10 Areas to Avoid in Reno, NV [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

Reno, with its bustling casinos and vibrant nightlife, often seems like a smaller sibling to Las Vegas. Yet, like any city, it has areas to avoid in Reno that tourists should be wary of. From my visits, I’ve learned that it pays to be informed about which neighborhoods to steer clear of.

Experiencing Reno is generally a delight, with its eclectic mix of entertainment and culture. However, safety should always be your top priority when exploring unfamiliar places. As someone who has navigated through Reno’s lesser-known streets and its best dining spots, I can share that some cautionary tales are worth heeding.

So, take a moment before you dive into ‘The Biggest Little City in the World’. I’ll guide you through insights that ensure your memories of Reno are of adventure and fun, not mishaps. Get ready to discover how to make the most of your trip while avoiding the not-so-glamorous parts of town.

areas to Avoid in Reno

 

Top Areas to Avoid in Reno, Nevada

1. Double Diamond

Double Diamond is a shining facet of Reno, known for its prosperity and development rather than one of the areas to avoid in Reno. Its wide, open parks and family-friendly atmosphere provide a stark contrast to the less savory parts of town that tourists might steer clear of. Fortunately, for food enthusiasts, this neighborhood is just a stone’s throw away from some of the best dining experiences in Reno, offering a variety of gastronomic delights.

While visitors seek out Reno’s thrills, Double Diamond stands as a beacon of residential calm. This community often escapes lists of troublesome spots, thanks to vigilant locals and well-kept surroundings, making it a refreshing outlier in discussions of the city’s cautionary locales.


Address: Double Diamond Pkwy, Reno, NV 89521

 

2. Sun Valley

Sun Valley, a community on Reno’s outskirts, offers a starkly different ambiance. Its less-polished veneer hints at the economic hardships that the city faces. Rustic in character, Sun Valley lacks the flash of Reno’s casinos, yet it holds a rugged, unrefined charm that reflects the realness of the area’s day-to-day life.

Residents take pride in their community despite its challenges, creating pockets of warmth and neighborliness amidst adversity. However, amid the Reno areas of concern, visitors looking for the quintessential Reno experience may find Sun Valley’s sparse attractions less compelling than the city’s vibrant core.


Address: 500 East 9th Street, Reno, NV

 

3. North Valleys

3. North Valleys, often overlooked by visitors, presents a quieter side of Reno, nestled away from the city’s hustle. Despite a reputation that might place it among Reno’s high-risk communities, its scattered residential areas highlight a sense of detachment from the urban flair, an inviting trait for those seeking solitude. The community’s rustic charm is overshadowed by its isolation, leaving it off the beaten path and less frequented by tourists.

Despite this, the North Valleys hold a certain allure for residents who cherish the tranquil spaces and local camaraderie. It’s an area that, while safe, rarely features on travel guides, offering an unpolished gem for the truly adventurous soul looking beyond the glitter of the casinos.


Address: 7105 Echo Ave, Reno, NV

 

4. Oliver Montello

Oliver Montello, another area within Reno’s expansive suburban canvas, bears the marks of urban neglect. Its sporadic development manifests in a patchwork of residences amidst vacant lots. Often bypassed by the average visitor, Oliver Montello carries a reputation less for charm and more due to being one of the high-crime neighborhoods in Reno. The streets here are quieter, with visible signs of wear, contrasting sharply with Reno’s glitzy skyline.

Local wisdom suggests a heightened awareness when meandering through Oliver Montello, for it is a stark reminder of the city’s socio-economic divide. Still, for some, it stands as a monument to the enduring spirit of its inhabitants against the odds. It’s a place seldom recommended for casual tourism, yet it starkly represents the dichotomy of Reno’s reality.


Address: 250 El Rancho Dr, Reno, NV

 

5. Neil Road

In the patchwork of Reno’s contrasting neighborhoods, 5. Neil Road epitomizes one of the city’s areas with safety issues that often invoke caution and vigilance among those who traverse it. Its scenery is marked less by sights to see and more by reminders to keep your wits about you. Here, the vibrant life synonymous with Reno gives way to a more subdued atmosphere, tinged with the need for awareness.

The road, while less traveled, hints at the complexities of Reno’s urban tapestry, where not all that glitters is gold. For the intrepid explorer, Neil Road may offer a glimpse into a different facet of the city’s personality, but most visitors might prefer to steer clear for their peace of mind.


