Restaurants in Carson City

The chefs at Pietro's Famiglia Ristorante Italiano simmer a bevy of homemade sauces to complement their menu of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes. From their location on the second floor, chefs plate classic lasagna and spaghetti along with veal parmigiana, lamb chops, and an ever-changing fish of the day. Beverages from the full bar, melodies from the weekend entertainment, and leis made of linguine complement the meals served in the pink-walled dining room.:m]]

Perk Up Coffee Shop’s colorful sign draws passersby into the cozy café, where specialty coffee concoctions pair with freshly baked pastries and sandwiches. Baristas froth steamed milk before it cascades into cups of espresso and Torani syrups for white mochas or flavored lattes. Staff leaps into the holiday spirit, celebrating everything from Valentine’s Day to Christmas with seasonal specialties scrawled across a wall-mounted blackboard. Fresh blueberry and apple-cinnamon scones rise in the oven, as glass display cases safeguard bagels, muffins, and freshly baked cookies from cookie monsters disguised as health inspectors.

When he cofounded his first sandwich shop in 1965, 17-year-old Fred DeLuca planned to use his profits to pay his way through medical school. But the combination of quality ingredients and friendly service at the shop—then called Pete's Subway—proved so popular that nine years later, he and his partner found themselves in charge of 16 locations across Connecticut, and Fred left behind his doctoring plans for a career in business.

Today, Subway restaurants number over 34,000 around the world—almost as many shops as there are sightings of Elvis buying cold cuts. At each location, staffers pile sliced ham, marinara-slathered meatballs, and other fillings into halved loaves of bread before customizing handhelds with tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and other healthy toppings plucked from chilled containers behind the counter. Salads free crisp veggies from bread's overprotective embrace, and crunchy baked chips or apple slices accompany entrees to tables. Subway's website also facilitates health-conscious eating by listing each item's nutrition information and fastest mile time online.

Exposed bricks form one wall of Clark's Corner's open, column-marked space, and cattle-brand marks cover a nearby wooden wall as patrons feast amiably on pastries, coffees, sandwiches, and salads. Content to let its guests take breaks from the wild efforts of everyday life, the café promotes itself as a center for friendly relaxation. A calendar of events alludes to fun-filled trivia or open-mic nights, and a gallery of previous happenings details visits from classic cars and talks with athletes.