Food & Drink

Editors' Picks

Best Place to Take a Licking

IceCycle Creamery

OK, every ice cream shop offers samples, and if a cream-seeker is injudicious, he or she can get almost as much from the samples as in a small cup—not that anyone gets a small cup. But don't you often get the feeling that the server is in on the scam, and that they slow down providing the tasty morsels once the uncertain get three or four tastes? Not so at IceCycle Creamery, Jeremy DeMarzo and crew not only don't skimp on the samples, they encourage visitors to try out the new flavors, occasionally proffering a little paddle of delight before it's even asked for. And since the little ice cream and sandwich shop specializes in putting together flavors never imagined in the larger and more corporate outfits, there are constantly new flavors to try. You don't need to ride a bike or to have a handlebar mustache to receive the coolest reception in town—but it doesn't hurt.

Best place to get cheesy

Beto's Taqueria

Here's to the sort of hole-in-the-wall restaurants where your Coke comes in a bottle, your cheese skews toward the liquid orange, and you're craving a return visit as soon as you leave. Such is Beto's. The nachos here boast nicely seasoned meat and fixings adrift in gas-station queso—that's sure what it tastes like, anyway—and the combination makes for a happy clash (think wine and a Snicker's bar, or maybe a bikini made of fur). The Beto's nacho effect is a food tornado wrapped inside a gastrointestinal conundrum wrapped inside the proverbial wet burrito—another must-try menu item—and it'll spice up your world.

Best joint

Casale's Halfway Club

Hyperbole is risky in journalism, so we won't attest to Reno's Halfway Club being the oldest restaurant in the state at age 78, but that's the claim, and it truly is a relic of Reno's colorful past. Matriarch Inez Casale Stempeck, usually addressed as Mama, is there many nights.

