RN&R Nightlife Guide 2020

Nightlife

Guide 2020

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RN&R NIGHTLIFE GuIdE

03.19.20

A special supplement to Reno News & Review

LIFE oF THE paRTy:

Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Northern Nevada

is a non-profit social club that provides activities and social opportunities to all residents of Northern Nevada.

A free Informational Coffee is offered the first Tuesday of every month.

Check out nncnn.org for time and location!

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There are no strangers here—only friends we have not met.

Nightlife guide

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2020

Well, here it is, probably my final Reno News & Review Guide. Of course it's more than a disappointment to be writing these words when there are so many great stories left to tell, but I'm glad that I could leave you with our Nightlife Guide—my favorite of our yearly calendar.

But the timing of this year's guide is far from ideal, as all of Reno's bars and clubs will be closed by order of the governor when this issue is published. You can read more about our reasoning behind sticking to our original publication date in the story on page 5, but the gist of it is: while our paper may be coming to an end, Reno's nightlife will return, eventually, and the businesses in the following pages will need your support until then. That, and the hard work of our freelance writers in putting these stories together convinced me that, if you can't go to the bars, restaurants and dispensaries in person—you can at least read about them.

On page 7. Andrea Heerdt tracked down some of the harder-to-find watering holes in town—since they tend to move around. Bars on wheels have become a more common sight in Reno, and if you can't drive to the bar, hopefully they'll be able to drive to you sometime in the coming weeks.

However, booze is only half of the equation for a night out in Reno. Since we're one of the few states where cannabis, in its many forms, is legal, I decided to conduct a little survey of some of the town's budtenders and bartenders alike to categorically answer the

question, is booze or weed better? You can read that story on page 11.

With more news from the city's cannabis biz, Julia Moreno caught up with the owner and staff of a local dispensary who are envisioning what the future of Nevada's open consumption laws might look like if they get their with the state's legislature. You can read her story on page 12.

Of course, a night out has to include a little music—no matter the genre, no matter the vibe. Our resident music guru Mark Earnest put together his list of the best venues to catch a live show in Reno on page 15 Finally, on page 18, writer Temi Durojaiye decided to take a tour of Reno's hottest gay bars—and enjoyed themself so much they might make it a weekly tradition when the doors are open again.

Thank you for reading, everyone. I say that every guide because your picking up the paper ensured that I could put together the next guide for you—a job I've enjoyed very much, and will miss dearly. Since the RN&R is shutting its doors, though, you picking up this issue has no bearing on what I do in the coming weeks. Instead, reading this issue means you're supporting our local businesses at the time they need it most.

And that's something I'm extremely proud to have been a part of.

Best regards, MAtt BiekeR, speciAl pRojects editoR

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RN&R NIGHTLIFE GuIdE

03.19.20

A special supplement to Reno News & Review

Safety first Tips for sTaying in good healTh if you’re going ouT

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f you’re reading this right now, chances are you might have changed your mind about spending the evening at one of Reno’s many bars, clubs or other watering holes—even if you still have the option. On Monday, March 16, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve announced a temporary mandatory closure of all bars and restaurants until at least April 5, beginning Friday, March 20.

“No one wants to make the hard decision,” Schieve said.

“It’s hard. This was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life.”

Much of Nevada’s economy is dependent upon the leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors, which is especially true in Las Vegas, where it was announced this week that casinos on the Strip would close for the first time in 60 years. In our Northern Nevadan community, the cost of these preventative measures can be seen most clearly in the anxiety of our local businesses, and national headlines about economic decline read differently when they suddenly seem to refer to our friends and family directly.

We at the RN&R have grappled with how best to keep our readers informed of the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic, while continuing to support the local businesses that comprise our community. Specifically, the spirit of our final Nightlife Guide, which highlights local bars and clubs where Renoites would usually gather en masse, is directly opposed to the current best practices for staying healthy as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other official agencies. Namely: stay home.

However, quarantine and isolation is, unfortunately, still a luxury that many working Americans can’t afford in the absence of a clear bill for financial relief from Congress, and, until that time, our own restaurants, dives bars, night clubs and lounges will continue to suffer. As such, we decided to publish this guide hoping to give the businesses and people featured in these pages the exposure they would receive normally, and deservedly.

As worrying as current events have been, we believe that, eventually, the nation will able to return to the pastimes and traditions we cherish (like bumping shoulders with strangers at a packed bar, sets from local bands at crowded venues, or 2-for-1 drink deals). At that time, we hope our readers will call these stories to mind, but until then—and for as long as you’re able—adhere to these official social distancing and hygiene recommendations from the CDC while patronizing our local establishments.

TakE acTIoNs To REducE youR RIsk oF GETTING sIck

TakE EvERyday pREvENTIvE acTIoNs:

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Stock up on supplies.

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Clean your hands often.

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Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others. The current recommendation is at least six feet.

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When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing—or having been in a public place.

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Avoid crowds as much as possible.

If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

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Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.

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During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

To what extent it’s possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places—elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.

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Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.

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Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and cell phones).

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Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.

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Avoid all non-essential travel, including plane trips—and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.

HavE suppLIEs oN HaNd •

Contact your health care provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in the community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.

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If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.

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Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.

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Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

A special supplement to Reno News & Review

03.19.20

RN&R NIGHTLIFE GuIdE

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Craft Beer & SpiritS

North Valley’s Craft Beer & Spirits Headquarters Tap Room with 34 Taps and a Full Bar Growler & Crowler Fills To-Go 4 4 0 - 1 8 9 3 | w w w. 3 9 5 r e n o . c o m 1075 North hillS Blvd #220, reNo, Nv 89506

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RN&R NIGHTLIFE GuIdE

03.19.20

A special supplement to Reno News & Review

LET THE good times RoLL Vandy herrera and her husband, todd Faulkner, have owned and operated the Bigges t Little Beer truck since 2016.

