We love the EMERSON! We've been here twice for Drag Brunch and have the best time. They have the most fun cocktails. What's awesome is they have a working kitchen now with delicious food. We split the traditional charcuterie board and then got three flatbreads. I would highly recommend Drag Brunch but they have a bunch of other events too. The atmosphere is so accepting and wonderful. You gotta make a stop here ! read more

Seems ok at first but pretty lame. Service was adequate. Atmosphere marginal. Leadership obviously sucks.

I went to the Emerson last weekend for my first drag brunch. This place has such a fun vibe. I was super excited for the event . First and foremost, the performers were wonderful absolutely fantastic drag performances all around. Next, let's talk about the brunch. The drinks were delicious, although I think the bubbles and mimosas are a little overpriced for what you get. The brunch was nonexistent though. When something is advertised as brunch I expect some breakfast choices. The food offered on the menu is much more in the lunch/snack category. We had the latkes and they were very good. The meatballs were just OK. I was really looking forward having brunch food so that part was a bummer. read more

The Emerson - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Such a cute, fun bar in midtown! Perfect spot for after work happy hour! The drinks were super tasty, i had the mistress and desert rose! Both were great! Bartenders were super friendly and greeted us right when we walked in. If you're a martini gal(or guy) they also have an extensive list of different martinis they can make. This was my first time in and I'll definitely be back! read more

The Emerson - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

We stopped in to The Emerson to have a post-lunch cocktail. It was pretty quiet since it was midday so it was nice to be able to sit and chat. I've been here at night when the place is rocking and pretty loud, but the chill vibe was exactly what we wanted this time. Speaking of vibes, the decor is kind of an eclectic retro style, which is somehow both kitschy and elegant at the same time. The bartender was an absolute sweetheart, and I wish I could remember her name to give her a shout out. But let's talk about the real reason we were there: the cocktails! They have an extensive menu of craft cocktails with every spirit you could want. The wall of liquor bottles is a sight to behold! I've never ordered anything there that I didn't absolutely love. They do have small plates from 5-9 Wednesday through Saturday and grilled cheese night on Tuesday if you are wanting something to munch on. With its great Midtown location you can't ask for a better place to go when you want to enjoy a nice fresh cocktail. read more

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Came midweek semi-early for book club with a group of girlfriends--everyone loved the drinks and fun names, all very tasty. We had some flatbreads, meatballs, polenta, and the kale salad at the table and everything was yummy, although I personally am not a fan of larger garlic chunks in the meatballs. You do have to order at the bar -- no big deal but just know there's not table service. Got a little loud near the end of the meeting, but to be expected! They apparently have grilled cheese night on Tuesday so I'm going to have to come back for that! read more

Went for Derby Day. Wonderful service, great atmosphere, superior employees, recommend this establishment to one and all.

I tried Emerson for the first time on New Year's and absolutely had to return! I love the vibe there--it's super chill with delicious drinks. We went around 5 PM for an early drink, and it was a fantastic experience. The bartender did such a great job! The presentation of the drinks was also outstanding! I definitely will be trying the espresso Martini next! read more

The Emerson - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Finally had a chance to check out the food menu at the Emerson. This has long been one of my favorite cocktail bars and now the food delish. They just keep leveling up! Shareable or make it a dinner. Service always outstanding. This whole place is a vibe. From laid back chill to the Playboy party just one of many theme nights and don't miss drag bingo and brunch always legendary. read more

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One of the cutest places to grab a drink in town! The Emerson is such a fun place to grab drinks and snacks with friends. I've been here a few times and always leave pleased and tipsy with the drinks ;-) JK! The Place: Located on a corner of Virginia Street, the Emerson is a fun modern place for drinks. You can sit at the bar or relax on their sofas. They have a projector and almost every night they play movies. I love the decor in here! I dream of doing a photo shoot in their pink bathroom. The Drinks: You know I am always down for a cute drink especially if they are made with high-quality ingredients. You can tell the bar is good when they make their juices and add a twist to classic drinks. During my visits, I have enjoyed Margaritas, Sidecars, and my first-ever Expresso Martini (Made with tequila). My cocktails were wonderful! I have also shared the charcuterie board here with friends and they are pretty good. I know they do a lot of events here like karaoke, drag bingos, and more will need to check them out. The Service: Service here has always been great! Attentive bartenders and staff are ready to provide customers with the best service. Big shoutout to Estefany who is now bartending here!! She is so good! Let her recommend you the next drink. Cannot wait to go back and have more Sidecars! Cheers ;-) read more

