Ready to trade your plain old cheeseburger for a taste explosion? Reno’s burger scene is sizzling with everything from wild chef specials to nostalgia-packed classics and jaw-stretching towers of beefy joy. Buckle up and loosen your belt—we’re about to dig into the juiciest, craziest, can’t-miss burgers across the Biggest Little City.
The Twisted Fork | Gourmet Burger Playground
If your taste buds need an adventure, the Twisted Fork delivers. Tucked into South Reno, it feels like your favorite neighborhood spot without any airs. Since 2013, this tucked-away hub has quietly redefined burgers with a creative spark.
They use certified Angus beef as a blank canvas for chef-driven masterpieces. Take the Espresso BBQ burger, where coffee meets smoky barbecue sauce. It comes piled with crispy shallots and served on a plush pretzel bun that adds a soft, salty note to every mouthful.
Pair your meal with a craft beer or artisanal cocktail from the full bar. The fries here are hand-cut, golden, and crave-worthy. Outdoor tables fill up fast when the weather cooperates. Families appreciate the laid-back vibe and kids menu. Best of all is the free parking right out front.
Simply put, this is the spot for inventive burgers in a relaxed setting. Bring friends, bring kids, and bring an appetite for something unexpected. See what madcap burger is waiting for you this week.
Big Ed’s Alley Inn | The Classic Neighborhood Dive
Walking into this unpretentious dive feels like stepping into your best friend’s backyard garage—if your friend happened to be a grill master. Every burger is a half-pound tribute to proper char and juicy interior. The Buster Burger stacks cheese, sautéed peppers, mushrooms, onions, an over-medium egg, and a thick slice of ham so high you’ll need a strategy to get your mouth around it.
If you crave heat, the Chili Melt drenches your beef patty in rich, all-meat chili that demands extra napkins and perhaps looser pants. Regulars sink into scuffed wooden stools while a crackling playlist resurrects forgotten classics. Sides stick to basics—hand-cut fries, house-made potato chips, or even a bowl of soup for a palate reset.
The full bar teases you into a second round, and the sun-drenched patio offers prime people-watching territory. For genuine dive-bar burger bliss in midtown Reno, this place delivers every time. Peek at the full menu before your arteries make any final decisions.
roxy restaurant & bar | The Splurge-Worthy Burger
If you think you know gourmet burgers, think again. This half-pound wagyu-quality patty arrives pressed between soft bakery brioche buns with a generous coat of Russian dressing. Layers of white cheddar, crispy bacon, and sweet caramelized onions conspire to turn every bite into a flavor parade.
Fries here are more than a side—they’re the price of admission to pure indulgence, each golden stick begging for your undivided attention. Inside there’s live music and a martini ritual that elevates every sip into a mini performance. The wine list brags enough awards to charm even the most selective taster, and the attentive staff moves with genuine warmth. Couples, families, and late-night revelers all find their niche in the glitzy, chandelier-lit dining room.
Before you go, don’t skip the bacon cheese bread to take home. It’s not your three-dollar bar burger, but when you crave something unforgettable with a dash of Reno sparkle, this is it. Make a reservation and go live your best Wagyu life.
In-N-Out Burger | The West Coast Icon
In Reno, there are two types of people: those who swear by In-N-Out and those who are mistaken. This burger shrine feels like classic American nirvana with never-frozen patties and hand-sliced fries that stay crispy from first bite to last. And then there is the Animal Style experience: grilled onions mingling with mustard, melted cheese, and that secret sauce in every glorious bite.
The menu sticks to the essentials. A Double-Double practically demands your order. For lettuce wrap fans, the Protein Style option sinks lettuce in place of a bun. You can cap off your meal with a thick real ice cream milkshake at 12:57 AM if you so choose.
Walking in feels like stepping into a retro daydream peppered with family-friendly chaos. The drive-thru line winds through parking lots like part of the city’s folklore. Don’t expect any frills like truffle aioli or gold leaf. What you do get is a nostalgic rush, fair prices, and the kind of burger loyalty that borders on obsession. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Bistro Napa | For When You Want to Impress a Date
Walk into an upscale oasis beneath the Atlantis Casino’s glittering lights and you’ll find a burger that’s more tuxedo than t-shirt. This American wagyu creation arrives layered with Neuske bacon, aged cheddar, and a swipe of garlic aioli. A side of sweet potato fries labeled “Sexy Fries” proves that even your sides can have a flirtatious personality.
