Rum Sugar Lime (RSL)

The Happy Hour Lowdown

RSL -- that"s Rum Sugar Lime for the uninitiated -- runs happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 4-7 PM with discounted tropical and tiki cocktails. They"re closed Mondays, so plan accordingly. The specific discounts rotate, but the quality never drops because everything here is made from scratch.

Why You"re Actually Here

Because RSL is a temple to rum and tropical cocktails, and there"s nothing else like it in Reno. All syrups, cordials, and infusions are made in-house. Fresh juices are squeezed twice a week. Ice is hand-cut. These aren"t your neon-colored vacation-resort tiki drinks -- these are meticulously crafted cocktails that happen to feature rum, tropical fruits, and flavors that transport you somewhere warm. The bartenders here are craftspeople, and watching them build a drink is half the experience.

The Vibe Check

Tropical without being kitschy. RSL has that warm, rum-bar glow with tasteful tiki-inspired decor that says "we take this seriously" rather than "we bought everything at a party store." The Midtown Virginia Street location puts you in prime bar-hopping territory, and RSL is often the anchor of a great night out. The crowd is cocktail lovers, adventurous drinkers, and anyone who appreciates that making a great daiquiri is harder than it looks.

Pro Tip

Ask for the bartender"s current favorite. The house-made ingredients change with the seasons, and there"s always something new being tested. Also, if you think you don"t like rum, tell them that -- they live for converting skeptics.