The oxtail with rice and gravy is probably the best I have had in a very, very long time! The oxtail meat is so tender it literally falls off the bone. The gravy is poured over rice and is very flavorful! I would absolutely recommend trying this place. Unfortunately I am passing through Reno and will not be able to try any of their other dishes, but was very very pleased with the one I got. read more

Located in The Basement is southern soul food by Papa What You Got. That's already a cool name to start with. There's street parking or in the lot. The lot has 6 spaces for 60 minutes and one space for 30. You will need to enter the basement door and head down to the next floor. Papa What you cooking is the first store you see when you turn the corner. We ordered shrimp and grits ($12.50) and braised oxtail ($27.95). Grits came with 6 tasty seasoned shrimps. Six shrimp was not enough for the amount of grits. I had to split my shrimp into 3 small pieces each to ration it out with every bite of grits to make it proportional. They should increase the shrimp size or give more shrimp. $12.50 for the dish is actually very reasonable but I would be willing to pay more with an option of extra shrimp or larger size. The oxtails came with 2 tenderness pieces over rice and gravy. Had a little kick to it. Flavorful. Lots of meat on the oxtail that I paired with the grits. Overall, we enjoyed the food. Oxtail was 10/10, shrimp and grits were great too. Just wished there were more shrimp. If we didn't have the oxtail, I would have been left with half of the grits and no shrimp. This is must try especially when visited by many celebrities and featured on Guy Fieri's Diners and Drive in, and Dives. Located in The Basement is southern soul food by Papa What You Got. That's already a cool name to start with. There's street parking or in the lot. The lot has 6 spaces for 60 minutes and one space for 30. You will need to enter the basement door and head down to the next floor. Papa What you cooking is the first store you see when you turn the corner. We ordered shrimp and grits ($12.50) and braised oxtail ($27.95). Grits came with 6 tasty seasoned shrimps. Six shrimp was not enough for the amount of grits. I had to split my shrimp into 3 small pieces each to ration it out with every bite of grits to make it proportional. They should increase the shrimp size or give more shrimp. $12.50 for the dish is actually very reasonable but I would be willing to pay more with an option of extra shrimp or larger size. The oxtails came with 2 tenderness pieces over rice and gravy. Had a little kick to it. Flavorful. Lots of meat on the oxtail that I paired with the grits. Overall, we enjoyed the food. Oxtail was 10/10, shrimp and grits were great too. Just wished there were more shrimp. If we didn't have the oxtail, I would have been left with half of the grits and no shrimp. This is must try especially when visited by many celebrities and featured on Guy Fieri's Diners and Drive in, and Dives. read more

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This place has been on my radar ever since I had some of their samples during previous Yelp events. My boyfriend also loves braised oxtail, so we knew what our next stop would be. The front of the location was a little tight on parking, so lunch would probably be chaotic. We went an hour before closing time. The entrance led us down to an underground area comprised of other restaurants/shops called "The Basement". We got in line hoping to get our hands on the oxtail plate, but they were low on rice and oxtail from the lunch rush. We didn't want to leave empty-handed, so they offered a pair of the oxtail po-boys with a side of collard greens instead. Although we reluctantly agreed, we were surprised when it came out. The first bite was delicious. The oxtail was tender, rich from the mayo, which made each bite explode with flavor. The pepperoncini and pickle spear on the side cut through the richness of the sandwich. We didn't get what we came for, but the po-boys were a great substitute. They also had a buy two, get one free cookie. Hopefully, next time we come around for lunchtime, they'll have enough oxtail for us! read more

Papa What You Cooking - Ox Tail Po Boy~ - Bakeries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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Checked this place out tonight before a theater event. It was delicious and we will definitely be back. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We ordered the po boy, oxtail po boy, and the greens and cornbread. Both sandwiches were unbelievably delicious. They had a nice crisp richness to the bread with each bite. Really took the sandwiches up a notch. The greens were bonkers. Super tasty and extremely flavorful. Decent amount of seating inside and then out in the main area as well. Overall a great experience and we would definitely go back. read more

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The red beans and rice here may be the best I have ever had. That is my comfort food. It feeds my soul. I think this might be the best. I worked in a family owned Cajun/Creole restaurant in college. Theirs was lovely. Been to New Orleans a few times... might have had this caliber of red beans and rice once before. That's it. And if I did, I don't remember. Wow. Wow, wow, wow. My partner had the fried bologna sandwich and he was in heaven. I must come back VERY soon. This is soul curing food. read more

We had the oxtail with gravy and rice. plus sweet tea. Also grabbed a chocolate chip cookie afterwards. Really good food. Really good service. Worth the drive from Fernley! read more

Papa What You Cooking - They have the good hot sauce! - Bakeries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

I love this place. The oxtails and the shrimp and grits are to die for. The service was amazing the food was fulfilling and the ambiance is just beautiful. I will definitely be back. read more

Second time eating here, always a great time never have to wait more than about 10 minutes for any given meal which is amazing on wait time. Food is always good, maybe a little bit on greasier side for some sandwiches but grease I think is good every now and then. Only criticism for me is that I wish the hot link was spicier but I tend to lean more on the spicier side of things but flavor was on the money. Hope to be back again soon for another great lunch with good people. read more

