For the first review of this new blog I have decided to go with somewhere I am familiar with. Somewhere fun, somewhere really great.
The 5 Star Saloon.
The 5 Star is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) bars in downtown Reno. It is located on West Street right off First Street and just a stone's throw from Java Jungle and the Truckee River. When walking down the street this bar may not be too noticeable at first with only a sign above the door to let people know its existence.
Upon entry, there is a hallway that leads directly to the sound booth. Turn your head to the right and you'll notice a good sized dance floor with a stage that contains not one, but two stripper poles. (I've used those a few times while singing in order to make sure I don't fall over.. lol!) If you turn your head to the left, you'll notice a long primary bar where all manner of drinks are created and served. From Angry Balls to Budsweiser on draft, from chilled Jager to Black Opals, AMF, and anything else your imagination could possibly want, you can find it here. Except for Midori. I didn't see any Midori the last time I was there. :(
And, across from the main bar is a nice metal cage that people can dance in if they so choose. Toward the back of the bar is a pool table and a secondary bar for those really busy evenings on the weekends. Comfy chairs can be found near the cage and there is ample seating at the bar. Rainbow flags proudly line the ceiling behind the bar, and mirrors line the wall of the dance floor.
On the weekends the 5 Star has various events going on including a drag show, which I haven't had the chance to attend yet, but hope to soon, and live DJs spinning all sorts of ear candy for those who enjoy dancing.
In addition to various bar crawls such as the Zombie Crawl, Santa Crawl and Pirate Crawl, the 5 Star also engages in the monthly wine walks. Several bars in the downtown area participate in this event and it is really one that should not be missed.
My favorite aspect of this bar is the karaoke. There is really nothing else like it anywhere that I have found in the Reno or Sparks area. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening beginning at 10pm KJ Ricky Rick hosts the best karaoke in town. What makes this so different from other places?
Each night the bartender on duty picks between 12 and 16 different artists ranging from Top 40 to oldies, rock, and R&B. Sing a song by a chosen artist and get a FREE drink from the bartender. (Limit one per hour.) I believe that last time I got a free drink from the bar I sang "Ghost in You" by Psychedelic Furs. :)
In addition to the opportunity for free drinks by singing, after each song the singer get to pick a plastic egg out of the bin at the Ricky Rick's booth. In them are free bar tabs which may include $25 bar tabs, buy one get one free, bartender's choice and even the time Titan picked 3 Free Drinks on his first song. The rest of the eggs contain blank tickets for a chance to win a $100 bar tab. As soon as they reach 100 entries, they pull the winner. Must be present to win, which sucks because I think that between Titan and I we probably had about 20 entries in there alone and weren't able to be there for the drawing. No matter. Singing is what is really fun for us. Not only are the drink specials really great, the song selection is amazing. If there is something that Ricky Rick doesn't have, he attempts to find it online for you. As for the crowd, the people there are fun, friendly and very accepting. It is sometimes nerve wrecking to sing in a new place, and I didn't really have any anxiety the first time I went. It was wonderful.
So go ahead, be brave and visit somewhere that is a bit unconventional, but everso amazingly fun!
I give the 5 Star Saloon:
Open 24/7. Located on Victorian Ave just off of the Prater exit on I-80. Home to many penny slots as well as all the usually priced slot machines. My favorite is the Ghostbusters penny slot located in the corner. I personally won the mini jackpot (all of $14 and change) a few weeks ago. It's always fun to try my luck at any of these machines. 
Restaurants include the Ale House and the Rail City Cafe. Both have excellent service and the food is a far cry better than when the building was the Plantation. The cafe has monthly specials, usually for around $5. And with the right player's card, breakfast including two pancakes, two eggs and two strips of bacon can be yours for a mere $2.22. here. The cafe is open 24/7 except for the first Sunday of the month when they do their deep cleaning. The Ale house is open from 11am to close. Their website doesn't exactly state when "closing" time is.. lol. But, the food is excellent. Don't forget to check out their buffet! The absolute least expensive anywhere! More information on Rail City's restaurants can be found here.
