Outback Steakhouse

Who's got the best ribs in the west? Find out at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off held every Labor Day weekend. For 23 years, the holiday weekend comes alive in Victorian Square in downtown Sparks and with plenty of food, live music, crafts and family-oriented fun to end the summer on a positively spicy note.

The Cactus Creek Southwestern Steakhouse is worth the effort it takes to find it, although you might have passed it or may be close to it without even realizing it! The restaurant is in the Bonanza Casino just north of downtown, and both the casino and eatery are local favorites that tourists may not find right away. The steaks are plentiful slabs of beef, and the side dishes are just as delectable. Add in great service, no-hassle parking and a usually short wait for a table and you've found a real jewel of a restaurant.

Reno's downtown area is rife with historic buildings and architecture; to enjoy it while staying relatively cool, take a walk along the historic The River Walk District. The walkway winds through downtown and is not only scenic in its own right, it highlights the whole downtown area giving it an added touch of natural beauty amid the busy commercial landscape.

Instead of going for dinner and feeling like you both have to get dressed up, just throw on a pair of jeans and head out to Noble Pie Parlor. for a romantic date, enjoying a couple of brews and some of the best pizza in town. And while the menu items are a little pricey, the quality of the food and the fun atmosphere make it all worth it. And don't forget to stick around after you're done eating for a fun round of rock-n-roll bingo!