Like a thumping red heart in the middle of the night, the Strega Bar is not your typical Reno bar. Strega (which means "witch" in Italian) was built a few years ago in a house from 1912, but has become one of the most popular lounge-style bars in the Reno area.

Since it's located in a house, what's different about Strega is that each room has its own energy. One room is good for lounging, another for music, another for (free!) pool and games, and another for dancing and the occasional fight.

Strega Bar at night — Photo courtesy of Strega

Its speakeasy-like atmosphere is what might attract both locals and visitors to its blood-red exterior and its interior with funky found art, cool music and a laid-back vibe. The stylish bartenders specialize in agua fresca mixed drinks made with whatever fruit is in season. It's usually watermelon in the summer and fresh herbs or tangerine juice in the fall and winter. Their weekday happy hour is a favorite time to grab one of these drinks or a multitude of draft beers (including $2 PBR), wines or sodas.

Weekends at Strega ramp up with music from local bands such as the MacEsposito Jazz Trio and Boogie Monster.  A parade of partiers will also join in, usually on the monthly Reno Wine Walk or one of the monthly beer crawls. Strega is an active participant in all the downtown Reno events that include libations.