Freight House District: Restaurant/bar complex is a hit at Aces Stadium
Reno’s old freight house district, where railroad freight once arrived, has become the new Freight House District, a restaurant/bar/nightclub complex where crowds of locals now arrive. They really pack the place on weekends and on the nights when Reno’s AAA ballclub, the Aces, have a game at the stadium right next door.
The District has become a hit even with locals who have no clue what the infield fly rule is. And that’s been true ever since the doors opened in April 2010, one year after the Aces’ first season. Baseball-savvy visitors to the District—which is actually a large, two-story building that adjoins the Aces’ 9,100-seat stadium—fill up Bugsy’s and Duffy’s. Both directly overlook the ball field.
Bugsy’s Sports Bar and Grill (775-334-7095, www.bugsysreno.com), like the other second-floor establishments, has a separate menu during baseball season but shares the same menu in the colder months. That menu features starters and salads ($6-$8); sandwiches and sliders ($7-$12); stone-fired pizza ($10-$11) and desserts ($5-$6). The Bugsy’s drink menu includes the Curve Ball, a mojito made with scotch instead of rum. It’s a huge place, with an indoor/outdoor seating capacity of 300. You can watch the game from any table at the window, which is all that separates you from the back row of the stadium.
Duffy’s Ale House (775-334-7094, www.duffysalehouse.com) is modeled after a German beer garden, with 50 beers on tap. Old license plates and new flatscreens adorn the walls. It’s open for lunch and dinner (until 3 a.m. on weekends).
Plaza Bar is a small outdoor bar between these two restaurants. Along with Bugsy’s and Duffy’s patrons, you can enjoy your beer or wine at outdoor tables with heat lamps and fire pits.
District visitors more interesting in partying long after the bottom of the ninth—the extra-inning crowd—head to 250 Lounge (775-334-7093, www.250lounge.com). They bat .000 for the name (it’s at 250 Evans Avenue), but a crisp .400 for the creative décor (tables made of bicycle tires, chandeliers made of drink glasses). Martinis and the big dance floor are the draw here, as DJ music is blared from killer speakers.
On the lower level next to the stadium entrance, ticket office and team shop, is Arroyo Mexican Grill (775-334-7092, www.arroyogrill.com). Like the restaurants upstairs, there’s a bar and ample outdoor seating. Arroyo is known for the 120 varieties of tequila; fresh guacamole made-to-order at your table; and house-made corn tortillas and tortilla chips. All entrees are under $13. The plans are to stay open daily from 11 a.m.; the other places upstairs close Mondays and Tuesdays during the slow season.
The Aces, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ AAA team, have placed in the top three in their division in their first two seasons at the new ballpark. The Freight House District has likewise hit a home run with locals—even when the team is on the road.
HelloReno Tip: If you wish to avoid the crowds—or join them—check the Aces’ home game schedule.
Posted by Bob Cooper