Pho to/ Mat t Bie ker

o’s Ren

mobile bars

by AndreA heerdt

W

e shouldn’t have to say it: It’s irresponsible to drink and drive.

However, what if your drinks could drive to you? There’s no shortage of alcoholic options in Reno, but some local bars have taken a page from the food truck business model and (literally) rolled out a series of mobile bars, either as stand-alone businesses or in addition to brick and mortar locations. For thirsty patrons, it’s time to familiarize yourself with Reno’s most notable bars on wheels.

THE Tap WaGoN The Tap Wagon has been catering to public and private events throughout Reno and Northern Nevada since summer 2016. Owner Cody Wagner operates the 1958 Chevrolet Panel Truck, which comes fitted with three taps and room for nine kegs, with a small staff of employees shared with his other company, Battle Born Brewery.

Throughout the year, The Tap Wagon makes appearances at events such as the annual Fernley Vaquero Booster Club Crab Feed, Sierra Nevada Lavender and Honey Festival, Fernley’s Fourth of July festivities, Artown and the Nevada State Fair in Carson City. On tap are beers from Battle Born Brewery, Lead Dog and The Depot along with an assortment of wine and Whiteclaws.

The Tap Wagon also caters to an array of private events, including weddings, anniversary parties, military retirement parties, fundraisers for non-profit organizations and birthday parties. Learn more at thetapwagon.com.

pETITE STREET Petite Street Bistro owns and operates four mobile bars available for your next celebration. Jeff Edwards and his wife Angela Ceccarelli opened their first vintage trailer bar four years ago and have been catering weddings, parties and public events since. What makes Petite Street unique is they offer the option to rent one of their trailers without bartenders, so if you’re already stocked up on alcohol and servers you can just rent the bar.

If you’re looking for more of a fullservice option, Petite Street can staff your next event with expert bartenders serving up refreshing signature cocktails. No two events are the same as Petite Street creates a custom drink menu for each private and public event.

Some of their most popular drinks include their honey lavender fizz cocktail made with vodka, honey, lavender syrup, lemon juice, bitters and carbonated water; and their strawberry jalapeño smash crafted with vodka, strawberries, jalapeños, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water.

Edwards said another popular drink among those who sometimes don’t even like whiskey is the bourbon mint smash, which includes bourbon, lemon juice, mint, soda and lemon and mint garnish.

If you’re not a fan of vodka or whiskey there’s no shortage of options. Other menu items include drinks made with gin, rum, tequila or wine.

Not currently planning a private event? Starting May 27, Petite Street will be making appearances every Wednesday night at Feed The Camel, a weekly food truck event held under the Keystone Bridge at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center.

Learn more at petitestreetbistro.com.

MR. MaRGaRITa Have a craving for a frozen margarita? Of course you do. This neon green mobile margarita truck has been serving up mouthwatering drinks around Reno for five years. Owner Shawn Nelson, otherwise known as Mr. Margarita himself, regularly makes appearances at events like Food Truck Fridays, the Cinco de Mayo Food Truck Party, Virginia City Camel Races and the Reno River Festival.

Just because this bar is mobile, doesn’t mean the margaritas are less than spectacular, either. Every drink is topped off with a salted rim and a lime wedge to garnish this frozen libation like fans of the drink will expect. Flavors include lime, mango, strawberry, raspberry, peach, guava and piña colada. If your soulmate is also a tequila-chugging margarita lover, Mr. Margarita also caters weddings, birthday parties, anniversary parties and more. Learn more at facebook.com/Mr.Margarita.

A special supplement to Reno News & Review

03.19.20

BIGGEST LITTLE BEER TRuck The Biggest Little Beer Truck has been serving up local beer selections in a cherry red 1949 Chevy 3100 since 2016.

New owner Vandy Herrera took over the business last march and runs the mobile operation at a number of events and celebrations throughout Northern Nevada.

Herrera likes to serve up an assortment of beers from local breweries throughout Reno, Carson City and Lake Tahoe. During summer, she’ll feature Lead Dog’s Roxy Blonde Ale—the perfect beer for a sunny day’s worth of drinking. Patrons can also find Shoe Tree Brewing Company’s Cherry Godmother, an American-style sour ale with a red hue that matches the Biggest Little Beer Trucks paint color. For colder months, Alibi Ale Works’ Dark Saison is Herrera’s pick.

The Biggest Little Beer Truck can be booked for weddings and parties, but also for your next networking event, too.

Hererra said the truck will be making appearances at Reno’s latest weeknight professional mixer, 775 Sessions, where young professionals come to work, play and mingle.

Catch the truck at public events such as the Never Forget 9/11 Memorial Run every September, Summer Salute Car Show in May and the Biggest Little Big Wheel Race happening each summer in Idlewild Park. Learn more at biggestlittlebeertruck.com.

