Union Brewery

A year ago, I would given this "biker bar" (I took my 85 year old Mom there once), at least four stars...five on a night with live music.

But as of March, 2012 it's closed...and will not likely reopen any time soon.

The rumor is the building owner passed away and the business owner was unable to renew a lease with the kids,    Once it was closed, there has to be a lot of expensive upgrades before anyone take it over.

I'm going to miss it.

I was here for the Streets Vibrations festivities with my friends Cliff Morrison and the Lizard Sun Band. The bar is well stocked and the bartenders very friendly. In fact we talked with the owner of the bar and were told stories about the history of the bar.

The bar was once a bar/brothel for the miners that worked in the labyrinth of tunnels underneath the city. I believe there were 3000 miles of tunnels. One of the tunnels led it's way into the Union Brewery so that the miners could have a little fun after a days work.

The band played in the back of the bar near the patio/smoking area. It's a back room with power hookups with enough room for a 4 piece band and a few people dancing. The front area near the entrance is much larger and accommodate quite a few people at the bar and dancing.

I liked the vibe of the bar. When I am back in the area, I will definitely be back to get a drink.

Possibly the friendliest, down-home bar in all of Virginia City. And while all establishments in the area are nice, The Union Brewery has the feel of a saloon owned by close friends.

During some events, the place can be crowded. But even when this happens, it still feels like there's plenty more room for more. The back patio has a spectacular view that goes on for miles.

One would expect a community that is tourist-based to be higher priced. And while they are higher than the casinos in Reno, the prices are quite reasonable.