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    Sparks Water Bar

    3.9 (639 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Sparks Water Bar Photos

    Business Info

    SPARKS WATER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Romantic
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - Sparks Water Bar

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    Bloody Mary comes with bacon, pepper, olive, cheese, and a weiner.
    Angela P.

    We always have a good time at the Sparks Water Bar. What makes this place is the drinks. Always strong and delicious, especially the Mai Tai. Had the salmon salad this time and it was spot on. Coconut prawns were amazing. Great service and nice seating overlooking the marina.

    Ahi tacos
    Jena R.

    First we ordered a Mai Tai. My husband said it was terrible. He NEVER sends a drink back but he couldn't even muscle it. I got a Miami vice and it was delicious but couldnt taste any alcohol. Our salt and vinegar chips were 8/10. Ahi tacos 7.8/10. The whiskey rib eye 7.5/10 vegetables had no seasoning though. I got the conchiglie pasta. Flavors were good the but chicken was a little dry and rubbery. Would have been better without the chicken. 6.5/10. Our favorite part, the live music! They were a great little duo and they made the ambiance. Our service was good but nothing to write home about. Overall... 7.5/10

    Cheese bread additional cost
    Diane P.

    My BFF took me to St Patrick's Day lunch at Water Bar. I know it's a Tuesday but it's St Patrick's Day! They only had 2 servers, one bartender and maybe a hostess. We had a reservation but we had to wait for the Bartender to seat us then the hostess showed up. It took awhile for our server to greet us. We told her I was on my lunch break so the food came out fairly quick, but we didn't get our drinks until we were almost finished. My corn beef plate was OK, slightly cold. The bread was good, but the same. My friend's cottage pie was delicious and she ate all of hers and I took half of mine home. The best part was the Crispy potatoes. The corn beef was fatty and the cabbage had an odd taste. I did like the carrots and onion thou. The cucumber mojito was delightful. I had a taste of my friends since I had to go back to work! It was a beautiful day to sit outside and enjoy the view of Mountain Rose and the Marina. The staff are amazing friendly and always welling to help even short staffed.

    Wanton Wrapped Ahi - was in appetizer on the menu (delicious!)
    Ashlee B.

    First time visiting this restaurant was better than the second visit. My food was delicious each time but my husband's and both kids food was not good this past visit. The kids drinks were awful as well. We sent the smoothies back and got a kid mocktail and that was awful as well. The service was not great either that day! Was pretty upset at all around quality this last time but willing to try again to hopefully change my mind.

    Pacific Swordfish: ROASTED CORN & ARTICHOKE ORZO, SWEET CHILI LIME BUTTER, HERBED ZUCCHINI NOODLES. Definitely recommended.
    Chuck S.

    One of the best restaurants in the Reno area. Food: reliably good. I often get the pacific swordfish. The salads and cocktails are also very good. Ambiance: nice location on the Sparks marina. Has a mini-Tahoe feel to it when you're at the restaurant. They also have a huge second floor that is ideal for private events. Service: always great

    Entrance
    Larry G.

    The ambiance is very elegant if you dine inside but the outdoor dining is our favorite on beautiful days like we are enjoying. We decided to pop in and just have drinks and appetizers. We ordered two of their signature margaritas. I do not advise ordering them blended because they came out very watered down. That was the only disappointing thing about our experience. They are meant to be to be served on the rocks. We ordered the zucchini sticks and pineapple prawns and they were both amazing. We topped it off with a hot fudge and caramel sundae. It's a great place to just relax and join the view. Our server Blythe was very attentive and genuine and added to our great experience. Great date spot with your sweetie.

    Gena M.

    The food is good and the view is amazing. Especially during sunset. The service needs work, it takes a long time to get service once seated. We had to keep waving down our server.

    Short rib tacos
    Scott M.

    Had to drop it to 4 stars because they lack on service and kind of feel ignored in a way. Definitely love the food and views and dont forget the wet woodys. All in all a great spot but could step up the service a bit.

    Salmon salad
    Noelani M.

    Came her for a birthday dinner and got the salmon salad, and when I tell you it melted in my mouth it melted! I haven't had a good salmon salad like that in a long time and that was by far my favorite. From the ingredients to the salmon being cooked perfectly everything was perfect i've been wanting to go back just to get that salad because of how good it was but haven't had the time. If you guys are looking for a good salmon salad this would be the place I definitely recommend.

    lobster bisque
    Kelly B.