Papa What You Cooking - Hot link and ox tail - Bakeries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

I just ate here and my taste buds were jumping with happiness. The food is incredibly tasty. We ordered the oxtail, mac and cheese, collard greens, and shrimp and grits, and every single bite was full of flavor. My favorite was the oxtail, perfectly tender, savory, and cooked just right. The service was great as well. The staff were friendly, the food came out quickly, and there was plenty of seating both inside and outside. I loved the atmosphere and will definitely be back. read more

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My mom and I went insane over the desserts. We came solely for dessert! I think I purchased well over $50 worth of desserts. We had cakes, pies, cookies. I think I purchased a at least one of them everything featured. Trust, I did not whimper when my A1C told my whole life story and what I'd eaten, because I knew exactly what I did, lol...and left no crumbs. The next time we're in Reno we will stop in and try the entrees. My only complaint is there is no way to get the restaurant for a person reliant on ADA compliant accommodations (stairs and no elevator). My mom had to stay in the car, while I went to make my purchases. read more

UPDATE! Still fabulous. Tonight we took friends. (Do that folks, it's good for them and for Papa's) Everyone loved it. Biscuits and gravy, red beans and rice, roast beef melt and sweet tea. Oh and the cookies! Don't forget the cookies. Small space for orders and seating but just through the door is communal space that's huge. The service is up close and personal, you get your order right from Papa and the friend Papa's still cooking and you shouldn't miss out. read more

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Made from scratch and very friendly. What more can you ask for. Rustic laid back atmosphere. read more

Papa What You Cooking - Logo - Bakeries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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Located in the basement off of River Walk, Papa What You Cooking is a delicious hole in the wall. Shrimp and grits, braised oxtail, the Sweet cornbread, Mac and cheese, dirty rice, yams, collared greens and Papa Tea are all awesome choices. Service is friendly particular props to Marcus (the son of the owner who is from New Orleans) and prices are great. 5 stars for Papa What You Cooking and two thumbs up! Thanks for a great New Orleans meal! read more

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This place was such a cute little spot in the basement downtown. The worker was really nice and he brings the food to you. We went and both got the oxtail! It was delicious and so rich! And a huge portion! I took it for lunch the next day and still didn't finish THAT! Oxtail is known to be pricey, so getting three meals out of it is a pretty good price for me! read more

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I've been wanting to stop in at Papa What You Cooking for a while now based on all the good reviews and I finally made it in for dinner recently. I will share that I think this spot is better for lunch rather than dinner based on the smaller portion sizes and lots of options for sandwiches. We ordered the chicken sandwich, fried bologna sandwich, mac and cheese, greens and 7-Up pound cake. I really liked my friend bologna sandwich and the greens and mac and cheese were great sides for the price. My husband had the chicken sandwich and he shared that it was okay, good overall but nothing too outstanding. The 7-Up pound cake was really delicious and a great way to top off our meal at the end! The person taking our order was really nice but overall service was really slow. I waited at the front of the line for ~10 minutes for my order to be taken as the staff member was busy putting together other orders. It then took ~25 for my food to come out. Overall, it was definitely worth the try and if I'm craving a fried bologna sandwich or the 7-Up pound cake then I'll be back. read more

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Visiting Reno for Super Bowl Weekend a friend recommended this restaurant! I had the oxtails and rice and it was amazingly delicious! Flavorful, tender! Perfect! The price was vey reasonable compared to the same dish here in California on top of the amount per serving! The Mac and Cheese and yams were super delicious as well! The Cucumber Lemonade delicious tart and sweet! My only disappointment was the sweet potato pie , the filling wasn't sweet enough and the crust didn't have that buttery texture or taste! I would definitely try this restaurant again if I am in the area! read more

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The service was excellent. The food even better. The subtle music was enough but not too much. All of the staff were very nice and they did not skimp on the shrimp. Sooo good. read more

Papa What You Cooking - Even visited by Diners and Dives - Bakeries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

I moved to Reno from the south 11 years ago and there's always been a culinary itch that I just couldn't scratch, until Papa What You Cooking opened. Now whenever I need a taste of home I have a place to go. One thing I missed was properly made grits, and the ones served here are it! Everything we have tried is phenomenal. My favorite is the shrimp and grits and the cucumber lemonade. My husband said their biscuits and gravy are the best he's ever had. Definitely make a point of trying this restaurant! read more

PWYC is a great restaurant for its cuisine, customer service, and ambiance. Parking is outside. Inside is clean and in great repair with light eclectic decor. The cuisine! The beef and gravy is perfect ! And authentic Southern. It's a little salty, as is Southern Roast beef, but serve over a bed of rice and you've got heaven. The red beans and rice are NOLA-quality, ie, phenomenal. They have andouille and just enough heat. The black eyed peas are the best I've had west of the Louisiana. They're cooked right with small chucks of meats. The yams are excellent, but very sweet. Youknow, Southern style. My only complaint is there are too many choices on the menu. read more

