I love the breweries -- the new Great Basin at Virginia and MacCarran and Silver Peak. For sushi, Hiroba Sushi on Skyline is by far the best--really fresh, really unique rolls. And pieces are bite size, not too much rice.
Ive been really impressed with Firkin and Wolf in S.Reno in the Summit Sierra shopping centre. The fare has been tasty, the service is good and a nice selection of brews on tap, including Nitro taps. My fav beer has to be the Old Speckled Hen (on nitro). Black and Blue burger is phenomenal and the bread pudding is to die for.
GOTTA love the Awful Awful (they serve it at The Wolf's Den, where Fritz' used to be)
Best brewpub is Great Basin! Icky is irreplaceable (by far my favorite IPA), their chili beso is surprisingly refreshing in the summer, and their big seasonals like the wet-hopped Hop-a-Saur is fantastic.
For classier dining with more reasonable prices I'd definitely suggest Wild River Grille. It's located on Virgina and... well, the river. It's in the old Riverside Hotel building, where EJ's Jazz Cafe used to be. The food is amazing, wide beer selection and creative cocktails, and the musical talent they get creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Their patio facing the river is one of my favorite places to eat, have a beer, or listen to music on a cool summer night.
The Naked Fish is an amazing sushi place in South Lake Tahoe. The dress code is Tahoe casual. It's special because they fly in their sushi I think every 2 or 3 days fresh. It has a very different taste and texture compared to all the other sushi places I've ever been.
can't believe nobody mentioned ruby river steakhouse. man they are awesome. i love the coconut shrimp and steak and the JACKETED POTATOES, just make sure you aren't on a diet when you go. they are at 2750 s. virginia st. just across from the peppermill.