    Well, I guess our days of eating here over! We have gone for years and the food is still the same, Mann never changes, same old, same old! We went the other day for my husband's birthday lunch, with our kids, sat in front of the Cooking station they're in the back! One my grandkids ordered mango smoothies, they were absolutely disgusting, and all of them were totally grossed out by it! We had a new server, Ethan and he was helping a girl who was training him, they remade the smoothies to the strawberry ones. They weren't much better but better than the first ones.! the service was so subpar, he would think that Ethan, who is a brand new guy would be really hustle and smiling, we actually had to find them to fix the smoothies! My son ordered a veggie burger, big mistake, while he liked it you can tell it was totally freezer burned, you think that Gordon Ramsay would walk in and go what the hell you can't figure out how to make a veggie burger, but from scratch you have to use these frozen nasty patties? That was not worth it.! I ordered a boring friendship sandwiches because it really wasn't much left on the menu, it was OK. Meat was stringy not too exciting husband ate the other half french fries were ok! My grandkids ordered kids sliders, and I wish I would've ordered those off the kids menu myself because she said they were really good! My daughter-in-law ordered the tacos, she really liked those. My husband also ordered. I think the Korean tacos I'm not so sure but he said they were OK.! but I don't know if the owner passed away or not. I keep asking if they're gonna change the menu, menu is so small this time. I think they shortened it up same items it's boring. I'm done.! We'll find some other nice restaurant to sit at and look outside, you just get tired of the same food tasting the same over and over and order, no specials no varieties no nothing.! I know the owner was really boring when it came to that kind of food and walking around. The restaurant never acknowledged us and we've been going there for years, but he'd go sit with his colonial friends in the corner and whatever.! I haven't seen him in a while so maybe he's gone! Anyways, the staff looks like they're out of the 70s in the back and I'm just bored with it!

    Evan S.

    Service from Blake was friendly and prompt. Only issue was the burger temp. Was medium, I ordered medium rare. Classic blunder, I was hungry so I ate it and it was fine and tasty, just not right.

    Karen R.

    I really want this space to be amazing, but... Except from the deck, the view is disappointing. The deck has heat lamps, a cool fireplace and wind shields to help enjoy the water view. The main dining room has a good view of the deck with limited water views. I've never dined upstairs but presume a better view. Service is friendly and attentive. The food alas, is also disappointing. Price and quality are not aligned at all. The crab sandwich has been fishy on two tries with barely warm fries both times. The Lobster Bisque with shrimp was tasty but was either lukewarm to start with or cooled really fast affecting our enjoyment of the dish. A fish full past visit was also poor tasting and had worse texture. A fun filled drinks menu is special but quite expensive too. The location draws people in but unless the kitchen improves taste and timing at least, they won't return.

    Teriyaki Salmon Salad
    Savannah R.

    I wish there was a button for 4.5 stars Food Overall: Extremely hit or miss on the food. We've had some incredible food here, and food we weren't especially keen on finishing but it's hard for us to send things back. Ahi Poke Tacos: Amazing 5/5. Super well balanced on the flavor. Exactly what you want. But you get 3 tacos so sharing with two people is hard and it's pricy for what you get. Shrimp & Lobster Bisque: Delicious, well flavored and creamy but was too salty. I got through it with a lot of water but it was a bummer because I felt like maybe I shouldn't be eating more salt than I need to be. 3/5 Slider Along the Pier: Very tasty mini burgers. No complaints. 4.5/5 - would have been nice to have a variety of flavors like a mini burgers flight. Teriyaki Salmon Salad: 10/5 criminally good. You'll be satisfied at the end of your meal but still feel like you did something healthy for yourself in the process. Always a good choice. Grilled Fish Tacos: 5/5 delicious- also a little pricy for what you get. Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: 0/5 this one is going to be a no from me. All the ingredients on their own are lovely and fresh/ cooked perfectly and then the buffalo sauce is a totally overwhelming flavor that masks all the great ingredients inside. When my husband ordered this he didn't want to finish it or take it home and I ended up sharing my meal with him instead. Ambiance: The inside feels nice but I can't quite put my finger on a design or vibe to it. Really the aesthetics here I feel rely on the huge windows overlooking the beautiful marina. Outdoor seating is lovely - I can't get enough of the view. Warning for the short of height - if you sit at one of the tables next to the windows outside you'll be fighting the black edge of the window for an unobstructed view. Overall I still came here for my birthday lunch because I love the Teriyaki Salmon Salad and coupled with the view, that was exactly the vibe I wanted.

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    Sparks Water Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sparks Water Bar

    What is the current happy hour?

    Do they take dogs on the patio?

    They let us bring our pup on the patio!

    What are the average prices for cocktails?

    Very pricey cocktails from 12 to 14 and up

    Do you have a happy hour? What time, what specials?

    Happy Hour 4:30-6:30pm, 35% off bar food and discounted Woodys, draft beers and wine. You may want to check with the place, as they may have discontinued happy hour since our last visit. They do have Wet Woody Wednesdays where their signature… Read more

    Is the attire just casual?

    Casual or feel free to dress up a little, the atmosphere caters to either. :)

    Are kids allowed?

    Yes

    Will you be open on thanksgiving?