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This place is such a vibe! Everything about this place is! First time I came, it was for a drag brunch. Everything about the event from the drinks, to the service to the food truck was incredible! Post this, it's always a great place to go, hear a smidge of music, enjoy the ambience and enjoy a great expresso martini! This is one of my favorites for a chill night out whether date night or out with friends. read more

The Emerson - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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I loved the vibe of this place and the drinks OMG the best!! The bartenders at first took a long time to serve us but it was understandable because the bar was super full but in the end they were super friendly I'm definitely coming back read more

My friend and I attended the happy hour and were delighted by the updated menu! The Bahn Mi Sliders were delicious and the cocktails were delightful as always. The employees are super attentive, even through a happy hour rush. The vibe at the Emerson was exactly what my friend and I needed for a cute catch up with drinks. I can't wait to try more of the menu! read more

The Emerson - Bahn Mi Sliders - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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I've had The Emerson bookmarked in Yelp for months and with my youngest daughter in town finally had an excuse to visit it! Every time I pass by it looks so fun-and the patio looks so inviting and cozy with the fireplace going. It's decorated really cute inside with plenty of comfy seating options. I had the Midnight Mass-made with blackberries and fresh mint-very refreshing! The other 2 cocktails my daughters had were also very good. Service was great. It was not very busy on a Wednesday night around 7:00 which was perfect for us as we wanted to talk. Highly recommend this cocktail lounge if you're visiting Reno or a local. read more

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This place has such a cool vibe. Amazing drinks and wonderful decor. The staff is very engaging and friendly. We have not made it there for food yet but dying to try grilled cheese tonight. read more

Love this place! We came for Drag Queen bingo and a birthday celebration! We had so much fun. The staff are amazing and friendly. The drinks are fun, sultry, and generous. The decor is great I love the Snow White painting and turquoise bathroom. The Drag Queens are FABULOUS! So much fun! They ran the bingo and every single minute was sensational! They were funny, carefree, and a edgy . I will be back for sure! I have a not so secret obsession with Drag Queens and the culture. I just love how much they love being in drag and how impeccable they are at makeup and wardrobe. I especially love how they embrace their personalities! Come check out an event you will have fun for sure! I can't wait to do Drag Queen Brunch!!!! read more

The Emerson is the perfect place to stop in for a girl's night or some fun, delicious cocktails and snacks! I've been here a few times to grab drinks and it's always low key and not too loud, and the bartenders are so lovely and friendly and are happy to give recommendations. I've also been here for a drag brunch for my birthday and it was AMAZING! I think it needs to be a birthday tradition now. read more

The Emerson - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

We had high expectations for The Emerson given the high praises and glowing reviews, but unfortunately, this felt a bit more like an upscale college town bar (which I am sadly too old for). Service was critically understaffed, with 1-2 bartenders and 1 waiter running around to serve a full house, while the owner/manager? stood around watching. We found it hard to call over a waiter to put in an order or get our check. Some notable instances included watching one of my drinks sit out for 10 minutes on the counter while the bartender continued to make other drinks, and our bartender coming back then to tell us they didn't have their weekend special that we ordered. My favorite drink was the Hi Bestie, which features Top Secret Emerson Spirit Blend, Hibiscus, Citrus, Pineapple, Passionfruit Foam, and Milk Clarification, and maybe I would consider coming back for it if the Emerson isn't as crowded next time. read more

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Had so much fun at the Emerson tonight! It was my first time visiting and was not disappointed! Where do I start? The drinks were fantastic! My favorite was "strawberry fields" which I downed probably fast then I should have. I also loved they have a happy hour so drinks after work was perfect! The decor is so cute and fun. Earlier in the day there's lots of light and quiet background music- perfect for meeting up with friends to catch up. Once it gets later in the day the music goes up and the lights come down. Our bartenders were super nice and greeted us immediately! read more

The Emerson - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

This bar is nicely situated in midtown, further south. The ambience is great, not too large and not too small, just right. We went on a Friday after work and there were plenty of tables available. The bartender was friendly and our drinks came fast. They have a good cocktail menu. In addition, they have a small menu and the food we had was nicely prepared. Would recommend. read more

My bf and I went to this place around 4ish, and it was pretty empty. Our bartender did great while we were there. He showed some of the whiskeys for my bf, and he loved it. I usually order cocktails, and they were so refreshing, not that sweet it was perfect! It was my first time visiting there, and everything was very clean, neat, and cozy. I definitely want to go back again! Check this place out! read more

