First Look: Sparky's Roadhouse brings country to Carson

Nicole Aalgaard waves her hand for balance as she rides Black Betty the mechanical bull at Sparky's Roadhouse on Aug. 23. (Credit: Amy Lisenbe)

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The Sparky’s bar and grille in Carson City has a new look and a new twang after being transformed into the first Sparky’s Roadhouse, which opened August 22.

Sparky’s operators said they wanted to fill an entertainment gap in Carson – the sore lack of a real country bar. So Sparky’s Roadhouse features line dancing, live DJs, theme nights and even a mechanical bull, while keeping the grub and perk-filled video poker the chain is known for.

A normal Sparky’s had been making its way for a while, but ample interior space, plenty of parking and a mostly unused dancefloor made it suited for a makeover.

The actual transition from Pub & Poker to Roadhouse took just a little more than a week, as most changes were cosmetic. The walls are now covered with Western paraphernalia to get people in the mood. Improvements were made to the dance floor, and some walls and tables were removed to make room for new attractions.

An emphasis on programmed entertainment makes the most of the shiny new dance floor. Every Thursday through Saturday, a DJ spins contemporary dance and country hits, and for those who aren’t familiar with all the classic steps, lessons are conducted at 7:30 p.m. before the real party starts. There’s also karaoke on Wednesdays and drink specials throughout the weekend.

The country fun happens Wednesday through Sunday, the same nights that the bull is ready to ride for just $5, though it also will be central to contests and special events they’ve got planned. And even when there’s nothing on center stage, screens throughout the bar play hit music videos to keep the energy up and give you something pretty to look at.

If all this change sounds a little daunting, never fear. The large space has plenty of room for the traditional bar and video poker stations, and the same menu is ready to tempt, though it has been pared down to the core favorites with a country bent to allow for more people to be served quicker.

And the same people you know and love are overseeing the Roadhouse, with new folks hired to provide better and quicker service to the expected crowds. And while they wouldn’t mind drawing in business from Reno and Sparks, the main focus is on Carson Valley and catering to the residents that said they wanted a country bar.

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