Reno has plenty of spots to grab a burger, but Beefy’s is the kind of tiny, historic diner that turns one casual stop into a full‑blown obsession. 🍔🔥
Locals swear by this Midtown Reno landmark, a former 1940s Valentine diner now known for fresh‑ground patties, cheeky specialty burgers, and frosty beers that hit the spot after a long day in the Biggest Little City. 😋
How A 1947 Diner Turned Into Reno’s Secret Burger Obsession
When a burger joint gets name‑dropped by locals, spotlighted in Travel Nevada’s guide to classic burger joints, and racks up glowing reviews calling it a “Reno must,” you know it has crossed over from simple neighborhood stop to full‑on legend status. 🍟
The story at Beefy’s starts with its tiny 1947 Valentine diner building, shipped in two pieces by rail and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which instantly gives every burger order a side of old‑school American roadside history.
That history would just be trivia if the food didn’t live up to the hype, but the kitchen backs it up with fresh, high‑quality beef from local Ponderosa Butcher Shops and a menu boasting more than two dozen burgers and hot dogs, plus wings, poutine, and fried pickles.
Travel writers and Reno regulars call it a “Midtown institution,” and once you sink your teeth into a saucy, stacked specialty burger in that eight‑seat diner, it’s easy to see why people keep telling friends, coworkers, and out‑of‑town visitors, “You have to try Beefy’s at least once.” 😍
Food Highlights
All items below are drawn directly from the official Beefy’s menu and widely mentioned specialties, so you can arrive hungry with a game plan. 🤤
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The Moo, The Cluck, and The Oink!: This towering signature burger starts as a cheddar cheeseburger, then stacks on grilled chicken breast, Swiss, mushrooms, pastrami, bacon, grilled onions, another burger patty, pepper jack, BBQ sauce, and an onion ring on top that serious carnivores need to try!🍔
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The Awesome Awesome!: A decadent double‑patty situation layered with four cheeses—cheddar, Swiss, American, and pepper jack—plus lettuce, 1000 Island, and grilled onions, loved by fans because it delivers the classic “dripping down your hands” burger experience in the coziest possible setting. 🧀
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The Big Roy: A playful nod to classic fast‑food icons, this burger stacks two patties with a middle bun, house sauce, American cheese, provolone, lettuce, and pickles, perfect for guests who want that nostalgic big‑burger feel but with fresher ingredients and the Beefy’s flat‑top sear.
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Fry Daddy Burger: This one piles French fries and a fried egg right on top of your patty, slathered with 1000 Island dressing for extra richness, serving as the go‑to order for truly hungry guests and late‑afternoon “I skipped lunch” emergencies, turning a simple burger into a full meal in one glorious stack. 🍳
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The “Surf ‘n Turf” Burger: Beefy’s leans into indulgence by topping a juicy burger with six grilled shrimp and pepper jack cheese, craved by regulars for the combo of smoky beef, garlicky shrimp, and gentle heat from the cheese, making it a fun pick for anyone bored with basic cheeseburgers. 🦐
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The Korean Burger: A flavor bomb layered with Korean pepper paste, sweet‑spicy sauce, grilled onions, kimchi, and pepper jack cheese, with a loyal following among guests who like a little kick, with tangy kimchi and gooey cheese balancing the heat in every bite. 🌶️
Atmosphere
Beefy’s feels like stepping into a time capsule, with its compact Valentine diner layout and only a handful of counter seats, so every visit feels personal and a little rowdy when it’s busy.
The vibe is pure Midtown Reno comfort: casual, friendly, and just a touch scrappy, with locals grabbing burgers, hot dogs, and beers before shows, casino runs, or nights out in the Reno-Tahoe area. 🍺
You’re here for griddled patties, crispy fries, and maybe a milkshake, not white tablecloths, and the staff leans into that laid‑back energy with approachable, chatty service.
Between the sizzling grill, the clink of over 40 craft and imported beers, and that old‑school façade on South Virginia Street, it’s the kind of place you remember long after the last fry is gone.
Bottom Line
Beefy’s is worth a visit for its historic 1947 diner building, over‑the‑top specialty burgers, fresh local beef, cozy Midtown location, and “tell your friends about this place” charm that keeps locals coming back. 😍
Address:
1300 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502
📞 +1-775-870-1333
🕔 Open daily, Mon, 11 AM–7 PM; Tue–Sat 12 AM–8 PM; Sun, 10 AM–5 PM