Thursday, May 28, 2026

Yuzu Reno Brings Legit Late Night A La Carte Sushi to Downtown Reno


Yuzu Sushi & Bar
440 N Virginia St UNIT C 
Reno, NV 89501


Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 5:30 PM - 12 AM
Wednesday | 5:30 PM - 12 AM
Thursday | 5:30 PM - 12 AM
Friday | 5:30 PM - 2 AM
Saturday | 5:30 PM - 12 AM
Sunday | 5:30 - 10 PM

It’s no news that Reno is crazy about sushi. Sushi is our thing. We’ve been mentioned by major publications like SFGATE and the New York Times as an “all-you-can-eat sushi capital,” a “destination for all you can eat sushi,” and even a “mighty mecca of all-you-can-eat sushi.” With countless AYCE restaurants in Reno, I’m not surprised how we’ve gotten the attention of some serious foodie towns.  And I know tons of people who've visited from out of town with a sole purpose of eating sushi in Reno.

When reading up a little on the history of this AYCE scene in Reno, it’s interesting to learn how it came about in the local scene as a way to stay competitive with casinos and their all you can eat buffet options. Knowing this, you can’t fully knock them now, can you!? I know I can’t... There's also the part where seafood became a bit more accessible to them because the casinos were ordering tons of it on the daily. 

While I wouldn’t trade this wonderful world of AYCE sushi for anything, I wouldn’t mind having more a la carte places that focus more on quality than quantity (though some places really do a great job on both fronts), along with a more intimate, less chaotic experience. That said, the beauty of Reno’s food scene is the variety it offers and the ability to choose between different styles depending on your mood. This is just another rad option that adds to that mix.

In these trying times, when pricing for virtually everything has gone up, offering the highest quality ingredients in an all you can eat format is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. If you read the New York Times article linked above, you’ll even find that some owners are considering pivoting to an a la carte model to better adapt to today’s economic realities.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past decade or so of chaos and change, it’s not to take a single thing for granted. Hit up your favorite local AYCE spots and help keep them thriving.

Denver & Stacia are some of the nicest people I've ever met in Reno to date.

Now, onto Yuzu.

It's different. It's quality. The people who own the shop couldn't be more pleasant and passionate (my favorite kind of owners), and it's a total must visit for any sushi/Japanese/food lover.  Shout outs to Denver, Stacia, & the head sushi chef. <3

Yes, they strive to provide a more elevated experience, but that doesn't mean their menu is limited to just raw options. There's something for everyone. Plus, they're that kind of restaurant that's not just limited to what's on their menu - customize away.


*They have the best unagi in town.
*Their chicken karaage is so unique - flavor is top notch. It's light, super juicy, & totally addicting.  Denver has been tweaking his batter forever, which is made of a mix of different types of flours, including rice & potato.
*Their Ocean Fire is one of the best rolls I've ever had in Reno.
*They offer two types of soy sauces, both imported from Japan (like plenty of their other ingredients and offerings)
*They work with the seasons, opting for the freshest in season produce & ingredients.
*Denver loves concocting fun cocktails & offering quality drinks.
*Their fish is undoubtedly fresh (say a couple of notches up in quality from your usual nigiri).


Bonus: I had a chat with Denver and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he has tons of visions as to what he'd like to eventually add to the menu (as time and opportunities allow). Yuzu cheesecake and matcha lattes with your sushi, anyone? When a die-hard foodie opens a restaurant, there's no telling where their foodie madness ends.


The news about their opening has long been pending over a couple of years (permits and shipment delays may have had something to do with it). Eventually, Denver, owner of Yuzu, decided it was time to stop waiting and get the doors open and the community seated. 

You may have not yet heard about their opening, but good reason. They officially opened back in March with a soft opening - getting the feel for things around the restaurant, developing the food & drink menus according to the season as they go, and meeting more of the community while patiently awaiting missing items.

And what a victory it is to have a legit late night sushi spot available for late night cravings and adventures.  Could this be the beginnings of late night sushi culture in Reno?  I think so!

If you get a chance to make it to the shop, I just know you'll be well taken care of with amazing eats and phenomenal service. I truly hope you enjoy this amazing local spot to the fullest.


NOTES
-Free street parking just around the corner on E 5th St. Tons more free parking at Circus Circus parking garage less than a block away.
-Everything is made to order.  A little patience will go a long way.
-The menu is still evolving.


MENUS 
(as of 4.2026)

***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.***

Photography
© Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.

Categorized under "GOOD EATS" ---> "SUSHI/JAPANESE"

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Dabs for Dogs Bingo Sundays in Reno — Hosted by Res-Que at The Lodge (Great Company, Good Food & Stellar Views)

Doesn't this cute widdle face just melt your heart?

Family Bingo hosted by Res-Que Reno

Sundays

Location: 
The Lodge Bar & Patio
17025 Mount Rose Highway
Reno NV 89511

Next Bingo Session: May 3rd @ 11am
Suggested Donation: $10 for 6 rounds

Fun prizes. All ages welcome.

Instagram

The low risk entertainment you've been missing out on that helps pups find warm homes, and the feel good community experience located at Reno's best kept secret - mountain views included.

