Papa What You Cooking — Restaurant in Reno

Located in the basement of the beautiful and historic Art Deco old post office in downtown Reno (across the river from the stained glass whales, and across the street from the Pioneer Center), and tucked away in a corner, is an absolute gem.

We wandered in for a snack, and suddenly I had a box full of cookies because good heavens, how do you choose?? The man behind the counter (I believe he was Papa) was super friendly and helpful, and is a cookie wizard. I don't say that lightly. Large cookies, like these were, are kinda difficult to get exactly right. Most places underbake them so they're still doughy toward the center, so the edges don't get too hard. But these were perfect all the way through; tender where they should be, crisp margins... And the lemonade was a delicious companion -- refreshing, just sweet enough. (Tip: the chocolate-peanut butter aren't on the menu, so maybe they were a special item? They are the bomb! Be sure to try them if he's got them.)

I'm a rather sorry we weren't there for lunch or dinner, because the food sounded amazing. But I'll be back, for sure, even if I have to cross half the country to do so.

Papa, I'm not sure what brought you from New Orleans to Reno, but Louisiana's loss is Nevada's gain. Thank you for one of the sweetest...

If I could give Papa What You Cooking? more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! This place is a HIDDEN GEM in Reno, and I’m so glad I found it. From the moment I walked in, I felt like family—the staff is so welcoming, and the vibe is warm and inviting.

Now, let’s talk about the FOOD. Oh. My. Goodness. 🤤 The oxtails and rice with gravy? LIFE-CHANGING. The gravy is so rich and flavorful, it’s like a hug for your soul. And the BEEF HOTLINK SANDWICH? Perfectly smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor—it’s a must-try, especially if you don’t eat pork.

The desserts? Don’t even get me started. The sweet potato pecan pie is a masterpiece—sweet potato pie on the bottom, pecan pie on top. It’s like two Southern classics came together to create something magical. And the German chocolate cake with edible gold? FANCY and DELICIOUS.

Oh, and the drinks! The house-made lemonade (cucumber and original) is refreshing and made with REAL lemons. The sweet tea? It’ll transport you straight to the South.

I left STUFFED and HAPPY. This place is worth every penny and every calorie. If you’re in Reno, do yourself a favor and stop by. You’ll thank me later. 🏆✨

Papa, keep doing what you’re doing—you’ve got a customer...

I had chicken wings, collard greens, cornbread, pecan sweet potato pie, and a sweet tea. This place is the only place I found that serves authentic comfort food. The sweet tea is exactly how I remember it tasting back in Georgia. The collard greens were a bit too spicy for my taste, but they was still cooked perfectly. The pecan sweet potato pie was the perfect combination of sweet, smooth texture of the sweet potato mixed with the crunch of the pecans. The baked wings were made to order and had a nice savory rub on them. The cornbread, while good in its own right, wasn't what I was used to since it was sweet and more cake-like so I couldn't use it to sop up the greens' juice.

The location of the restaurant is probably the most confusing part of it. Its in the basement of that stone, post office-like building. When you get off the elevator, its at the end of the long hallway (there are some interesting shops as you go by) on your left. The end opens up like a food court along with two other...