Our Roots

From the historic Werrin Building originally a grocery store and rooming house, Del Rio has been serving up authentic Southwest flavors since 2005. Using fresh, quality ingredients, our menu is prepared from scratch with honest techniques and a sincere desire to please and impress.

Indulge your appetite for history and great food. Visit Virginia City and Cafe del Rio.

History of Virginia City

Situated in the foothills of the Sierra-Nevadas, 35 miles south of Reno and east of Lake Tahoe, Virginia City was once the center of power, influence, and opulence for the West Coast.

In its heyday more than $400 million in precious metal was mined from what was to become known as the Comstock Lode, making it the largest silver find in North America.

With a population of 25,000, she was no mining camp but a cosmopolitan city offering the finest food, the most pedigreed chefs and entertainment surpassed by none.

The opera house was filled with music from the likes of Lillie Langtry and “March King” John Philip Souza – the magic of international stars like Harry Houdini and Buffalo Bill Cody. The local paper had in their employ the young Mark Twain. There were parties where thousands of bottles of champagne were consumed and the menu cards made of solid silver. She largely financed San Francisco.