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Booze & Groove: Best Bars For Live Music In Reno

a sign that says live music

One of the many beautiful things about Reno is its live music scene. For a big little city, we get a ton of incredible artists that come through town. Many more prominent names play gigs at the larger casino venues, but some of the best shows happen at smaller local bars, where you can also get a mean cocktail. 

Cypress

 

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Cypress is a newcomer to the Reno music scene, opening up in 2022 and taking over the former Saint music venue. Cypress has revamped the space with a state-of-the-art sound system and a lineup of diverse and talented musicians. The venue is named for Cypress trees which grow in the South, where the owners are from. You can find cypress wood all over the entrance to the stage. Cypress can host a crowd of up to 300. Cypress hosts ticketed shows on most Friday and Saturday nights, where you can listen to everything from bluegrass to hip hop, to local artists and international musicians. While the bands are playing, the bartenders serve craft cocktails and drafts. During the week, they have jazz and salsa nights. Coming soon to Cypress: a kitchen featuring Southern Tapas. 

Shim’s Surplus Supplies 


Shim’s Surplus is a speakeasy hidden in an old army supply store. “Deliveries Only” is stenciled on the entrance door. The front windows display goods that would have been sold in the original store and a sign that reads “deliveries in the back.” Once inside, you’ll find stained glass windows and velvet-curtained booths. You can order classic cocktails with unique twists at the marble bar top, like the mahogany manhattan, a manhattan featuring chocolate bitters. The staff is dressed to the nines in 20’s inspired outfits. A stage in the center of the bar hosts live music almost every night. You’ll find swing, big band, or jazz music most nights, but they occasionally mix it up with a DJ night. 

The Loving Cup 

 

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The Loving Cup in Midtown is where you go for a real nightlife feel. The colorful and quirky bar hosts DJs, funk bands, rock, and more, usually with the goal of getting you dancing. The venue stays open late and has a large patio great for cooling off between songs. The cocktails are well priced and tasty. 

Virginia St. Brewhouse 


As the name suggests, Virginia St. Brewhouse is a music and nightlife venue focusing on craft beer, tap and bottled. The venue is located in the heart of Downtown and has two levels. You’ll find the main bar, stage, and dance area on the first floor. On the second floor, upstairs is the Denim Lounge, an exclusive lounge that pays homage to the building’s roots as a denim factory. The acts run the gamut from Silent Discos to rap, rock, and punk. 

Peavine Taphouse Eats & Beats 

Unlike the rest of the venues on this list, Peavine Taphouse is family-friendly. So bring your little ones along to enjoy a great show, yummy food, and a stiff drink. The restaurant features thin-crust pizzas, and the bar serves cocktails beers on tap, and has an impressive wine list. They don’t have music every night, but you can count on an eclectic lineup on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Pro-tip: go for happy hour on Wednesday from 1-4 to get music and 25% off your entire check. 

Matador Lounge 

Another newcomer to the Midtown scene, Matador hosts live music on the Weekends. The venue has two floors, two bars, an incredible selection of tequilas, and local drafts. On the first floor, you can hide inside private red leather booths with striped curtains. Upstairs at the rooftop bar is a slight tropical vibe. The music happens at the rooftop bar. While there are two bars, the cocktails for the bars are the same, so you don’t have to schlep downstairs to get your drink of choice. On top of the music and excellent cocktails, Matador Lounge hosts special events like pajama parties and movie nights. 

The Cellar at Alturas Bar 

 

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Hidden in Reno’s Brewery District, Alturas Bar has long been a staple of the Reno music scene. Head past the unpretentious bar, grab a well-priced drink, then make your way past the pool table and down the concert-poster-lined stairs to a dark but lively music venue. Alturas is a mainstay for local Reno artists, always booking new and exciting local talent alongside national brands.  

The Alpine


Record Streety Brewery transformed the old Alpine Glass Co. building into a stunning music venue. The venue brings in acts from around the world but also features local bands, community events, charity events, and more. There is always something happening at The Alpine. You can enjoy craft brews from Record Street while you take in the show. Next door on the brewery side, try one of their signature pizzas.

Bonus: Brasserie St. James 

During the summer months, Brasserie St. James hosts live music on their roof deck.

To find out what’s playing this week check out The Reno Scene.

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