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While in town for the daughter's college graduation ceremony she requested that we meet her and her boyfriend at The Emerson. It did not disappoint. Great service, great cocktails and amazing food. I'll definitely revisit. read more

Great drinks, good atmosphere, decent snacks. I like this bar, it's got an excellent vibe and the service is on point. The Painkiller takes me back to Hawaii! Delish! read more

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I love the Emerson! It has a gorgeous, mid-century modern aesthetic and the drinks are always delicious. I love that their menu is constantly changing! Every drink that I've had here has been really great. Today, I had the Pera Pera which was one of my favorites that I've had thus far. It was a fairly simple tequila drink with a hint of pear that wasn't too sweet. The black salt rim was a really nice touch. I really enjoyed it! read more

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Love the inside of this corner cocktail bar! It's got a couple window seats, plenty of tables and a few couches for seating. They have food trucks on the weekend. This weekend was silver state pies . There's also, outdoor seating, no shade though on the right side but in the front there is a few seats with shade. Would be nice in the evening. The service was good, bar tender super friendly. I loved the Vida drink full of and can't even tell there's tequila till you stand . If you're in the mood for a Smokey mezcal I'd suggest the desert rose. Currently, obsessed with this place. They have a charcuterie board if you're snacky for $20. read more

The Emerson - Menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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Great bar with monthly events (drag brunch, drag bingo). The cocktails are fabulous, the shows are over the top amazing and fun! Now they have small plates and flatbread pizzas too. I've been a couple of times. The shows are constantly changing and the "girls" do such a great job! Must check it out!! read more

The Emerson doesn't just make great drinks, they actively support the community and community members working to make our community a more vibrant and wonderful place for everyone. I could wax eloquent about the cocktails (they dish out killer classics and creative new drinks) and I will. The kissy Suzuki is a pink dash of happy. The one o just kept calling the shishito one was like a spicy, vegetal, mojito but the mint is shishito. I clearly don't know how to describe it but I loved it. Dang bingo here is amazing! Some of the best drag bingo of my life. And I once won at laundry bag at drag bingo in NYC. So you know it's amazing if losing is this much fun. Plus proceeds help community orgs. Grateful for a bar that creates space for all the important work happening in our community and supports it! Ps i saw a dog in here. I didn't confirm the rules, but they do have patio space for puppers. read more

The Emerson - Kissy Suzuki after I inhaled my pocky! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

What a fun and my favorite simple clean atmosphere... great bougie drink and service was good

Oh Emerson, let me count the ways I love you! This bar is one of my favorites in town to frequent. Amazing decor with lots of space to gather with friends, friendly and creative bar tenders, and a fantastic menu that changes with the seasons. I'm physically incapable of visiting without ordering a charcuterie board, and the creamsicle inspired cocktail that Jess makes is the best drink I've ever had. Do yourself a favor and plan your next night out at the Emerson! read more

The Emerson - Old fashioned & a creamsicle cocktail. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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Came for Drag Brunch. And wow the food was so good! Got the mediterranean pizza!!! The drinks were so good. The show was amazing highly recommend checking it out. Bartenders were very attentive. Definitely check out the bathrooms they were so fun! Cute place with great decor read more

Great bar in midtown with craft cocktails. They recently expanded their menu and added food as well. A midtown favorite for sure! read more

The Emerson - Espresso Martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

My friends and I were visiting Reno and wanted to check out a number of bars in mid-town. One of the bars on our list was "The Emerson". The décor and lighting are unique and gives the place a distinct personality. Beer and wine are available--but the emphasis is on mixed drinks. The cocktails we received were prepared well. We sat at the bar. Learning we were from out of town, the bartenders were great hosts. They engaged in intermittent conversation while fulfilling drink orders and greeting their regulars. Our visit took place on a Saturday night. The crowd that night was almost exclusively "under-30", and there was a lot of positive energy in the room. The volume level of the music was loud, but not so loud you couldn't still have a conversation. The Emerson is definitely worth a visit. read more

