Jake Sunderland, reno.com and tahoe.com
August 12, 2008

1. Red's Little Waldorf Saloon
One of Reno’s oldest and most loved drinking establishments The Wall has been serving drinks in Reno since the 1920s. Few bars have as much personality as The Wall does. Peppered with University of Nevada paraphernalia The Wall is also Reno’s only bar with a horse drawn sleigh and carriage hanging from its ceiling. Its eclectic atmosphere is complimented by outdoor seating, pool tables, great barbecue style food and 45 beers on tap. Watch your toes on Wednesday nights, as that’s tricycle race night at The Wall.

How long it takes to walk from the Joe Crowley Student Union: Six-minutes
Price for a pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon: $8.99
Grade: A

1661 North Virginia Street
775-337-9255
www.lilwal.com

2. Archie’s Famous Grill
A 1950s style family diner on the bottom floor and a full bar on the top floor, Archie’s wins the Multiple Personalities Award. While the food at Archie’s is merely average it’s the second floor outdoor patio connected to the bar that sets Archie’s above the rest. With a great selection of draft and bottled beer, as well as a fully stocked bar, Archie’s makes a great place to sit outside and look out across the university and city.

How long it takes to walk from the Joe Crowley Student Union: Nine-minutes
Price for a pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon: They don’t carry Pabst but a cheap pitcher of beer will run around $8.75
Grade: A-

2195 North Virginia Street
775-322-9595
www.archiesreno.com


3. Fritz Bar & Grill
Fritz Bar & Grill is hands down, the best place to stop off for a drink in-between classes. With stellar food, free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating and a decent selection of microbrews and domestic beer Fritz can fill all your before and after class needs. In sharp contrast to its daytime atmosphere, come nightfall Fritz turns into a wild party with action sport movies, loud music, scantily clad women and ultra cheap drink specials. There is a giant golden pole on the bar top. If you don’t know what that might be used for, we might tell you when you are older.

How long it takes to walk from the Joe Crowley Student Union: Six-minutes
Price for a pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon: Unavailable
Grade: B

1305 North Virginia Street
775-348-0808
www.myspace.com/unrbar


4. Pub & Sub
The only reason the Pub & Sub didn’t make it higher on the list is its distance from the university. A full 15-minute walk from the Student Union it takes a lot to make the walk to the Pub & Sub worthwhile. Lucky for them, they have a lot to offer. With a great selection of beers on tap and in the bottle, the Pub & Sub make a great place to hang out, drink a few beers, have a bite to eat and enjoy a game or two of pool.

Monday night is always half-price pizza night and it’s hard to get more bang for your buck than a delicious large pizza for just nine bucks. The beer gardens (their term for lots of outdoor seating) are a great place to enjoy the spring, summer and fall evenings. Patrons have even been known to turn on the heaters and eat their pizza in the snow when the Pub itself packed full. That’s right, it’s that good!

How long it takes to walk from the Joe Crowley Student Union: 15-minutes
Price for a pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon: $8.25
Grade: B

1000 Ralston Street
775-322-8540


5. The Breakaway
Home of the 99 beers on the wall The Breakaway has a great selection of beers and a kitchen that’s open until 7 a.m. that cooks up good old fashioned bar food. With specials like $1 Coronas and tacos and $2 shots of Jose Cuervo, The Breakaway is a great stop for the budget drinker and is the most reliable bar on this list for ultra late night drinking and eating.

How long it takes to walk from the Joe Crowley Student Union: 12-minutes
Price for a pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon: No pitchers, but cans of Pabst are only $1.
Grade: B-

10 East 9th Street
775-324-6200