Let the good times roll

We 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 full-service 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.

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.