The dining room breathes contemporary elegance, complete with intimate lighting and cushioned banquettes for those who like their meals with a side of romance. The wine list here reads like a novel you want to savor, and valet parking makes you forget the outside world. When Social Hour rolls around, you can sip discounted cocktails without your wallet staging an intervention.
Sure, there’s a raw bar and wood-fired flatbreads on the menu, but your real reason to visit is that burger’s perfect sear and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It’s a black-tie patty in the heart of Reno. see how the fancy half lives.
Great Full Gardens – Midtown | Health-Conscious Burger Bliss
Bright walls, hanging plants, and a menu as flexible as your weekend plans—this is not your average burger joint. Here you choose everything: grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, or a vegan patty so convincing you might forget meat exists. Bakery-fresh brioche buns cradle those custom-built burgers, while house-made sauces and veggies from local farms turn each bite into a mini celebration of freshness.
Battle Born’s jalapeño aioli could tempt even the staunchest vegan to flirt with a cheat day, then segue seamlessly into the seasonal special that rotates as fast as spring flowers bloom. Sides range from quinoa salad (guilt-free goodness) to a classic pile of fries if you’re feeling indulgent. The vibe is bright and welcoming, perfect for families, friends, or an afternoon break with a green juice in hand.
Healthy and hearty collide here, proving you can have your burger and eat it too—without feeling like a couch potato afterward. Check out the menu that might actually impress your kale-loving cousin.
Beefy’s | The Creative Carnivore’s Playground
Burger purists may need to brace themselves at Beefy’s. This retro Midtown hangout is the brainchild of a burger-obsessed innovator who refuses to play it safe. Ever wondered what would happen if you stacked chicken, bacon, and pastrami on fresh beef patties? You’re about to find out.
Menu highlights include the legendary Moo, Cluck, and Oink burger with double-stacked beef and a crispy chicken strip capped with bacon, pastrami, and onion rings. Every day brings a new burger special that feels like a secret handshake among locals.
The building has been slinging patties since 1947, channeling classic diner energy with neon signs and vinyl booths. But the beer selection outshines most diners, and the imaginative burgers soar far beyond the expected. If dessert is on your mind, go ahead for a peanut butter milkshake that doubles as a meal.
Claim a picnic table outside, order a craft brew, and prepare to stretch your jaws. At Beefy’s, embracing the wild side of burger building is nonnegotiable. Peruse the menu if you think your appetite is up for it.
Sasquatch Tavern and Grill | Burgers for the Bold & Curious
Tucked under weathered timber beams and friendly chatter, this cozy spot revives everything you thought you knew about casual burgers. The Big Foot Burger is a talkative character—melted cheddar and a house-secret sauce on garlic-parmesan sourdough that demands your full attention. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Hawaiian version pairs grilled pineapple with teriyaki in perfect, unexpected harmony.
The bar here keeps the spirits flowing, whether you lean toward a craft beer or a handcrafted cocktail. Outside, the sunny patio beckons you to linger over sweet potato fries that are crisp on the outside and tender inside. The atmosphere feels like a log cabin communal table where strangers become friends over shared fries and laughter.
Is Sasquatch real? Maybe not, but these burgers certainly are—and they leave no doubt that big flavor lives in unexpected places. Track down their elusive menu and see what all the fuss is about.
Scoopers Drive-in | Gold Standard for Retro Burgers
Scoopers feels like a time capsule for burger addicts. This local legend has been flipping patties and pouring creamy shakes since the era of classic drive-ins. Pull up, park under a vintage canopy, and maybe even wave at a carhop if you want to keep nostalgia alive.
The burger sizes range from a modest quarter pounder to a true three-quarter-pound beast. Their signature stackers push the envelope. One has pineapple and bacon for a tropical twist. The SecretSparks burger layers beef, pastrami, bourbon sauce, and a river of Thousand Island dressing that offers sweet, smoky, and tangy in every bite.
