Ryan’s Saloon & Broiler

My favoooorite burger place was closed on my birthday so my boyfriend and I decided to go off the beaten path and try somewhere different! We checked Unilocal and it brought us straight to Ryan’s! It’s scary from the outside, I’ll keep it real, and divey on the inside (but I’m learning quick that the divier the place, the better the food). It’s clear this place has their regulars as almost everyone who came in was greeted by name by the bartender. I was ID’d (it was my 21^st birthday) and she quickly wished me a happy birthday, to which a gentleman near by overheard and bought me a beer. Their regulars are incredibly kind at that!
We ordered two bacon cheeseburgers (treat yo self) and settled in. I was really excited to try these burgers and man was I not disappointed. It was freaking good. Juicy, juicy, and did I mention juicy? Prices were great for the quality you get. This is a great place to go if you’re looking for off the beaten path and really stinkin good food!

This was my first time at Ryan’s Saloon and I was definitely not disappointed! The cheeseburger was legit! I had it wrapped in lettuce rather than a bun since I am gluten free but my co-​worker had it on the bun and was extremely happy with her burger. It was perfectly cooked and you can tell it was not frozen. It was also HUGE. I didn’t eat the French fries because I’m on a low carb lifestyle but my co-​worker said they were yummy. I work at the VA Hospital so Ryan’s is within walking distance which is great. I’m just upset that I didn’t know sooner that this place had such yummy food. I’ve only been driving by it for 16 years! I will definitely be walking up there at least once a week for lunch. The menu is bigger than I thought it would be which made us very happy. We already have a lunch date set for next Tuesday! This time we are going to eat there rather than take it to go since it’s so close. I can’t wait to try the chicken wings. Yum.

I will be back again n again, felt so laid back i love it… try the food n the big tap beers

Burger night happens once a month for my dad and I.
When we decide where to go, we want to have an experience that is «Wow, that’s a good burger» and Ryan’s provides that, two times running, so far!
I am impressed!
Still, the outside is a bit scary and when you walk inside, it looks as though you step right into the 70s bar, without the cigarette smoke. And for me, that’s fine.
The first thing you will notice, after you walk in, is you’re greeted by the barkeep. And, they are anxious to take your order! We needed a menu since we forgot what we got last time we were in.
I highly recommend any of their burgers. Each burger is char broiled with fire coming up through a grate! It looks good cooking and the ½ pound patties were absolutely delicious afterwards!
The cheese was melted perfectly over the accompaniment of the tomato, onions toasted buttered buns. To say it was a mouthful would be an understatement.
The fries were served hot and fresh. Though I didn’t see them cut the potatoes fresh this time, I’m going to assume they were previously cut fresh.
This burger is worth parking outside on Wells and pushing open a solid green door into a bar & grill with no windows. It’s an experience which, not only would I repeat, I have repeated. This time, I went there without a coupon!
Now that’s saying a LOT!
This place can be cheap but the ½ pound burger isn’t. Coming in around $ 10 to $ 12, but you get more than what you pay for.
Anyone can make a ½ pound burger, but when you can taste the char-​broiled meat and enjoy it as much as my pops and I have, now your talking quality.
— — — — — — — — — — — -
Bottom Line
Yes, I will come back again.
I don’t care if I have a coupon or not!
For newbies to this divey place, it’s a bit scary on the outside but the burgers are worth it!

