The Wal, Reno’s Most Historic Saloon and Wolf Pack Tradition

“It’s college basketball season and The Little Waldorf Saloon is the place to be,” said Cody Puryear, current employee at The Little Waldorf Saloon, as he looked around the crowded bar full of students with their eyes glued to the television. Then, in seconds tons of Nevada students jumped to their feet in victory of their Wolf Pack basketball team defeating Morehead state.

Called “The Wal” by locals and people in the know, this saloon has been a gathering place for generations of Wolf Pack fans. Located at the top of Virginia St, The Wal is Reno’s most historic bar. The “young and dashing” Red Waldorf first purchased it in the early fall of 1917. “It used to be a wear-house,” says Reno local and Wolf Pack Alumni, Mike Mcneill. Red transformed the once wear-house into a restaurant with “old charm” according to Mike.

Red was known for his mouthwatering food that was always full of flavor, but other than the good eats, Red was known for his cannon. His historic cannon was mounted on top of The Wal’s roof and was fired off after every Wolf Pack victory. The cannon still holds its place at The Wal, mounted to the roof, although Reno police shut it down. “I guess he got in trouble,” said Mike.

The Wal went through several transitions. It started as a restaurant with old charm while Red was in charge. Years later Red sold it and The Wal was transformed into a new and improved restaurant. “They went for a modern look, it wasn’t the same,” says Mike. The Wal wasn’t getting much business, and was sold again to new owners who brought back the original look. Once again, The Wal had its “old charm.”

According to Mike, “There were two times a week you go to The Wal, Wednesday night was college night, all the kids went up there, and then after football games and basketball games.” The Wal is still known today for its College nights and traditional tailgates.

While interviewing a current UNR student, Olivia Cardenas, I asked about her experiences at The Wal and what the bar is known as today, she replied with, “Today, The Wal is known for its spirited atmosphere and good eats that won’t break the bank; both of which make up for the fact that the service just isn’t that great.”

Walking into The Wal today, you would discover its typical and not so typical bar games. The Wal offers games like foosball or pool to challenge your friends to. They also have a punching bag that will measure how hard you can hit. “I’ve personally never tried this one, but it’s hilarious to watch guys try to out-do each other while their intoxicated,” says Olivia.

Today, College night may have changed to Thursday nights, yet the tailgates are just as alive today as they were in the 70’s, when Mike attended them. “The Wal was so crowded after games, the line would go out to the parking lot, it was a lot of fun,” Mike explained. Students today experience the same kind of madness after games.

“All of the combinations of food and beer will be sure to help you kick off the season right,” employee Cody Puryear exclaims. Offering 52 different draft beers to choose from, The Wal makes for a lively hangout spot. They also offer daily deals like half off Mondays, taco Tuesdays, grilled rib-eye Wednesdays, and penny burger Sundays. “I don’t recall eating there. I just recall drinking there,” Mike says.

One of the reasons The Wal attracts so many Nevada students and alumni is because it displays its pack pride with banners, flags, and flashy signs. They even have Tony Shaw’s jersey, a Defensive back inducted into the Nevada Athletics Hall of Fame, framed and hung on the wall. “All of the Wolf Pack memorabilia makes The Wal feel like home for students,” Cody says, being a student himself.

Being around for almost a century The Wal has made its mark here at The University of Nevada, Reno. It has been a gathering place for generations of Wolf Pack fans and will continue to be a game day tradition for the next generations. “The Wal will always be a great place to socialize and talk smack about the opposing team before a game while enjoying mouthwatering food,” says Mike. Anyone looking to tailgate or celebrate after a game is always welcome at The Wal.