Located just a few blocks east of Virginia Street is Wells Avenue, a vibrant and diverse historic business and neighborhood district. This 1.5-mile stretch is home to several restaurants, coffee shops and unique, locally-owned storefronts.
If you're looking for a place to grab lunch or dinner, fuel up with some locally-roasted coffee, shop for the perfect gift or to support small businesses, check out some of Abbey Kay's favorite stops along Wells Avenue.
Unique Shopping & Experiences
Pantry Products
Located near Vassar and Wells lives the local, natural beauty and home goods store, Pantry Products. Here, you’ll find products like lip balms, soy candles, body scrubs, hand soaps and lotions, facial masks, natural deodorants, beard oils and more, all made in-house with ingredients found in a pantry, such as sugars, essential oils and corn starch. This is the perfect place to explore and shop from a local maker who cares about what we put on our bodies and into everyday products.
Reno Antiques
If you love owning a little bit of history, then Reno Antiques is a place you have to check out. Their collection is filled with a variety of older household items, books, mirrors, furniture and tools from past times. Any treasure hunter could easily spend a good amount of their day digging through the archives hidden here. You feel a sense of Nevada meets country vintage when you walk into this shop.
Helianthus Floral Design
Helianthus Floral Design is a flower shop and design studio that is dedicated to creating nature-inspired floral arrangements for any occasion. Express your unique style and personality through custom arrangements, or participate in a hosted workshop where you can learn to make your own and other workshops with the community.
The Garden of Reno
On the corner of Wells and Thoma sits a quaint brick building covered in vines with a fitting name, The Garden of Reno. Walk inside to see arrangements of beautiful flowers that can be purchased individually or made into custom bouquets. Tucked in the back is a coffee shop serving fun flavored lattes, house coffees, teas and a variety of snacks. Stop by for some fresh flowers and a coffee!
The EP Listening Lounge
The EP Listening Lounge has combined all the best things - coffee, records and drinks - into one location. Wake up early and enjoy a delicious pour-over from Reno Coffee Co., then slide through the barn doors and search for your new favorite vinyl. It doesn’t stop there! Grab a snack and drink at happy hour, from 5-7 p.m., and, after that, dance the night away listening to vintage records and sipping on house made craft cocktails.
Local Coffee Shops
Magpie Coffee
At the south end of Wells Avenue, you’ll find Magpie Coffee Roasters tucked inside a black building with their magpie logo perched on top. It’s the perfect coffee shop to go to if you want to experience a cozy and intimate environment. Magpie makes a smooth latte and you can never go wrong drinking their brew straight black. It’s truly a hidden gem in Reno that most don’t take advantage of.
Hand Craft Coffee Company
Hand Craft Coffee Company serves a variety of espresso-based drinks, teas, small bites and fresh-baked pastries in a contemporary setting. Soak up the sunshine on warm spring and summer days and fuel up on Hand Craft Coffee in their courtyard space.
Casual and Upscale Dining
Anna's Taqueria
Anna’s Taqueria serves a menu of tacos and other specialties packed with delicious and authentic flavors, with vegetarian options included. Choose the ”all you can eat” tacos selection or a special dish and pair it with your favorite Mexican beer or michelada. Their outdoor patio seating is perfect on a sunny day.
PJ & Co.
Would you choose french toast decorated in strawberries served alongside a mimosa or Spinach Quiche Lorraine with a famous Bloody Mary for brunch? No matter what you order from PJ & Co. Saloon & Restaurant for breakfast you will not be disappointed because Reno has been in love with their food since 1987. Stick around until lunch to try their stuffed avocado filled with shrimp with a side of pasta salad, or the Cashew Chicken Sandwich topped with cashews and sprouts for a hearty crunch.
Von Bismarck
Europe meets Reno with this hip, family-focused restaurant. Von Bismarck serves bar snacks, beers, cocktails and unique food in a communal style setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. Indulge in a bratwurst or veal sandwich, a wild boar schnitzel or pretzel with house-made mustard. Von Bismarck has plenty of German beers on draft, a variety of craft cocktails and wines, plus vegan and vegetarian options as well. Your next hang out should definitely be at this unique addition to Wells Avenue.
Antojitos Colibri
Antojitos Colibri is one of many Hispanic and Latino businesses that call Wells Avenue home. Antojitos Colibri is a family-owned ice cream shop that features aguas frescas (all-natural fruit drinks) and Mexican fruit snacks on their menu. Mix and match your favorite flavors and hydrate with their authentic and fresh beverages.
La Condesa Eatery
Wells Avenue's latest dinner spot, La Condesa Eatery, is a fusion restaurant that offers dishes with a Spanish, Korean and Italian influence. Their menu features items like Bucatini Al Cilantro, Korean Pork Belly Hot Buns, Spanish Octopus, and 1855 Tri-Tip Alambre. Get a taste of their contemporary cocktails and experience the hip urban vibes while enjoying the ambiance of outdoor dining in their courtyard space.
Abbey Kay is a local blogger and product photographer who loves Reno and all of its places to have fun. She is obsessed with donuts and coffee, and enjoys taking photos of both all around town. She has a passion for showing people her hometown and all it has to offer. Be sure to follow Abbey Kay on all of her Reno adventures on Instagram and read about her favorite places to go in Reno and Sparks.