Sarah Cook, reno.com
November 10, 2006

Satellite - 2006’s best bar in town, according to the Reno News & Review. I don’t know about you, but I think we can do better. I mean, yes, the live music is great, the atmosphere is crowded and seemingly enjoyable, and the décor is unique and welcoming, but unless you’re a part of the “clique” of those who frequent the Satellite regularly, you won’t get the service you’d hope for from a random Reno bar.

However, Satellite did get voted best bar of the year for a reason. It’s simply packed with inner-city nightlife, and offers just what locals are looking for – a place to go with all your friends, where you’ll undoubtedly run into all your friends friends, and their friends too. Another upside to this place is that it’s one of the very few bars in town that actually prohibits smoking inside, so, you won’t come out reeking like nicotine and wheezing like a full-blown asthmatic.

But seriously, where are you supposed to park at this place? I mean, yes, there’s a miniature lot that Satellite shares with the new Blue Moon, but it’s very limited in space, so make sure your street-sweeping skills are up to date, as you’ll need to scour yourself a spot to park somewhere in the local neighborhood. Although, that’s just a small price to pay for the ideal location this bar was able to snag.

Locally owned and operated, the scene at Satellite has pretty much remained the same ever since it was originally created. Emo-swipes, white belts, tattoos, tightly-fitting jeans, and black clothing. None of this is a bad thing, mind you, but do prepare to be overwhelmed with an array of reoccurring appearances when you step through the double doors of this somewhat undersized bar. Normally, the Satellite would be quite the perfectly designed place to hang, but for the large crowds it draws in, expansion might not be the worst idea somewhere down the road.

Feeling like a microbrew, poured fresh from the keg? Too damn bad. The best thing you can get on tap at Satellite is Pabst, which at least remains cheap. As for their happy hour, if you’re an early drinker, you’re dialed. From 4 until 6:30 p.m., Tuesday thru Friday, you can get $2 well-drinks and draft beers, as well as $3 sakes, which are actually pretty good. But if you’re looking to unwind from the weekend and settle into the new week with a nice cocktail or 12, walk away, walk away, as Satellite is closed on Mondays.

As pointed out earlier, in the way of live music, Satellite’s got it nailed. They have a great corner stage for bands to rock out on, as well as some pretty good sound equipment that keeps people coming back for more. They also have a neat little booth in the back where guest DJ’s come to mix their own beats, while everyone else dances their butts off under the fancy-shmancy strobe lights.

So, if you’re part of the aforementioned Satellite scene, or believe that’s what you want out of nightlife, the only way you’re going to have a bad time at this place is if your ex-girlfriend shows up with your best friend, who is now married to your sister. Otherwise, you’re good to go. However, if trendy cliques and the inability to chain-smoke are going to drive you mad, you might want to take your money someplace else, as the vibe tends to remain the same in this popular Reno bar.

The Reno Scene is an insider’s look at what’s going on around town after dark. Our intrepid night owl will scour the city each week to find out what’s really happening during the wee hours of the morning in the Biggest Little City. Basically, each week, we'll play “Operation” with the heart of Reno - get in, get out, and don't get zapped.


Last week: The Green Room: A hot spot for everyone, even the not so hip