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RN&R NIGHTLIFE GuIdE

03.19.20

A special supplement to Reno News & Review

A special supplement to Reno News & Review

03.19.20

RN&R NIGHTLIFE GuIdE

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2020 Listings

CHARLIE PALMER LOuNGE

MONTBLEu SHOWROOM

Inside Grand Sierra Resort 2500 E. Second St. Reno, NV 89595 www.grandsierraresort.com 789-2456

55 Hwy 50 Stateline, NV 89449 www.montbleuresort.com 588-3515

NEWCOMERS ANd NEIGHBORS CLuB

COPPERTOP BAR Inside

Grand Sierra Resort 2500 E. Second St. Reno, NV 89595 www.grandsierraresort.com 789-2000

1981 Terminal Way Reno, NV 89502 www.newcomersclubofreno-sparks.org 881-2040

CRYSTAL BAR

NEW WEST dISTRIBuTING

Inside

Grand Sierra Resort 2500 E. Second St. Reno, NV 89595 www.grandsierraresort.com 789-2000

325 E. Nugget Ave. Sparks, NV 89431 www.newdreno.com 355-5500

OPAL uLTRA LOuNGE

FILTHY MCNASTY’S

Inside Montbleu Resort 55 Hwy 50 Stateline, NV 89449 www.montbleuresort.com 775-588-3515

1718 Holcomb Ave. Reno, NV 89502 622-3208

FOxY OLIvE

OuR BAR

220 Mill St. Reno, NV 89501 www.facebook.com/FoxyOlive21 997-3733

211 W First St. Reno, NV 89501 www.ourbar.co 329-2684

GREAT BASIN BREWING CO.

RACE & SPORTS BAR Inside Grand Sierra Resort 2500 E. Second St. Reno, NV 89595 www.grandsierraresort.com 789-2000

846 Victorian Ave. Sparks, NV 89431 www.greatbasinbrewingco.com 355-7711 5525 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89511 284-7711

RENdEZvOuS BAR Inside Grand Sierra Resort 2500 E. Second St. Reno, NV 89595 www.grandsierraresort.com 789-2000

LEx NIGHTCLuB & LEx LOuNGE Inside Grand Sierra Resort 2500 E. Second St. Reno, NV 89595 www.grandsierraresort.com 789-2000

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RN&R NIGHTLIFE GuIdE

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A special supplement to Reno News & Review

SHEA’S TAvERN 715 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89501 www.sheastavern.com 786-4774

SOL CANNABIS 275 US-395 ALT New Washoe City, NV 89704 www.solisbetter.com 451-7290

STEAKHOuSE LOuNGE Inside Tamarack Junction 13101 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89511 www.tamarackjunction.com 852-3600

SuLLY’S MAN CAvE Inside Tamarack Junction 13101 S. Virginia ST. Reno, NV 89511 www.tamarackjunction.com 852-3600

THE 395 1075 N. Hills Blvd.

Reno, NV 89506 www.395reno.com 440-1893

THE GLASS dIE 675 Holcomb Ave. Reno, NV 89502 www.theglassdie.com 384-1456

THE GROWLER GuYS 7530 Longley Lane #106 Reno, NV 89511 www.thegrowlerguys.com 800-1186

THE ZONE SPORTS BOOK & PARTY PIT Inside Montbleu Resort 55 Hwy 50 Stateline, NV 89449 www.montbleuresort.com 588-3515

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f you’re looking to party, reno usually has options. We’re in the minority of states where a night out can legally include sampling the newest beers at a local brewpub, or chomping down on an edible or passing a pre-rolled joint around with your friends—provided you’re not in public. But cannabis and alcohol are two very different substances, with different cultures and applications. So, when it comes to deciding which one to partake of, it’s best to go with an expert opinion.

We asked local bartenders and budtenders about their consumption preferences in order to answer the question: weed or booze, which is better?

StoRy and photos by Matt bieker

Bud v. Booze

ma ttb @ ne wsr e v ie w.c o m

Budtenders and Bartenders weigh in on which is Better which one’s worse to have too much of?

Alcohol. Hands down. You don’t get too bad of a marijuana hangover. Just the half-life, depending on how you’re consuming it and the amount that you’re consuming it, generally the half-life is a lot shorter. Whereas alcohol, the acetaldehyde and corn sugar, the lingering effects of alcohol lasts much longer.

KRIs soRENsEN bartender at Pignic Pub & Patio what’s your favorite product that you serve?

Rum is my favorite because it’s a great value. It’s underappreciated and it has a lot of complexity, and I very much appreciate the aging and the taste, and the profiles and all kinds of things that go along with it. I’m really partial to Eldorado, and I also like Plantation. which goes better with food, weed or booze?

I’d definitely say alcohol, just because alcohol has a flavor [and] palette-based experience.

Whether you’re matching with wine or beer, there’s complimentary flavor profiles to taste, compare, contrast, sweet, sour, savory—the whole nines. Whereas, perhaps, I don’t know … I don’t think of marijuana in the sense that consuming it would pair well, because it’s not technically—although it has a flavor, it’s not like a tangible flavor. which goes better with music?

I would say both, because marijuana would open up a different channel of perception. And I know that from personal experience. There’s times when, if I’ve consumed marijuana, I definitely heard things in songs that I have not heard before—lyrics. I appreciated things like, “Whoa, how many times have I heard that song? And I just caught that lyric and now it makes sense.” And then on the flip side, if you’re drinking red wine, I think red wine can be very introspective and can be very opening as well.

what’s the best type of customer?

A happy one. And same for a bartender, which I’m definitely guilty of not always being the happiest bartender, but I would definitely say a happy bartender is one of the best customers you can have. the worst?

The angry one. And I don’t mean to simplify that, but I think it’s that simple. Someone who’s very upset, whether they’ve had a horrible day and then they’re projecting or taking things out on you or other customers, and they become over emotional or violent. which is better for a night out?

I think alcohol because alcohol is proactive.

For me personally, I think when you drink alcohol … you want to go out, do things, get things done. Whereas, a lot of my friends who may consume marijuana, depending on the strain—and now we have to talk terpenes and all this other stuff—I think marijuana tends to be a little more focused.

HEaTHER KNIGHT bartender at brewer’s cabinet

what’s your favorite product that you serve?

My favorite cocktail that we have is our Apple Cinnamon Mule. So, we do an Apple cinnamon whiskey and then, kind of, turn it into a Moscow mule. So, it’s kind of like a winter mule, which I think is really nice.

going to go do whatever—probably drink.