Readers' Picks

Best frozen yogurt

1. Yogurt Beach

3882 Mayberry Drive, 787-2024

2. Yogurt Beach

748 South Meadows Parkway, 853-2761

3. Yogurt Beach

113 Los Altos Parkway, Sparks, 626-0884

Best French fries

1. Jox

3652 S. Virginia St., 827-6688

2. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

3. The Nugget

233 N. Virginia St., 323-0716

Best salad

1. Süp

669 S. Virginia St., 324-4787

2. Great Full Gardens Cafe

555 S. Virginia St., 324-2013

3. Campo

50 N. Sierra St., 737-9555

Best salad bar

1. Whole Foods Market

6139 S. Virginia St., 852-8023

2. Sizzler

615 E. Prater Way, Sparks, 356-3969

3. Toucan Charlie's Buffet & Grille

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

3800 S. Virginia St., 824-4433

Best Mexican

1. Si Amigos

1553 S. Virginia St., 348-1445

2. El Adobe Café

55 W. Arroyo St., 327-4422

3. Miguel's

1415 S. Virginia St., 322-2722

Best Italian

1. Mario's Portofino Ristorante Italiano

1505 S. Virginia St., 825-7779

2. La Vecchia Ristorante

3005 Skyline Blvd., 825-1113

3. Johnny's Ristorante Italiano

4245 W. Fourth St., 747-4511

Best Basque

1. Louis' Basque Corner Restaurant

301 E. Fourth St., 323-7203

2. Sante Fe Hotel

235 Lake St. 323-1891

3. J T Basque Bar & Dining Room

1426 U.S. 395, Gardnerville, (775) 782-2074

Best Japanese

1. Ichiban

206 N. Virginia St. 323-5550

2. Ijji Sushi

685 E. Prater Way, Sparks, 356-8668

3. Hiroba Sushi

3005 Skyline Blvd., 829-2788

Best sushi

1. Hiroba Sushi

3005 Skyline Blvd., 829-2788

2. Ijji Sushi

685 E. Prater Way, Sparks, 356-8668

3. Tha Joint Sushi & Grill

222 Los Altos Parkway, Sparks, 626-8677

Best Greek

1. Niko's Greek Kitchen

148 West St., 284-3678

2. Opa Cafe

80 Giroux St., 322-7500

3. Nick's Greek Deli

600 S. Virginia St., 786-9613

Best Thai

1. Bangkok Cuisine

55 Mt. Rose St., 322-0299

2. Thai Lotus

6430 S. Virginia St. A, 852-5033

3. Thai Chili Cuisine

1030 S. Virginia St., 786-7878

Best French restaurant

1. Beaujolais Bistro

753 Riverside Drive, 323-2227

2. 4th St. Bistro

3065 W. Fourth St., 323-3200

3. Lulou's Restaurant

1470 S. Virginia St., 329-9979

Best Vietnamese

1. Golden Flower Restaurant

205 W. Fifth St., 323-1628

2. Pho 777 Vietnamese Restaurant

201 E. Second St., 323-7777

2. Asian Noodles

1290 E. Plumb Lane, 828-7227

Best vegetarian

1. Great Full Gardens Cafe

555 S. Virginia St., 324-2013

2. Laughing Planet

650 Tahoe St., 360-2592

3. Cafe Deluxe

1690 S. Wells Ave., 737-9735

Best burger

1. Awful Awful at the Nugget

233 N. Virginia St., 323-0716

2. Midtown Eats

719 S. Virginia St., 324-3287

3. Juicy's Giant Hamburgers

301 S. Wells Ave., 322-2600

Best bakery

1. Rounds Bakery

294 E Moana Lane, 329-0800

2. Homage Bakery

519 Ralston St., 323-8952

2. Josef's Vienna Bakery & Cafe

933 W. Moana Lane, 825-0451

Best fresh bread

1. House of Bread

1185 California Ave., 322-0773

2. Rounds Bakery

294 E Moana Lane, 329-0800

3. Whole Foods Market

6139 S. Virginia St., 852-8023

Best coffee roaster

1. Hub Coffee Roasters

350 Evans Ave., 323-1038

2. Wood-Fire Roasted Coffee Company

30 Ohm Place, 856-2033

3. Magpie Coffee Roasters

545 E. Fourth St., 393-9442

Best pizza parlor

1. Noble Pie Parlor

239 W. Second St., 622-9222

2. Blind Onion Pizza & Pub

3605 Kings Row, 747-7744

3. J.J.'s Pie Co.

555 W. Fifth St., 786-5555

Best breakfast

1. Clary's Bar & Grill

2780 S. Virginia St., 823-9444

2. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

3. Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs

420 S. Sierra St., 329-2600

Best Truckee restaurant

1. Squeeze In

10060 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, California, (530) 587-9814

2. Moody's Bistro, Bar & Beats

10007 Bridge St., Truckee, California, (530) 587-8688

3. Restaurant Trokay

10046 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, California, (530) 582-1040