What to do on the 2nd Thursday of the month...go to the Emerson for Drag Bingo uhhh duh?! Grab your bingo crew and get ready for the BEST night ever!! The Emerson NEVER disappoints with the bartendresses mixing up speciality cocktails that will be sure to quench your thirst andd their new snack menu is PERFECT for light bites to nosh on while catching up with friends, playing a round of bingo or date night. AMAZING staff, owner, libations & food - yep color me a groupie because this gal and her crew are smitten with The Emerson!! Easy to find, located directly across from Junkies in the heart of Midtown with chic decor and outside patio too - yep this where you need to be. Look forward to our next gals night out to contribute to a local charity, support The Emerson and the wonderful staff along with beautiful Drag Queens. See you soon anddd B-4 you go to B-I-N....G...Oooo be sure to grab plenty of money to tip the staff and queens (insert wink emjoi) read more

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Great place. All kinds of people welcome. Excited for the Sheldon to open up. I go and support my local drag queens st the Emerson. Great vibes from entertainers to bartenders and the owner Tyler is great. Down to earth. In the heart of midtown. read more

In the attempt to try places with outdoor patios, we gave The Emerson a shot this weekend. The place has a nice setup inside and a few tables outside to support those looking for a drink in the sun. Plus with the patio on the east side of the building, you aren't sitting in direct sunlight melting while enjoying a drink. We managed to grab an outdoor table, ordered a drink and enjoyed some time relaxing. However, this is where it seemed to all go wrong. We ordered our first drink, looked at the menu, thought about other things we'd like to try or maybe even get a little snack. Instead, it was about 45 minutes and no one ever came back by to check in on us. They only had two people working it looked like but one brought the DJ a drink and the other stopped at the table next to us but never even gave us a glance. In fact, when we had to finally leave we had to walk up to the bar to pay since we never even could ask for our check. It was truly disappointing service and while the one drink we did get was good, there are many other cocktail bars in town we will be going back to before we stop in again at the Emerson simply because we just never felt like they appreciated us as a customer. read more

The Emerson - Menu - Page 1 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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One of my favorite bars in town. I have visited the last two times I've been up all within one month's time. Decor is the absolute cutest! Mid-century modern aesthetic. The first time we visited was the beginning of October on a Friday night. Our Server Lana was the absolute sweetest. The drinks were delicious and stiff and I was a little more than buzzed after two cocktails (For reference I can drink an IPA at 7% ABV and be okay). When we came in recently, last weekend they had a new and updated menu. Our drinks were much different than the ones we had a few weeks before but still really delicious. They have you waiting at the entrance before being seated and must have masks to get in. I tipped my bartender Lana and then realized it wasn't enough (after sobering up a bit haha) so I went to their website and was able to tip more. The owner and or manager emailed me back to thank me and respond back to the comment I left. Such a great place to visit with great vibes. The attention to detail from decor, drinks and their customer service is like no other! Support local especially during this time. Oh parking lot is tiny but plenty of street parking along Virginia St. and side streets off of Virginia. read more

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Amazing cocktails. Service is amazing, all the bartenders are so kind. The vibes are chill, cute outside seating as well! Try their lemon drop with vanilla vodka, you'll thank me later! read more

The Emerson - Lemon drop with vanilla vodka - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

We came to the Emerson for Drag Bingo, which happens the second Thursday of every month. It was $10 to play and funds go to a charity, which I love! If you've never been to Drag anything before, you're in for a treat. We had so much fun just hanging out. Everybody was super fun and friendly. Even on a regular night, the Emerson would be a very chill place to grab a drink. They have a great specialty cocktail menu, a martini menu, and a full bar. The Blueberry Bramble was so yummy and the Blow Job shots are fun! They also have charcuterie on the menu and sometimes have a food truck parked outside. Overall, a great time and one of my favorite bars! read more

The Emerson - Bingo, blueberry bramble - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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Came in one day with my friends. Met the opening Bartender Steph and she was great service was on point. Then got to know the next bartender who came. He really made some of the best drinks I've ever had. The knowledge of these bartenders are crazy. The ambiance of the place is something you wouldn't expect to be in Reno. Really fun time do recommend read more

The Emerson - Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Bring in the new industry myself I know right now times are tough so when Anna Maye mentions they were doing Curbside/Togo Cocktails I had to try it out. I didn't follow the instructions and order online instead I showed up (I don't recommend this) The employees were all busy preparing for tomorrow's service, getting the bottles labeled, cleaning ect. I poked my head inside and asked if I could purchase ahead of time and they were all excited to help. As they were giving me a breakdown of the cocktail togo I said what I would like. Within a few minutes I'm given a bag with the cocktail and even got a small box of ice with the each garnishment. I could not be more happy. read more

The Emerson - The Emerson has togo beverages! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Reno, Nevada