Sparks is usually the “other side of Reno” to visitors, but locals know there are some seriously good burgers tucked between Victorian Square, the industrial area, and the Legends district.
These are the spots Sparks folks talk about when they want a proper, juicy burger without crossing town into Reno.
1. Great Basin Brewing Co. (Sparks)
The OG Great Basin location is a Sparks institution, and their burgers are exactly what you want with a pint.
It’s got that cozy brewpub feel—wood, brick, locals at the bar, and the smell of burgers and fries in the air.
Their standard pub burger starts with a thick, flavorful patty cooked to order, usually topped with cheddar or jack, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house sauce on a toasted bun.
If you want to go bigger, locals rave about versions loaded with bacon, grilled onions, or green chiles.
Fries are crisp and salty, and pairing your burger with an Ichthyosaur “ICKY” IPA or one of their rotating seasonals is pretty much Sparks 101.
2. Legends Grill, Sports & Spirits
Right near the Legends shopping area, Legends Grill feels like a classic sports bar—big TVs, loud games, and a menu built around burgers, wings, and beer.
Burgers are hefty and grill‑marked, with options ranging from a straight‑up cheeseburger to BBQ‑bacon builds with crispy onions and house sauce.
The buns are soft but hold up, and most plates come piled with fries or tots. Locals like it because it’s consistent, casual, and the kind of place where “let’s grab a burger and watch the game” just works.
3. BJ’s Nevada Barbecue Company
Famous for barbecue, but their burger quietly holds its own.
This is a smoky, no‑frills roadhouse vibe where everything tastes like it’s spent some time near a smoker.
The burger patties are thick and juicy with a kiss of smoke, often ordered with cheddar, bacon, and BBQ sauce for full “BBQ burger” effect.
You can add jalapeños, grilled onions, or even some pulled pork if you really want to go over the top. Sides like BBQ beans, slaw, and steak fries make it feel more like a full plate than just a sandwich.
4. Boulevard Pizza (for the “Pizza Joint” Burger)
Boulevard is known for pizza and subs, but a lot of Sparks locals will quietly tell you their burgers are way better than you’d expect.
You get a classic, flat‑top style patty with crispy edges, melted American or Swiss, and straightforward toppings—lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mayo or special sauce.
It’s the kind of burger that tastes like a great neighborhood takeout joint: not cheffy, just really satisfying.
5. Jim’s Jungle / Jim’s Eats & Spirits
A low‑key bar and grill with a very local crowd, Jim’s slings the kind of burger you crave after a long day.
Patties are juicy and seasoned well, with options to pile on bacon, mushrooms, jack or cheddar, and jalapeños.
It’s usually served with a pile of fries or tots, and the whole thing just feels like classic bar‑food comfort—nothing fancy, but easy to love. Regulars swear it’s one of the better “under‑the‑radar” burgers in Sparks.
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