This has to be one of the worst bar experiences I have ever had. The only reason I gave it two stars is because the KJ who was there was really nice and the karaoke was decent. One would think that if there are going to be two ID checkers at the door, that there would be two bartenders working behind the bar. There was only one and she was the worst in customer service I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. She would pass right by me to talk to her friends at the other end of the bar. Bad for business if you ask me. And, you're drinks are WAY too expensive! On the positive side, karaoke goes until 5am, or so the sign says, which is a plus because I love singing karaoke. Song selection excellent. Sound, however, leaves something to be desired. Turn it up a little! The crowd, for the most part were friendly or unobservant to their surroundings. Met a few interesting individuals. I would recommend this bar as a very last resort if venturing downtown.

El Cortez used to be THE hottest place in town, uh, back in the 50's. Lots of Hollywood celebs made their way to party there. Then it just went downhill and became a run of the mill pool hall/dive bar. It had a solid crowd of regulars from the local cheapo weekly motels along with pool players when there was no other big pool hall downtown. Then a few years back, the owner decided to change the place. I guess he saw all the crowds next door at Tonic and figured he could get some of the action by taking out a couple pool tables and having DJ house and hip hop all night long. It's hit or miss, but the regulars mostly left, and at night you have a younger, rougher crowd. It's just a strange place. It's not a pool hall anymore, not a regular dive bar, and not a real DJ hip hop scene. It's just one of those sort of kind of places that you might check out once in a while if Tonic gets too old or smokey. Good cheap beers though, and the owner is a good guy who means well and keeps it clean.

The Karaoke was fun, but more for the older crowd.

note that some of the other reviews are for the hotel! and not the lounge! this review is for the lounge/bar! free pool is awesome! and karakee everynight is amazing! if you want to get down and sing some karaoke it is nice to know that you can always get your fix at the el cortez, the owner is extremely nice! they always have great drink specials! and their beer is cheap all the time! usually have amazing bar tenders! my favorite one quit not to long ago, but the owner is great at picking awesome bar tenders! if you hang out here you will become a friend of everyone there, because usually it is the same crowd which gives it that cool setting. and also randomly even during the week the whole place will be so packed you cannot move!!! so if you are bored, i would highly advise stopping by here for a beer or two and sing some songs!

I stopped coming in only because of this one bartender who couldn't be smarter than a rock..she was all into the hippie scene and always asked customers for money..once I knew she wasnt there anymore it's become my new favorite bar...i love rudy, ally even this new bartender trevor..i love coming in on their shifts..karaoke is always a blast I would totally agree with best karaoke bar in reno. And give this place a thumbs up!