Booming urban area boasts chic stores, gastropubs, lounges and more

Reno’s Truckee River Arts District is the place where a multi-million dollar whitewater park runs through a rapidly evolving corridor of hip restaurants, cafes, lounges, museums and specialty shops.

Eateries and night spots have opened near the river’s edge; all part of a colorful urban rebirth that has made the district a hub for locals and visitors day and night. The Riverwalk is within walking distance of 6,000 hotel rooms, downtown casinos and the Reno Events Center which host some of the biggest names in music.

A sampling of some of the newest venues and established favorites includes:

Eat
• Beaujolais Bistro 130 West St., (775) 323-2227
Located just a half-block from the Truckee River, this charming French restaurant has been housed in a nearly 100-year-old brick building since 2002. With a nearly all-French wine list and entrees that range from frog legs to roasted rack of lamb, Beaujolais is a quaint and cozy hidden hot spot.
Open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, dinner starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

• Wild River Grille 17 S. Virginia St., (775) 901-1107
The newest grill with river-inspired décor is in the Riverside Artist Lofts building. Features creative, casual cuisine, incredible hand-crafted cocktails and a fabulous outdoor patio. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., serving lunch and dinner daily.

Coffee houses
• Java Jungle , 246 W.First St., (775) 329-4484
The ultimate in coffee house experiences; serves superior coffee, espresso, and gourmet sandwiches. Atmosphere is friendly ‘urban jungle,’ featuring weekly poetry, art, music and free WiFi. Open 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

• Dreamer’s Coffee House, Deli & Art Gallery, 17 S. Virginia St., (775) 322-8040
Dreamerscoffeeandart.com
Located in the Riverside Artist Lofts, this coffee house offers comfortable sofas, free wireless, full coffee bar and deli menus, juices, soda, beer, wine, salads, soups, cheesecakes and pastries. Check Web site for live entertainment, artist receptions, Wine Walk and crafts. Opens 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Eat and drink
• Imperial Bar and Lounge 150 N. Arlington Ave., (775) 324-6399
At this ‘gastropub,’ try beers and sliders after work, or a glass of wine after the movie. A community-oriented spot, with something for everyone and a special appeal to locals. A stripped-down, wide-open venue featuring 20-foot ceilings, exposed steel beams, and natural brick. Includes modern amenities like wide-screen TVs, custom-designed booths, and a sleek bar. Diverse menu includes thin crust pizzas, Panini sandwiches, meats and cheeses, a wide selection of beers on tap, and several wines. Open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 p.m.

• Silver Peak Brewery 135 N. Sierra Street, (775) 284-3300
Very popular local brewery/restaurant located in the heart of the arts district. Features indoor and outdoor dining and new menu items including red curry shrimp, grilled-lamb burger with kalamata olives and goat cheese, grilled flat-iron steak, pistachio-encrusted salmon and their signature white sangria (summers). Kitchen open 11 a.m. to midnight weekdays and to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

• The Chocolate Bar, 475 S. Arlington St., (775) 337-1122
This dessert and liquor bar is a swanky, urban rest stop featuring a variety of chocolate specialties including house-made biscotti, cakes and cookies, a cocoa amaretto martini and the chai-tini. See the full menu, fondue specialties in chocolate or cheese and appetizers. Open 11 a.m. to close Tuesdays through Sundays. Open Mondays 5 p.m. to close.

Teahouse
• Se7en Teahouse and Bar, 100 N. Arlington Ave., 102, (775) 348-9526
Seenatse7en.com,
Adding a bit of flavor, class and culture to the Reno community, this teahouse, bar and food venue provides a sanctuary for some quiet time or to meet up with friends.

A large variety of teas offered, ranging from organic to herbal, green to red, Asian to European, loose to bag. Coffees, sandwiches, pastries and appetizers also available. Turns into a cocktail lounge after 6 p.m., featuring a complete wine list, organic alcoholic and tea-accented concoctions. Open 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Drinks
• Sierra Tap House , 252 W. First St., (775) 322-7678.
Known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff and full liquor menu, this bar is located along the Truckee River. Offers a great patio for people-watching and enjoying a nice microbrew in a relaxed, non-smoking atmosphere. Opens 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturdays and Sundays, noon to close.

• Jungle Vino 248 W. First St., (775) 329-4484
Fine wine and food in an intimate, sophisticated setting. Features a full-service bar, weekly wine tastings, and special events supporting local artists and music. Open 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; noon to 2 a.m.Saturday; noon to midnight Sunday.

• 5-Star Saloon 132 West Street, (775) 329-2878
Reno’s only downtown gay bar offers a friendly, sassy place with pool tables, live shows, live DJs, Internet jukebox, and free WiFi. No cover charge; free parking at the First Street Parking Gallery. Open 24/7.

• Tonic, 231 W. Second St., (775) 337-6868
Lounge featuring DJs, bands, a dance floor, plasma screen showing cult classic movies, draft beer, wine and martini menus. Urban hip décor. Hours are 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. everyday.

• 210 North 210 N. Sierra St., (775)786-6210
Two lounges and one restaurant in one location: Meta-Lounge and the Divinity Lounge. Meta-Lounge boasts modern European furniture, glossy fabrics and two full-service bars catering to young professionals and the true club crowd.

Divinity is their over-the-top décor lounge with glittering chrome curtains; an Eva Menz-designed 5000-piece, blown-glass chandelier; velvet loveseats; and a white marble bar, all set in a luxurious gaming environment where ‘suits and stilettos prevail.’ Open 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

• Divine Ultra Lounge.com 95 N. Sierra St., Suite 101, (775) 329-8088
A playful environment where guests unwind and let the world go by. Upscale, exclusive retreat catering to every whim, be it heavenly dining or sinful spirits. DJ talent and unique amenities including mood lighting, VIP booths and bottle service. One block north of the Truckee River, behind Century 12 Theatres. Opens 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.