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If you think you've got Nevada figured out, guess again. One of the largest states in the U.S., it’s known for its casino culture and vast desert landscapes, and the best way to learn about the lesser-known side of Nevada is through its food. Whether it's a steakhouse, saloon, or a modest mom-and-pop operation in a character-rich destination, the Silver State is loaded with culinary experiences to discover. So hit the road and enjoy each corner of Nevada — one bite at a time.
By Rob Kachelriess
From renovated saloons to burger bars, here's
how to eat your way through the Silver State
Eat Your Way Through the
Charm and History of Nevada
on This Restaurant Road Trip
Photo-illustration: Binlin Cao
Basque culture is strong throughout northern Nevada, especially in Elko. While the state was in a growth spurt during the mining boom of the mid-1800s, immigrants from Basque Country — a territory between France and Spain — worked the railroads, mined, and ranched. Their culture is reflected in The Star Hotel, a former boarding house that dates back to 1910 and is now a bar and restaurant in Elko's downtown district. Basque meals are typically served family-style, with different diners seated at the same table. While you pay for the main entree, other courses like soup, salad, beans, and french fries are included. Just save room for a glass of Picon Punch (a cocktail made from a potent French bitter liqueur with a burnt orange aroma) and don't hesitate to add on the bread pudding dessert, drizzled with a whiskey sauce. While you’re in town, learn more about Nevada's Basque legacy in Elko with a visit to the Northeastern Nevada Museum.
The Star Hotel
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Elko
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Downtown Reno is known for its neon lights, big casinos, and of course, the city's famous arch. If you're looking to mingle with the locals, head south of the Truckee River toward MidTown, a bustling neighborhood filled with energy and a thriving art scene. Royce Burger is easy to find, a block away from the Nevada Museum of Art. Just look for its distinctive red awning. The bar and restaurant is like a house party in the heart of Reno with a fireplace, coffee tables, and couches, and additional seats can be found in the expanded backroom dining area or outside on the heated patio. The menu is simple and efficient, with burgers and wings cooked perfectly. The signature Royceburger
is the house specialty, but a few side dishes (cheese curds and poutine-style fries) are served with some Midwest inspiration.
Reno
Royce Burger Bar
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While Nevada is frequently associated with vast desert landscapes, Fallon is an agricultural hub featuring a charming downtown surrounded by miles of verdant farmland. The comforting, family-owned Courtyard Cafe and Bakery specializes in scratch-made cooking that utilizes locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include daily soups, breakfast staples, salads, and sandwiches, but don't miss out on their fresh baked pastries — the cookies are so moist and chewy, you'll want to take a few more to go.
Fallon
Courtyard Café and Bakery
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Genoa is tiny, quiet, and tucked out of the way, but it's one of the most historically significant communities in the state. The first permanent settlement in Nevada, Genoa set the stage for development in the Carson Valley and beyond. Learn more by visiting Mormon Station State Historic Park, where you can explore the timeless charm of the town's main stretch and sit down for a meal inside The Pink House, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. Originally built in 1855, the restaurant is a trip back in time with vintage furniture, wallpaper, and light fixtures. Come for live music on the weekends and enjoy a wide variety of food, from a traditional French onion soup to a tri-tip pot roast that’s livened up with the tart pop of cranberries.
Genoa
The Pink House
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While getting lost in the heart of Nevada, pull over at The Bighorn Crossing and recharge with a delicious meal fresh off the grill. This food shack and convenience store sits near the shoreline of Walker Lake, just outside Hawthorne. You can't go wrong with a thick, juicy bison burger or a Korean-style rice bowl filled with your choice of bulgogi or spicy jeyuk. The cafe also serves coffee drinks, including seasonal lattes, for a quick caffeine fix and some tasty desserts. Sit on the patio or by a window and enjoy the waterside views — and see if you can spot a bighorn sheep, the official state animal of Nevada.
Walker Lake
The Bighorn Crossing
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Caliente is a former railroad town and a quiet midpoint on the Great Basin Highway between Ely and Las Vegas, a convenient detour for anyone visiting the towering rock formations of Cathedral Gorge State Park or the mountain bike trails at Kershaw-Ryan State Park. It flourished as a pivotal stop on the Union Pacific Railway, and the mission-style train depot remains the town's most distinctive landmark. Settle in for a meal at Side Track Café, a family-owned business renovated from an old saloon. The original bar top is still in place, and
the menu offers an inspired take on comfort food favorites, from macaroni and cheese bites to patty melts done right. It also houses its semi-secret sister, The
Side Car, a speakeasy tucked away in the back by the backyard lounge.
Caliente
Side Track Café
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The speed limit slows to a crawl as U.S. Route 93 passes through Beatty, a popular desert community near the entrance to Death Valley National Park and the dramatic ruins of the Rhyolite ghost town. Experience Old West charm to the fullest at the Happy Burro, a saloon named after the burros who roam the nearby desert (and streets) and famous for its award-winning chili made with a homestyle mix of beans, round-eye steak, and hamburger.