Straight up — I’m a newbie to Reno. Like just over a month newbie.
Now that’s off my chest, let it be known I am on a mission to find the best damn burger in this town. It’s a tall order considering I just arrived from Dallas, TX. Dallas is the kind of town that opens a new gourmet burger joint weekly. We’re talking $ 20+ for a mediocre at best cow patty. I miss the days of an old drive-​in that charges $ 3 bucks for a double burger with all the fixins, don’t you?
I was craving a greasy, charbroiled burger. The kind that may sit on your ribs for the rest of the afternoon. I came across Ryan’s Saloon via a Unilocal search. Let’s be honest — some of the best burgers come from a little bar down the street and I didn’t think this place would disappoint.
Upon walking in I noticed quickly the bar was a neighborhood joint. Everyone seemed to know each other. I dig that on a level that’s hard to explain. The open ‘kitchen’ (it’s pretty dang small) is at the end of the bar.
Grabbed a cold one from the bartender and ordered a ½ pound bacon cheeseburger. Why not, right? Noticed quickly that the bartender’s job included not only serving drinks, but manning the broiler and flat top. She did a hell of a job.
The burgers hit the high top table we were sitting at. Our jaws dropped. They were massive. No complaints from me. I was ready. The burger had insane charbroiled flavor. Melty cheese and a secret sauce that resembled thousand island dressing. Bacon. Sweet, sweet crispy bacon. It was everything I wanted and everything I have been looking for. Nearly ate all of it too. Crinkle cut fries were bomb as well. Let me be straight with you — this is the best burger I’ve had in many moons.
The bar filled up quickly with local regulars. I really dug the vibe of this place. If you’re looking to grab an AMAZING burger, a cold beer, or maybe a hot dog with some fried cheese curds… this is your place. Service = on point!
Seriously. Try the burger and let me know what you think. Pretty sure I’m on point with this one.

reno! the pastrami burger with added bacon is one of the most amazing things ive ever consumed. staff is always very friendly too!

Ok, so there must have been some kind of discrimination because according to the previous reviews this place is supposed to be great. So my guy and I were leaving Reno and we wanted a bit to eat before we hit the road. This place was recommended to us by a few people that we didn’t know but, now I think we were set up. LOL, when we first walked in it was sooooo uncomfortable we were looked at like we walked in the wrong damn place. But, I’m optimistic so I said to my honey, let’s still give it a try «WORST MISTAKE EVER»! I order the fried Shrimp & Fries, my boyfriend ordered a simple bacon cheeseburger & fries. So my Shrimp & fries come out the shrimp was OK fries were hard and overcooked, but the worst part is when my boyfriend’s cheeseburger comes it extremely disgusting and these people are none for a good burger, the bacon was burnt to a crisp so damn hard and nasty it tasted like charcoal whatever that taste like… LOL so when we tell the guy «this bacon is not eatable it’s burnt», he says «it’s not burnt at all that’s just the edges but it not burnt thru the burger and our bacon is precooked so it will look like that» WTH??? My boyfriend opens the burger to show him «YES» it is burnt thru. Then here comes the killer, he says «well I will give you a few pieces of bacon to put on your burger but, we won’t be remaking it», WTF??? That was it I had also order some kind of fried cheese balls which we never received even after reminding them 2x. It was a very uncomfortable, horrible, experience I have ever had when it comes to eating. NEVER AGAIN, but I’m sure the locals love it… WISH I COULD GIVE THESE PEOPLE A «0» AND REPORT THEM TO SOMEONE. BECAUSE THIS EXPERIENCE WAS BEYOND AWFUL !!!

Stopped 2 days ago, they are no longer making their own fries, got plain US foods frozen, burger medocre at best. not impressed

Walking in Ryan’s for the first time in the 18 years I’ve live in Reno. I was surprised and pleased. Thinking to myself, what a cool little spot. They offer all the normal things a bar has but there was just something different. After sitting down with my son at the bar I found what it was. A cool collection of hot sauces and oh yeah, Becca! The gal behind the bar was super friendly and had a great welcoming smile. She asked if we wanted menus and after looking at them I was very pleased by the food offered. I then began to look around after knowing it was gonna be the Bacon Cheeseburger and fries I was gonna have. Where is she going to cook this? Wait something I have heard great things about is gonna come from that little grill and fryer? Boy was I pleasantly surprised when Becca went to work and made us a burger that is in the top 3 burger I’ve had in northern Nevada. The drinks were filled up very quickly and she turned on the game. Once we finished our lunch with great delight I said thank you for an awesome burger and I cant to try others on the menu soon. Paid our bill and as we walked out she said see you soon… Oh yeah Becca, we will be back soon and look forward to other yummy stuff from the menu.

Local, hole in the wall atmosphere. The food was decent. Got a cheeseburger w bacon and cheese curds; total was about 15 bucks. I would suggest that the food was nothing special. It was not bad, just nothing which would be memorable. The server/​bartender was very nice. She seemed to know most of the patrons as they seemed to be regulars.

This is a neighborhood bar «where everybody knows your name» that is arguably the best burger joint in reno. Flame broiled burgers, homemade never frozen french fries and their house ranch is undeniably a life changing experience. You have to at least try it once!

