Nestled in the heart of Reno, the Bighorn Tavern has become a local favorite for both residents and visitors seeking hearty meals and a welcoming atmosphere. The menu at Bighorn Tavern offers a diverse array of dishes that cater to a wide spectrum of tastes, from classic American comfort foods to innovative twists on familiar favorites.
With its casual yet vibrant setting, the tavern embodies the spirit of Reno—unpretentious, lively, and always ready to surprise. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a late-night snack, the Bighorn Tavern menu is designed to satisfy cravings and spark conversation.
It’s not just the food that sets Bighorn Tavern apart, but the experience. The friendly staff, rustic décor, and the hum of laughter create a sense of belonging from the moment you walk through the doors.
As you explore the menu, you’ll discover carefully curated selections that highlight fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The chefs take pride in crafting dishes that are both comforting and inventive, ensuring each visit feels a little different from the last.
For those who appreciate a good drink alongside their meal, the bar selection is as thoughtfully assembled as the food, featuring local brews and creative cocktails. Through its menu, Bighorn Tavern has become a cornerstone in the Reno dining scene, offering something truly special for every palate.
Signature Starters: A Taste of Bighorn’s Creativity
Kicking off a meal at Bighorn Tavern is an adventure in itself. The menu’s starters are designed to delight and surprise, offering a mix of traditional appetizers and inventive new bites.
Each dish is crafted with attention to texture, flavor, and presentation, making the first course a memorable part of the dining experience.
The tavern’s signature starters set the stage for what’s to come, inviting guests to sample, share, and savor. Popular choices include loaded nachos with house-made queso, crispy fried pickles served with a tangy dipping sauce, and jumbo pretzels paired with spicy mustard.
These dishes are more than just appetizers—they’re conversation starters, perfect for groups or solo diners who want to indulge.
For those craving something lighter, the menu also features options like garlic Parmesan fries and fresh vegetable platters. These starters are ideal for balancing out heartier entrees or for guests looking to enjoy a small bite with a drink.
The diversity in the starter section ensures that everyone has something to enjoy, no matter their appetite.
- Loaded Nachos: Generously topped with queso, jalapeños, and fresh pico de gallo
- Fried Pickles: Crisp and tangy, served with house ranch
- Jumbo Pretzel: Soft, warm, and perfect for sharing
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: A savory twist on a classic side
“Our starters are designed to bring people together and set the tone for a great meal. We want every guest to feel welcomed, right from the first bite.” — Bighorn Tavern Chef
Burgers and Sandwiches: The Heart of the Menu
Few things capture the essence of American dining quite like a perfectly crafted burger or sandwich. At Bighorn Tavern, these menu items take center stage, offering an array of bold flavors and satisfying combinations.
Each burger and sandwich is made with high-quality ingredients and served with a side of your choice.
From the classic Bighorn Burger—featuring a juicy beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato—to specialty options like the spicy Jalapeño Cowboy, there’s something for everyone. The tavern doesn’t shy away from creativity, adding house-made sauces, unique toppings, and artisan buns to elevate each bite.
For sandwich lovers, options such as the Turkey Club and the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich are consistent favorites.
Vegetarians are not left out; the Black Bean Burger offers a flavorful, hearty alternative, complete with avocado and chipotle mayo. Each sandwich is thoughtfully constructed to provide a balance of textures and flavors, ensuring a satisfying meal.
Add-ons such as bacon, grilled onions, or extra cheese allow for customization to suit every preference.
Burger and Sandwich Favorites
- Bighorn Burger: The tavern’s signature, with a choice of cheese and toppings
- Jalapeño Cowboy: Spicy kick with pepper jack, crispy onions, and jalapeños
- Turkey Club: Layered with turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo
- Pulled Pork BBQ: Tender pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and coleslaw
| Burger | Main Protein | Key Toppings |
| Bighorn Burger | Beef Patty | Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato |
| Black Bean Burger | Black Beans | Avocado, Chipotle Mayo |
| Jalapeño Cowboy | Beef Patty | Pepper Jack, Jalapeños, Crispy Onions |
The burger and sandwich selections are the backbone of Bighorn Tavern’s menu, appealing to traditionalists and adventurers alike.
Hearty Entrees: Comfort Food, Reno-Style
Main courses at Bighorn Tavern reflect the soul of comfort food, served with a Reno twist. The entrees are designed to be filling, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic steak, a flavorful pasta, or a homestyle favorite, the menu delivers.
