The Charming Nevada Cheese Shop Where Every Bite Tastes Handmade
This spot opened in 1981 as the first specialty cheese boutique in its city. Let me tell you, it has grown a lot since then.
Today it serves lunch and runs a catering business, with handcrafted meals as its calling card. How many small shops find a second act that good?
It is marvelous how a small Nevada shop can stay loved for so many years. The dining room is relaxed, and outdoor tables are ready when the sun is out.
Who can resist a sunny patio and a plate of good cheese? Families get a kids menu, and groups can order boards to go.
Here is some advice for you, though. Check the hours before you go, since the kitchen closes early.
So which Nevada cheese shop has stuck around for more than four decades? Let us find out.
A Cheese Shop That Beat Everyone to the Punch
Back in 1981, The Cheese Board opened its doors as the first specialty cheese and wine boutique in Reno. That is a pretty bold way to start a business.
Debbie Branby founded it, and the shop has been around ever since.
The location changed a few years later. In 1984, it moved to 247 California Avenue, and that is still where you find it today.
Staying put for that long says a lot about a small business.
Over the decades, the shop grew into something bigger than a cheese counter. It became a lunch spot and a catering company, with a motto that talks about being sweet and salty since 1981.
That slogan fits a place that mixes cheesy comfort with sugary treats.
Here is a fun way to think about it. The Cheese Board in Reno, Nevada, has been serving the city longer than many of its regulars have been alive.
Not a bad résumé for a shop that started with cheese and a dream.
The Board That Started the Whole Story
Picture a plate built around artisan cheeses, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and a savory jam. That is The Cheese Board, the menu item that shares its name with the shop.
It is the obvious first order for a first visit.
Want more savory punch? The Graze Board adds cured meats, savory snacks, and whole grain mustard to the mix.
It also keeps the cheeses, fruit, nuts, and savory jam.
Both boards work well for sharing. Pass them around the table and let everyone build their own bites.
A little jam on a cracker with cheese is a simple pleasure.
The shop also makes boards for catering orders. That means the same style of grazing can show up at a school event, an office lunch, or a family gathering.
Pickup or delivery is available, so the boards can travel to wherever the party is.
Sweet and Salty Is Not Just a Slogan
Sweet and salty since 1981 is how the shop describes itself, and the menu backs it up. Savory sandwiches and soups sit beside desserts like lemon bars, raspberry bars, and brownies.
Pairing both sides of the flavor world is the whole idea.
The kitchen says its meals are handcrafted and made with fresh ingredients. That promise shows up across the menu, from soups to salads to entrées.
Catering follows the same plan, using fine local ingredients.
Save room if you can. A raspberry bar after a grilled cheese feels like a smart ending to lunch.
The lemon bar brings a bright finish for anyone who likes things tangy.
The name might make you think only about cheese, but the menu goes much wider. You can build a meal around soup, salad, or a sandwich, then top it off with a treat.
That balance keeps the place fun for groups with different tastes.
Warm Brie, Grilled Cheese, and Other Comfort Moves
Warm Brie and Apple is one of the standout dishes here. It comes with prosciutto, savory jam, and crostini.
Melty cheese, fruit, and crunchy bread make a combination that is hard to beat.
Grilled cheese fans have plenty to look at too. A bacon apple version has turned up among the menu favorites.
Soup and salad are also on the menu, so a sandwich can be part of a bigger lunch.
Other lunch choices include gourmet sandwiches, a tuna melt, and a chicken salad croissant. The menu changes over time, so check the current version before you go.
Online ordering is available if you want to plan ahead.
Here is a tip for you. If you cannot decide, pair a sandwich with soup and a side salad.
That gives you three different tastes without much fuss.
Cozy Corners and Sunny Tables
Vintage French posters decorate the walls inside this bistro. They give the room a cozy, European feel without any fuss.
The dining room is relaxed, and the space is casual enough for a quick lunch.
When the weather is nice, outdoor seating is an option. Sitting outside in the sunshine is a pleasant way to enjoy a sandwich.
Just remember that outdoor tables are a popular choice on a pretty day.
The shop also offers some handy comforts. Wi-Fi, high chairs, and wheelchair accessibility are listed among its features.
Reservations are accepted too, which helps if you are bringing a group.
The room is also described as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. That welcoming spirit fits the laid-back mood of the dining room.
It feels like a spot where everyone can settle in with a good lunch.
Little Eaters Get Their Own Menu
Kids are not an afterthought at The Cheese Board. A dedicated kids’ menu includes the Boujee Lunchable, a Kids Grilled Cheese, and Grilled Cheese Dippers.
Those names alone should get a smile from younger diners.
The family-friendly setting helps, too. High chairs are available for the smallest guests.
The relaxed dining room means nobody has to whisper over lunch.
Parents can order something grown-up while the kids dig into their own plates. The tuna melt, for example, has come with chips or a side salad.
Families can mix and match to suit different appetites.
Desserts are another way to win over little ones. Brownies and fruity bars are on the sweet side of the menu.
A treat after lunch makes the outing feel special for everyone at the table.
Catering That Travels Well
The Cheese Board runs a catering company alongside its bistro. Orders can be picked up or delivered.
The shop says its catering is crafted with care using fine local ingredients.
Boards are a popular choice for events. One customer ordered cheese and charcuterie boards for a school celebration during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Online ordering keeps the process simple.
It is worth knowing that the business no longer offers full-service staffed events. That means you handle the serving once the food arrives.
Plan the table setup before pickup day.
The Midtown dining room can also be rented for private parties on Saturdays. That option suits birthdays, showers, and small get-togethers.
Ask the team about details and availability before you set a date.
Coffee, Tea, and a Sip for Every Mood
Not every lunch needs a big meal. The menu also includes coffee and tea, and an espresso machine is on hand for lattes and similar drinks.
That makes the shop a nice stop for a midday pick-me-up.
A lavender lemonade has been enjoyed here too, paired with a grilled cheese and a raspberry bar. Fresh drinks add a bright note to a cheesy lunch.
Check the current menu to see what is available.
Lunch combos make ordering easy. A soup, salad, and grilled cheese trio has been a handy way to try several items at once.
Kale and sausage soup is one flavor that has been served.
The shop even sells shirts with a cheesy twist on a famous song lyric. It says sweet dreams are made with cheese.
That playful touch fits the mood of the place.
Plan Your Visit Around the Clock
The address is 247 California Avenue, Reno, NV 89509. The shop sits in Midtown, and it is close enough to the river for a stroll afterward.
A short walk after lunch makes the outing feel complete.
Hours are lunch-focused. The shop is open weekdays and Saturday, and it is closed on Sundays.
Closing times are earlier than many restaurants, so plan ahead.
Check the current schedule before you head out, since hours can change. Saturday closes earlier than the weekdays.
Showing up late is the one mistake that can ruin your plan.
Once you arrive, ordering is easy. Fast service keeps lunch moving, and you can order online if you want to skip the wait.
For anyone exploring Nevada, The Cheese Board is a tasty reason to spend a lunch hour in Reno.