You can still smell the sourdough if you close your eyes. For nearly forty years, Rapscallion Restaurant Reno Nevada wasn't just a place to grab dinner; it was the city's living room for anyone who appreciated a stiff drink and a plate of fresh fish that didn't taste like it had been sitting on a truck for three days. It was dark. It was loud. It was perfect.
But if you drive down Wells Avenue today, the familiar "Rapscallion" sign is gone. In its place, a new era has begun. As of January 2026, the building at 1555 S. Wells Ave has finally shed its "closed" status, but the story of how we got here is a rollercoaster of nostalgia, management disputes, and a pandemic that claimed one of Reno’s most "untouchable" icons.
The Rise and Fall of the Rap
Founded in 1977, Rapscallion Seafood House & Bar was modeled after those old-school San Francisco seafood joints—the ones with the heavy mahogany bars, brass accents, and booths that felt like they were built to withstand a century of secrets. John Leonudakis, the man who steered the ship for years, was even named Nevada’s Restaurateur of the Year in 1999. He didn't just run a business; he curated an atmosphere.
The menu was legendary. You had the Wharf Style Cioppino, a seasonal beast of a dish packed with clams, mussels, crab, and scallops. Then there were the "Diablos on Horseback"—scallops wrapped in bacon on fried flatbread that people would literally fight over during happy hour.
Why did it actually close?
A lot of people blame the pandemic. That's part of it, sure. Rapscallion officially shuttered its doors in 2020 when the world went sideways. However, local chatter and reports suggest there was more to the "closed for good" sign than just a virus. Whispers of long-standing friction with building management and the sheer cost of maintaining a massive, aging structure played a role.
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Honestly, the place was a labyrinth. It held over 200 people, had a sprawling patio, and a wine cellar that featured bottles like a 1949 Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Keeping a machine that big running in a shifting economy is a nightmare.
The New Tenant: Marcolino’s Italia Takes Over
If you’ve been mourning the loss of those dark wood booths, I have some news that’s kinda bittersweet. The building isn't being torn down. Instead, it has become the new home of Marcolino’s Italia.
After years of rumors, Marco and Lynette Brown officially moved their beloved Italian concept from the RiverWalk District into the old Rapscallion spot. The grand opening happened just days ago, on January 10, 2026.
Here’s the cool part: they didn't gut the soul of the building.
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- The Bar is Untouched: The iconic mahogany bar and the original barstools are still there.
- The Vibe: They kept the stained glass and that "classic Reno" feel because they knew locals would revolt if they turned it into a sterile, modern white box.
- The Food: While the seafood-heavy menu of Rapscallion is gone, Marcolino’s is bringing "Italian Beef" sandwiches and high-end steaks to the table.
It’s a different flavor, but at least the lights are back on.
The Rapscallion Legacy: What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that Rapscallion was just an overpriced tourist trap. If you actually lived in Reno, you knew better. It was the "Classics Menu" that kept the locals coming back—a three-course deal with wine and dessert that was actually affordable.
People also forget the sheer scale of their wine list. It wasn't just a list; it was a tome. At one point, they were selling a magnum bottle of French red for $16,000. It was the kind of place where a blue-collar worker could have a $12 Ahi Tuna Melt at lunch, and a high-roller could drop a month's salary on dinner in the same booth four hours later.
Where to go now for that seafood fix?
Since the Rap isn't coming back, you've gotta look elsewhere. Honestly, nothing perfectly replicates that 1970s nautical-noir vibe, but a few spots are holding it down:
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- Oceano at the Peppermill: It’s more modern, but the quality of the fish is probably the closest you’ll get to the old Rapscallion standards.
- The Oyster Bar at the Nugget: It’s been around since 1959. If you want history and a stool that feels like it’s seen things, go here.
- Land Ocean: It’s "upscale casual" in South Reno. Good for date nights, but lacks that gritty, dark-wood charm.
The Actionable Reality
If you’re looking for the original Rapscallion experience, that ship has sailed. The owners of the brand have moved on, and the building has been transformed.
What you should do next:
If you want to pay your respects to the location, head to the new Marcolino’s Italia. Sit at the bar—the same one where thousands of Reno locals toasted to weddings, promotions, and the end of long weeks—and order a drink. The name on the menu has changed, but the bones of the "Rap" are still supporting the roof.
Check their website or Facebook page for reservations, especially since they just opened and are currently the "it" spot in Midtown again. Just don't ask for the Cioppino. It's time to let the pasta take the lead.
The era of Rapscallion Restaurant Reno Nevada is officially a chapter in the history books, but at least the building didn't become a parking lot. In this town, that’s a win.