That pastrami burger was one of the better burgers that I have ever had, especially with those deep fried cheese things. Definitely found a Jem. Very underrated

On Wells Avenue there is a small brick building (circa 1957) that could be called an Irish bar, a music bar, or perhaps a dive bar. I prefer the term, «neighborhood bar.» There are wooden plaques on the walls in memory of friends and family passed on, and plenty of memorabilia sure to spark stories for those who remember. A newcomer might feel out of place, but if you’re like me and appreciate above-​average bar grub with a healthy dose of character, Ryan’s Saloon & Broiler (est. 1974) is a must-​visit part of «old» Reno.
I’ve been to Ryan’s for live music nights but felt it was time to try the food during the light of day, and with perhaps a higher degree of sobriety. The broiler and bar space are one and the same, usually with a single person serving double-​duty as bartender and short order chef. Fast food this ain’t, but your patience will be rewarded if you’re looking for a meal of comfort food made fresh to order.
Upon entry during a Saturday afternoon, my wife and I were met by a group of men well in their cups, singing jukebox tunes with enthusiasm and – surprisingly enough – three part harmony. I ordered our food and some draft beer in order to catch up with the crowd (Bud, Bud Light, and PBR is drawn in $ 3 pints and enormous $ 6 schooners).
Deep-​fried Cheese Curds appeared first ($ 5), little nuggets of chewy, cheesy goodness served with ranch dressing. It’s a good thing we were hungry; you could easily split one order between 3 – 4 people. There’s nothing fancy about this snack, making a perfect pairing with mass-​market American lager.
My wife and I were torn between the Giant Cheeseburger with Fries ($ 8) or Mac’s Famous Reuben ($ 7.75), so we ordered both and split them between us. The burger was served medium rare with big slices of onion and beefsteak tomato, iceberg lettuce and pickle chips on a giant bun. The cheese and beef were melded just as they should be, with a house «secret sauce» adding a little extra tang and zip to one of the better burgers in town.
The french fries are made to order, cut from fresh potatoes with the skin left on and fried golden brown. Requiring just a sprinkling of salt to be perfect, frozen potatoes can’t compete with fries this honest. Not to be outdone, the Reuben’s expertly-​grilled rye bread was crispy, stuffed with lean and tender pastrami, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. The sandwich was served so fresh and hot there was no time for it to get soggy on the plate.
While eating lunch we noticed breakfast is served on Sundays, so back we went the next morning. Chicken Fried Steak is served with three eggs, toast, and an entire skin-​on potato, cubed by hand and turned into home fries. The steak was easily cut with a fork and the gravy had good flavor, though not as much sausage or black pepper as I prefer. The only misstep were eggs cooked «over hard» rather than medium as ordered. I gave this a pass being the man cooking breakfast was also serving drinks in rapid fashion to several people watching the game. The Bloody Mary accompanying my meal had a decent level of heat, amplified by a noticeable quantity of garlic ($ 5). I do like ‘em chunky.
As we paid the check and headed out, I noticed an older gentleman sitting in the same stool he’d been in the day before. I don’t know if it was the red t-​shirt and sweats or his long gray and white beard, but any place that’s good enough for Santa is good enough for me.

Some feel that this is a place they just don’t belong. So Sorry!
That’s OK. More room for you and me during the lunch hour as service can be slow as hell!
Most food orders are cooked one at a time and your patience will be tested. Like it or not, that’s vintage respect for a classic dive bar! This is a high octane menu based on food lubricants… grease!
The joint looks like a construction project that has no completion date… ever!
I kinda like it!

Do you ever go into a place and realize that you just DON’T belong? Well this was the case for me when I walked into Ryan’s Saloon. It’s a local bar with locals bellied up and chatting with each other. There was one guy behind the counter who made great drinks. All these things sound like they are a reason why I should belong. I love all of these things. But the reality is, it’s not MY local bar. It’s far from where I live, so I wont go here on the regular. Now, I probably will go back for that amazing Pastrami Burger, but I will understand that even though I can enjoy their burger and appreciate the cool little gem this place is, I just can’t say it’s a place I belong. Maybe if I lived around the corner, then it would be a nice place to hang my hat and down a pint.
Oh and yeah, the cheese curds were pretty good. Not WOW-​a-​fying but pretty good.