Steak lovers will appreciate the perfectly grilled ribeye, served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The Chicken Fried Steak is another standout, coated in a crunchy breading and smothered in rich country gravy.
For those seeking lighter fare, the grilled salmon with lemon-dill sauce offers a fresh alternative.
Each entree is crafted to order, ensuring quality and flavor in every bite. With generous portions and attention to detail, these dishes are perfect for a leisurely dinner or special occasion.
The menu also includes rotating chef specials that highlight seasonal ingredients and local produce.
- Ribeye Steak: Juicy, tender, and grilled to your liking
- Chicken Fried Steak: Crispy and comforting, topped with savory gravy
- Grilled Salmon: Light and fresh, with a citrusy finish
- Pasta Primavera: A vegetarian favorite, loaded with garden vegetables
“We’re passionate about making every plate a celebration of flavor and comfort. Our entrees are a reflection of Reno’s love for good food and good company.” — Bighorn Tavern Manager
Salads and Lighter Fare: Fresh Choices for Every Appetite
Not every meal has to be heavy, and Bighorn Tavern recognizes the growing demand for fresh, lighter options. The salad and lighter fare section of the menu offers a range of dishes for health-conscious diners and those seeking a refreshing meal.
Each salad is prepared with crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and house-made dressings.
The Grilled Chicken Caesar is a perennial favorite, featuring tender chicken breast atop romaine, tossed in creamy Caesar dressing and finished with shaved Parmesan. The Southwest Chopped Salad delivers bold flavor with black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty chipotle ranch.
For those looking for a protein boost, grilled shrimp or steak can be added to any salad.
Beyond salads, the menu highlights options like the Quinoa Power Bowl, loaded with roasted vegetables and a lemon-tahini drizzle. These lighter choices do not sacrifice taste, ensuring that every guest can find something to satisfy.
The commitment to freshness is evident in every bite, making these dishes perfect for lunch or as a lighter dinner.
- Grilled Chicken Caesar: Classic flavors, protein-packed
- Southwest Chopped Salad: Southwest flair with creamy chipotle ranch
- Quinoa Power Bowl: Hearty grains and roasted vegetables
- Seasonal Salad: Rotating ingredients for peak freshness
| Salad | Main Ingredients | Dressings |
| Grilled Chicken Caesar | Romaine, Chicken, Parmesan, Croutons | Caesar |
| Southwest Chopped Salad | Mixed Greens, Black Beans, Corn, Avocado | Chipotle Ranch |
| Quinoa Power Bowl | Quinoa, Roasted Veggies | Lemon-Tahini |
Healthful options are more than an afterthought at Bighorn Tavern—they are an essential part of the menu, ensuring every guest leaves satisfied.
Specialty Sides and Shareables: Perfect Complements
Every great meal deserves equally great sides, and Bighorn Tavern’s menu delivers with a range of specialty sides and shareable plates. These dishes are designed to complement entrees, enhance flavors, and encourage sharing among friends.
Each side showcases the same attention to quality and creativity found in the main courses.
Guests can choose from classic fries, onion rings, and coleslaw, or indulge in more adventurous selections like loaded potato skins and truffle Parmesan tots. The shareable plates are perfect for group gatherings, offering generous portions and bold flavors that pair well with both food and drinks.
For those seeking a lighter accompaniment, side salads and seasonal vegetables are always available. Every side is crafted to order, ensuring freshness and quality.
The flexibility of the menu allows guests to mix and match, creating a meal that’s uniquely their own.
- Loaded Potato Skins: Cheddar, bacon, green onions, and sour cream
- Truffle Parmesan Tots: Crispy and decadent, topped with Parmesan cheese
- Onion Rings: Thick-cut and perfectly fried
- Seasonal Vegetables: Fresh, rotating selection
“Our sides and shareables are just as important as the main dish. They bring people together and let everyone try something new.” — Bighorn Tavern Owner
Drinks and Cocktails: The Perfect Pairing
No meal at Bighorn Tavern is complete without sampling the impressive drink selection. The bar menu offers a range of local beers, house wines, and creative cocktails, providing the perfect complement to any dish.
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, the beverage list is sure to impress.
The tavern takes pride in supporting local breweries, offering rotating taps that showcase Nevada’s best craft beers. Signature cocktails like the Bighorn Mule and Reno Sunset blend familiar flavors with unexpected twists, making them favorites among regulars.
For wine lovers, the curated list features approachable reds and whites that pair well with both starters and entrees.