    Is there an elevator for the disabled?

    Yes there is. On the evening we were there, there was a person in a very large wheel chair on the second floor. He seemed to be having a enjoyable time.

    Do you have a brunch menu for the weekend?

    There was a special brunch for Mother's Day but I don't think they have a regular brunch menu.

    View All 11 Questions

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    4.7(3 reviews)
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    I really enjoyed my Friday night venture out in Sparks with one of my favorite drink spots-…read moreTipsy's. A friend and I had discussed venturing somewhere for drinks and Tipsys was what popped in my head. Low and behold it was ladies night even better. I had saw a cotton candy drink and showed it to my friend and that was all the convincing that was needed! It was the perfect chill and relaxing vibe after a long and busy week. I love the glow of the place and the music was good. There was even security on site which is always good. We were fortunate enough to have Valerie the owner behind the counter, during my very first time to Tipsy's she was behind the counter. Most of the drinks for ladies night were $10, there were some really fun ones that were outside of that that are on my list for next time including a ducky in a bathtub, and even having a cocktail in a purse. I enjoyed chatting and commending Valerie for her and her families' creative business ventures. I loved learning about a new business soon to open- the Social Club which will be on Victorian. I love how more nightlife is coming to downtown Sparks to revitalize the area down there. I had been in the area and saw the signage and got super excited. I even learned that Señor Tequila's was a family member's business wow- so cool! I thought the drink- which was a special - Daydreaming which consisted of mango, passionfruit and prosecco. It was a beautifully served drink and tasted amazing. My friend even asked Valerie for some extra cotton candy and she was sweet enough to serve us extra in cups. Totally would have stayed to try more cocktails but my friend wanted to venture. Can't wait to come back to venture the ducky drink and some other cutesy ones.

    Cute little spot. Had no idea this place even existed till…read moreFriday evening. Drink was tasty, but I was sad it didn't come in the mushroom glass! (Although I get why they don't serve em up after certain hours) Cute, fun spot! Staff was kind as well.

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    Atomic Bootlegger Lounge - Cocktails are $5 during Happy Hour 5-7pm

    Atomic Bootlegger Lounge

    4.0(24 reviews)
    0.4 mi
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    Quiet, out of the way spot to enjoy some adult beverages and watch football. Bartender was pretty…read moregood, cute, not much of a personality. Always interesting conversation to be had with the truckers and other patrons. Would definitely drink beer and watch football here again.

    This is my favorite watering hole for a few reasons. First, it happens to be close to where I live…read morebecause second, they drinks are free flowing and I can walk home if I must. Third, I just like playing nickel video poker in a relaxed environment and when it's at the bar, even better. Drinks come faster that way. Speaking of drinks, they have the well stuff for the rookies who just order a rum and coke or gin and tonic. But for those in the know, all you have to do is ask for the good stuff and they will pour it for you, and they do have the good stuff. Full disclosure, they are a whiskey bar first and foremost, so they have more of that than anything else, but just to name a few others, they do have DonQ rum and Don Julio tequila so unless you are a high maintenance drinker, you can find what you are looking for. It is also worth noting that they bill themselves as a craft cocktail bar, which means they can and will make you a very nice mixed drink, speaking of the high maintenance among us. There are pool tables and leagues are a regular thing here as well as a nice little William Hill sportsbook in the corner. It closes early though, so keep that in mind. There are no less than a dozen beers on tap at any given time as well as several bottle and can options. Plenty of TV's above the bar and Direct TV, so they get almost anything you are looking for. The bar slots seem to be pretty loose most of the time and although I rarely play video Keno, I have seen many people cash out hundreds of dollars on a fairly regular basis playing it. Now for the bad...It is a truck stop bar and that in itself is not a bad thing, but sometimes, well...Truckers can be a lot to take in. Also, you will come home smelling like smoke. Otherwise, stop by if you are in the 'hood and take a look for yourself. Good place to pregame. If nothing else, check out the gun collection throughout the casino and bar, it is worth the trip alone.

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    Death & Taxes - D&T Single Barrel Weller  Antique

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    4.4(582 reviews)
    4.5 miMidtown
    $$

    My favorite place to get a cocktail in Reno…read more They have a unique "Old Fashioned" with buffalo trace bourbon, moroccan sugar, coconut, tobacco bitters, dehydrated pineapple. It really does not taste anything like an "old fashioned" but it's very good and my usual go-to. Ambiance is cool. Has a very Edgar Alan Poe vibe mixed with an alchemist/speakeasy. They have a small patio as well. Service: top-notch mixologists/alchemists.