Beatty
Happy Burro Chilli & Beer
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Las Vegas is famous for its celebrity chefs and casino dining, but if you really want to get in touch with the history of southern Nevada, book a dinner reservation at the Golden Steer. The steakhouse opened just west of The Strip in 1958, making
it one of the oldest operating restaurants in town. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, the Golden Steer recently expanded its dining room but still feels like a throwback to years past thanks to vintage decorations, classic artwork, and the deep red hues of the wraparound booths. Despite how you feel about retro decor, rest assured that the wet-aged steaks, tableside Caesar salad, and plump pieces of shrimp cocktail never go out of style.
Las Vegas
Golden Steer
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Cottonwood Station is a cozy but stylish restaurant in Blue Diamond, a small residential community near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
The best seats are on the outdoor deck, where visitors can escape the desert heat and enjoy the cool temperatures that come with its higher elevation. Cottonwood Station opens early to accommodate the mountain biker breakfast crowd and operates through dinner, serving seasonal pizzas, panini sandwiches, and your choice of beer or wine on tap. Vintage photos decorate the walls, documenting Blue Diamond's heritage and legacy as a mining town.
Blue Diamond
Cottonwood Station
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Boulder City, a rare Nevada community without gambling, remains a compelling destination in its own right. Roam the streets of the tree-lined historic downtown district just minutes from the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, and grab a bite at The Dillinger, renovated from the historic Bank
of Nevada building. Named after gangster John Dillinger, the restaurant has
a subtle mobster theme while still matching the family-friendly tone of the neighborhood. The burgers are local legends in their own right, and the bar
is well-stocked with beer and whiskey.
Boulder City
The Dillinger
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Click around to explore the flavors of Nevada. For more trip inspiration, head to TravelNevada.com.
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©2024 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.
Contact • Send Us a Tip • Community Guidelines • Masthead • About Eater • Ethics Statement • Press Room • Newsletters • How to Pitch • Maps Methodology
Terms of Use • Privacy Notice • Cookie Policy •
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PARTNER Content From
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leo mattis nisl.
Royce
Burger Bar
The Star Hotel
Courtyard Café and Bakery
The Pink House
The Bighorn
Crossing
Side Track Café
Happy Burro Chilli & Beer
Golden Steer
Cottonwood
Station
The Dillinger
The Star Hotel
If you think you've got Nevada figured out, guess again. One of the largest states in the U.S., it’s known for its casino culture and vast desert landscapes, but packs in plenty of history and intrigue within all that mileage. And the best way to learn about Nevada? Through its food. Whether it's a steakhouse, saloon, or a modest mom-and-pop operation in a character-rich destination, the Silver State is loaded with culinary experiences to discover. So hit the road and enjoy each corner of Nevada — one bite at a time.
LEARN MORE
Elko
The Dillinger
Basque culture is strong throughout Northern Nevada, especially in Elko. While the state was in a growth spurt during the mining boom, immigrants from Basque country — a loosely defined territory between France and Spain — worked the fields and tended sheep. That respect for
the land is reflected in the Star Hotel, a former boarding house that dates back to 1910 and is now a lounge and restaurant in Elko's walkable downtown district. Basque meals are typically served family-style. While you pay for the main entree, other courses like soup, salad, beans, and french fries are included. Just save room for a glass of Picon Punch (a cocktail made from a potent French bitter liqueur with a burnt orange aroma) and don't hesitate to add on the bread pudding dessert, drizzled in a whiskey sauce. While you’re in town, learn more about Nevada's Basque legacy in Elko with a visit to the Northeastern Nevada Museum.
LEARN MORE
Cottonwood Station
Basque culture is strong throughout Northern Nevada, especially in Elko. While the state was in a growth spurt during the mining boom, immigrants from Basque country — a loosely defined territory between France and Spain — worked the fields and tended sheep. That respect for
the land is reflected in the Star Hotel, a former boarding house that dates back to 1910 and is now a lounge and restaurant in Elko's walkable downtown district. Basque meals are typically served family-style. While you pay for the main entree, other courses like soup, salad, beans, and french fries are included. Just save room for a glass of Picon Punch (a cocktail made from a potent French bitter liqueur with a burnt orange aroma) and don't hesitate to add on the bread pudding dessert, drizzled in a whiskey sauce. While you’re in town, learn more about Nevada's Basque legacy in Elko with a visit to the Northeastern Nevada Museum.