Best new restaurant

1. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

2. Centro

236 California Ave., 737-9062

3. The Depot

325 E. Fourth St., 737-4330

Best fine dining

1. Lulou's Restaurant

1470 S. Virginia St., 329-9979

2. 4th St. Bistro

3065 W. Fourth St., 323-3200

3. Beaujolais Bistro

753 Riverside Drive, 323-2227

Best wine bar

1. Mid Town Wine Bar

1527 S. Virginia St., 323-1377

2. West Street Wine Bar, West Street Market

148 West St., 336-3560

3. Whispering Vine Wine Co.

85 Foothill Road, 622-8080

Best martini

1. Roxy's Bar & Lounge

Eldorado Hotel Casino, 345 N. Virginia St., 785-9066

2. Chocolate Bar

95 N. Sierra St., 337-1122

2. Death & Taxes

26 Cheney St., 324-3287

2. Chapel Tavern

1099 South Virginia St., 324-2244

Best solo dining

1. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

2. Laughing Planet

650 Tahoe St., 360-2592

3. Süp

669 S. Virginia St., 324-4787

Best outdoor dining

1. The Stone House Cafe

1907 S. Arlington Ave., 624-5745

2. Wild River Grille

17 S. Virginia St., 284-7455

3. Campo

50 N. Sierra St., 737-9555

Best ambience

1. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

2. Brasserie Saint James

901 S. Center St., 348-8888

3. Beaujolais Bistro

753 Riverside Drive, 323-2227

3. The Stone House Cafe

1907 S. Arlington Ave., 624-5745

Best restaurant view

1. La Vecchia

3005 Skyline Blvd., 825-1113

2. Campo

50 N. Sierra St., 737-9555

3. Wild River Grille

17 S. Virginia St., 284-7455

Best restaurant worth the long wait

1. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

2. Campo

50 N. Sierra St., 737-9555

3. Hiroba Sushi

3005 Skyline Blvd., Suite 100, 829-2788

Best barbecue restaurant

1. BJ's Nevada Barbecue Company

80 E. Victorian Ave., Sparks, 355-9920

2. Famous Dave's BBQ

4925 Kietzke Lane, 826-7427

Best place to eat when drunk

1. Coach's Grill & Sports Bar

1573 S. Virginia St., 329-2202

2. The Nugget

233 N. Virginia St., 323-0716

3. Noble Pie Parlor

239 W. Second St., 622-9222

Best juice

1. Jüs

191 Damonte Ranch Pkwy., 852-1401

2. The Seed

1085 S. Virginia St. B, 284-5545

3. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

Best produce

1. Whole Foods Market

6139 S. Virginia St., 852-8023

2. Great Basin Community Food Co-op

240 Court St., 324-6133

Best chicken wings

1. Jox

3652 S. Virginia St., 827-6688

2. Noble Pie Parlor

239 W. Second St., 622-9222

3. Paulie's Pizza

2309 Kietzke Lane, 823-9000

Best Margarita

1. Si Amigos

1553 S. Virginia St., 348-1445

2. Murrietta's Restaurant and Cantina

8195 S. Virginia St., 827-3585

3. El Adobe Café

55 W. Arroyo St., 327-4422

Best doughnuts/pastries

1. Rounds

294 E. Moana Lane, 329-0800

2. Doughboy's Donuts

57 Damonte Ranch Pkwy., 853-6844

3. Homage Bakery

519 Ralston St., 323-8952

Best Tahoe restaurant

1. Gar Woods Grill & Pier

5000 N. Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay, (530) 546-3366

2. Lone Eagle Grill

Hyatt Regency, 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, 886-6899

3. T's Mesquite Rotisserie

901 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village, 831-2832

Best seafood

1. Rapscallion Seafood House & Bar

1555 S. Wells Ave., 323-1211

2. Red Lobster

5015 Kietzke Lane, 827-1203

3. Oceano, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

2707 S. Virginia St., 826-2121

Best Sparks restaurant

1. BJ's Nevada Barbecue Company

80 E. Victorian Ave., Sparks, 355-9920

2. Great Basin Brewing Co.

846 Victorian Ave., Sparks, 355-7711

3. Pinocchio's Bar & Grill

4820 Vista Blvd., Sparks, 626-0101

Best food truck

1. GourMelt Grilled Cheese Truck

Closed

2. Nom Eats

www.renonomeat.com

3. Electric Blue Elephant

(530) 414-4836

Best wine list

1. Beaujolais Bistro

753 Riverside Drive, 323-2227

2. Whispering Vine Wine Co.

85 Foothill Road, 622-8080

3. 4th St. Bistro

3065 W. Fourth St., 323-3200

3. Bistro Napa

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St., 335-4539

Best catering company

1. Cherry Bomb Catering

PO Box 4275, Sparks, 287-4121

2. Dish Cafe & Catering

855 Mill St., 348-8264

3. Famous Dave's BBQ

4925 Kietzke Lane, 826-7427

Best steak

1. Harrah's Steak House

219 N. Virginia St., 788-2929

2. Washoe Steakhouse

4201 W. Fourth St., 786-1323

3. The Steakhouse, Western Village Inn & Casino

815 Nichols Blvd., Sparks, 353-4916

Best cheap eats

1. Jox

3652 S. Virginia St., 827-6688

2. Beto's Mexican Food

575 W. Fifth St., 324-0632

3. Winey Munkies

food truck, 440-1295

Best local beer

1. Ichthyosaur India Pale Ale

Great Basin Brewing Co.

