Reno Dining with Kids

[trininva]

Hi everyone - I'll be in Reno with my kids for a business meeting Sunday through Thursday and I'd like to find a restaurant that's kind of lively with good food. My kids are adventurous eaters, so I can take them to pretty much any kind of restaurant, but fine dining is probably not for them on this trip - I think they'll be too tired at the end of the day. Maybe something unique to the area? We also love any kind of Asian restaurant, South American, Mexican, etc.

We'll be staying at the Homewood Suites on Kietzke Lane and will have a car, so I'm able to drive to find someplace. We'll probably mix it up a bit, staying close to the hotel most nights, maybe drive a bit for something special one or two nights. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

[trininva]

That's one of our favorite meals too. We're from the DC area and are fortunate to have an Ethiopian family as a neighbor. We don't get out to the restaurants too much, but our neighbor includes us in their parties, so we get plenty of great food then.

[c oliver]

Amazingly there's not only an Ethiopian restaurant in Reno, it's very, very good. Having eaten a couple of times at what is acclaimed as one of the best Ethiopian places in DC, I feel on very solid ground recommening Zagol.

http://www.zagolofreno.com/

If you haven't had that cuisine, it's very versatile and you can get it as spicy or not as you want. Nice space, friendly service. I think that would be a great meal to have with kids. Who doesn't like eating with their hands?!? :

)

-----
Zagol
855 E 4th St Ste H, Reno, NV 89512

[SteveTimko]

Also, for dessert, there's Bijou's for Gelato. It's at Sparks Boulevard and East Prater Way in Sparks. Awesome gelato.

[trininva]

My kids thank you for this suggestion! I'm not much for desserts, so I don't think to ask about things like this. My kids, of course, are the opposite. We'll have to stop by here.

[SteveTimko]

El Tumi is a Peruvian restaurant on Moana near Kietzke Lane. It may or may not be open on Sunday. Right across Moana is Nu Yalk Pizza. Wednesday is Sicilian slice day.
More about El Tumi here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/651768
I concur with Nancy's recommendations for Thai Chili and China East. Thai Chili has a killer cashew chicken dish. China East is on South Virginia Street near Vassar, by the way. Chowhound is showing you the Carson city location.
Reno is king of all-you-can-eat sushi and the best place is Hiroba Sushi, in kind of an out-of-the-way place in southwest Reno. I don't know if they give discounts for children, so it might be too expensive if the have to pay full adult price. Also, they're very popular and waits can be long. If you can swing by at an off time -- they have lunch prices until 4 p.m., so if you could go at 3:30 p.m., for instance -- that might be a good place. Fresh fish and interesting rolls. Closed on Monday.
Not to be fixated on Moana Lane but there's also LaVecchia at Moana and South Virginia. IT's a nice Italian restaurant. Maybe kind of pricey for what you want.
Famous Dave's is a barbecue chain and they just opened on Kietzke Lane sort of near McCarran Boulevard. They're always packed.
If you can go for lunch or an early dinner, my other favorite barbecue place is Carolina Kitchen on Glendale Avenue in Sparks. I have to warn you the dining room is spartan. But the food is good. Good ribs and the best chicken wings in Reno. The problem for you is they close at around 6 p.m. I think. You'll have to check if you're interested.
Santa Fe offers Basque family-style dining. IT's about $21 per person and I'm not sure if there's a discount for kids. They bring you soup, salad, bread, beans and the entree of your choice. More here;
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/783297
Another place that will be a throwback to old Reno will be Casale's Halfway Club on East Fourth Street in Reno, almost to Sparks. Old fashion American spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli and pizza. Cash only.
My favorite Mexican place is La Fuente on Baring Boulevard in Sparks. LaFuente frequenlty has a three-man band walking around playing songs for diners. Miguel's on South Virginia Street is another nice restaurant.

-----
Casale's Halfway Club
2501 E 4th St, Reno, NV 89512

Thai Chili Restaurant
1030 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502

Hiroba Sushi
3005 Skyline Blvd Ste 105, Reno, NV 89509

[trininva]

Thanks Nancy and Steve - these are great suggestions. We'll be able to eat well all week with these. I've seen some of the reviews on the basque restaurants in Reno, and those sound interesting. I think that will definitely be something we try one night. The all you can eat sushi would be great too - my daughter's favorite. Thanks so much.

[SteveTimko]

Let us know what everyone likes or doesn't like. Always nice to get some perspective.

[trininva]

I'll report back. We get into town this Sunday. Looking forward to it.

[bill2975]

If you want Chinese food that's really convenient, considering where you're staying, you might try Two Guys from Hong Kong, just around the corner from Whole Foods, and next to OfficeMax.

The appearance is pretty spartan there, as well, but the food I've had has been good, and reasonably priced, too. It's not elegant by any means, but it is certainly edible.

Other choices in this category would be Hong Kong Diner and Chinese Duck House, both of which are on Virginia a little farther north, closer to downtown.

-----
Hong Kong Restaurant
1323 E Historic Highway 66, Gallup, NM 87301

Chinese Duck House
2960 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502

Hong Kong Diner
180 W Peckham Ln Ste 1170, Reno, NV 89509

[nancyhudson]

Close to your hotel is the Summit Sierra mall that has a BJ's and Firkin & Wolf - both pub food. Meadow Wood Mall has 775 Gastropub, and my favorite ethnic restaurants are Thai Chili, China East and El Adobe. Up the Mt. Rose Highway (about 10 minutes from your hotel) is the Lodge at Galena - into the tree line and very pretty at night with lights in the pine trees. All are children friendly.

-----
China East
1810 US Highway 50 E, Carson City, NV 89701

Thai Chili Restaurant
1030 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502

El Adobe Cafe-Mexican Restaurant
55 W Arroyo St, Reno, NV 89509

Bj's Restaurant
13999 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89511

[c oliver]

I'm glad to read that about El Adobe. We drive past it regularly but haven't eaten there yet.