LEARN MORE
Golden Steer
Basque culture is strong throughout Northern Nevada, especially in Elko. While the state was in a growth spurt during the mining boom, immigrants from Basque country — a loosely defined territory between France and Spain — worked the fields and tended sheep. That respect for
the land is reflected in the Star Hotel, a former boarding house that dates back to 1910 and is now a lounge and restaurant in Elko's walkable downtown district. Basque meals are typically served family-style. While you pay for the main entree, other courses like soup, salad, beans, and french fries are included. Just save room for a glass of Picon Punch (a cocktail made from a potent French bitter liqueur with a burnt orange aroma) and don't hesitate to add on the bread pudding dessert, drizzled in a whiskey sauce. While you’re in town, learn more about Nevada's Basque legacy in Elko with a visit to the Northeastern Nevada Museum.
LEARN MORE
Happy Burro Chilli & Beer
Las Vegas is famous for its celebrity chefs and casino dining, but if you really want to get in touch with the history of Southern Nevada, book a dinner reservation at the Golden Steer. The steakhouse opened in 1958, just west of the strip on Sahara, making it one of the oldest operating restaurants in town. A favorite of locals
and tourists alike, the Golden Steer recently expanded its dining room, but still feels like a throwback to years past, thanks to vintage decorations, classic artwork, and the deep red hues of the wraparound booths. The wet-aged steaks, tableside Caesar salad, and the bright, plump pieces of shrimp cocktail never go out of style.
LEARN MORE
Side Track Café
The speed limit slows to a crawl as U.S. Route 93 passes through Beatty, an engaging mountain community near the entrance to Death Valley National Park
and the dramatic ruins of the Rhyolite ghost town. Experience Old West charm
to the fullest at the Happy Burro, a saloon famous for its award-winning chili, crafted in house with a homestyle mix of beans, round eye steak, and hamburger. Named after the burros who roam nearby streets, the business represents Beatty's carefree attitude and ambiance, whether sitting among the wood decor and vintage signs that decorate the bar or sipping on a cold beer on the outdoor deck.
LEARN MORE
The Bighorn Crossing
Caliente is a former hot springs resort destination and a quiet midpoint on the Great Basin Highway between Ely and Las Vegas. It flourished as a pivotal stop on the Union Pacific Railway and the mission-style train depot remains the town's most distinctive landmark. Settle in for a meal at Side Track, a family-owned business renovated from an old saloon. The original bar top is still in place, but the menu now offers an inspired take on comfort food favorites, from macaroni and cheese bites to patty melts done right. The Side Car is a semi-secret sister speakeasy tucked away in the back, next to a door that leads to a backyard lounge. Caliente is a convenient detour for anyone visiting the towering rock formations of Cathedral Gorge State Park or the mountain bike trails at Kershaw-Ryan State Park.
LEARN MORE
The Pink House
While getting lost in the beauty of Nevada during a road trip through the heart of the state, pull over at Bighorn Crossing and recharge with a delicious meal fresh off the grill. The food shack and convenience store sits on Walker Lake, just outside the Hawthorne military community. You can't go wrong with a thick, juicy bison burger or a Korean-style rice bowl with a choice of sweet barbecue or spicy pork. The cafe also serves coffee drinks, including seasonal lattes, for a quick caffeine fix and some tasty desserts — and the kitchen team is happy to add a shot of Baileys or Kahlúa to an affogato. Sit on the patio or by a window and enjoy the waterside views — and see if you can spot a bighorn sheep, the official state animal of Nevada.
LEARN MORE
Courtyard Café and Bakery
Genoa is tiny, quiet, and tucked out of the way, but it's one of the most historically significant communities in the state. The first official settlement in the Nevada territory, Genoa set the stage for development in the Carson River Valley and beyond. Learn more by visiting Mormon Station State Historic Park, where you can explore the timeless charm of the town's main stretch and sit down for a meal inside The Pink House, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. And you can’t miss it — it's painted pink. Built in 1855 and originally known as the Reese-Johnson-Virgin House, the restaurant is a trip back in time with vintage furniture, wallpaper, and light fixtures. Come for live music on weekends and enjoy a wide variety of food, from a traditional French onion soup to a tri-tip pot roast livened up with the tart pop of cranberries.
LEARN MORE
Royce Burger Bar
While Nevada is frequently associated with the vast reach of remote desert landscapes, Fallon is the state's agricultural hub with farms and a calm mountain presence along the Truckee River. The Courtyard Cafe and Bakery matches the tone and comfort of the community; the family-owned business hasn't changed much over the years — and that suits locals just fine. The kitchen specializes in scratch-made cooking, from daily soups to breakfast staples and fresh-baked pastries. The cookies are so moist and chewy, you'll want to take a few more to go. Order a pie while you're at it, too. The lunch menu focuses on salads and more than a dozen sandwiches, taking advantage of local produce and ranch-farmed meats from the surrounding lands.
LEARN MORE
Reno
Fallon
Genoa
Walker Lake
Caliente
Beatty
Las Vegas
Blue Diamond
Boulder City