 'full sandwich' isn't just a meal, it's a commitment – we're talking a sandwich so massive it could double as a small rescue flotation device. Not trying to carb load? Their salads are no afterthought, and they've got gluten-free options that prove dietary restrictions don't mean flavor restrictions. Whether you're a sandwich purist or an adventurous eater, Rubicon is serving up the kind of lunch that'll have you plotting your return before you've even finished your first bite.
2. Full Belly Deli
517 Forest St,
Reno, NV 89509
Consider Full Belly Deli your local lunch lifeline – a spot that screams 'Tahoe casual' with sandwiches that could fuel an entire ski season. Born in Truckee and now firmly planted in Reno, these folks understand the art of crafting a sandwich that's way more than just meat and bread. Their Southwest Chicken is basically the rockstar of the menu (trust us, it's the sandwich your taste buds have been waiting for), but here's the beauty: you can also play sandwich architect and build your own masterpiece. Conveniently nestled around the corner from Old World Coffee Roasters, Full Belly is basically the culinary equivalent of a one-two punch – grab a killer sandwich and chase it with a stellar coffee to conquer that noon time slump. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this is the kind of spot that turns a simple lunch into a full-on experience.
3. Beefy’s
1300 S Virginia Street,
Reno, NV 89502
You could gamble all day and maybe win a free burger from the Purple Parrot, but why bother? Skip the sad casino coffee shop burger, don't waste your time at McDonald's, and yes – we know Reno has an In-N-Out, but you didn't come to Reno for In-N-Out, did you? For your Reno burger fix look no further than Beefy’s. Beefy's is that perfect hole-in-the-wall spot where the burgers are grilled to order and the charm is inversely proportional to the building's curb appeal. Picture this: a tiny shack with a pop-up tent for seating that looks like it might have been someone's weekend project. The wait times are... let's say 'leisurely,' but they've cleverly stocked over 40 different beers to help you pass the time (and honestly, that's just good business). When your burger finally arrives – fresh-ground, perfectly charred, and absolutely worth the wait – you'll understand why this place keeps winning 'Best Burger in Reno' awards. The onion rings and wings are no slouches either, and the shakes? They're the kind of caloric commitment that makes you want to skip dinner (but you won't). Pro tip: they're closed Sundays, probably because even burger perfection needs a day off. This is the kind of spot that would make Guy Fieri unleash his entire arsenal of food adjectives – and for once, the hype would be justified.
4. The Brewer’s Cabinet
475 S. Arlington Avenue,
Reno, NV 89501
If Reno restaurants were superheroes, Brewer's Cabinet would be the Swiss Army knife of the bunch – it's got an answer for pretty much every 'where should we go?' scenario you can throw at it. Killer patio? Check. Beer garden that'll make you forget you're not in Munich? Absolutely. Weekend brunch that'll cure what happened at the casino last night? You bet. This place is basically a chameleon that happens to nail every role it takes on. Their daily specials laugh in the face of standard happy hour pricing, their wings are the kind that ruin other wings for you, and their beer list reads like a love letter to craft brewing. Whether you're rolling in for Friday after-work pints, Tuesday tacos and margs, or Sunday morning chicken and waffles on the patio, Brewer's Cabinet has that rare ability to be exactly what you need it to be. Pro tip: this is the kind of spot that makes you look like a local genius when out-of-towners ask for recommendations, because there's literally something for everyone.
5. The Cheese Board
247 California Ave,
Reno, NV 89509
While others are feeding their money to the one-armed bandits, you'll be feeding your soul at The Cheese Board, where the only gambling you'll do is deciding between their impossibly good hot and cold sandwiches. This isn't your average deli – think Panera's convenience meets Michelin-star ingredients. Their custom charcuterie boards are party heroes, and the grilled cheese and soup combo will make you forget every other comfort food you've ever known. Swing by for a light lunch of expertly crafted salads, or go all-in on their artisanal sandwich creations. Located a cheese-wheel's throw from the Nevada Museum of Art, it's the perfect spot to fuel up before getting your culture fix. Who knew Reno could be so... cultured?
6. Süp
669 S. Virginia Street,
Reno, NV 89501
Hit the jackpot of lunch spots at Süp, where the daily soup rotation draws a parade of courthouse power-lunchers who know where to find a verdict-worthy meal. This Midtown favorite has mastered the art of liquid comfort, with a menu that changes daily to keep you coming back for more. Mix and match to your heart's content – half sandwich and cup of soup, two different soups, or throw a salad in the mix. Can't pick just one? No one's judging (though plenty of judges are dining). And when you finally find your soulmate soup, take home a quart or two – some comforts are too good not to stash away.