And the shake selection reads like a flavor encyclopedia. You can try cheesecake swirl, candy cane crunch, Butterfinger bits, or even real fruit spins. There’s picnic table seating out back for anyone who does not mind sticky fingers. Scoopers is all about low-key fun. Sunny days, indulgent onion rings, and zero judgment even if you tackle the onion ring tower solo. see what’s on deck at Scoopers here.
Pub N’ Sub | Reno’s Neighborhood Burger Haven
If your ideal burger spot includes a half pound of beef, a cozy fireplace crackling in the corner, and a grassy backyard perfect for post-meal lounging, this family-run restaurant delivers. They have been perfecting burgers since 1974 so you know they have the art down. The Nevada Burger arrives piled high with onion rings, barbecue sauce, and smoked cheddar.
Inside, the service feels like a warm welcome from an old friend. College-town energy rises when the Wolf Pack games play on the TVs. Outside, the grassy patio offers room to stretch out after tackling those generous portions.
Don’t skip the garlic cheese fries or bacon cheeseburger on the menu. Hand-cut fries and ice cold beer or cider round out a meal that dares you to finish. Bring the whole crew, kids included, for a neighborhood feast.
With happy hour deals, ample parking, and a location just far enough from downtown chaos, this spot feels like Reno’s unofficial living room. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Louis’ Basque Corner | For Adventurous Burger Lovers
If plain cheeseburgers leave you yawning, Louis’ Basque Corner has a cure. Here, bold toppings meet Old World charm on every patty. Picture melting blue cheese, tangy goat cheese, sautéed peppers, and even lamb woven into the mix for a taste that transports you to the Basque Country.
Their chorizo-beef blend burger raises the bar with spicy sausage ribbons married to ground beef. The famed Basque Burger doubles down on lamb and garlic for fans who love an extra savory punch. These creations aren’t experiments; they’re the culmination of decades of flavor mastery.
Inside, communal tables foster a welcoming atmosphere that has defined this landmark since 1967. The bartenders pour Picon Punch, a signature cocktail that adds a splash of history to your meal. Friendly staff and no-frills surroundings keep the focus on the food.
Best of all, there’s always free parking nearby. If you want a burger that breaks all the rules in the best possible way, this Basque Corner delivers a genuine taste of tradition with every bite. see how Louis’ rewrites the burger rulebook.
The Parlor | Gourmet Burgers, Anytime
If you wake up craving a burger at 11 am or 3 am on a Tuesday, The Parlor has you covered with 24 hour service. Its speakeasy vibe welcomes you with wood panel walls and dim lights yet plenty of TVs to keep you in the game.
Certified Angus patties form the hearty foundation here. The crowd favorite is the Parlor Burger, a towering stack loaded with braised short rib, melted cheese, and crisp lettuce. It is a challenge just to lift it but the payoff is worth every bite.
On the side, beer-battered fries are crisp with a soft center and the poutine is downright addictive. Seasoned tots and inventive rotating specials make every visit feel fresh.
Families will find a friendly atmosphere and a menu section just for the little ones. Late night or early morning, this spot answers the question: is there any good place open right now? Check out what’s on the menu at any hour.
Butchers Kitchen Char-B-Que | For the BBQ Burger Purist
This casual barbecue joint redefines what a burger can be. Family-owned and passionate about smoked flavors, they load their patties with house-smoked brisket then top them with even more brisket for the ultimate meat feast. The Meat Hook demands a seat at any carnivore’s table while the Basque-inspired chorizo burger packs a generous spicy kick.
Every bun is baked locally and the slaw and sauces are mixed in small batches on site. Sides steal the show as well.
Their mac and cheese swirls together double cheese bechamel until it is satisfyingly gooey. Those who prefer a lighter touch will still find plenty of options to round out a hearty meal.
Comfortable seating and a laid-back vibe help you settle in for a long, unrushed lunch or dinner. Sip a handcrafted cocktail or local brew while the kids explore the menu designed just for them. With easy parking out front and friendly service, this spot takes your average burger up a notch. See for yourself what all the fuss is about.
Honorable mentions:
• Archie’s Giant Hamburgers & Breakfast
• M3
