Spring for a Carson City Foodie Tour

I hate to say it, but the first weekend of spring in Northern Nevada is going to be characteristically wintry. After the past couple of weeks of sunshine and outdoor fun, you might find yourself cooped up at home instead of enjoying the warm rays and blossoming flowers of spring ’17. But that’s why I’m here!

I implore you, despite the sweeping rain, mixed snow showers and cloudy-cool breeze of the end of this week, to go out and explore Carson City. There’s still plenty to do and see, even if you have to bundle up a bit to do it. I like to stay on the optimistic side and tell myself that there will be plenty of weekends coming up to hike the Northern Nevada trails and relax with a cold beer on a patio. But why not take advantage of this first weekend of spring regardless of the un-springlike weather?

I consider myself an amateur foodie and believe that the best way to get a sense of a town or region is to try its restaurants. Having grown up in Carson City and seen the growth of new food spots popping up all over town, it almost feels like a new city when I try an interesting restaurant for the first time. It’s an unparalleled feeling, discovering new parts of the town you think you know so well.

I’ve put together this list of restaurants in Carson City that aren’t the town’s classic staples. These are my favorite under-the-radar restaurants that offer some of the best meals you can find in Northern Nevada. Take a unique foodie tour of Carson City this weekend – you might just find your next favorite restaurant.

Dynamite Tamales!

The Lady Tamales is hiding behind a convenience store in East Carson City off Fairview Drive. The place is tiny, with just a window for orders and a couple of tables. 

But what The Lady Tamales lacks in space it makes up in flavor, over and over again. The Mexican food cannot be more authentic, especially with the most memorable tamale you may ever have in your life. I’m not exaggerating. Come by and pick up a dozen of these homemade tamales for only $10, or get an order of deliciously savory tacos. The owners are warm and welcoming, earning The Lady Tamales top recommendations from Carson City locals.

A Taste of Basque Country

It’s a known fact that Basque immigrants came to Nevada during the Gold Rush and stayed, working as sheep-herders in the valleys of Northern and Central Nevada. Naturally, they brought with them the flavors of Basque Country, so much so that the cuisine is one of Nevada’s favorites from Fallon to the Carson Valley to Carson City. I may be biased, being a descendant of the Basque Country myself, but the delectable Basque chorizo is one of the most delicious foods you can find in the area. And there’s no better in Carson City than Villa Basque Café.

Villa Basque makes its chorizo from scratch in house at its cozy breakfast and lunch restaurant off Roop Street. It’s some of the most authentic Basque food you can find in the state, embodying the flavors of the European region while also acting as a great, inexpensive breakfast stop. Villa Basque has been around for years and hasn’t changed much since my childhood, and it always felt like a secret. I’m here to tell you that Villa Basque is a must-stop.

Vietnamese Comfort Food

You could drive up North Carson Street, past all the chain and fast food restaurants and completely miss Pho Country. This little diner is a perfectly one-of-a-kind mix of home-style comfort food and authentic ethnic cuisine. Even if you didn’t grow up eating Vietnamese foods such as pho (like me), you’ll feel right at home in this restaurant. Check in, sit down and order up some fresh, hot Vietnamese soup with made-to-order spring rolls and peanut dipping sauce.

Pho is growing in popularity, but Pho Country hasn’t changed much at all in recent years. It’s the place you go for a guaranteed delicious meal, served up quick and customized the way you want. I love the tofu pho with a little extra spice (jalapeno and Sriracha will do).

Military-Grade Subs

There was a time in high school when I would leave campus for lunch three or four times a week and head around the corner to U S Submarine Base, a little deli boasting my favorite sandwiches in Carson City. I would go so often the owner knew my name and my go-to order, the Torpedo sub with turkey, salami, ham and pepperoni plus lettuce, tomato and the specialty red wine sauce. Or I might shake it up and order a cheeseburger from the grill. Of course I still go back now and then, and the sandwich is always the same way I remember. This is another locals’ favorite, and almost everyone I know who grew up in Carson City loves the place as if it’s their own neighborhood hangout.

From childhood memories to more recent discoveries, this handful of local restaurants has left a significant impression on me, and I’m proud to share them with you! There’ll be more to come, I’m sure — I’m trying to sample a new place almost every week. Start with these this weekend, and you might fall in love with Carson City’s unique offering of eateries as well.

For more weekend events, visit our Daytime, Nightlife and Community events sections.