Weed to me is a relaxant, where, if I’m going to go out—I mean, I don’t think I would need anything to go out with my friends and have fun.

which goes better with food, weed or booze?

I would rather smoke [before dinner]. I deal with drunk people all day long, like the last thing I want to do is go home and get drunk myself. I want to like, relax, and not amplify any stress that I have in my life. … If I’m going to go out and eat, I would definitely say alcohol even if weed were an option. which goes better with music?

I have to say weed. I get the worst hangovers known to mankind, so I don’t necessarily pair alcohol with the greatest times. I pair it with the headache that I’ll have tomorrow, and I don’t get that with weed. I would rather go home, chill, listen to some music, get high— like, listen to the music. which one’s worse to have too much of?

Both. They’re equally bad. Especially in public … if you’re too drunk in public, you’re probably going to start throwing up or sleeping in a bar. If you’re too high, you’re going to go to sleep. what’s the best type of customer?

We have a lot of really awesome regulars who I probably see more than I see my family. … I mean, they know what’s going on in our lives.

They know when we go on vacation, we come back and they want to see pictures. … They are nice, they’re caring, they’re never demanding or like, you know, people that snap their fingers and, “excuse me.” I might have you wait an extra minute for your beer. the worst?

I think people who seat themselves are probably, I mean [in the Brewer’s Cabinet tasting room] it’s fine because we do want you to seat yourselves, but most restaurants or bars are going to have some kind of sign that says what to do. which is better for a night out?

If you’re going out with your friends, you’re

A special supplement to Reno News & Review

03.19.20

KaT RyaN bartender at Ferino distillery what’s your favorite product that you serve?

I’m going to go ahead and give us a pat on the back and I’m going to say the stuff that we make here. We distill Amaros and Fernets. I really like our Amaro. which goes better with food, weed or booze?

If I’m eating alone, marijuana, because you get the munchies and you’re, like, stuffing old spaghetti inside of, like, a two day old crunch wrap you’ve had in your fridge and it’s awesome and it tastes great. If I’m out with people, definitely alcohol because it pairs well with things. You can savor it. You can, like, compare the notes of the food with the flavor of the alcohol. which goes better with music?

I’m going to say marijuana, only because when I have too much alcohol and listen to music, you just get really emotional—which is cool. I like that. At times it can make you really happy or really sad. … I’m sure everybody has done this, but the last time I got really high I listened to a whole Animal Collective album and it sounded so different than ever before. And just laying there and being like, “Oh my God, I can, like, taste these sounds.”

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Which one’s worse to have too much of?

I’m one of those people that, I hit a certain level, and I just can’t drink anymore, and so I’m fine. Marijuana, I’ve definitely overdone it a handful of times, and I’ve just been, like, wandering on the street like, “Everybody knows I’m high,” and it’s so panicked and so scary. I’ve never felt that way when I’ve gotten too drunk.

What’s the best type of customer?

I would say somebody with an open mind a nonjudgmental palate. People come in with preconceptions about what they think certain liquors are like—what they think certain beers are. So, they come in like, “Oh I hate anything with gin.” They probably only have had one really disgusting gin drink. So the best kind of customer is someone who comes in and they’re like, “What do you like? Tell me why you like it.”

The worst?

The worst type of customer would probably be someone that comes in to, like, secretly test you. For someone who hasn’t been in the bartending industry for super long, you have people that come in and … they will start like asking you about certain liquors and certain drinks and you realize they already know the answer. They’re just trying to make you feel bad and then you get flustered and then they judge you for how you might make a drink or like, you know, “I make this better.”

like wine or maybe some beer that goes good with it.

Which goes better with music?

I think I kind of lean more towards alcohol in that one, too. I have collected records since I was, like, 12, and one of my daily rituals would be to put a platter on and have some whiskey or something like that at the end of the day. It’s relaxing.

Which one’s worse to have too much of?

That’s a tough one. I feel like if I’ve been drinking already, if I have even the slightest bit of marijuana, it really sends me over. Even if it’s just something low-THC, it’s harder for me to gauge what’s too much with marijuana as opposed to alcohol.

What’s the best type of customer?

Easygoing people, people that aren’t afraid to ask questions. I feel like guiding somebody who has no frame of reference into what they like, it’s really hard sometimes to walk them through it.

The worst?

Yeah, just either indecisive or customers that are completely in the dark. [They’ve] never been to a party before and need the full, like, 4-1-1 walkthrough, I guess.

Which is better for a night out?

It’s been my experience that I just tend to get hungry and sleepy on marijuana. So, I’d say alcohol.

Which is better for a night out?

Definitely alcohol. Alcohol traditionally has created spaces where people can spend time together. I suffer from social anxiety, and so having a drink right before I go out helps me relax. And I know everyone’s different. For some people marijuana does that for them—it doesn’t for me. It makes me feel like I need to stay home and hide.

biased to being a cannabis user in general.

Alcohol gives me a nice relaxed feeling, but I feel like the more I use it, the more it takes me out of my interactive type of experience— which is what I want to have with music. And I feel like cannabis elevates that.

Which one’s worse to have too much of?

I’ve definitely had some pretty terrible experiences off of too much alcohol, physically. Of course, cannabis, too much has also been bad.

Sometimes physically, but not to the extent of alcohol.

What’s the best type of customer?

I want someone that just feels comfortable, because I feel like it’s part of the industry’s job to just create the industry right now, as we’re growing. I think sometimes [people] either feeling rushed or not feeling like everything’s OK to ask. If someone can feel the most comfortable to where they’re their truest self while they’re in our store, I think that would be the best type of customer I could have. I wish I had those people all day long.

