Gilley’s at the Nugget

My wife and I stopped by about 5 PM on June 13^th. There were two other tables with customers and a woman in the back of the establishment trying to teach five or six people to line dance. The was an idle mechanical bull and an empty dance floor in the middle of the restaurant and seating and tables around the edge. We ordered two margaritas and were disappointed because they tasted like someone forget to add the Tequila, my wife thought she was being served water We ordered two shots of Tequila, and that didn’t do them much good either. We asked the waitress about this and her answer was they were having trouble with the sweet and sour gun. She didn’t offer a replacement.
For dinner, I ordered Prime Rib with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and baked beans. My wife ordered Pulled Pork, collard greens, Mac & Cheese. My dinner was very good, my wife’s said the Mac and cheese was the best she had ever tasted. Two waitresses were on duty, ours didn’t stop by our table until just before she brought the bill, she was too busy visiting with the other waitress. Both young women were dressed in skimpy bikini bottoms and tops, chaps covering their legs, and ultra cheap cowboy hats., I was easy to figure out they were hired for their looks and not their abilities to serve food. Before leaving we both reminisced about back when this restaurant was Trader Vic’s and the signature drink was a Scorpion served in a large bowl with two long straws. I’m hoping the franchise on this place ends soon and a decent restaurant can once again occupy this space. In the meantime, go somewhere else. True, the food was food, the service and drinks were horrible.

Worst ribs ever! Burnt to a char and the service wasn’t too great either!

As my husband and I attempt to have one date night a week, we decided to give Gilleys a shot for dinner and to check out the line dance lessons. While the dance lessons seems more difficult than it should be, the dinner was really good. I ordered the Cowboy favorite cheeseburger and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. The burger had a nice smokey flavor, which says open fire cooking… Yeah! It arrived on a homemade kaiser roll that was soft and delicious. The fries could have used a little something, they were thin and tasted okay, but a nice steak fry would have been a nice complement to this meal.

Free line dance lessons Wednesday at Gillies
Smaller crowd on Wednesday. Plenty of room at the bar. Bar tender was entertaining and friendly.
I enjoyed my favorite wine and a cheese burger very good, our first time for food at Gillies. We are planning on going back and trying the dance lessons.

Fun place Gillys inside The Nugget. Line dancing lessons and mechanical bull riding. Had a great time. Appetizers plentiful, prime rib dinner excellent and large portion. A definite stop in Reno for a gun time and people watching.

What’s a gal from BKLYN gonna do on a Sunday night? Put on her Lucchese cowboy boots and take a line dancing lessons at Gilley’s.
The original Gilley’s was a bar/​honky tonk founded in 1971 by country singer Mickey Gilley in Pasadena, Texas. Gilley’s at the Nugget is to the Original Gilley’s as The Olive Garden is to Italian food. Don’t get me wrong it was a good time but it feels like a chain restaurant.
The food was ok. Sampler appetizer plate and the nachos are gooey comfort food. The Prime Rib looked good and was enjoyed by my friends.
Yes there is a mechanical bull available for riding or photo opts. Two bar areas with video poker machines on the bar; it’s in a casino after all. Two dining rooms with plenty of tables to accommodate parties of all sizes.
The dance floor is in a pit between the 2 bars with seating around the top. Yes people will sit and watch you dance. Sundays and Wednesdays the dance lessons start at 630 PM. We learned 2 dances. The group included newbies like me and some seasoned line dancers. Everyone was there to have a good time. The more seasoned dancers even helped those with two left feet.
It was a lot of fun, I’d do it again but I might get something lighter to eat before hand.

My friends from the East Coast wanted a western experience. Line dancing lessons at Gilley’s should do it! So off we were on Sunday night… Line dancing lessons begin at 6 pm
Since most of us were not hungry, we opted for A huge nacho platter… Really good nachos with their signature chili on top. And we ordered the combo platter. These were shared by 3 people and it WAS dinner. Two others «needed» a meal and they ordered the prime rib which looked good and they both enjoyed their meals
They gave us a table where we were supposed to be able to watch the lessons and dancers. Unfortunately all you could see was bobbing heads. I understand their closed circuit TVs are usually tuned to dance floor… Apparently not tonight. So we left the table and went to the at area around the dance floor to watch. The back to table to eat. Then back to bar to watch
And they have bull riding as well. Unfortunately there were no takers during our visit here
So I give in 4 stars for what it is. A country western bar and BBQ restaurant with dance and music. Not my preferred venue but great for those looking for this type of restaurant and entertainment. A truly fun place

Gilley’s is best described as a slightly classier western style Hooters.
The food wasn’t bad at all. I had a grilled steak and shrimp dish that was really tasty, my girlfriend had a LARGE steak with VERY large sides, she ended up making two meals out of it. It was reasonably priced, our waitress was friendly, the place seemed pretty clean, and I think it’s an all-​around improvement from the tiki bar that was previously in that location.
I will be going back for the people watching. They have beautiful ladies dancing, old men day-​dreaming about the lovely ladies, open line dancing, mechanical bull riding, and so on. Leave the kids in the room (or at home) to properly enjoy Gilley’s.

