Mr. Gino’s Italian Restaurant & Bar
Mr. Gino’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge, known locally as “Mr. G’s,” is more than just a restaurant — it is part of one of downtown Ely’s most historic buildings and business locations. Located on historic Aultman Street, the building carries a rich history dating back to Ely’s early mining boom and has played an important role in the city’s commercial and social life for over a century.
Before Mr. G’s occupied the space, the property was home to the Ely Mercantile, one of Ely’s earliest and most important retail businesses. In 1910, the Ely Mercantile became part of the Golden Rule chain of stores, which later evolved into the J. C. Penney Company. In fact, the Ely location was the 13th store opened by James Cash Penney after he took sole ownership of the Golden Rule chain. By 1913, all Golden Rule stores were formally rebranded as J. C. Penney stores following the incorporation of the J. C. Penney Corporation. The Ely and McGill stores were operated in partnership with W. E. Collins, who is also believed to have opened the historic Collins Hotel.
When the Collins Hotel opened in 1918, J. C. Penney relocated into the hotel building, leaving behind the original Ely Mercantile structure that still exists today hidden behind the current façade of Mr. G’s. In the years that followed, the surrounding properties continued to evolve alongside Ely itself. The old Ely Theater replaced two earlier saloons in 1920, and in 1930 the Bank Club was built on the neighboring empty lot. Eventually, the Bank Club expanded into the former Ely Mercantile building, turning the space into part of Ely’s historic gaming and nightlife scene.
Today, the lounge portion of Mr. Gino’s still occupies the same historic space once used by the Ely Mercantile and later the Bank Club, preserving a direct connection to Ely’s early commercial history. While the restaurant itself represents a newer chapter in downtown Ely dining, the building carriesmore than 100 years of history tied to mining-era commerce, early Nevada business development, and the growth of one of America’s most iconic retail companies. Mr. G’s continues that legacy today by serving as both a gathering place for the community and a living part of Ely’s historic downtown story.
Hector’s Cellblock Steakhouse
Hector’s Cellblock Steakhouse has been a longtime part of Ely’s downtown dining scene and is located inside the historic Jailhouse Casino on 5th Street. Originally opened as the Cell Block Steak House, the restaurant was built around a one-of-a-kind jailhouse theme inspired by Ely’s rich mining, railroad, and Wild West history. At a time when themed casinos and restaurants were becoming popular throughout Nevada, the Jailhouse Casino embraced the Old West by creating a dining experience unlike any other in the region.
The restaurant quickly became known for its signature “cellblock” dining booths, designed with iron bars and old jail-inspired décor that gave guests the feeling of dining inside an old western jail. The concept helped the steakhouse stand out to both locals and travelers passing through Ely along Highway 50, often called “The Loneliest Road in America.” Over the years, the restaurant became one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks and helped establish downtown Ely as a memorable stop for tourism, gaming, and dining.
Throughout its history, the Cell Block Steak House earned a reputation for classic steakhouse dining and a uniquely atmospheric experience that reflected Ely’s rugged character and historic roots. The restaurant remained a staple of the community for years, serving generations of locals while also welcoming visitors from across the country drawn to its unusual theme and historic setting.
Today, Hector’s Cellblock Steakhouse continues the legacy of the original restaurant while preserving the iconic atmosphere that made it famous. Though ownership and management have evolved over time, the restaurant still celebrates the history and spirit of Ely by keeping the original jailhouse concept alive for a new generation of guests.
Hotel Nevada Cafe & Diner
Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall is one of Ely’s most historic and recognizable landmarks, standing as a symbol of the town’s rich mining and railroad heritage for nearly a century. Originally constructed in 1929 during Ely’s mining boom, the hotel was built to provide elegant accommodations for travelers, businessmen, and visitors coming through eastern Nevada at a time when Ely was rapidly growing as an important mining and transportation hub.
Designed in a classic art deco style, Hotel Nevada quickly became known as one of the tallest and most impressive buildings in the region. Throughout the decades, the hotel welcomed miners, railroad workers, tourists, and notable public figures traveling across Nevada. Its central location in downtown Ely helped make it a focal point of the community and an important part of the town’s social and economic history.
As Ely evolved over the years, Hotel Nevada remained a constant presence through changing times in the mining industry, tourism, and transportation. The hotel became especially well known for preserving the charm and atmosphere of old Nevada, featuring vintage décor, historic photographs, themed rooms, and a classic casino experience that reflected the spirit of the American West. Its reputation for hospitality and historic character helped establish it as one of the most iconic historic hotels in Nevada.
Today, Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall continues to honor its historic roots while evolving alongside downtown Ely. As part of its continued growth, the property is expanding its dining experience with the addition of the Hotel Nevada Café & Diner, bringing a classic diner atmosphere to one of Ely’s most historic destinations. The addition reflects Hotel Nevada’s ongoing commitment to preserving tradition while continuing to serve both locals and travelers for generations to come.