The worst?

I think people with bad manners … it’s not the worst type of customer. I think it’s just something that you notice. But other than that, I don’t know. People that are closed-minded, I guess. We frequently are changing products all the time because again, with the industry growing, nothing’s necessarily solid yet. If you’re open to trying new stuff, you might just, you know, walk out unhappy more often than you would not.

Which is better for a night out?

I think it depends on the group that you’re with. I feel like alcohol, it kind of goes well with everyone’s social outing, in my experience. I think smoking for me sometimes, as much as it heightens my interactive experiences, it can make me a little bit tired in a social setting and end my night earlier. I wouldn’t mix the two.

davIs GoIcocHEa budtender at blÜm What’s your favorite product that you serve?

I would say, like, vape products. That would be for the ease of use and kind of concerns about cannabis that I feel like you don’t have to worry about the smell mostly.

JoEy PaRazo bartender at royce What’s your favorite product that you serve?

Probably our burger.

Which goes better with food, weed or booze?

I’d say alcohol just because I tend to think of food, or a food experience, as including whatever you’re drinking as well—be that alcohol or not. Like, whenever I think of what I’m going to be making for dinner, usually I’m thinking of pairings for that. So, I’ll be thinking, you know, depending on what it is, 12

Which goes better with food, weed or booze?

I like to have alcohol as part of a culinary experience. I think it brings a little more as far as a pairing with a meal. I’m not a fan of wine, but beers I love to have as just a tasting experience, or to have with food. I think alcohol is always better personally, but at the same time, um, if you were to smoke the cannabis before and have the effect before eating the meal, I think it’s a great pairing as well. … And I’m not a fan of edibles personally, so I don’t see that as part a cannabis culinary experience at all.

Which goes better with music?

I’d probably rather have a smoke, just being

RN&R NIGHTLIFE GuIdE

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EdEN WakEFIELd budtender at Sierra Well What’s your favorite product that you serve?

Definitely RSO—Ruth Simpson Oil. So that is an activated concentrate of the cannabis plant, kind of like essential oil, but activated, meaning that it’s heated to a specific temperature for a specific amount of time that causes the chemicals that are already in the plant to convert into what we know as THC and the other thing

A special supplement to Reno News & Review

things, CBD and everything like that. So, once it’s heated up, it’s already ingestible and you don’t have to light it with a lighter or put it into a vape pan or anything like that.

Which goes better with food, weed or booze?

Well that depends. Cause I make food with cannabis, but I always drink wine with my food, so I don’t know. Probably a drink, honestly. As long as it was just red wine. I’m really careful with alcohol, but you know, if it’s out to dinner, definitely a drink I think.

Which goes better with music?

Cannabis for sure. Just because it opens up different parts of your mind that make it so that you can experience music from a different, maybe, perspective or viewpoint. And it just is fun—depending on the strain, depending on the song. So, with alcohol, it’s kind of always just one feeling.

Which one’s worse to have too much of?

Definitely alcohol—without a doubt. I mean the obvious, you know, statistically speaking, alcohol kills and cannabis doesn’t. And just knowing from my own my own behavior and experience, what I’m willing to do, what I find myself letting go of in terms of my values or whatever, when I drink versus smoking, it’s a huge difference.

What’s the best type of customer?

They’re friendly and they ask questions, and then they take your suggestions. Because usually you’re going to know, as a budtender, what’s best because you’ve tried everything you can and there’s a lot of things that we don’t even have time to explain to customers, let alone what we necessarily want to speak up about from a professional standpoint about why we like or dislike certain products. So, it’s almost like you just want to go with that person’s experience and just trust it.

The worst?

The ones that are irate. They get upset over the fact that we’re out of specific strains. They don’t understand about a law we have: This is a clone-only state. So, strains diminish in THC quality over time in what they can put out. So, a grower will have to find a new mother plant before they can start up with that specific strain again. People get really mad at us and they say, “Why aren’t you carrying that anymore?”

We’ll say, “They’re not growing it anymore.”

Which is better for a night out?

I would say cannabis just because it’s safer. A lot safer. Just in terms of statistically speaking, it’d be a lot better to have a lot of people out smoking it up, and there’s enough different kinds of strains and types of ingestion that you could mix up to get sufficiently inebriated for a night of fun but not be dangerous.

RyaN GEaRHaRT budtender at Sierra Well What’s your favorite product that you serve?

I would say it’s probably going to be one of our ratioed products—something with THC and CBD—because I get the most testimonials and feedback on that. And that’s where I think part of the differential is, you don’t really look at alcohol like, “Oh, can you treat my sore elbow with this tequila?”

Which goes better with food, weed or booze?

I would say cannabis because it motivates you to eat. I’ve always been a terrible eater to be honest. It’s a weird, weird thing. I’m just saying I don’t like have an appetite often, and so I often just don’t eat much … it’s just to have the motivation to enjoy your food. That’s kind of where I’m going with it.

Which goes better with music?

Cannabis. No question. There are certain songs that you will experience, like, right as you’re lifting off, let’s say, that just leave an imprint.

I have a few songs that I just, to this day, will listen to them because they’re so much more profound on that level.

Which one’s worse to have too much of?

You can crutch pretty easily on cannabis. You can start using it too frequently and lose the leverage of what it’s offering you. But I’d say alcohol simply because, in my experience, your judgment drops drastically and you start thinking, “Six drinks? That’s nothing man.”

What’s the best type of customer?

A customer that has a general idea of what they’re looking for. … [they don’t] necessarily have to be a master of it by any means, but they can give you something that allows us to help guide them along.

The worst?

