In a house which used to host underground concerts not too long ago, coffee, tea and pastries are now served in a vintage themed, airy, open space with the early morning sun creating interesting shadows inside.
Chrome Coffee Works on 131 Pine Street is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has been since late last year.
On this Monday, Miguel, behind the counter, smiles and pours sweet smelling coffee into real coffee mugs for patrons walking in on an icy, snow covered morning in downtown Reno at this charming spot near the Pioneer Center.
The sign above him lists black, green and herbal teals, pastries, breakfast burrito, bagel and affogato. In terms of coffee, there’s drip coffee, espresso, Americano, Cold Brew, Cortado, Latte, Mocha, White Mocha and Chai. It also indicates in 1950s type lettering “If you don’t see what you want, just ask! We can probably make it!”
At the front of the counter, fresh croissants are begging to be ordered.
Around ten or eleven, Miguel says it’s lawyers and courtroom workers who start arriving for a quick pick me up.
For now, the food served here comes from other shops, such as the pastries from Beloved’s Bakery and Cafe and the breakfast burritos from Midnight Coffee.
There’s also beers on tap and canned adult beverages.
On Sundays, a DJ sets the vibe playing some vinyls for a crowd that has more time to relax.
The Yelp reviews have been high, averaging 4.4, complimenting the well lit space, all the available outlets, the cleanliness and the espressos and lattes. A recent reviewer Megan S. who ranks as elite with 38 coffee reviews and counting wrote: “ORDER: Gingerbread Oat Milk Latte“FUTURE ORDER: Rosemary Oat Milk Latte &/or Rosemary Lavender Latte!
I can't resist seasonal options so super recommend the gingerbread latte while you can, but yay for herbal unexpected options!!! Thrilled to see the option for rosemary which I'm now realizing is also seasonal, so I'll be hurrying back for some more perfect microfoam babyyyyy
Also yay for local beer on tap, beautiful ambiance & awesome service - such a welcome addition to downtown!”
The Google Reviews are at an even higher average of 4.8.
“Chrome Coffee Works is amazing! The building's aesthetics are super cute and the espresso and cold brew are really tasty! It's the first coffee I've had in years that doesn't taste overly roasted or burnt. Congrats on opening!” Jennifer Flynn recently wrote giving five stars.
Our Town Reno, Keep Reno Rad reporting, January 2025