Address: 5 Neil Rd, Reno, NV

 

6. Galena Forest

In stark contrast to areas like Oliver Montello, which might be highlighted on lists of “Reno neighborhoods to avoid,” Galena Forest is a serene enclave, tucked away from Reno’s rough edges. This area, cloaked in pines and crisp mountain air, offers a respite from the urban sprawl and its associated concerns.

Galena Forest casts a different shade on Reno’s diversity, far from the caution-taped corners of cautionary tales. It’s a sanctuary where nature’s embrace forms a buffer against the city’s harder lines, appealing to those seeking tranquility.


Address: 18250 Mount Rose Hwy, Reno, NV

 

7. Wells Avenue

Just south of downtown Reno, Wells Avenue offers a glimpse into a distinct facet of the locale—one that’s unpolished and sometimes brusque. The traffic-filled avenue embodies a crude candor starkly divergent from the glitzier districts in Reno. As an enclave teeming with personality, visitors should nonetheless navigate with care and attentive awareness, especially after sunset, as it is one of the high-risk areas in Reno.

In this segment of the city, the varied mix of commerce and residences articulates the street’s rich cultural mosaic. Even so, for those not well-versed in Reno’s diverse quarters, Wells Avenue may present an element of vigilance, potentially unsettling the peace of mind of those who are not accustomed to it.


Address: 700 Wells Ave, Reno, NV

 

8. West Fourth Street

Venturing further, West Fourth Street stands out as a zone to navigate with care, particularly for the uninitiated. Reno’s patchwork of locales includes this less-touted strip, one of the Problematic spots in Reno, where vigilance is encouraged. It’s an area that might unsettle visitors with its stark reality and unpolished edges, demanding awareness and a cautious step. The street’s atmosphere is a far cry from the neon-lit casinos and the serenity of the suburbs.

Despite possessing its own gritty charm and longstanding local businesses, West Fourth Street can be a dicey proposition after dusk. It provides a raw slice of Reno life, yet it’s wise for travelers to remain watchful as they explore its offerings. A blend of caution and curiosity serves well along this stretch.


Address: 400 W 4th St, Reno, NV

 

9. Yori Avenue

Navigating Yori Avenue throws up its own set of unique challenges amidst the patchwork of Reno’s districts. A byway is less refined, it serves as an unfiltered portal into some of the less safe sides of Reno. This street’s authentic roughness may be compelling to the urban explorer, yet it demands a measure of wariness from those who traverse it. Yori is speckled with an assortment of dwellings and enterprises that speak of the genuine Reno, yet this is no place for the oblivious saunterer.

With an atmosphere that is decidedly more austere than the city’s tourist hubs, Yori Avenue is the best to tread with a watchful disposition. Those in pursuit of unvarnished city life will surely find it here, though accompanied by a need for savvy, particularly as evening turns to night. Absorbing the essence of Yori Avenue is an adventure in its own right, but one that insists on prudence as a constant companion to discovery.


Address: 3300 Yori Ave, Reno, NV

 

10. Sutro Street

Sutro Street carries its own rough edges in Reno’s urban tapestry, a place often whispered about with caution. Among notorious Reno streets to avoid, it stands out as a stretch that knows the tough pulse of the hive. Here, the city’s narrative unfolds without gloss, demanding attentiveness from those who tread its sidewalk’s stories. True to unvarnished Reno, Sutro Street isn’t garnished for the tourist’s gaze, its authenticity requires careful navigation.

Amidst Sutro’s authenticity, shadows deepen after nightfall, whispering the need for a deliberate pace and watchful eyes. Visitors seeking the raw heart of the city find it here but must balance curiosity with prudence. This is not a locale for the naive; Sutro Street is a lesson in true urban savviness.


Address: 10 Sutro St, Reno, NV

 

Conclusion

Navigating the vibrant city of Reno, it’s important for visitors and residents to be mindful of areas to avoid in Reno for their safety and security. From the article, we’ve learned that certain neighborhoods may present higher risks due to various factors, including crime rates or lack of amenities. As adventurers seeking the best experiences in the ‘Biggest Little City in the World,’ staying informed helps us enjoy all that Reno has to offer while steering clear of less desirable locations.

