Best Craft Breweries to Visit in Reno, Nevada

Reno, the Biggest Little City in the World.

When I mention Reno, most people think about gambling, Lake Tahoe, or the time they drove through and stayed at one of the hotels or casinos for a night on their way to somewhere else.

But Reno is much more than a gambling destination or a spot to pass through on the way to your vacation. Reno is the destination — at least it should be if you have any interest in craft beer. Yes, I’m biased because I lived there for 13 years, but I’ve also lived in Seattle and San Diego, so I can objectively compare. Trust me: Reno has great beer. Here’s where to go.

You can always check out my shared map to easily find these places during your visit.

Best Breweries in Reno

Keep in mind that Reno’s brewery scene is always evolving. I’ve had to update this list a few times since I first published it, and I’m sure I’ll have to again. I’ve also included locations that aren’t technically in Reno. But I can’t let these gems go unmentioned!

If I’ve forgetton somewhere, or there’s a new brewery in town I need to check out, just let me know in the comments.

Ok, on to the list:

Great Basin Brewing Co.

I can’t in good conscience tell someone to visit Reno without mentioning Great Basin Brewing Co. Named after the Great Basin (an aquifer that covers most of Nevada, including Reno), this is Nevada’s oldest operating brewery. Originally opened in 1993 in Sparks, Great Basin ended up adding a second location in Reno, with another further south in Minden. But let’s focus on the Reno spot. The beer is excellent, the food menu is equally great, and the atmosphere leans more restaurant than brewery, although there is a large bar where you can meet locals and chat with the bartenders. It’s in a super convenient location, and if you can’t find time to stop by, make sure to grab an Icthyasaur IPA, aka Icky, pretty much anywhere around town.

Revision Brewing Co.

Revision Brewing burst onto the scene when it first opened. Founded by Knee Deep Brewing alum Jeremy Warren, Revision has quickly entrenched itself as a go-to brand for beer drinkers in Northern Nevada. Ok yes, this one is also technically a Sparks brewery, but you can find a lot of their beers at Lead Dog Brewing (keep reading to learn more about this spot). Anyway, Revision built their name on world-class IPAs (single, double, and triple), and have expanded into other styles over the years. Everything they make is worth trying.

The Depot Craft Brewery & Distillery

The Depot isn’t my favorite spot in Reno, but it leaves an impression since it’s one of the most unique spots on this list. The Depot is located in a beautifully restored 1910 historic railroad building in downtown Reno, and they’ve kept a ton of the character in the restaurant. They brew great beer, serve excellent food, and distill their own spirits on-site (one of the first businesses in Nevada allowed to brew and distill under one roof!), so there’s a little something for everyone. The atmosphere alone is worth the stop, and it’s near a few other great breweries.

Brasserie St. James

A longtime local favorite, Brasserie St. James has been a staple of the Reno beer scene, but honestly I’d come here for brunch. The Belgian-inspired approach to both beer and food sets this one apart from the rest of the list. It’s more of a restaurant, so it’s a great spot for a longer, more relaxed visit, and the food is genuinely excellent. In all seriousness, try the food.

Bristlecone Brewing Co.

Not into IPAs? Bristlecone Brewing Co. is the spot for you! Bristlecone is the newest brewery on this list since it just opened in 2025 in the space formerly occupied by the beloved Imbib Custom Ales. While Reno misses Imbib, Bristlecone takes a fresh approach to the space, and maintain’s Imbib’s old passion of trying to do things a little different. The team comes from Alibi Ale Works and focuses on approachable, well-crafted lagers and ales. It only had 4 beers on tap when I visted (it was brand new), but I’d expect a nice array of options today.

10 Torr Distilling and Brewing

10 Torr is another dual-threat distillery/brewery hybrid under one roof, with a tap list that reflects exactly that range. The Mexican Lager is the main reason I stop in, but there are other flagships and rotating beers that give you plenty of reasons to stay. Oh ya, they also offer cocktails mixed with their very own liquors. Also, the space is incredible (pictured below). I’ve never had a bad expereince at 10 Torr and don’t think I ever will.

Pigeon Head Brewery

If you’ve made it this far through the list, then you get my honest opinion: Pigeon Head is the best brewery in Reno. It earns its place on this list on the strength of its Pilsner alone, but everything else is great. The Red Rye Lager. The Black Lager. The Silver Sage Pale Ale. The location is so laid back and low key that it checks pretty much every box I have for breweries. They even make dog treats out of the old mash! I think Pigeon Head reflects Reno’s character perfectly, and I highly recommend stopping by.

Slieve Brewing Company

If you’re stopping by Pigoen Head, take about 50 steps to also check out Slieve Brewing. It’s a family-owned, award-winning small-batch brewery, and there are some tasty beers on the menu. Slieve keeps quality front and center, and the taproom has a welcoming, neighborhood feel that makes it easy to settle in for a while. The location right by Pigeon Head makes me optimistic that Reno will be getting its own brewery district in the future.

Lead Dog Brewing Co.

Lead Dog is unassuming on the outside, but pretty much a textbook brewery on the inside. While ownership has changed to Mammoth Brewing, whose beers are regularly on tap, Lead Dog does still brew some of its own. Also this location can boast something that no other brewery in Reno can: it’s connected to a winery. It’s also just down the road from the Depot and near Pigeon Head, so it’s a good stop for an afternoon crawl.

Parlay 6 Brewing Company

Located in the old Under the Rose spot, Parlay 6 Brewing is right in the heart of lively Midtown. It’s a great option that locals enjoy, and it’s in a very walkable area. Rotating taps, a casual vibe, and consistent quality make Parlay 6 a good spot to stop if you’re in Midtown.

Schussboom Brewing Co.

Schussboom is so underrated. Yes, the location isn’t ideal for anyone visiting Reno, but I’m honeslty surprised locals don’t like it more. It’s the exact kind of brewery that you wish was open right across the street from your house, if that maeks any sense. If you do find yourself in South Reno on the way to or from Lake Tahoe or for golf, stop by Schussboom.

Beers to Try in Reno

I don’t really think people should be told what they should and shouldn’t be drinking because everyone has their own preferences. That said, if you’re looking for a starting point, here are a few worth tracking down:

  • Great Basin “Icky” IPA — a Reno classic for a reason
  • Revision Reno As F*** IPA — bold, hoppy, and unapologetically itself
  • Pigeon Head Pilsner — clean, crisp, one of the best in the region
  • 10 Torr Mexican Lager — refreshing and more interesting than it sounds

Honorable Mentions

The Honorable Mentions are usually where I highlight great spots that just missed the main list — but since every active craft brewery in Reno made it above, this section is a little different.

  • Imbib Custom Ales — Closed, but deserves recognition. Imbib’s sours, saisons, and barrel-aged beers helped put Reno on the craft beer map. Bristlecone Brewing Co. now occupies their old Second Street space.
  • Babe Kombucha — It’s not beer, it’s kombucha!
  • Frey Ranch Distillery — Craft spirits, not craft beer. But if you’re exploring Nevada’s broader craft beverage scene, it’s worth knowing about.
  • Black Rabbit Mead Company — It’s not beer, it’s mead!

Thomas Short
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