Washoe Public House — Review by Food Network
Reno, United States — American - Contemporary with Wild Game Specialties
Washoe Public House is a standout Reno restaurant offering creative, from-scratch cuisine with high-quality ingredients and wild game specialties. The T-Pane pizza features house-made sausage, caramelized apples, and perfectly balanced tomato sauce on exceptional dough. Chef and owner Brett Mosley brings innovation and outdoor expertise to a menu that transcends typical Reno dining.
What was great: T-Pane pizza with house-made sausage, caramelized apples and onions; fantastic dough texture with rich yeasty flavor; sticky Thai chicken wings; creative seasonal menu; wild game preparations like elk chops; Irish nachos
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The T-Pane pizza is the star of the show, named after co-owner Trevor Lappe. This exceptional pie features whole milk mozzarella, house-made pork sausage infused with fennel, garlic, cumin, coriander, and star anise, perfectly complemented by sharp provolone, pecorino, granny smith apples, and caramelized onions. The Brooklyn Red tomato sauce is made from fresh tomato fillets, crushed puree, sauteed onions, and garlic with a subtle hint of Madeira wine, creating a balanced sauce that never overwhelms the other flavors.
The double elk chop is a showcase of chef Brett Mosley's wild game expertise and outdoor knowledge. Seared to a gorgeous medium-rare with a beautiful crust, it arrives with a rich Luxardo cherry demi-glace that provides a luxurious complement to the tender, flavorful elk meat. The accompaniments are equally thoughtful, including roasted russet potatoes finished with fine herbs and lemon zest for brightness, and pan-fried pattypan squash with garlic and shallots.
The sticky Thai chicken wings offer an unexpected flavor profile, while the Irish nachos demonstrate the kitchen's willingness to play with global influences.
The Experience
Washoe Public House is described as a one-of-a-kind establishment that fills a need in the Reno dining landscape. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, with co-owner Ryan Goldhammer having taught himself to cook by watching Food Network shows from age ten. The restaurant represents exactly what Reno needed: something out of the norm, offering innovative cuisine that respects tradition while pushing boundaries.
Value and Pricing
The pricing structure is not explicitly detailed in the transcript, though the quality of ingredients and creative preparation suggest premium pricing typical of high-end restaurants.
Notable Moments
This is like the best pizza ever.
There's something about that crust. It's just addicting.
The texture of the dough is fantastic. The flavor is yeasty, rich. The crunch of the fennel and the apple, the house-made sausage, the subtle tomato sauce, not overly acidic, super in balance.
Brett cooks a mean elk chop, better than any steak I've ever had.
It's rich, tons of flavor, super tender. Dynamite compliment with this cherry demi.
The Verdict
Washoe Public House is an exceptional dining destination that represents the pinnacle of what innovative, seasonal cooking can achieve. The dedication to house-made ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and respect for quality components makes this restaurant essential for anyone seeking elevated dining in Reno. Chef Brett Mosley's wild game expertise and the creative partnership with co-owner Ryan Goldhammer creates a unique culinary experience that transcends typical restaurant fare.