Remember, staying vigilant and informed is key to making the most of your time in Reno. Whether you’re here for the stunning casinos, the rich cultural scene, or the beautiful natural surroundings, awareness is your trusted companion. Keep these insights in your travel notes, and be ready to embrace the safe, exciting, and unforgettable moments that await Reno’s welcoming embrace. Now, go out there and create some remarkable memories, with confidence!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common safety concerns in areas to avoid in Reno?

Common safety concerns in these areas include high crime rates, such as theft, burglary, assaults, and occasionally drug-related activity. Poor lighting and lack of police presence can also contribute to a feeling of unsafety.

How does Reno crime data influence the designation of unsafe areas?

Crime data, such as reports from the Reno Police Department and statistics from crime mapping services, help identify patterns and hotspots of criminal activity. Areas with consistently high crime rates are often labeled as less safe.

Are there specific times of day that are more dangerous in these areas?

Yes, typically late at night and early hours of the morning are considered more dangerous due to lower visibility and fewer people around, which can embolden criminal behavior.

What precautions can visitors take when traveling through these areas?

Visitors are advised to remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, travel in groups if possible, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and keep their destinations and routes in mind to avoid getting lost in high-risk areas.

Is the information about unsafe areas in Reno subject to change, and how can one stay updated?

Yes, the safety of areas can change over time as the city implements safety measures or as crime trends evolve. To stay updated, one can follow local news, check in with the Reno Police Department for recent reports and advisories, or use online crime mapping tools that provide up-to-date information.

20 BEST Restaurants in Reno, Nevada [2023 UPDATED]

Reno, a city in the state of Nevada, isn’t just known for its casino industry, but also with delectable cuisines and vast wine selections. Everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, will enjoy mouthwatering food, drinks and delectable treats in the city. Whether you’re on a diet, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free eater, meat-eater, or a picky eater, the best restaurants in Reno will surely satisfy your choosy palate.

Locals and tourists alike, even those who are frequent in the city still have a lot to discover about the place. Hence, we decided to create a list of the best restaurants in Reno as a guide for you on your next visit. It includes 20 of the must-go and must-try restaurants offering inexpensive fine dining and very enticing happy hour deals. Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno has a lot in store, especially in their restaurants, café, bistros, and steakhouses. Make sure to check out every single restaurant in the list or you’ll end up missing some of the best restaurants in Reno — something you’ll really regret.

best restaurants in reno

 

1: Atlantis Steakhouse

The Steakhouse in Reno that you can enjoy the longest, most fulfilling dinner ever, Atlantis Steakhouse will give you a world-class dining experience. Well done foods and around 336 selections of wine are served by professional and very accommodating staff. Voted as the “Best Overall Steakhouse in Reno” — Tahoe area, this is indeed one of the best restaurants in Reno, Nevada.

Phone: +1 775-824-4430
Address: 3800 S Virginia St, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, NV 89502
Website: www.atlantiscasino.com

 

2: Atlantis Sky Terrace Sushi & Oyster Bar

Locals don’t need to go to Japan just to experience authentic Japanese cuisines and popular sushi. Atlantis Sky Terrace Sushi & Oyster Bar offers you the best in Japan at affordable prices. All the food is fresh and delicious, so your cravings will be satisfied. If you want to enjoy a wonderful lunch, dinner or late-night snacks, go ahead and drive to this place.

Phone: +1 775-825-4700
Address: 3800 S Virginia St, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, NV 89502
Website: www.atlantiscasino.com

 

3: Atlantis Bistro Napa

Get wild and get drunk at Atlantis Bistro Napa and enjoy happy hours daily from 4 PM to 6 PM. Yes, there’s a lot in store at this place. From organic ingredients, freshly prepared food, to the finest oysters, wine, and cocktails, you’ve just found an amazing place to enjoy the rest of the night in Reno. It’s a great place to unwind and gets drowned with wine.

Phone: +1 775-335-4539
Address: 3800 S Virginia St, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, NV 89502
Website: www.atlantiscasino.com

 

4: Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (Downtown Reno)

Just near Nevada Museum of Art is a well-known restaurant named Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs that serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch. It has a friendly atmosphere with lively crowds lining up for their food or waiting for their takeout. With great food and great service, you get your order quick, hot and tasty — just what you need before embarking to your next destination.

