Photos by Shirley Larkins3^rd Street

3^rd Street bar was built 100 years ago to be Reno’s original downtown marketplace and fresh food depot.  All of the original interior architectural elements are in tact and beautifully maintained. The wood ceilings are richly detailed; the crown moldings are ornate, with lion’s faces keeping a close watch on the revelrie below.

But the décor isn’t what holds the bar’s growing number of patron’s attention:  it’s the hospitality and great energy of the environment.  3^rd Street, primarily a whiskey and beer joint, isn’t snooty in the least.  “We put our own spin on things here,” say 3rd Street bar owners Tim McLean and Mikkel Dybvig.  These guys know they’re regulars on a first name basis. “Most places you go to don’t have owner operators greeting you,” McLean points out.  “What makes us different here is that we both have hospitality backgrounds.  One of the things we love about this place is that women can come here alone and chill.  We have a no harassment policy. Everyone here feels safe and welcome. Our livelihood depends on our customers being happy,” says McLean, who studied mixology from Francesco Lafranconi in Las Vegas.  “Where Tim’s culinary expertise comes into play is in the jello shots,” reminds Dybvig.  I tried the Pina Colada jello shot and it was delicious.  McLean’s custom Vegas style concoctions include:

• Photos by Shirley LarkinsØ  The  Peach Kashmir  - Peach jello w/ vanilla cognac
• Ø  Lemon Merengue Pie – Served with whipped cream
• Ø  Strawberry Chi Chi – Vodka based Pina Colada, coconut liquor, pineapple juice and vodka

The venue’s Late Night Happy Hour from 1-3am is alive with folks of all ages.  Tuesday night features the Reno Big Band, showcasing the sultry and talented vocalist Jakki Ford.  Wednesday’s Comedy Night has become the place to go for a great laugh downtown. “When we first started the Comedy Night, we had 50-60 people who’d never come here before. Now those folks are regulars,” observes Dybvig.  Sometimes venues are afraid to take the time it takes to build loyal followings for their theme nights.  Not Mikkel and Tim.  They committed to growing from the ground up with their programming.  “We’ve primarily built the business on word-of-mouth. We have fun here and that’s contagious.” 

“My favorite night is Blues Jam on Thursday nights,” says Dybvig.  “We support local artists, amateurs and professionals alike.”  Every town needs fun venues for emerging bands to hone their chops in front of live audiences.  3^rd Street features all genres of music and DJ culture. “We love Champaign & Bacon,” McLean says of the popular promoter duo.  “They work so hard and always bring a great crowd.”

3^rd Street is the only Reno bar offering customers a subscriber text service. Folks can stay connected to weekly updates on drink specials and giveaways.  For 3^rd Street text updates, text “TextTo Third Street” to “368674” the reply “1” then reply “Yes.”

3^rd Street

125 W. 3^rd St (Located next to the Eldorado parking garage).

Oliver X

Photos by Shirley Larkins