The Kafana at Bordertown | A Culinary Gem in Reno, NV

Overview

The Kafana at Bordertown, nestled along US-395 in Reno, Nevada, offers a blend of hearty American classics and comfort food with a unique local twist. This cozy spot caters to travelers and locals alike, making it a favorite among those seeking satisfying meals any time of day—from breakfast through dinner.

The ambiance draws you in with its quaint, welcoming charm. Whether you're seated at one of their sturdy, comfortable booths or opting for a casual table, the space strikes a perfect balance between rustic warmth and functional comfort, making it ideal for families, solo diners, or groups stopping by after exploring the border region.

Expect a menu rich in diversity and depth. From breakfast staples like the crispy hash browns and robust breakfast burrito to lunch and dinner highlights such as the tender New York steak paired with sweet potato fries, or the indulgent shrimp and chicken stroganoff, each dish is prepared with care and consistency. Appetizers like the chili cheese fries and the sampler plate offer great introductions to the hearty flavors awaiting you. The kitchen prides itself on timely execution without sacrificing quality, a point well noticed by regular guests.

The Kafana’s service stands out just as much as its food. Attentive and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps diners returning. Servers like Elvia have earned a loyal following for their warmth and efficiency, enhancing the overall dining experience. This rapport between staff and patrons cultivates a genuine sense of community, further enriched by the smoking-friendly policy that attracts some but remains considerate with designated non-smoking areas.

Beyond the food and service, The Kafana at Bordertown embraces its location's unique charm, offering a small but charming casino space that adds a playful edge to the visit. It’s a place where one can enjoy a good meal, a friendly smile, and even a bit of light-hearted fun—all under one roof.

Whether you are a traveler passing through the California-Nevada border or a local seeking reliable comfort food with a side of genuine hospitality, The Kafana at Bordertown promises a memorable, satisfying experience. The combination of hearty dishes, warm service, and inviting atmosphere makes it a standout choice for anyone in the Reno area.

Menu Highlights

See Full Menu

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Comfort food

Late-night food

Quick bite

Small plates

Spirits

Wine

Atmosphere

Casual

Cosy

What Customers Say

Travis McMaster

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Stop here for dinner or breakfast, heck stop for lunch or just a coffee. Food was very good and the chef and kitchen crew pumps em out quick. The staff is so sweet and attentive. Elva was the best server. Regulars came in while I was there and were very happy to see her. You pay up front… in case you sit there for a while. It is definately smoky, be prepared. You get used to it but you may walk out smelling like an ashtray. Bonus that you can smoke here if you do smoke though:)

Breann Dillon

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Delicious food, friendly staff . I feel ill be a frequent flyer while staying at the rv park

Tina Bell

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Who knew that such a cute place existed on the border of California and Nevada! Wonderful food wonderful service and a cute little casino. They even have a Non smoking row for gambling. Everyone here is so friendly and accommodating! Check this place out!

Christian Tilley

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Love bordertown! It always exceeds my expectations with how friendly the staff are and how wonderful the food is. I think in all the hundreds of times going there I never had one bad experience. I highly recommend their daily soups and specials. This place is one of the best food places I’ve ever eaten at!

Melanie Flynn

Dec 3,2025

5/5

!!! The Kafana is truly a delightful gem! There are so many incredible aspects to rave about, but let me start at the beginning. This was my first visit, and I was thoroughly impressed. The atmosphere is cozy and quaint, creating an inviting and comforting ambiance from the moment you walk in. My friend and I were seated at a booth, which was not only stylish but also very comfortable. It’s rare to find seating with such great support—no sagging or discomfort here—which made the experience even more enjoyable. The hostess greeted us with warmth and attentiveness, ensuring we had our drinks promptly. Speaking of drinks, the coffee was exceptional—not watered down, perfectly hot, and rich in flavor. For our meal, we ordered the chicken-fried steak with over-medium eggs, and wow, what a treat! The gravy was simply divine—unlike any I’ve tasted before—while the steak had a perfect, satisfying crisp. The eggs were cooked to absolute perfection, and the side of fries was a plate of golden, crispy deliciousness. Special shoutout to our waitress, Elvia, who elevated the experience with her incredible service. She was kind, attentive, and made sure our coffee cups were never empty. Her cheerful demeanor and quick service truly made us feel cared for. I wholeheartedly recommend The Kafana—100 times over! It’s a hidden treasure with outstanding food, a welcoming atmosphere, and impeccable service. I can’t wait to return for another memorable meal and great conversation!