Cheese curds were so very good! Had the pastrami sandwich, which was very good. A member of our group had the pastrami burger… I clearly should have tried that! A little sad they didn’t have fresh cut fries anymore but they were still good.
Breakfast was good for a whole in the wall bar. My eggs were a perfect over medium, fresh cut potatoes, chicken fried steak was frozen, but again it’s a bar so I’m not complaining. All in all it was pretty good!

Today I finally attended my first Unilocal event. So glad I did! We were on a quest to eat some cheese curds. Ryan’s is a cool bar to hang out at. The cheese curds are unreal. The drinks are pretty good. The service is very friendly but sloooooooow. It is slow because there was one person cooking and slinging drinks. He was super fast but the place was really busy so he did the best he could. It would probably be a good idea to hire a bar back to help out on busy weekends. My daughter bought a cheeseburger and it was also REALLY great. Big and thick with awesome crispy fries. I will definitely be back. I will just make sure that I am mentally prepared for the wait.

I went in here late afternoon this past Tuesday. WOW!!! This place is GREAT!!! Yes fans a place in Reno I approve of. The service was not fast but what it lacked in alacrity it more than made up for with friendliness. The burger was FANTASTIC! Among THE best I have ever eaten. Great size, cooked exactly to my specifications. The fries were phenomenal as well.
The prices are quite reasonable too.
The place is a classic dive. Great old school vibe. Overall ⁹⁄₁₀ only because 10 is impossible & you can not smoke inside. I will be back

After reading the reviews and learning they have cheese curds I had been wanting to come here for awhile. I actually started to come for lunch one day by myself but got a little intimidated by the outside appearance. Today I went with my husband and will not be afraid to go back by myself. The bartender was super helpful. We ordered the cheese curds, a patty melt and a cheeseburger. He asked if we wanted the curds to start with while we were waiting for our burgers and he got those out to us pretty quick. I ordered iced tea and asked for sweet n low. He wasn’t sure they had any so I said sugar was fine. He handed me the sugar then he and another gentleman searched for the sweet n low even though I told them it wasn’t necessary. I was impressed that they went out of their way to try to accommodate me. I asked about their lunch crowd and he said it gets busier later in the week but if we didn’t have much time we could call ahead.
The burgers took a little while but we could see him cooking them so we didn’t mind. I was afraid they might be overcooked but they came out fine, still juicy and the fries were seasoned with something like Lawry’s. We were pretty full when we left. I am looking forward to going back and trying their wings or fingers and of course having some more curds.

Fried cheese curds are the best way to start the day! If you’ve never done it before, you owe it to yourself to make it happen! I discovered Ryan’s a year or so ago, thanks to the RGJ and their top burgers in Reno/​Sparks. Ryan’s was right up there with some local legends in the article, and they definitely didn’t tell no lies about this one.
Ryan’s is an old bar on Wells Ave. that’s been around since the early 70’s! Yep, that’s right, more than 30 years, so you know their doing something right. The hand painted murals inside and out are very cool, telling tales of times in Reno that have long past, and I can only imagine what they’d say if the walls of this place could talk!
Ryan’s serves a pretty standard selection of domestic beers and mixed drinks, and their Irish coffees are pretty tasty too. But I come for the food! They’ve got a small charbroiler, griddle, and fryer that turn out some pretty decent grub.
I always start with the fried cheese curds. You get a big pile of gooey, chewy, crispy delicious nuggets of of fried cheese served with ranch dressing. The bar sports a nice selection of hot sauces, so I add a little dash and it’s the perfect cure for whatever ails ya. Then I move onto one of their deliciously gigantic burgers, which I always share with the lady. A burger in its purest form is the way to go, charbroiled patty, well seasoned, topped with special sauce, lettuce, tomato, and onion, on a soft bun served with HANDCUT fries. That’s right… fries are cut and fried to order in this old school establishment. PRO TIP: If you like your burger medium rare, like me, there’s a 50% chance you’ll get it that way, all depending on who’s working and if the bar isn’t that busy!
Ryan’s has no real windows, so it’s the perfect place to forget about the world outside, and settle down with a big frosty mug of Bud Light and a down and dirty juicy burger. For me, Ryan’s was love at first bite, and it’s become a flavor I crave. Go try it for yourself!