The idea that “with great power comes great responsibility,” a line from fictional Uncle Ben from the movie Spider-Man, keeps coming to mind. Consciousness is a complicated thing. There has never been a more evolved species to roam the planet, aka humans (although octopuses might make you question that), and the line between right and wrong is often blurred and debated. Simply put, life is complex. But just because we don’t have all the answers doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference.  If we are aware enough to recognize suffering, we are aware enough to do something about it.  And why should we care about anything?  Because we're all connected.  We help each other out because we don't want to see others fall.  We care to prevent problems from getting bigger. We feel more connected and grounded this way.  And it gives life meaning.  We do the best we can with what we got.

Everyone needs help at some point in life. Some of us are lucky enough to ask for it. Dogs don’t get that choice.

That gap between what we understand about responsibility and what we’re actually able to do becomes much more obvious when we look at the reality here in Reno.

The challenge of caring for thousands of dogs in need each year in Reno can feel overwhelming, especially for those directly involved in their care. A lot of people are oblivious to this problem.  A lot are well aware of it and chip away at it willingly with all their heart on the daily.  Others are just numb to it all.

But you will always find big hearted people in the community who choose to act - leading the way, inspiring action, and blazing the trail to brighter days. People who give their time and energy to something they believe in (you know who you are.  I'm so thankful for you all).

Res-Que is one of those organizations who work around the clock to find loving homes for dogs who were not dealt the best cards in life.  Dog homelessness usually comes down to a mix of human & systemic issues rather than a single cause.  The biggest drivers tend to be: unplanned litters due to a lack of spay/neuter, abandonment, lack of affordable vet care, behavioral issues, house restrictions, stray populations, and the list goes on. 

I’d like to think that through education, these issues have been improving over time (though I’d love to get a professional’s perspective on that), but there’s obviously still a lot of work to be done.  I think the most important thing to note is that we all collectively want the same thing:  for animals to have a place they can call home, to be treated with care and compassion, and to have a fair chance at a good life.  Even baby steps toward alleviating these problems is more than good enough.  Progress is progress, after all. 

Play for cool prizes at Res-Que Family Bingo. I'd help for free, but this mission comes with all sorts of fun and excitement.  Bingo for prizes, atmosphere, good company, and views.

At The Lodge Bar and Patio on most Sundays, Res-Que bingo sessions - headed by the rad KJ- help raise money for essentials like immunizations, food, and microchips while these dogs wait for  a second chance & a place to call home.  

Like so many other instances, this is just one other amazing way The Lodge supports the community - serving as a place for us to gather over good company and great causes.

A suggested $10 donation gets you six rounds.
Munch on good food, sip on good drinks, chat with good people, enjoy the views, & hang out with rescue pups while having a good time & being part of something meaningful.  

Making a difference can simply start with a room full of people, a few bingo cards, and a dog finally getting its shot at a better life.  And as a dog owner myself, I've learned the benefits of owning a dog go both ways (well, mostly, when you invest the time and effort).

Carly (left) & Leah (right) are the twin duo behind all of the magic at The Lodge.  They've been incredible since day one.

If you've been following me for a while, you already know I am a ginormous fan of The Lodge (more like a number one fan). What makes them unique is how people are always at the top of their priority list. They take care of their workers like they're family. They showcase, appreciate, & support tons of local musicians, artisans, vendors, and teachers year-round. And the owners and their staff are always such a joy to be around.  I always make an effort to surround myself with positive, hard-working, and caring individuals who make life more enjoyable and fulfilling, and I couldn't be happier to share these amazing people and businesses with you all.

On top of excellent & kind service - a full bar, espresso drinks, imported wines, good eats (charcuterie boards, pizza, and turkey pesto melts), cocktails & mocktails, a cozy fireplace, a dog friendly patio, and a family friendly atmosphere.  Oh, and did I mention the stellar 360 degree views of the mountains and evergreens (they kill me every single visit), and how The Lodge is practically isolated from other business?  Prime location. Prime service. Prime offerings. And prime entertainment.  Instead of Amazon Prime, think Reno Prime.  Sorry, I couldn't help myself, LOL.  They are the whole package.  

Every single visit has always been a blast at The Lodge.  I always make the effort to let people know about it because I know they'll most likely have a great time as well.  It's my absolute pleasure sharing about amazing gems like this and letting others in on what makes Reno special.  The Lodge is basically the “Cheers” of Reno where everybody knows your name.  Hope you enjoy it.

The onion dip & chips and Turkey Pesto sandwich taste sooo good.

Notes
*Grab some local produce from Mountain Market (@mntnmarket) at The Lodge parking lot on weekends, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Run by great people.
*Also, check out Alpinistas Adventures (@alpinistas) - a women focused outdoor gear shop located in the same building as The Lodge.
*I met the kind owner, Charlene, of Fresh Paws Salon at Family Bingo and she was super kind and passionate about her business.  Check out her dog salon at 7689 S Virginia St # F, Reno, NV 89511. Instagram | Website
*Plenty of parking available
*The Lodge Bar & Patio is the ideal basecamp for Tahoe travelers & Mt. Rose Ski (25. mins from The Lodge) regulars.
*Favorite nearby attractions: Galena Creek Visitor's Center & Galena Creek Hatchery/Marilyn's Pond.  Check out my post on this area to learn more.
*Other organizations in Reno who work to rescue animals include the SCPA of Northern Nevada, Boxer's & Buddies, and The Nevada Humane Society

MENUS 
(as of 4/30/26)

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.***


Photography
© Katherine Fung
All Rights Reserved


Categorized Under "Recurring Community Events"