Carl & Martin’s Bar: Reno Roots to a Henderson Highlight

There’s a certain comfort to a neighborhood bar that doesn’t try to impress. Carl & Martin’s Bar fits the bill. Its personality is relaxed yet confident because of its menu that surprises regulars who often hang out here. Nothing is rushed, and nothing feels forced. It’s a place that feels like it’s been waiting for you to sit down and catch up.

From Reno Roots to a Green Valley Gem

Carl & Martin’s story starts in 1944, on Wells Avenue in Reno, Nevada. Back then, it was a simple spot where folks gathered for drinks, conversation, and comfort food. Decades later, the same spirit lives on in the heart of Henderson.

Still family-owned and operated, the bar officially opened its Green Valley location in 2022, bringing its rich history and laid-back approach with it. What you’ll find today is a perfect mix of old-school bar values and modern comfort.

The Henderson location keeps the classic bar feel alive—wood finishes, worn-in bar stools, and friendly staff who remember your name after a couple of visits.

Carl & Martin’s Bar didn’t need a flashy rebrand or a trendy gimmick to fit in. It just needed good drinks, better food, and a space that feels like home.

And once you’ve gotten to know the place, the menu becomes part of the experience.

A Menu That Puts Typical Bar Food to Shame

One of the biggest surprises at Carl & Martin’s is the food. Most bars stick with fried and forgettable—Carl & Martin’s steps it up with dishes that actually deliver.

Their ghost kitchen turns out some serious crowd-pleasers, starting with the Drunk Burger.

This burger is no joke. A juicy beef patty topped with bacon, a fried egg, onion strings, and your choice of mayo or chipotle mayo—it’s the kind of meal that doesn’t leave room for dessert.

As a Henderson local, the Drunk Burger is always my go-to at Carl & Martin’s Bar. When I’m not craving a burger, the tavern-style pizza is my second-best pick.

If you’re craving something with heat, the Inferno Cheeseburger turns it up with ghost pepper cheese, jalapeños, and avocado. Or keep it classic with the Western Bacon Cheeseburger, dressed up with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.

The Philly Cheesesteak is another fan favorite, packed with shaved steak, bell peppers, onions, and provolone on soft French bread.

Then there’s the pizza—tavern-style thin crusts loaded with toppings, including a solid meat-lovers and a classic supreme.

I’ve had the pizza plenty of times, and it’s never failed me. The bartender, Danny, recommended me this one day, and I’m glad I went with it!

The kitchen might be in the back, but it’s definitely not an afterthought. And with a menu this solid, you’ll want to hang around—which brings us to everything else the bar has to offer.

Pool, Shuffleboard, and Wall-to-Wall Games

Carl & Martin’s knows that a good bar should offer more than just drinks and food—it should be fun. That’s why the space is set up with entertainment in mind. Multiple big-screen TVs make it easy to catch any game, from NFL Sundays to late-night UFC bouts.

No matter where you sit, you’re close to a screen and close to the action. For those who like to do more than just watch, the bar also has a couple of pool tables and a shuffleboard table that always seem to have a line.

These aren’t just tossed-in features—they’re part of the bar’s heartbeat. On any given night, someone’s lining up a pool shot while a friend waits their turn with a drink in hand. It’s casual, competitive, and never too serious!

Carl & Martin’s Bar also has an upstairs private dining area for larger parties needing their own space. For couples, then the outdoor balcony dining area is perfect to enjoy the views from Henderson.

Raise Your Glass To Mixology Magic

One of the best things about Carl & Martin’s Bar? The prices. You won’t be shocked by your tab at the end of the night. The bar keeps its drink list affordable without cutting corners. Whether you’re into ice-cold domestic beers or something a little more craft, they’ve got the basics and a few extras.

You’ll also find a full range of spirits—vodka, whiskey, tequila, rum—and bartenders who actually know how to pour a solid drink. The cocktails aren’t overly fancy, but they’re done right. It’s not about mixology here—it’s about strong pours and dependable service.

Happy hour makes things even easier on the wallet, and if you’re sticking around for a theme night, you’ll definitely appreciate that. Because the drinks keep coming, and so does the fun.

Theme Nights That Keep the Week Moving

There’s something going on at Carl & Martin’s almost every night of the week, and that’s part of the appeal.

Mondays kick off with Circus of Games Trivia—a unique, game show-style trivia night that puts a fun twist on the usual question rounds. It’s weird, wild, and way more engaging than your average trivia night.

Tuesdays are all about Taco Tuesday Karaoke, which always brings in a solid crowd ready to sing (well or terribly—it doesn’t matter).

Wednesday is Girls Night Out, featuring half-price drinks for the ladies and rotating events like crafts, music nights, or interactive games.

Thursday offers up Karaoke Bingo, a fun mix of singalongs and lucky cards, and it’s just as chaotic as it sounds.

Fridays and Saturdays are for Karaoke Late Night, a no-judgment, all-fun evening that lets anyone take the mic. These theme nights aren’t overly produced or overly planned—they just give people a reason to come out, laugh a little harder, and stay a little longer.

Your Neighborhood Spot—No Pressure, Just Good Times

Carl & Martin’s Bar doesn’t try to be the hottest spot in Henderson, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s casual without trying too hard! Just friendly faces and great food & drinks!

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink, catching the game with friends, or closing down karaoke night, you’ll feel like you’re in the right place.

And the next time someone asks where to go in Henderson for a laid-back night, you’ll know exactly what to say.