Non-alcoholic options are just as thoughtfully prepared, with house-made lemonades, iced teas, and mocktails for those looking for a refreshing alternative. The staff is always happy to recommend a pairing, ensuring every guest finds the perfect drink to enhance their meal.
Happy hour specials and seasonal offerings keep the drink menu fresh and exciting throughout the year.
Popular Drink Choices
- Bighorn Mule: Vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime juice
- Reno Sunset: Rum, pineapple juice, grenadine
- Local IPA: Rotating selection from Reno breweries
- House Lemonade: Freshly squeezed, available in classic or flavored versions
| Drink | Main Ingredients | Style |
| Bighorn Mule | Vodka, Ginger Beer, Lime | Cocktail |
| Local IPA | Craft Beer | Beer |
| House Lemonade | Lemon, Sugar, Water | Non-Alcoholic |
A well-paired drink can transform a meal from good to unforgettable, and Bighorn Tavern’s bar menu is crafted with that philosophy in mind.
Desserts: Sweet Endings at Bighorn Tavern
The perfect meal deserves an equally perfect ending, and Bighorn Tavern’s dessert menu does not disappoint. Each dessert is crafted with care, offering comforting flavors and a touch of indulgence.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, the dessert selection is sure to delight.
Classic choices like warm apple crisp and rich chocolate lava cake are perennial favorites, providing a nostalgic finish to any meal. For something a bit lighter, the tavern’s seasonal fruit parfait features layers of fresh fruit, whipped cream, and crunchy granola.
Each dessert is generously portioned, making it ideal for sharing—or for savoring all to yourself.
The dessert menu also includes rotating specials, allowing the chefs to showcase their creativity with unique ingredients and flavor combinations. From holiday-inspired treats to summer berry cobbler, there’s always something new to try.
Pair your dessert with a cup of locally roasted coffee or a dessert wine for the ultimate finish.
- Apple Crisp: Warm and spiced, topped with vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Rich chocolate, molten center, served with berries
- Seasonal Fruit Parfait: Fresh fruit, whipped cream, and granola
- Cheesecake Special: Rotating flavors, always decadent
“Dessert is our way of saying thank you. Every sweet treat is made with as much care as our entrees, ensuring guests leave with a smile.” — Bighorn Tavern Pastry Chef
Family and Group Dining: Welcoming All to the Table
Bighorn Tavern is more than just a place to eat; it’s a gathering spot for families, friends, and groups of all sizes. The menu is designed with versatility in mind, offering shareable plates, kid-friendly options, and customizable dishes that make group dining easy and enjoyable.
The warm, rustic atmosphere encourages conversation and celebration, no matter the occasion.
Families appreciate the dedicated kids’ menu, featuring classics like mini cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese. Each meal is served with a side and a drink, ensuring younger diners feel included in the experience.
For larger groups, the tavern offers platters and party trays that make sharing simple and hassle-free.
Special events and celebrations are a breeze at Bighorn Tavern, with staff dedicated to making every gathering memorable. From birthday parties to business meetings, the space can be tailored to fit your needs.
Group reservations are welcomed, and the team is always happy to accommodate dietary preferences and special requests.
- Kids’ Menu: Mini cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and more
- Party Platters: Shareable appetizers and entrees for groups
- Customizable Meals: Options for vegetarians, gluten-free, and other dietary needs
- Celebration Packages: Special menus and reserved spaces for events
At Bighorn Tavern, everyone is welcome, and every meal is a chance to connect and create lasting memories.
Conclusion: The Bighorn Tavern Experience
Dining at Bighorn Tavern in Reno is more than just enjoying a meal—it’s embracing a culinary experience that celebrates community, creativity, and comfort. The menu is a testament to the tavern’s commitment to quality, with every dish thoughtfully designed to delight and satisfy.
Whether you’re drawn to their signature burgers, crave a hearty entree, or prefer lighter, fresher fare, there’s something on the menu to suit every mood and occasion.
From the first bite of a flavorful starter to the sweet satisfaction of dessert, Bighorn Tavern ensures guests feel welcomed and well cared for. The friendly staff, inviting atmosphere, and ever-evolving menu make it a destination worth visiting time and again.
With a focus on fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a diverse range of options, it’s no wonder the tavern has earned its place as a Reno favorite.
Whether you’re gathering with loved ones, catching up with friends, or simply seeking a great meal in a relaxed setting, Bighorn Tavern delivers. The next time you find yourself in Reno, let the menu at Bighorn Tavern be your guide to a truly memorable dining experience—one filled with bold flavors, warm hospitality, and the unmistakable spirit of the city.
