

A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide to the Biggest Little City
Reno may be famous for casinos and outdoor adventure, but the city has quietly become one of the best craft beer destinations in the western United States. The Reno-Tahoe region now features a thriving craft beer scene with brewpubs, taprooms, and production breweries creating everything from classic lagers to award-winning hazy IPAs.
Visitors staying in Great Night Stays Reno vacation rentals often spend an evening exploring these breweries before returning to a comfortable Reno themed rental designed for relaxation and memorable travel experiences.
If you're planning a Reno brewery tour, Reno beer crawl, or craft beer weekend getaway, here are the top brewpubs in Reno you should visit.
1. Great Basin Brewing Company
Great Basin Brewing Company is widely considered the pioneer of the Reno craft beer movement and remains Nevada’s most award-winning brewery.
Founded in the 1990s, this brewpub helped put Reno on the craft beer map and continues to produce some of the region’s most beloved beers.
• Ichthyosaur IPA – one of Nevada’s classic IPAs
• Truckee River Red Ale – a smooth, malty favorite
• Tectonic Event Imperial Stout
The brewpub also offers a full restaurant menu with locally sourced ingredients and house-made dishes paired with their beers.
Visitors staying at Great Night Stays Reno short-term rentals often stop here for dinner and drinks before exploring Midtown nightlife.
2. Brasserie Saint James
Located in the heart of Midtown Reno, Brasserie Saint James is one of the city’s most popular brewpubs. It combines a European-style brewery with a restaurant serving creative comfort food.
The brewery is known for crafting beers with high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques.
• Belgian-style ales
• barrel-aged beers
• house-made sausages and comfort food
Its location in Midtown makes it perfect for visitors staying in Great Night Stays Reno vacation rentals near Midtown, since many of the city’s best bars and restaurants are within walking distance.
3. The Depot Craft Brewery & Distillery
The Depot Craft Brewery & Distillery is one of the most unique breweries in Reno. Located inside a historic 1910 train depot, the building itself is a major attraction.
This multi-level brewpub produces craft beer, whiskey, and spirits all in one location.
• Ichabod’s Pumpkin Ale (seasonal favorite)
• Nevada Pale Ale
• rotating experimental brews
The Depot is a centerpiece of the Reno Brewery District, where visitors can walk between multiple breweries in one evening.
Many guests staying at Great Night Stays themed rentals in Reno enjoy visiting the Depot for drinks before returning to their relaxing accommodations.
4. Lead Dog Brewing
Lead Dog Brewing has become one of Reno’s fastest-growing breweries, known for creative beers and a lively taproom atmosphere.
Their beer lineup includes everything from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, and several of their beers have won awards at national competitions.
• Citra Solo IPA
• Fade to Orange Wheat Ale
• Peanut Butter Stout
Beer enthusiasts frequently rank Lead Dog among the top breweries in the area.
It’s a great stop during a Reno brewery crawl.
5. The Brewer's Cabinet
The Brewer’s Cabinet sits near downtown Reno and is known for its relaxed vibe and excellent craft beer lineup.
One of the brewery’s standout beers is the Tahoe series, inspired by the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains.
The brewery also features:
• outdoor patios
• rotating seasonal beers
• creative pub food
Many travelers exploring Reno’s craft beer scene include Brewer’s Cabinet on their Reno brewery tour itinerary.
Other Notable Reno Breweries
If you have time for more beer exploration, Reno offers several additional great breweries:
• IMBIB Custom Brews – small-batch craft beers and rotating taps
• Schussboom Brewing Company – artisan pizzas and house-made brews
• 10 Torr Distilling and Brewing – innovative brewing and distilling techniques
• Revision Brewing Company – world-award-winning IPAs distributed internationally
Together these breweries help make Reno one of the most exciting craft beer destinations in the West.
The Reno Brewery District Experience
The Reno Brewery District makes it easy to explore multiple breweries in one evening. Visitors can walk between several taprooms and enjoy a variety of craft beer styles.
The craft beer culture in Reno emphasizes collaboration between breweries, helping strengthen the local scene and create new beers through partnerships.
Many visitors plan an entire Reno beer crawl weekend exploring these breweries.
Where to Stay During Your Reno Brewery Tour
After sampling Reno’s best craft beer, having a comfortable place to relax is essential.
Travelers exploring Reno’s brewery scene often choose Great Night Stays Reno vacation rentals because they provide a unique alternative to traditional hotels.
Great Night Stays specializes in themed rentals in Reno designed for memorable travel experiences, offering guests:
• stylish and comfortable accommodations
• relaxing interiors perfect for couples
• convenient locations near Midtown and downtown Reno
• easy access to Reno’s top restaurants and breweries
Whether you’re planning a Reno brewery weekend, a romantic getaway, or a Lake Tahoe adventure, Great Night Stays provides the perfect home base for exploring the Reno-Tahoe region.
Explore available stays at:
www.greatnightstays.com
Discover themed stays that capture Reno's essence and enrich your journey. Great Night Stays invites you to inquire or share feedback to personalize your upcoming local adventure. Connect with us today to craft the perfect getaway experience in our vibrant city.
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