2. Red Headed Stranger

Brasserie St. James

3. Tahoe Amber Ale

The Brewer's Cabinet

Best smoothie

1. Jüs

191 Damonte Ranch Pkwy., 852-1401

2. Jamba Juice

5140 Kietzke Lane, 828-5483

3. Keva Juice

Meadowood Mall, 5102 Meadowood Mall Circle, 824-0202

Best greasy spoon

1. Gold-N-Silver Inn

790 W. Fourth St., 323-2696

2. The Nugget

233 N. Virginia St., 323-0716

3. Jack's Cafe

2200 Victorian Ave., Sparks, 331-8184

Best dessert

1. Campo Restaurant

50 N. Sierra St., 737-9555

2. Homage Bakery

519 Ralston St., 323-8952

3. Winey Munkies

food truck, 440-1295

Best late-night dining

1. Coach's Grill & Sports Bar

1573 S. Virginia St., 329-2202

2. Golden Flower Vietnamese Restaurant

205 W. Fifth St., 323-1628

3. Noble Pie Parlor

239 W. Second St., 622-9222

Best Carson restaurant

1. Adele's Restaurant and Lounge

1112 N. Carson St., 882-3353

2. Red's Old 395 Grill

1055 S. Carson St., 887-0395

3. Moonlight BunnyRanch

69 Moonlight Road, Mound House, 246-9901

Best business lunch

1. Mario's Portofino Ristorante Italiano

1505 S. Virginia St., 825-7779

2. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

3. Campo

50 N. Sierra St., 737-9555

Best sandwich shop

1. Deli Towne USA

3650 Lakeside Drive, 826-4466

2. Rubicon Deli

445 California Ave., 322-9792

3. Yosh's Unique Deli

85 Foothill Road, 853-9674

Best Chinese

1. Palais De Jade Fine Chinese Cuisine

960 W. Moana Lane, 827-5233

2. Dynasty China Bistro

1185 California Ave., 391-5086

3. CJ Palace

29 Los Altos Parkway, Sparks, 626-8878

3. Jazmine

9333 Double R Blvd., 851-2888

Best soups

1. Süp

669 S. Virginia St., 324-4787

2. Great Full Gardens Cafe

555 S. Virginia St., 324-2013

3. Whole Foods Market

6139 S. Virginia St., 852-8023

Best Reno restaurant

1. Mario's Portofino Ristorante Italiano

1505 S. Virginia St., 825-7779

2. Campo

50 N. Sierra St., 737-9555

3. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

Best coffee

1. Bibo Coffee Co.

460 S. Sierra St., 329-2114

2. The Hub Coffee Co.

727 Riverside Drive, 323-1911

3. Coffeebar Reno

682 Mount Rose St., 800-1090

Best cooking school

1. Nothing to It! Culinary Center

225 Crummer Lane, 826-2628

2. Truckee Meadows Community College

7000 Dandini Blvd., 674-7660

3. Lanna Thai Cafe & Culinary School

800 W. Second St., 284-1080

Best hot dog

1. Beefy's

1300 S. Virginia St., 870-1333

2. Sinbad's Hot Dogs of Nevada

418 N McCarran Blvd., Sparks, 331-4762

3. BoDawgs

1625 N. Virginia St., 770-4555

Best server

1. Jayme Craig-Broome, Coach's Grill & Sports Bar

2. Bri Ferro, Two Chicks

3. Trevor Hutton, Famous Dave's

3. Jessie Watnes, Two Chicks

Best whiskey/bourbon/Scotch selection

1. Chapel Tavern

1099 N. Virginia St., 324-2244

2. Death & Taxes

26 Cheney St., 324-2630

3. Ceol Irish Pub

538 S. Virginia St., 329-5558

Best Bloody Mary

1. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

2. Chapel Tavern

1099 S. Virginia St., 324-2244

3. Pignic Pub & Patio

235 Flint St.

Best chef

1. Carlos Douriet, Mario's Portofino

2. Mark Estee, Campo

3. Haley Wood, Two Chicks

Most romantic restaurant

1. Beaujolais Bistro

753 Riverside Drive, 323.2227

2. 4th St. Bistro

3065 W. Fourth St., 323-3200

3. La Vecchia

3005 Skyline Blvd., 825-1113

Best bagel

1. Rounds Bakery

205 S. Sierra St., 329-0800

2. Truckee Bagel Company

18130 Wedge Parkway, 851-8855

3. Einstein Bros Bagels

5050 Kietzke Lane, 825-1045

Best Indian

1. India Kabab & Curry

1091 S. Virginia St., 348-6222

2. Flavors of India

1885 S. Virginia St., 323-4100

Best appetizers

1. Centro

236 California Ave., 737-9062

2. Bistro Napa

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St., 335-4539

3. Brasserie Saint James

901 S. Center St., 348-8888

3. Fuego

170 S. Virginia St., 322-1800

Best brunch

1. Two Chicks

752 S. Virginia St., 323-0600

2. The Stone House Cafe

1907 S. Arlington Ave., 624-5745

3. Brasserie Saint James

901 S. Center St., 348-8888

Best gluten-free dining

1. Great Full Gardens Cafe

555 S. Virginia St., 324-2013

2. Laughing Planet

650 Tahoe St., 360-2592

3. Cafe Deluxe

1690 S. Wells Ave., 737-9735

Best milkshakes

1. Scoopers

1356 Prater Way, Sparks, 331-6221

2. Steak 'N Shake

1140 N. Hills Blvd, 677-9900

3. Beefy's

1300 S. Virginia St., 870-1333