Will Work for Delicious Food
Summer 2024
Travel Nevada shares some of its favorite meals from around the state.
BY MEGG MUELLER
We’re not trying to brag, but as a group, the staff of Travel Nevada really gets around the Silver State. We log countless miles each year traversing the state in search of all the best Nevada has to offer so we can share it with you. During our travels, we’ve had our fair share of meals and decided to spill the tea on some of our favorite places. What follows is by no means all our favorites or meant to be a comprehensive list of Nevada’s great dining options. Without further ado, we present the places Travel Nevada and Nevada Magazine & Visitor Guide staff love to eat!
BEATTY
Marketing Manager Keelie Cox chose Smokin J’s BBQ. “They have tasty food and a great drink selection to refuel after a long day of exploring Death Valley National Park. Creative Director Susan Mowers seconded that motion. “Who knew such a beautiful little restaurant existed in Beatty? The food was delicious, but more than that, I loved sitting out on the front porch on a perfect Nevada blue-skies day to watch the city mosey on by.”
BOULDER CITY
The Dillinger topped Chief Marketing Officer Caroline Sexton’s list. “This is a new favorite! Located in the historic Bank of Nevada building, the shotgun door handles and ammo-filled tabletops are so fun and the perfect nod to the restaurant’s namesake, John Dillinger. It’s American-style dining with super creative menu items. My go-to is the sticky fingers burger and the gangster fries.”
CALIENTE
Side Track Café was a favorite of many voters. Here’s Destination Development Manager Cortney Bloomer’s take: “This place stands out in rural Nevada for its delicious and generously sized dinner salads. While they also offer tasty pizzas, burgers, and pasta, the salads are what keeps me coming back. My favorite is the summer salad with chicken, but whatever salad you pick, get it with the blood orange vinaigrette.”
CARSON CITY
Content Development Director Megg Mueller called out Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. “This place never disappoints. The menu is full of fresh, homemade items that have a distinct twist you won’t find anywhere else. Eclectic is the perfect descriptor. I almost always come back to the Asian chicken tacos with the heavenly sticky coconut rice, but I’ve never had a bad meal there.”
“My go-to lunch spot is the Pink Elephant Kitchen,” Fulfillment & Customer Service Specialist Carrie Roussel notes. “From pad thai to curry dishes, and spring rolls, mango sticky rice, and soups, their homemade offerings blend techniques from Thailand and Japan to create organic, super fresh, and delicious choices.”
ELKO
McAdoo’s hits the spot for Chief Communications Officer Tracie Barnthouse. “The breakfast sandwich on a croissant is absolutely delicious. I try to go every time I’m in town.”
FALLON
Another name that came up repeatedly was the Courtyard Café and Bakery. We’ll let Creative Manager Kippy Spilker fill you in: “The food is beautifully presented and, most importantly, absolutely delicious. Try the turkey & apple sandwich or club sandwich with house salad for lunch, or the California omelet with homemade toast for breakfast. If you can make it past the freshly baked goodies lining the counters on your way out, you’re stronger than I am!”
HIGHWAY 50
Associate Editor Cory Munson picked the famous roadside diner found halfway between Fallon and Austin. “For being in the middle of nowhere, something is always happening at Middlegate Station. It’s like an airport terminal, except the food is a lot cheaper. On my last visit, I met Swedes, Chileans, and a Japanese couple who were all chowing down on some good old greasy spoon fare. But the reason I’m picking Middlegate is because that’s where I experienced the proudest moment of my life when I completed their 4-pound monster burger food challenge and won a T-shirt.”
GARDNERVILLE
Deputy Director Mary Ellen Kawchack’s pick was easy. “I love the J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room. Going there is also a holiday tradition; the lights and comfort food feel like Christmas to me.”
HAWTHORNE
“My favorite has to be Pepper’s Place,” Digital Content Specialist Ali Anderson says. “The burgers and fries are just *chef’s kiss.* I also love that you can sit outside and take in the mountains. The owner is so sweet and provides great conversation! So, in total: great food, great scenery, great conversation—a win all around.”
Another spot on Ali’s list: The Bighorn Crossing in Walker Lake. “The experience begins in the parking lot where you are greeted by incredible outdoor art sculptures. As you walk in, you can’t miss the disco balls hanging from the ceiling mixed with the beautiful modern décor. I must recommend ordering one of their Italian sodas and a burger. The cherry on top? Plopping down at a table by the window and taking in the million-dollar views of Walker Lake.”
LAS VEGAS
Content Development Manager Rachel Wright quickly called out The Bagel Café. “The menu is classic deli favorites and a true testament that simple doesn’t mean flavorless. My go-to is the turkey sandwich with extra pickles. I don’t know how Bagel Café makes their pickles, but I love them! The matzoh ball soup tastes like it has legit healing powers, the potato knish is packed with flavor, and you won’t be able to leave without grabbing goodies from the overloaded bakery case.”
MESQUITE
Los Lupes Mexican Restaurant had a special place in Caroline’s heart. “This is an old classic for me. Growing up in Mesquite, it was a staple for birthdays or when anyone came into town for a visit. I especially love the fried ice cream.”
RENO
“I love Royce Burger Bar!” proclaims Francine Burge, Public Relations Manager for the Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs. “I can see them from my office window. When I see the steam is coming from the chimney, I know they could be making one for me.”