Dec 3,2025

5/5

This Restaurant was highly recommended by a close friend of mine. I decided to try it out and WOWZER it was fantastic food. I had the grilled pork chops with a loaded baked potato and fresh salad . The Absolutely amazing food & drinks served quickly with a cheery smile by the charming and lovely Jennifer, assisted by her trusty sidekick Tyler. The weekly food specials are a bargain and worth the trip from Reno. I’ve returned multiple times since then and have enjoyed the prime rib, beef and barley soup, and the pie is great. If you’re looking for a great meal come try this wonderful restaurant inside the Bordertown casino, ask for Jen and enjoy the experience.

Eileen F

Dec 3,2025

5/5

We went back, I think it's been a couple years! I had the Breakfast Sandwich with Homefries & Onions. Oh my goodness, I wish The Kafana was in my own hometown instead of 7 hours away, I love the food here! My friend had the Chicken fried steak, gravy, eggs, fresh fruit & Homefries. We both love it here & the folks are super nice too! Hopefully be back sometime soon. We stopped in Bordertown. We were looking for Breakfast. The Kafana, did not disappoint. I normally sneeze after I eat, due to the chemicals being used in food, or the kind of grill spray. I did NOT sneeze once, after eating here! A million kudos to this great eatery. I had the "Whole Hog" & it was huge! 4 pieces of crispy bacon, just the way I asked. The bacon was not salty & I didn't have heart palpitations, after I ate it. It had a nice flavor for sure! I had 2 eggs, which I asked to be, "over hard, pop the yolks". Now, you'd think, thats a very easy request, right? Well, lemme tell ya, that a lot of places, never get that request, correct! If it has any gooeyness to it, I have to send it back, due to my texture gagginess. Here, they got it exactly right! A million more kudos! I also choose the hashbrowns & they were grilled expertly! The crispy, combined with the softness, of the potatoes, was awesome. The hashbrowns also tasted like potatoes & not like something fake & frozen. The Sourdough toast was super extra sour & that was a great surprise! So many eateries, do offer the Sourdough bread, but most of the time, it has no Sourdough flavor, at all, let alone, extra sour. So many kudos to this eatery! My dining partner, had the Country fried steak breakfast, which he said was delicious. He sure looked like, he was enjoying the heck out of it. So all in all, I wish this place existed, back home in Eugene!!! Thank you Kafana!

Teresa Cafe

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Dined in. We've been to Bordertown before to gamble but this was our first time dining at Kafana and I am impressed. Excellent for food quality, cleanliness and especially customer service. I could see they have a good hard working staff actively keeping up on a high level of cleaning standards. Menus, booths, countertops, etc we're sanitized immediately after each costumer. Our waitress was the best waitress I think I've ever had as I can't remember ever dining out and not having to ask for one thing before. She was fast, friendly and just efficient. Without asking I received a side of sour cream and salsa with my breakfast burrito as well as ranch for my sweet potato fries. She also brought jelly's with toast, cream and sugar for coffee, straws and napkins. Nothing was wrong with our order and the food was delicious. I would recommend eating here anyone asking. A+

The Kafana at Bordertown - Restaurants in Reno, Nevada, USA

Overview

Menu Highlights

Amenities & Services

What Customers Say

Leave a Review

Location

Opening Hours

More Restaurants in Reno, Nevada, USA