Do you enjoy pretty good BBQ, a margarita in a mason jar and scantily clad waitresses? I thought so — until we have hooters this is your only outlet so enjoy it! Does the kid who’s only toy was a stick complain because he doesn’t have a better stick? No! Enjoy the little buns and eat your vegetables!
Ps — the bull is hilarious…

Live country music? Check.
Good pours? Check.
Bull to ride? Check. I see women get a second chance
People watching? Check.
Country dance lessons. Check. I’m going to try but I think lessons are on Sunday’s and Wednesday?
I enjoy country music and this spot is located in the Nugget Casino not far from downtown Reno if your visiting from out of town. I suggest valet parking as the parking lot gives you the impression your walking from the California border it’s a long walk. Don’t get me wrong, but I hike or bike every day.
Grab a less expensive drink at one of the casino bars as you make your way.
Everyone is nice, varied ages, no drama, plenty of security to escort anyone out. as I saw recently but the kid had too much and security was professional and respectful to the youngster.
So if you know how to country dance, or want some live country music this is a decent spot to visit.
One less star for a small dance floor.

Surprised that a country bar and restaurant was playing hip hop music. The crowd in the restaurant was older. The place was boring. My drink was warm. My steak was mooing when I asked for medium. I almost fell asleep. Your employees are bored. You don’t carry the Gilleys name well!!!

The food tonight Sat ³⁄₅ was totally terrible as well as the waitress. She did the bare minimum. Spoke to my husband did not acknowledge me. They are all into their sexie bodies. The margaritas were terrible. Like cool aid. The ribs had to much liquid smoke. The beans were still crunchy. We got there at 5:00, when it opened. Like urban needed to cook some more.
Like a previous person said. If you didn’t know the bartender or big boobs, you didnt get crap.

Wanted a change of menu and went to Gilliey’s for dinner Wife had prime rib I had the bacon wrapped meatloaf. service excellent, food really good, price fair. will go back again

The food was awesome however the best part of our evening was watching some kids stare at the scantily clad girls riding the mechanical bull in an overly sexual manner. They seemed so uncomfortable and the parents were oblivious to what was going on. It was quite hilarious to my wife and I.
It was a little pricey so it’s more of a «date night» thing for us. But well worth it for the amazing food.

We have eaten here before, and to my surprise I have not reviewed it yet. So here is my review.
Gilleys is known for there live bands, mechanical bull and the waitresses. As far as food, they are known for there smoked bbq. Ribs, brisket and chicken are all good here.
I did not feel like a massive portion of bbq, so i ordered mesquite smoked chicken enchiladas with melted cheddar and green chili sauce on top.
The enchiladas were delicious, guacamole and sour cream accompanied the enchilada as well as beans. The chicken had a tremendous amount of flavor, not overpowering, but complementing the cilantro and onions and salsa. Rice is also served with the dish, i was not to impressed with the rice.
Overall very impressed with quality of food. We will definitely be back.

I’m usually only here on some Wednesdays and Sundays for the line dancing with Vaquera Vikki. :) She’s a good teacher and is eager to help everyone out to make sure they get the dances she’s teaching.
I tried the food once, it was some sort of cheeseburger (it was back in February or March) and fries. After eating the fries I broke out in hives on my face. I haven’t had them since at Gilleys, but I had some fries at CBQ and broke out in hives on my face and torso. If you have allergies to foodstuffs, I’d stay away from the fries. I’m not sure what seasonings both places use, but beware.
Jeremy is an awesome bartender. He’s quick and efficient and knows his stuff!

Worst ribs ever! Burnt to a char and the service wasn’t too great for a slow Thursday at 6pm!