Phone: +1 775-329-2600
Address: 420 S Sierra St, Reno, NV 89501-1912
Website: eatatpegs.com

 

5: Harrah’s Steakhouse

Go to Harrah’s Steakhouse if you’re in the mood for your favorite steak and a classic old atmosphere. Situated in a very convenient location with ample parking, you can go straight to the restaurant and make your order. Their staff in a tuxedo will attend to your needs right away and you will never have an empty water glass. Everything is excellent and indeed a place to visit.

Phone: +1 775-788-2929
Address: 219 N Center St, Reno, NV 89501
Website: www.caesars.com

 

6: Squeeze In (South Reno)

Serving the “Best Omelettes on the Planet®,” the Squeeze In in South Reno is a good place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or brunch. There’s an awesome menu to choose — 60 specialty omelets, bacon, French Toast, salads, burgers, burritos, and a lot more. To complement your meal, you can enjoy their Bloody Marys and champagne drinks. A simple and clean restaurant, just what everyone wants.

Phone: +1 775-853-6090
Address: 25 Foothill Rd Suite 3, Reno, NV 89511-5426
Website: www.squeezein.com

 

7: Great Full Gardens Cafe and Eatery

Health-conscious travelers and locals don’t need to wonder where to eat organic, clean and healthy foods in Reno. The Great Full Gardens Café and Eatery offer you a vegan menu, gluten-free items and a lot of good-tasting foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Serving American cuisine coupled with a very nice interior ambiance, this is a perfect place to relax and dine.

Phone: +1 775-324-2013
Address: 555 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501-2263
Website: www.greatfullgardens.com

 

8: Squeeze In (Northwest, Reno)

Squeeze In is a great place to enjoy a luscious breakfast or lunch. With over 60 varieties of omelets, there’s always something new to enjoy every time you drop by. You can enjoy the usual breakfast stuff and exotic options like sausage, French Toast, pancakes, and creative sandwiches. With always fresh in-season fruits, there’s nothing more enjoyable than a complete delightful meal.

Phone: +1 775-787-2700
Address: 5020 Las Brisas Blvd Ste 5, Reno, NV 89523-6238
Website: www.squeezein.com

 

9: Atlantis Manhattan Deli

A must-go restaurant for everyone, locals and foreigners alike, the Atlantis Manhattan Deli is an inviting place to enjoy dinner, lunch or late-night bites. Gulp the high-piled sandwiches, salad or their famous New York cheesecake. With top-notch service, no wonder The Nosher, a Jewish publication, named this as the “Best Jewish Deli in Nevada.” Dine-in or take out these treats and you’ll surely burp.

Phone: +1 775-335-3114
Address: 3800 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502-6005
Website: www.atlantiscasino.com

 

10: Bimini Steakhouse

A perfect place for a dinner date, Bimini Steakhouse provides a spectacular atmosphere. Not only will your stomach be filled with awesome food, but your eyes will be satisfied too. You’ll crave no more with their best steak, seafood, and exceptional American dishes, plus, the breathtaking view of a virtual aquarium while you dine. An inexpensive venue for special celebrations, bring your family and friends to this amazing steakhouse.

Phone: +1 800-648-6992
Address: 2707 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502-4213
Website: www.peppermillreno.com

 

11: La Strada

Fill yourselves with nourishing food, pasta, meat and seafood entrees from the best Italian restaurant in the city. La Strada prepares authentic northern Italian cuisine that’ll give joy to everyone who dines in. Lights are dimmed low to emphasize the “star” in the ceiling, it’ll give you a perfect atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Don’t rush, just take a bite at a time.

Phone: +1 775-786-5700
Address: Eldorado Resort Casino 345 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501
Website: eldoradoreno.com

 

12: Two Chicks Reno

Hungry and want to have a full meal? Two Chicks Reno is just a drive away at the midtown Reno. A busy place, yet, friendly staff will come right up to you to get your orders. Serving fast with huge serving portions, it’s the right place to replenish your strength with a lavish meal. Indeed, it’s a place to drop by when you’re in Reno.

Phone: +1 775-323-0600
Address: 752 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501-2326
Website: twochicksreno.com

 

13: Pegs Glorified Ham n Eggs (South Reno)

In South Reno, you can find a perfect spot to enjoy a creative meal. Pegs Glorified Ham n Eggs prepares food that is always filling. Freshly made from carefully picked ingredients, this could be your new favorite restaurant in the city. Everything on the menu is hearty and flavorful, which is served by very friendly staff. Portions are large, too, very satisfying.