    I'm battling this review. I battle rating it for the drinks/ambiance versus the service. The good:…read moreabsolutely the cutest vibe and decor. Love the quality of the drinks as they absolutely put effort and time making quality drinks with quality ingredients. It's relatively small inside so I can only imagine it could get packed in there. We had several drinks and every single one was perfection! The bathroom is the cutest and they have the coolest speakeasy door that the employees use to get to the back (not for the customers). My rant..I'm not from the area so I had NO idea what this place was when I walked by. It looked cute so my husband, myself and child walked up the steps and they sat outside while I went to check it out and see if this was a bar/club/ restaurant. I walked inside and instantly got the death glare from an employee. I instantly said omg I take it this place isn't kid friendly.. he rudely said no. I wanted to clarify and confirm even outside ? He said no. I apologized and they left but the vibe and way he said it was definitely off putting. My sister and I decided to stay for a drink while my husband/child went to walk around. Usually I don't give bad costumer service a chance.. but I realllllllly wanted a drink that one of those others customers were drinking. If this place had better costumer service. It would be a 5

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    Fireside Lounge

    Fireside Lounge

    4.1(179 reviews)
    4.7 mi
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    Big fan. But I never go. However a couple work friends were available in NYE... and we last minute…read moresaid we'd meet here and so glad we did. It was low enough key for us yet still fun, it was packed and we first sat on a corner edge by the fire the only seats open and it was overwhelmingly HOT by the fire even though the ambiance is lovely. We got super lucky when a couple of ladies left before the countdown so we moved to a table. It was still decorated like Christmas inside and it was super cute. We all LOVED our drinks mine was like a boozy (honestly was there even booze in it lol) milkshake and I tried my friends, one was a special holiday drink "sugar plum fairy" which was sweeter and yummy and other friend got a baileys based martini also very yummy. I can't remember exact names but see pics haha. Really made me wanna come back for that milkshake drink sooner than the once a year or every two years I prob make it in here. For the Older crowd.

    I'm here inside the Peppermill Casino, somewhere I don't usually come when in Reno. But a local…read morefriend wanted to take me to dinner at that fancy Chinese place they have here called Chi. So, after dinner he wanted to take me to this fancy Fireside Lounge for drinks after dinner. It was hella hard to find, but we did finally. It's near the Italian place called Romanza. It's supposed to be like the old school fireplace lounges the Peppermill restaurants used to have. I don't think there's any Peppermill restaurants around anymore, just this casino. My friend told me all locals get 20% off at any of the restaurants, so that's kinds cool. Inside this lounge, it's really on the dark side and there's lots of soft puffy couches and love seats. If you wanted a dark booth to make out in, this is the place! There's nice seating around the gas fireplace if you want, but those seats go fast on busy nights. I thought the music was kinda loud, but that might just be me. I don't think there's much food served in here, just fancy drinks before the making out starts! They have there monster big bowl drinks to share like a Scorpion, I think full of rum and other stuff. That thing's gonna be a headache in the morning! It was fun staying for a round of drinks, we got one of the darker booths ... you know for making out! Check it out, if you can find the lounge!

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    Press Start - Best Pinball Machine Ever

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    4.7(212 reviews)
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    You know how in certain video games there's an "Easter egg" that's hard to find! This is Reno's…read more"Easter egg" for the young at heart crowds or anyone that's into nostalgic games and video games! This is one of my favorites for arcade bars! I've been going here and make great memories since their first location I believe they opened in 2017. I've been to a lot of different arcade bars across California and this one's my favorite! The vibes now are even better than before the whole setups just pure fun!! The best adult arcade I've been to in a long time! Drinks are strong, games are epic, pinball always fun, and you leave with not that bad of a dent in your wallet! These guys crush it I noticed they are constantly changing out the pinball games and other video arcade games. Couches to chill on by the bar with mario kart built into the coffee tables and pool table not far away! There's old and new games all over the place hard to stay bored here! Also love the staff here always friendly and welcoming they also crush it here super hard to keep up a place like this so tell your friends and support these guys and don't forget to tip the wonderful staff!! Always a great time here, come down support your local businesses and smash some buttons with some friends or family but remember leave the kids at home 21+ only. ;)

    Press Start is hands down one of my favorite places in Reno. I celebrated my birthday here this…read morepast August, and later had the chance to return for the Reno Yelp Elite event, and both experiences were nothing short of amazing. The energy of this place is unmatched. It's fun, lively, and welcoming from the moment you walk in. The games, the vibe, and the overall atmosphere make it easy to lose track of time in the best way possible. Ted and John are truly fantastic. They, along with the rest of the staff, go above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome and taken care of. You can tell they genuinely care about creating a great experience, and it shows in every detail. Whether you're visiting Reno for the first time or you live here full-time, this spot is a must. I recommend Press Start every chance I get and will absolutely continue to come back. Thank you, Press Start, for consistently delivering such a fun and memorable experience. Insiders note: NEW Pizza place loading next door!!!

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    Sparks Water Bar - bars - Updated May 2026

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