Ok this has been the first time out since I had my twins! So me and a few friends wanted to go to a country bar and what better than Reno’s newest country bar and grill! Eh eh!
Walked in got carded or course it was at night time. I felt like I had just turned 21 again because I almost forgot how the whole drill went going out. Anyway while I rummaged through my purse trying to find my card the security guard checking couldn’t help but laugh at my amusement.
Hehe. Anyway. It was loud with music and a ton of people. Every once in awhile they would play a song or two where there’s a coordinating dance that goes with it and of course yes, I know the dance. Whoo hoo! I’m still cool and hip after 3 kids.
The bartender was very nice, again feeling like I was 21 again I didn’t know what to order. So while he patiently waited with out any annoyance I finally just ordered my usual. Single barrel on the rocks! And boy did he over pour that drink because it was huge! When we tipped him he said thank you very much! That made me feel good. Even though the bar was so full of people he still didn’t act like he was bombarded with drink orders.
The outfits the girls have to wear are a tad interesting. But hey hope they get paid good for barely having anything on. One of the waitresses brought out this huge tray of food and it smelt sooo amazing, we should’ve ordered something but didn’t. We were too busy drinking and watching people get flung off the mechanical bull.
The person behind the movements of the mechanical bull is hilarious! Depending on who gets on he/​she definitely puts on a show for the people. And when I mean the person making the bull move is the one putting on the show not the person on the bull. There was a lady that was gifted in the rear area and the lady making the bull move somehow made the butt of the lady bounce up and down. Hahahaha. That was hilarious!!! Aahh what a fun night!
Haven’t tried the food yet, but will write another updated review when that happens. But overall it was a great and fun experience and most the workers were fun and nice as well.

I want to love Gilleys– after all, we don’t have too many dance hall options especially with a live band in the area. This place is too small to ever be consistently awesome for dancing, but with a few changes could be much more enjoyable:
1. Smokers
I don’t really understand how they are allowed to have people smoking in a place that serves food– I’m sure it is some casino loophole– but GROSS. I can’t stand cigarette smoke anyway but the last thing I want while out of breath after several fast dances is to have someone light up next to me.
2. Drinks on the dance floor
There are signs prohibiting this but it is not well-​enforced and I have had beer spilled on me more than once by some young thing who thinks she looks cool clutching her drink while hanging off of some dude.
3. Ventilation
There are ceiling fans in some areas but not others and it gets really hot and thick on the dance floor. This is actually the reason we end up leaving before we otherwise might — despite drinking plenty of water (yes we buy and tip) and dressing appropriately, even when the dance floor is not especially crowded it starts to feel like a sauna because there is no air. More fans please!

We came here after the 4^th of July fireworks, so this review doesn’t have anything to do with the food (I was actually surprised to learn that they served food).
I love my country and it’s always nice to find a really fun country bar and this is definitely it! It’s a ton of fun to watch people ride the mechanical bull and I even got it in my head that I could do that with no problem. So I paid my $ 5 at the bar for ticket and got on there and then … fell off. It’s really hard! You get two chances for $ 5, but my second try was no better. Make sure you have everything out of your pockets otherwise it’ll be all scattered around when you fall off.
The dance floor is teeny tiny (and like other people have said, oddly shaped). They have girls dancing on podiums on either side of the dance floor. They’re fun to watch as long as you’re not thinking too much about the ridiculous objectification of women that is going on all over this place. I’m not going to go too crazy over this subject, but really, those waitress outfits are just ridiculous. Anyway, moving on…
They have a VIP section, but no one was using it (too pricey or maybe the fact that a VIP section doesn’t really fit with the country bar vibe). The place is huge so you’re not constantly bumping into other people. There are no chairs at the bar and there’s only a few tables lined up by the mechanical bull, so don’t count on doing a lot of sitting here. I’m sure it is different during the day when they are serving food though.
There is no bathroom in Gilley’s, so you have to go out into the casino. Entry was free when I went and they stamp your arm with quite possibly the largest horse stamp ever. At least it came off fairly easily the next day.
Alright, so why do they only earn 3 stars? Because of an incredibly rude waitress. My boyfriend and I went out on the dance floor to dance (duh), but not any perfectly choreographed line dance like the waitress that was out there was doing. We almost ran into her and just kind of brushed it off as just something that happens when you have multiple people on a dance floor. Well, to her it was a HUGE deal (apparently) because she stopped dancing, rolled her eyes and said «I can’t dance with you guys out here» and then left the floor. Umm, sorry that I don’t know every step to every line dance. Why can’t you be like the other really good dancer and try to teach other people the steps? It would have been one thing if this was just some other random bar-​goer that said this, but the fact that it was an employee just rubs me the wrong way.
Besides the rude waitress, we had a blast and I’ll definitely be back when I want to get my country on (and now that song is stuck in my head…)