Today:
An outdoor New Orleans gazebo ... inside; an inside fine dining experience ... outside.
Loved it! The dining room is a work in progress as the owners (one of whom is always there) will tell you. This restaurant is a quaint, family eatery where everyone is your friend. The food was great and you are guaranteed to enjoy your selection as you get to try every dish they have before you decide what to order! In the beginning the menu items varied daily but they have since taken a customer vote (where else can you vote for your favorites and it counts?) and have a menu of items that is available every day. I agree the bread pudding is a must have, they keep it HOT....mmmmmmm! This place has become a regular stop for me and my family. Give it a try, and don't forget to sign the wall!!
Every once in a while, we dig up a little gem. This time, Papa Roux on the city's Eastside is that little gem. The restaurant's ...
Hi folks, Papa Roux here, just correcting an error in the specs above. We absolutely DO have carryout. We also have a very nice, funky and family-friendly atmosphere in our dining room, but YES YES YES we offer carryout. We began as a carryout business in July, and have expanded nicely since that time, but we will never stop offering carryout. Also, the "CASH ONLY" but will be changing in the very near future as well! Please read Kate's 11-01-2007 review, and y'all come, either to sit and eat with us, or take it back to your place. Thanks! Papa
Papa's is great... the servings are enough for two meals... and woo hee...so tasty. After Hurricane K, I predicted that the Cajun influenced food/music/culture would spice up the rest of the US. I hate that it took such miserable weather to drive great soul food north... but I'm glad Papa's is down the street.
This is the kind of family run restaurant we need to support... 'cause who wants a town filled with corporate restaurants...
And buy a shirt - so we can recognize the Papa fans...
Papa thank you for comming to the East Side....we absolutely LOVE your food. I have told all of my cajun loving friends about you. The food is very authentic and portions are just perfect (for me) but others might have to get carry out boxes:):):)
Sincerly the "guy" from Lilly
Great food, good service and the price is right. This is a very good place - perfect for a wintry day. Had the etouffee and sampled a po' boy. Both were very good.
Give it a try.
Another reason I love being an east-sider. I'll third the bread pudding as well, it's declicious. And the atmosphere is always very friendly, we feel welcome every time.
Walking in the door, you're immediately surrounded by the scent of the spices used in cooking your greatly anticipated meal. (How's that for an opening line, huh??) Greeted by the friendly cooks/servers/owners, they take your order while gladly offering help with the menu if you need it. Your food is prepared directly behind the counter and brought to your table shortly.
The weekday lunch specials are all priced at $6.75, including a drink. I took Friday's special of smokie chicken and sausage stew served with red beans and rice, french bread, corn bread, and added on a dessert of bread pudding. The perfectly seasoned stew was served over rice, every drop of it was consumed. I didn't know what to expect of the red beans and rice, I've had hit and miss experiences with it before. This was far and away the biggest hit I've had. It ended up being my favorite component of the meal. Both of the breads were absolutely delicious. And once I was done with the meal, I felt comfortably full. And yet, there sat the bread pudding. Taunting me. Daring me. I reluctantly accepted the challenge. But the moment the first bite hit my taste buds, all reluctance flew out the window. This stuff is GOOD!
From the décor to the service to the food, everything about this experience is perfect. I won't be surprised if they grow out of their small-ish setting in the near future but as long as they stay on the eastside, easily accessible for my lunch hour, I'll be a happy boy.
I slept on this place for too long but made up for it by visiting twice in five days last week. I went on a Jambalaya Rampage the first time and demolished a smoked sausage Po Boy the second. Both were delicious. The real treat, though, was the waiter on Friday night. The waiter, aka the owner's son, was awesome. Super bright, super funny, and polite to the point of comedy. This place has character, an element tragically absent from most modern dining experiences.
Wanted something new on a beautiful June night so hit the web and discovered Papa's. They have a new patio for al fresco dining and even a little grass for a picnic. Staff was super nice and the Shrimp po boy was terrific. Prices are very fair. Not my favorite location, I'ld like to see them open more in time. Wish I could enjoy a cocktail there but my biggest problem is the 8 closing! Understand Papa has to get home but come on! We drove all that way and almost missed them. I would have been crushed. I guess I just have to plan my outings early.....I'm sure it'll be worth it. Next time I'll bring my kids with....they have a kids menu with cereal on it. My picky eaters will be thrilled to go out and have Lucky Charms. I didn't have the banana pudding my first time but after reading the reviews I'm gonna be sure to get it my second time.
Family Dining with Spice
Good eats, but a restaurant still finding it's taste. Not all items available every day which can make for a disappointing visit. Definitely a place to try (and hopefully try again). Creole chili and the pork chops are personal favs. They have a bread pudding like none other - almost like a rice pudding - very sweet, very tasty.