Most people in Reno have at some point heard the adage, “Reno: It’s so close to hell, you can see Sparks!”
The Reno area has seen a lot of shifts in the last decade (much to the chagrin of many natives feeling protective against California transplants), but one positive is the abundance of better-than-average food. I sometimes find myself falling victim to staying in my Midtown/downtown Reno food bubble—but when I venture out to Sparks, I often find incredible food options that are not just satisfying, but exciting. My Best 3 Things this month are gems located in Sparks strip malls that I implore you to try, if you haven’t already.
What: Sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken
Where: Step Korean Bistro, 2855 N. McCarran Blvd., Suite 106, Sparks
Contact: www.stepkoreanbistro.com; 775-622-8925
Price: $13.95
Walking into Step Korean Bistro is like being transported to a peaceful oasis. The abundance of natural light, the wood and greenery accents, the thoughtfully spaced tables and the friendly staff are almost disorienting. Isn’t this place in a strip mall? The atmosphere is inviting. As the signage states, Step Korean Bistro is a place to “collectively celebrate, encourage, and console each other over a delicious meal.”
While it would be hard to find something you don’t love at Step, I am particularly a fan of the Korean fried chicken with the sweet and spicy sauce. What I can only describe as boneless chicken tenders made with dark meat are juicy, lightly breaded and crispy, and the sweet, spicy sauce is moreish; the umami-laden flavors of gochujang toned down with sweetness expertly tow the “just a bit of a kick” line. The Korean fried chicken makes a wonderful appetizer, and I recommend going with a group so you can order several things and try each one.
What: Frijoles con queso pupusa
Where: El Rincon, 668 Greenbrae Drive, Sparks
Contact: 775-355-1569
Price: $3.29
The Reno/Sparks area has a surprising number of Salvadoran establishments—which, to those of us who love pupusas, is a beautiful thing indeed. The ones at El Rincon have become some of my favorites in town.
I’m not sure I’ve ever met a pupusa I didn’t like, but El Rincon’s are on a different level. They’re so light, taste super fresh, and are the kind of thing you can’t stop yourself from eating even when you’re not really that hungry. The masa is fluffy with a light crispness on the outside. The bean-and-cheese filling is the perfect savory combo, and once you pair it with the salsa and slaw, you may end up wondering if you should get more after finishing the last bite.
While the service at El Rincon can be a bit slow, it’s worth every waiting second. I’ve noticed some people calling in their orders for pick up, which seems like a pro move if you don’t feel like hanging out in the restaurant.
What: Vietnamese bun bowl (with chicken)
Where: Sip of Saigon, 1272 Disc Drive, Sparks
Contact: sipofsaigon.com; 775-384-2517
Price: $16.70
Sip of Saigon opened back in 2021 and made a splash with its “modern Vietnamese eatery” vibe. The menu consists mostly of dishes you’d expect at a Vietnamese restaurant, but with a few twists, like all-day breakfast and build-your-own pho. No matter what you order, the unique flavors will likely have you attempting to identify the curious ingredient that you’re tasting. The pho broth is aromatic; the marinated barbecue pork has an element of sweetness; and the Vietnamese bun bowl is a masterful collection of flavors and textures. Perfect for a hot summer day, it comes with a base of vermicelli noodles, salad, cucumbers, green onion and mint, with the addition of crispy egg rolls and whatever protein you want. I recommend chicken: It’s succulent, flavorful and the perfect light protein to meld with all the other flavors. The sweet, savory Vietnamese vinaigrette that it’s served with brings everything together.
Imagine a bite with greens, noodles, chicken and fragrant mint followed by the crunch of a crispy egg roll—it’s a cooling and refreshing dish that makes hell seem very, very far away.