Papa What You Cooking

50 S Virginia St, Reno
(775) 258-6862

Recent Reviews

Rose T

Shared some sweet potato/pecan pie, it was perfection. Came for the dessert, on advice of a college student who doesn't like to cook all the time. I'll be back for more as lots of people getting full meals. Budget friendly and delicious southern style food. Wanted to try the special Oxtails but probably next time. Its hidden in the basement of the old post office, support a locals restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Alex B

Delicious food! I've tried the oxtails, mac n cheese, and red beans and rice. All very good! And the desserts are amazing too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Red Beans and Rice, Cornbread

Luke Tahoe

Lovely place awesome foodI got the shrimp and grits, and a piece of pecan pie. He offered to warm it up for me and put whipped cream on it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shardae Alexander

Amazing place and delicious food, customer service was top tier. My new favorite place to

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Peanut Butter Cookie, Fried Bologna Sandwich, Collard Greens and Corn Bread, Red Beans and Rice, Cornbread

Mia Hadrich

Place is awesome for a bite! I really enjoyed the ambience and the mac and cheese is phenomenal!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kathy C.

You know those times when you haven't cooked at home in a long time and no food has really hit the spot in an extra long time? Those times when you've been culinary uninspired? Well be hold, Papa What Your Cooking, brimmed my eyes with tears with its heartfelt cooking. From the moment you step in, you can sense the love and dedication Papa pours into every dish. I got the Ox Tail special--it was tender, succulent meat that practically melted off the bone. The generous rice-to-meat ratio ensured each bite was a symphony of flavors, satisfying that elusive umami craving I'd been yearning for. And let's talk about dessert--specifically, the Pecan Sweet Potato Pie. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face. It's not an exaggeration to say it's the best I've ever had, perfectly balancing sweetness and richness in every heavenly bite. Located in The Basement, this restaurant feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Despite its unassuming setting, the hospitality and ambiance exude warmth and intimacy, adding an extra layer of charm to the dining experience. You HAVE to go TRY it for yourself!

Daniel R.

This spot is awesome! We had the shrimp and grits, greens and cornbread, and fried bologna sandwich. Everything was tasty and fresh. Real legit soul food. Had to grab some cookies and pie for desert and it was all good! Papas tea is good too! I'm definitely coming back and definitely bringing more people with me!

James A.

Good southern, Louisiana cooking, the pastries and pecan pellets are excellent. The building is a former US Post Office which is fun remembering the gothic artistry of the 1940's. I rate this establishment 4 stars

Cheryl C.

This delightful little restaurant is located in the old vacated Post Office in downtown Reno, and in the basement with other eateries. *There is a separate entry door around the other end of the building for the Basement.* The building itself has the ambience of "old Reno" with pictures and history dating back to the depression era. We were warmly welcomed the minute we stepped inside this cozy eatery. We had the BLT on Texas toast (which had plenty of thick bacon) and chips. Their variety of cakes sounded and looked very yummy. I had a huge chocolate chip cookie, which was wonderful. There are only a few tables and some counter space to eat at. However, there are also plenty of tables right outside the restaurant, but in the building. Enough tables for a group. I am happy to support a local family owned and operated business. Thank you for the delicious meal and for the wonderful customer service. Many blessings to you. Their specialty is good ol' southern cooking. Give them try....I highly recommend them. Enjoy. Note: They are closed Mondays.

Nicole A.

The food, service, and ambiance are top tier. I believe I met the owners and they were the absolute sweetest couple. I had ordered the shrimp and grits and everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. There was a "ratatouille moment" where it tasted just like how my great aunty made it. Highly highly highly recommend trying out the food. It taste like home.

Ben W.

This is just based off of the oatmeal raisin cookie but it was amazing. One of the best oatmeal raisin cookies I've had in a very long time. High quality ingredients, lots of butter, served fresh.

Jonathan A.

I'm not a hater, but service was underwhelming. She didn't know which cookies/cakes were which, how much they cost, or anything helpful. Cake is dense and doesn't have a lot of flavor. Cookies were cold -- asked them to reheat. They ended up being really really good, but only after we insisted they heat them up. Price was a bit steep for a slice of cake, but it's okay.

Mandy Morgan

Delicious cookies, great hospitality!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Charlie Peterson

Came in to order shrimp and grits and the lady helping me threw in cornbread and a pumpkin chocolate cookie to try. The shrimp and grits were great. I liked the cornbread, very moist and full of honey flavor and I liked the texture from the corn meal/semolina (I’m not too sure which). The pumpkin cookie was… AMAZING. Crispy edges, cakey interior, really good pumpkin spice flavor with quality chocolate. I want to come back and try their specials and some sweet potato pie :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

David O.

Very good! Excellent! Thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp and grits! I'm looking forward to trying the many other items on the menu.

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