There’s definitely a sect of people that just like—I think they don’t have any people to talk to or they just want to come in out of the cold, and suddenly they hang out, then want to look at everything. They don’t have much budget, so it’s tough, you know, to accommodate.

Which is better for a night out?

Alcohol. Now again, I think it’s a more socially lubricating tool, in the proper setting of course. But in my experience, I feel like you can definitely bond with people that are passing a joint around or something.

dIaNa BEauREGaRd budtender at Kanna What’s your favorite product that you serve?

My personal favorite is the flower. Right now, [my favorite strain is] “Horchata.” It’s really flavorful, clearheaded, but also gives me the pain relief I’m seeking.

Which goes better with food, weed or booze?

It depends on the food. So 24-seven, I like to consume cannabis, so it’s always good with food. But I also like to have a Jack and Coke with my tacos or a Modelo, you know, so it just depends.

Which goes better with music?

Concerts, I have to consume cannabis before, but I definitely drink during. It’s just safer to have for me to use cannabis just because I am a little extreme when I’m drinking.

Which one’s worse to have too much of?

Definitely alcohol. I’ve never had too much cannabis. I think maybe once out of the 30, 25 years or whatever, once or twice maybe.

And that was probably a street brownie or something. Not anything that I bought from a dispensary.

What’s the best type of customer?

The elders, because they’re seeking pain relief for whatever ails them. If they don’t like to smoke, they can always take tinctures or the edibles, and they come in the next day happy.

And they like that where, “I want that a little bit stronger, but that is what I’m looking for.”

The worst?

It’s hard to make somebody else’s mind up for them because they’re looking for that 28, 29, 30 percent THC. Sometimes we don’t have it. ... I’ll be like, “Well have you tried the concentrate? Because, you know, we can make this happen for you.”... They’re easy because they’re in and out like, whatever, OK, go ahead and pick the high THC ... And [then] they come in the next time like, “We didn’t like that one.” I was like, “OK, but I tried to tell you this one’s going to be better for you.”

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Which is better for a night out?

It just depends. Because if I want to party all night, I’m definitely going to have Jack and Cokes all night to get me going. But I’m still consuming weed the whole time. So, I don’t know.

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up

Lighting

A locAl dispensAry hAs high AspirAtions for open consumption lAws

o ia M o r e n o by Jul t o h p d S to r y a n

T

he future of open consumption marijuana lounges might not be too far off. Well, at least that’s what Ed Alexander is hoping for.

Alexander, 48, is the owner of SoL Cannabis, a marijuana dispensary in New Washoe City. A marijuana enthusiast for the last 30 years, he’s lobbied extensively for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Nevada, which finally occurred on January 1, 2017.

He opened SoL Cannabis 16 months ago, where it sits on a plot of land right down the street from The Chocolate Factory. Unlike many Nevada cannabis growers, Alexander uses natural sunlight to grow his plants organically—an example of what makes his business a little bit different from many others.

This also allows SoL to be the only dispensary in the state that provides visitors an inside look, literally, into the grow operation. A wall full of windows lines the inside of the dispensary, showing rows of cannabis plants growing in a greenhouse attached to the dispensary. It’s naturally lit via the sun roof with the ability to control the grow environment.

“SoL is also only one of two completely organic grow operations in the United States,” Alexander said.

Those plants are harvested and then used to create products like cartridges, edibles and CBD along with regular flower products. He says he wants SoL to be a place where everyone can be educated on the benefits of marijuana. Signs describing the effects each marijuana plant produces are posted on walls throughout the facility.

“We’re living in a vacuum of facts because, from a scientific standpoint, cannabis is a far safer choice than alcohol,” Alexander said. “But that’s not what the general public believes. And, so, if there’s not

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somebody out there . . . the Pied Piper of Pot that’s spreading the message of ‘Hey, this is a safer choice.’”

Now that SoL is up and running, Alexander has his next goal in his sights—he envisions a future where users can smoke without feeling like it’s still illegal.

“There’s a part of being a cannabis consumer even in a regulated state that still feels dirty,” he said.

But Alexander believes the next logical step in order for the marijuana industry to evolve is to create a space where users can both be educated on and consume products in a responsible, safe and inviting environment.

He said the plan is for these open consumption spaces to be attached to the dispensaries themselves.

“Because of the fact that the state and the industry are very cognizant of the black market, if we turn it to where any place that wants to have consumption can have consumption, now we got a guy in the corner with a backpack selling weed,” Alexander said. “From our standpoint, as a potential location for a consumption lounge, you would have to acquire the product on site to be able to consume the product on site.”

The idea is akin to buying drinks at a bar and consuming them there, in a regulated space.

Additionally, tourism and out of state users are motivating factors for creating consumption spaces at dispensaries.

“Where are they supposed to consume?”

Alexander said. “We know, quantitatively, that people are coming here because of regulated cannabis, but we haven’t given them a place to consume. So, now they’re getting in trouble for smoking in their hotel rooms or rent-a-cars.”

Steven Houge, 52, who is the head chef, budtender and cultivator at SoL, agreed with Alexander’s assessment.

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“I spent a lot of time in Amsterdam,” Houge said.

“People who are drawn to that will want to do that. I don’t think it will have a huge impact other than out of state visitors.”

Alexander said safety is a big priority for these lounges to be successful, so there needs to be a way to figure out how to accurately judge inebriation after a user leaves a lounge.

“You gotta be responsible for your actions," he said. “You don’t need to be high and driving. We owe it to the consumers, we owe it to our community, to give people places to responsibly consume.”

Karisa Wells, 26, is a budtender at SoL who has worked in the marijuana industry for three-and-a-half years after switching from bartending. She said legalizing open consumption will open up a lot of doors for tourism, job opportunities and create more of a positive perception of cannabis.