Phone: +1 775-851-7200
Address: 720 S Meadows Pkwy, Reno, NV 89521-3860
Website: eatatpegs.com

 

14: Twisted Fork

Looking for good food at decent prices? Twisted Fork in Reno is a wonderful place to enjoy great-tasting meals without worrying about the bill. Offering the perfectly prepared burgers and pretzel buns, kids and adults will surely come to the place over and over again. Food and drinks are served in a timely manner, even though it’s a busy restaurant.

Phone: +1 775-853-6033
Address: 1191 Steamboat Pkwy # 1400, Reno, NV 89521-6285
Website: twistedforkreno.com

 

15: Naan & Kabab

From the name of the restaurant itself, you know that Naan & Kabab offers something other than American cuisine. And, indeed, this is among well-sought restaurants in Reno that offers Mediterranean, Turkish, Persian, Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. The exterior might not be that persuading, but the menu is phenomenal. Every single dish is made with excellence, plus, there’s a great wine selection, too.

Phone: +1 775-825-3113
Address: 2740 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502
Website: www.naanandkabab.net

 

16: Charlie Palmer Steak Reno

If you’re looking for diverse food selections in one place, Charlie Palmer Steak Reno is the best place to be. With Executive Chef Dave Holman, experience skillful creations with his neo-traditional steakhouse classics and other special treats. Frequent visitors still enjoy the food here, because they offer something new, every time. With a welcoming staff and a really well-thought interior design, there’s no other place to enjoy dinner than here.

Phone: +1 775-789-2456
Address: 2500 2nd St, Reno, NV 89595-1200
Website: linktr.ee/charliepalmersteak

 

17: Grill At Quail Corners

Do you want to treat your friends to a one-of-a-kind dinner? Bring them to Grill at Quail Corners and you’re giving them an unforgettable dining experience they’ll cherish. You have lots of choices, so everyone will enjoy a night of festivity. From starters, salads to the entrée, you’ll surely be filled, bite after bite. The Grill is perfect for outside dining, too.

Phone: +1 775-827-6262
Address: 6520 S. McCarran Blvd., Reno, NV 89509-6112
Website: grillatqc.com

 

18: Brew Brothers Reno

Chill and have an amazing happy hour at Brew Brothers Reno. They got tasty appetizers, salads, pizza, eight custom microbrews and tons of food choices. Even your vegan and vegetarian friends will enjoy the evening here, too. Voted to have the “Best Beer Selection” and the “Best Live Music,” where else can you truly enjoy the rest of the night in Reno?

Phone: +1 775-786-5700
Address: 345 N Virginia St Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno, NV 89501
Website: www.eldoradoreno.com

 

19: Wild River Grille

There’s just an exact place you can go to enjoy a savory meal after strolling near the Truckee River or the Sierra Art Gallery. The Wild River Grille offers you some of the best modern American cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Joe Bell and Sous Chef Jessica Marrufo. And, if you feel like drinking, they have various wine selections from across the globe, including beers and cocktails.

Phone: +1 775-284-7455
Address: 17 S Virginia St Ste 180, Reno, NV 89501-1971
Website: www.wildrivergrille.com

 

20: Roxy

For an exceptional dining experience, go to Roxy at Eldorado Resort Casino. It’s an award-winning bistro serving everyone’s favorite dinner, late-night canapés, and drinks. With a very enchanting and awe-inspiring European ambiance, it’s the best place to be worry-free. Voted as the “Best Place to Take a Date,” it’s a restaurant you shouldn’t miss to visit while you’re in Reno.

Phone: +1 775-786-5700
Address: 345 N Virginia St Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno, NV 89501-1136
Website: www.eldoradoreno.com

 

Conclusion

Flocked with casinos, first-rate hotels and golf courses, Reno has rapidly become a place to visit for families and friends. Not only that it’s a wonderful place to relax and de-stress, but you can also indulge in their scrumptious meals and desirable desserts. The best restaurants in Reno offer you the best dinner you’ve never had anywhere. Every restaurant you’ll visit gives you unique food selections and drink variants. And, every time you visit your favorite restaurant, you’ll definitely be in awe again, like the very first time you visit the city. Reno is indeed the best place to be.

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