Knuckleheads Bar and Grille

Knuckleheads Bar and Grille
405 N. Vine St. | Reno
775.323.6500

Most people cringe at the thought of starting a business, especially a restaurant. Rick Lawson, a transplanted Las Vegas bartender, is not most people. He wanted to live the American dream.

Twelve years ago, Lawson opened Knuckleheads Bar and Grille on the corner of 4th and Vine with the expectation of running a nice quiet neighborhood bar. Little did he know how much it would grow over the years.

What started out in 1997 as a small 1000 sq. ft. bar grew by another 1000 sq. ft. a couple years later, and in 2001, another 2000 feet and a kitchen were added. Knuckleheads has built a steady flow of regular patrons over the years and is always gaining new customers as well, probably due in part to its plethora of bar games, like pool (which is always free), darts, shuffleboard, an internet jukebox, and bar-top gaming.

But the place is now known for its food and its daily and weekly specials. How many places offer a free beer or soda with any shot or any meal over $4.00? On Sundays, you can enjoy a $4.00 breakfast special, a cheap Bloody Mary, and free chili (after 1pm). And ladies, if you want to drink for free, show up on Wednesday nights at 8pm.

Their menu features a pleasant mix of sandwiches and burgers, which are served on a soft French roll. Lawson has migrated from the bar to the kitchen and is responsible for a couple of tasty sandwiches, like the Chicken Cordon Blue and the Chicken Teriyaki with Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese.

In addition to food and drinks, a large back room with a huge stage is used for special events, features live entertainment on most weekends, and is also available for private parties. Sports buffs will appreciate the numerous flat screen TVs that show every major game.

So don’t be a knucklehead… get on over to 4th and Vine!

Text and photos by Bob Carnahan