The River Room: Downtown Reno’s Newest Lounge
Sitting on the exact location where Reno began in 1859, the newly renovated River Room in the historical Riverside Hotel is now open for business. Chuck and Jan Shapiro, owners of the thriving Wild River Grille, expanded their business into the space previously occupied by “Dreamers Coffee”.
The River Room has now doubled the size of the Wild River Grille, known for its creative cuisine, extensive wine list and picturesque spot along the Truckee River.
The River Room will continue the Grille’s tradition of live music, entertainment and exceptional hospitality. The new operation will employ up to 50 people during peak season, creating 20 new jobs. The new venue features vibrant décor that celebrates the history and significance of the site. Oversized images from the Nevada Historical Society frame the windows and an enormous image of the old Reno Arch covers the back wall. A fresh and creative menu accompanies the new space.
In the evening you can expect classic infused cocktails, martinis and the new “Ring Toss”, the River Rooms Signature Drink. (Homage to the Reno legend of newly-divorced women tossing their rings into the Truckee River from the Virginia Street Bridge.)
The menu also showcases a tempting array of small plate options and desserts such as brie potstickers, short ribs, and espresso mousse. “In the coming months we will also include a daytime cafe offering fresh sandwiches, salads, pastries and espresso.” said Chuck Shapiro, Owner of Wild River Grille and the River Room.
“Since 2007, we have been a proud part of the urban renewal going on in Reno,” said owner Chuck Shapiro. “Our patrons enjoy a restaurant where they can meet up with friends to enjoy great food and drink, while celebrating the art and music renaissance of the Riverwalk. We are very excited to offer an additional space for dining, entertainment and relaxation.”
The building, a Frederick DeLongchamps design and on the National Historic Register, was saved from demolition and renovated in 2000 by the City of Reno and Artspace Projects of Minneapolis to create live/workspace for local artists. “We are delighted that the Wild River Grille has decided to expand into the space,” said Will Law, Chief Executive Officer of Artspace. “It is a successful example of a local business that strives to serve the needs of the community within and around the Artists Lofts.”
Check out the River Room at 17 S. Virginia Street or call 775-284-7224.
[...] River Room. Bonus! The owner of the Wild River Grill (who beams with pride over the vibe, location, and growth his live-music, view-of-the-river patio place has seen recently) just opened up a more lounge-like place right next door. We walked in to hear lounge music playing (be still my heart) and see quirky seats and a set-up that had the same cozy feeling, but a different energy than its sister restaurant. We drank our dessert here (I had a champagne cocktail, of course – the Ring Toss), before moving along the River Walk and other parts of downtown. [...]