“When you have sick people that need to use cannabis as a medicine, people will hesitate to use cannabis as a medicine because it still has a stigma,” Wells said.

“The more that cannabis can become a part of people’s lives . . . people can build new relationships with it.”

Wells addeds that, if these laws are passed, Nevada will have to be the role model on legalizing open consumption spaces.

“It just takes responsible adults who use responsibly,” she said. “Proper ID checks, security when necessary and making sure people have safe spaces and safe transportation. But I don’t think that’s a reason to not pass said laws. We should take this seriously and make sure that we set a really positive example of how it can work out for the benefit of taxpayers and the state and tourists and everybody.” Ω

Midtown's OLDEST FAMILY

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This publication was made possible by grant number CFDA 93.217 from Title X, and its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

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Folk e Loud as Fans of th ic Pub gn Pi to in series pack a recent night. on and PatioPh ot o/ M ar k Ea rn Es t

The besT nues e v d n A bArs usic m e v i l r fo

A

oN WITH THE

show

by Mark EarnEst

t some point last year on my personal Facebook feed, a pal of mine asked about current venues for Reno shows. There were many comments lamenting the death of the good old days and venues gone by, like the 90s/00s Zephyr, Del Mar Station, Satellite, Arkaik, yada, yada, yada.

Here’s the deal, though: right now in Reno, there are a lot of excellent places to see music right in front of your face—much of it performed by locals and a host of great traveling bands. Really, the number of places hasn’t changed, and the quality has gone up in several respects.

So, let’s kick nostalgia to the curb and celebrate how the scene is thriving right under our noses, shall we? Here is a completely subjective list of the seven most interesting club venues in Reno right now.

Now, subjective is the rule here: I’m picking these based on my perception of the musical caliber, the staging and sight lines, and the sound quality from the PA. Although as a musician, I’ve played at some of these places, I’m strictly looking at this through a local music fan’s lens.

But enough with the disclaimers. On to the list, in semi-alphabetical order:

wild place for a very select crowd doesn’t jive with what’s going on now, once you walk down the big slope to this basement venue on Fourth Street. It’s got excellent sound, lots of the louder fare from locals and outta-towners, and an atmosphere that is spartan yet welcoming.

strong sight lines are in literally every corner—stand anywhere and you’ll see the band you actually came for. More local acts would be nice to see, but when they do appear, they fit like a glove. It’s for more of a traditional “concert” experience beyond the dives.

rock, and the beyond funky decor and atmosphere make this an ideal venue for a city like Reno.

THE BLuEBIRd NIGHTCLuB

THE HoLLaNd PRojECT

Reno has a past reputation for venues that feel more like cool house parties than clubs or dives (R.I.P. Strega). Pignic is one such place, as people pack into a pretty small, Edwardian-era living room to hear mostly acoustic music—or at the very least, low-power rock. The surprise here is Pignic’s dance nights, where it fosters a party atmosphere without the flashing lights of a standard club. There’s just a charm here that gives a truly distinctive experience to the music lover.

CENTER STaGE aT aLTuRaS BaR

I really should pick one of the larger rooms in town, and choosing Cargo is picking a consistent, quality experience all down the line. The sound is, for my money, the best in the city. The calendar is startlingly eclectic. The general atmosphere works great for a larger room, and

1044 E. Fourth St.

I think this place deserves some more attention. Its past reputation as a pretty

555 E. Fourth St.

171 VESta St.

Whether your definition of a venue includes truly “live” music or not in regards to the presence of guitars or drums, this spot that’s had a zillion names over the years is killing it when it comes to dance/electronic music. A place with one of the best PAs in town, The Bluebird really covers the beat spectrum with either the hottest or the most enduring electronic music, and they will occasionally branch out. If what you want is an “experience,” you’ll get it here.

This very simple, very boxy room harbors a secret: some of the most daring and compelling touring bands play it week in and week out. It’s one of the city’s only all-ages venues, and attracts mostly a younger crowd—but oldsters like me aren’t ostracized there. Most of the music is on the indie-rock side of things, but you’ll get surprises from old-school legends to folk acts to avant-garde madness. Plus no alcohol, no smoking, and, yes, tolerance for all.

CaRGo CoNCERT HaLL aT WHITNEy PEak HoTEL

THE BaR Room aT juB juB’S THIRST PaRLoR

255 N. VirgiNia St.

71 S. WEllS aVE.

There are two venues at Jub Jub’s—the smaller bar room and the much larger show room. The show room has its pros and cons, but for me, the best place to see bands on that block is in the 100-ish person smaller room. It has excellent sound quality, an eclectic mix from the loudest punk to the quietest acoustic

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PIGNIC PuB & PaTIo 235 FliNt St.

SHEa’S TavERN 715 S. VirgiNia St.

Shea’s gets a lot of attention in our annual RN&R Best Of popularity poll, but it’s all warranted. The perpetual smoke cloud is either a boon or bane depending on who you are, and how Nevadan you want to be. Beyond that, though, you have well-curated shows with a surprisingly great sound system. It’s mostly on the punk rock and metal side of things, but not exclusively, and everything about this place screams “Reno” in the best way.

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Out

aNd aBouT

I An Rn&R wRIteR exploRes the cIty’s gAy bAR scene

never go to clubs or bars before midnight. Okay, maybe I might show up at 11:50. Not bad, eh? The reason this matters is because two weeks ago, I had my entire weekend planned.

Friday? Five Star and Faces.

Saturday? Splash. Sunday? Carl’s Saloon—all after midnight, of course. This was my Reno Gay Club Tour, sponsored by FourLoko drinks (just kidding), my nearly maxed-out credit card and youthful excitement.

I had just two rules: buy a drink at every stop, and talk to at least one person.

