Summer is just around the corner, and the days are getting longer. One great way to enjoy these extra hours of sunlight is to get out and experience the sounds, scents and sights of summer while eating outside and people-watching in downtown Carson. With each passing year, Downtown Carson gets livelier and more vibrant. With so many options, where do you start? Here are six great places with outdoor seating to try.
Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint
1500 Old Hot Springs Road, Carson City
Adorned with the aesthetics of día de los muertos, Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint isn’t joking around about being eclectic. From fish Veracruz to Asian chicken tacos to gluten-free and vegan options, they have something for everyone, including a massive list of draft beers and a full bar.
Live music is frequently on the menu as well, and a small outdoor seating area is available (reservations are recommended). For a creative and bold experience, head over to Sassafras.
Great Basin Brewing Company
302 N. Carson Street, Carson City
Great Basin is a cornerstone of the Carson City restaurant scene, a reliable brewpub serving all the American classics – burgers, sandwiches, pizza, tacos and more. They offer flights of their locally produced beers such as the Icky IPA and Leave No Trace alpine lager in an inviting modern brewery environment.
Their outdoor patio is one of best in Carson City, and this busy downtown location is a go-to place both for tourists and locals.
The Fox Brewery & Pub (Formerly the Firkin)
310 S. Carson Street, Carson City
Competing with Great Basin for the best outdoor people-watching spot, the Fox Brewery and Pub sits right next to McFadden Plaza, the indisputable heart of Downtown Carson. With its enormous patio, there is abundant outdoor seating, even on busy nights.
Like Great Basin, the Fox serves its own beer in flights, but it has a bit more of a traditional bar feel, matching the scrumptious English-style pub food that dominates the menu. Where Great Basin comes off as modern and hip, the Fox presents itself more as cozy and classic.
Cucina Lupo
308 N. Curry Street, Carson City
Cucina Lupo has some of the best traditional Italian cuisine in Northern Nevada. It's set in an upscale downtown venue with outdoor tables looking into one of the most bustling pedestrian areas of town.
The food is top-tier, accompanying the warm and elegant ambiance. There are several seafood options, along with numerous Italian favorites such as chicken parmigiana and veal piccata. They also serve Picon punch, the Nevada cocktail invented by the Basque people in America.
The landmark windmill at Red's
Red’s Old 395 Grill
1055 S. Carson Street, Carson City
If you’re a fan of the Old West and the Virginia City dive-bar vibe, then Red’s Old 395 Grill is for you. Their specialties are steaks and BBQ, and the interior is full of Western artifacts – notably wagons raised to the ceiling.
There is a large outdoor seating area, and there are a lot of historical items to admire, such as trains, taxidermy and a tall windmill outdoors. Red’s is a fun, down-to-earth place with over 100 beers in its massive bar.
Outdoor seating a L.A. Bakery Cafe
L.A. Bakery Cafe
1280 N. Curry Street, Carson City
Just north of downtown Carson City on N. Curry Street is one of the area's favorite spots for breakfast and lunch. It's a charming bakery with a wide variety of made-from-scratch baked goods along with savory dishes as well. The inspiration tends toward European and Mediterranean dishes. The backyard patio is a great place for coffee.
Bella Vita Bistro
1304 S. Stewart Street, Carson City
More of a daytime and family-friendly eatery, Bella Vita Bistro shines for the quality of its food and laid-back experience, rather than being a major tourist attraction. Outstanding dishes include the pear and brie grilled sandwich, the heirloom tomato soup and the steak salad, and they also have full entrees such as chicken Chardonnay and grilled salmon.
There is also a small outdoor seating area that is usually free, and live musicians are known to show up to serenade diners on Fridays. If you want a more personal, locals’ experience, Bella Vita Bistro is the place to visit.
No matter your style or taste, Downtown Carson has an outdoor dining option for you – give one of these restaurants a try!