On Feb. 29, I wore my best pair of jeans, a nice black shirt and a pair of black heeled boots and felt ready to party all night long. I ordered an Uber to Five Star, and my tour had officially begun.

5 STaR SaLooN 132 West st.

StoRy And photoS By temi durojAiye

(Above) While a little further from the downtown scene, Splash Bar is known for its drag nights.

“This was my Reno Gay Club

Tour, sponsored by FourLoko drinks (just kidding), my nearly maxedout credit card and youthful excitement.”

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The saloon is a small building with a modest exterior. I had a slight grin as I got out of the Uber and headed toward the doors. One of the advantages of going to clubs after midnight? There’s no one to card you at the door or charge a cover. I walked in and could already feel the vibrations of the music. Inhale. Exhale.

The crowd inside was a good mix of people, and it was a little less crowded than I expected, but still nearly packed. It looked like it might be an enjoyable night, filled with good music, lots of beautiful people and unabashed fun.

I ordered “Blue Balls,” a sweet, almost fruity drink that reminds me of Hawaiian Punch.

Then I headed to the dance floor, drink in hand, ready to make the most of the night. I found a corner and let myself go.

Even on an unmemorable night, 5 Star still feels, as always, like the “it” place for the Reno gay club scene. The drinks are modestly priced. The music is a nice blend of recent hip hop and pop hits, and classics from the 90s and 00s.

Importantly, it promises at worst, a decent night, and at best, an unforgettable one. Sounds like a good deal to me.

FacES NV 235 W. second st.

Faces is about a block away from 5 Star—the sign on the front is solid black against the white front exterior. The space inside is expansive, complete with a lobby, a VIP section, an extra seating section and a huge dance floor. However, there were only a few people in the club and the vibe felt mellow— on Latin Night!

It wasn’t a snoozefest, just somewhat hush. There were some couples on the dance floor dancing to Latin music but I was unfamiliar with the music, couldn’t dance to it, and had no one to talk to. Bad night to come alone.

So, I headed to the bar to buy a drink. I started a conversation with the bartender, Sam, and learned that the drink menu at Faces was made entirely of drinks created and named by the club staff. The names were interesting, including personal favorites, “Holy Shit Balls Miss Long” and “Titty Titty Bang Bang.”

Soon, we were talking about other gay bars in Reno, and I learned that there had been about nine gay bars in Reno in the early 2010s, including The Patio, Tronix, Neutron, and 10-99. It all sounded lovely, and I was left feeling wistful, wishing we still had so many options.

Faces was much more enjoyable than I would have imagined despite the near empty club.

Although, it can get crowded during special events, such as bar crawls or regular drag shows, it seems to lack an organic excitement to it. It’s a decent hang, but not nearly as delightful as 5 Star or Splash. At 1:30 a.m., I headed back to Five Star for the rest of the night. “We go again tomorrow,” I thought to myself.

SpLaSH BaR 340 KietzKe Lane The next morning, I needed a little time to recover from my hangover before I finally felt ready for the second leg of my tour. At 8 p.m., I picked out my outfit—a polyester blue t-shirt, a jacket, a pair of short shorts and sneakers.

Hours later, I was on North Wells Avenue headed to Splash

Bar, trying to imagine what kind of night I was about to have.

Splash feels like a world away because I almost exclusively frequent downtown. The space is small, but exciting, with a staging area and a patio that’s breezy.

That weekend, drag queen Lily Does Moore had put on a show, Queens of the World, and I was excited to see so many queens in one place for the first time. I arrived just before the show started at midnight and paid the cover. The small space felt vibrant and alive. I should go to drag shows more often.

The rest of the night was made up of my excited screaming. In the middle of the show, I headed

to the bar to grab my one drink of the night, a vodka cranberry. One rule down. I tried to see if there’s anyone to start a conversation with on the patio but it was mostly empty, and I decided to make an exception for my rules that night.

At 2 a.m. the show was done, and I headed home. My voice was hoarse but I was satisfied with how the night went. Even though it’s the newest gay bar/club in Reno, Splash is already a space for local drag queens to shine and that’s good enough for me.

CaRL’s—THE saLooN 3310 S. Virginia St. The only thing I knew about Carl’s up until Sunday morning was that it’s located at 3310 S. Virginia St. Yes, I’m still just as shocked as you are at the distance.

I was trying to avoid paying for a $14 Uber to South Virginia, so I decided to take the bus, wearing black ripped jeans, black heeled boots and a jacket, and feeling excited about a potentially new experience.

Fortunately, the bus stops in front of my apartment complex, so 40 minutes later, I got off at the

intersection of Gentry and Virginia Street. The air was chilly on the short walk from my stop to the bar.

The entrance was a little hard to find but I finally got in. It’s on the side with bricks.

There were only five people in the building, including the bartender. It was Karaoke Night and the person at the mic was getting cheered on. I loved it: the singing, and the cheering. After their turn was done, I signed up to sing "Prince Ali" from the movie, Aladdin. The crowd cheered. What a moment!

After I was done, I went to the bar and ordered a vodka cranberry.

The atmosphere felt very comfortable and everyone seemed easy to

talk to. We all took turns to sing except the bartender, and then the night was done.

I shared a bus ride home with the DJ, and we talked about the bar. Carl’s attracts an older crowd, who are perhaps looking for moresubdued fun than they might find elsewhere. The drinks were priced around the same as others, and the patrons were friendly.

All said, it was an excellent weekend. My Reno Gay Bar Tour may officially become something I do semi-regularly; maybe at the end of each month. Next month’s tour will be sponsored by red wine and my—now officially—overdrawn credit card. Ω

An uncommonly empty dance floor at 5 Star Saloon.

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