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The food was good but it's more like a fast food restaurant you order at the counter and then they call your name when your food is ready. Everything is served in disposable plates or containers whether your eating there or to go .it's very small. It is kinda like a food court at a mall. The food was good. Parking inconvenient. read more

I dined here for lunch as it was relatively close by and its high Yelp scores. Papa's I located in The Basement of the old post office building. How do you find it? Drive around the building until you see the loading dock. Pull in there and you will see several free 60 minute parking spaces for customers of The Basement which is an underground retail area in the bottom of the old post office. If those spaces are full then you have metered street parking around the building. Go in The Basement door on the loading dock and go downstairs and you will easily find Papa's. I ordered at the counter their baked chicken entree with 2 sides of black eye peas and mac n cheese for $13. I sat in the small dining area and the food was ready about 10 minutes later served in styrofoam containers. Let me start with the good. The black eye peas were served with meat and very flavorful. The mac n cheese was creamy and rich and delicious. Served in large containers I was very happy with both side dishes. Now the bad. The 1/4 chicken (leg and thigh) looked good but was dry. Too dry. Baked chicken is to be served juicy and mine wasn't. It was a disappointment to be honest. Papa's quality control let me down. The price was reasonable, the side dishes large and excellent tasting but the chicken should not have been served. I am giving a 3 only because I think they are better than that. Or at least I hope so. read more

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Fall of the bone oxtail stew, delicious sides, sweet tea, desserts and more! Best to order on-line as this place has a steady stream of customers. Everything is packed in to-go containers and disposable items so one can eat their order in their small eating area, right outside the establishment in larger public eating area or wherever you planned. Friendly owner is the cashier and will even bring out your order if eating inside the whole eatery area. read more

Papa What You Cooking - Oxtail on rice! A+! - Bakeries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Wow, I LOVE what they did with the old post office. It's like a whole secret basement mall in there with some cool shops. I don't think I've been in there since I did my selective service thing way back in the 90s. Anyway, you have to go downstairs to find this place, it's tucked in a corner of the basement. It's cozy with only a few tables and a TV that displays pics of various plates of food. Had the fried bologna sandwich, which I haven't had since I was a teen probably. This place adds lettuce to it which gives it some nice texture. On the side was a pepperonchini, a pickle and some chips. For 10 bucks, not a bad lunch. They also had a couple other favorites of mine like hot links, biscuits and gravy, beans and rice and baked potatoes. Really friendly and quick service as well. You want food that will comfort you, this is the place. read more

I almost feel bad leaving this review because the worker was so friendly. I came on a Wednesday for lunch and ordered the baked chicken with mac & cheese and collard greens ($13). The mac & cheese and collard greens were EXCELLENT! The collard greens came with some pot liquor, and it was absolutely delicious! Portions for the sides were generous. The seasoning on the baked chicken was special, but it couldn't cover up the fact that the chicken was terribly dry. This was probably the driest chicken of my life. The thigh had me questioning if it was a chicken breast (no, it was definitely a thigh), and the drumstick had the texture of an overcooked turkey leg. Hoping it was just an off day for the chicken, but it was so dry that I am a bit scared to return. I might consider coming back to try the shrimp and grits or braised oxtails. read more

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Hands down amazing!! This is truly a hidden gem- nestled inside The Basement (a former Post Office that's been turned into several small eateries, coffee shops, bars, etc). Come get your grub on! The cucumber lemonade was literally the best I've ever had. My Grandpa was from the Midwest and made Po Boys and this one reminded me of him. 10/10 read more

Papa What You Cooking - Po Boy Sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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The food was down home tasting and very filling The ambience had that ol soul food in the basement feeling Service second to none , owners son loves what he does , loves people and this makes a big difference in this world we live in today read more

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Very friendly place. Prices are just right. Food is so so good! Had the oxtails, shrimp and grits and sweet potato pie. Serving size is good and hearty. Lots of baked good that are homemade and good choice of soul food. A must try!! read more

Delicious Soul food of the south on the West Coast. I tried the greens and cornbread, shrimp & grits, and the red beans and rice. The grits had just enough spice, but was hoping for a few more shrimp pieces for my palette. Greens and red beans were on point, hands down. I will be back to try the oxtails someday. read more

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Went to lunch on a Wednesday here..saw on Yelp this was five stars, so I needed to check it out. Wild entry, you take the elevator down stairs and several businesses are down there, including this little restaurant. We ordered red beans and rice, lemon icebox mini pie and a side of cornbread. The cornbread and pie came out first and about 20 minutes later, the red beans and rice. It was worth the wait..but plan accordingly for time. We enjoyed the food outside the sitting area of the restaurant. Food was super good and fresh, cornbread was slightly sweet, you could tell homemade and the lemon pie was magnificent. I think it is a family recipe....very very good food here!!! read more

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DEAR GOD THE PIES WERE CRAFTED BY THE HANDS OF CHRIST HIMSELF. The basement is a weird dying shopping thing, but even if this restaurant was located in a valley of glass shards i would walk barefoot there. THE FOOD I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH!!! THE PIES. THE DAMN PIES. GET A PIE OR THAT WILL BE THE MOST FOOLISH THING A MAN CAN DO. I went in with my mom and boyfriend at separate times.... we intend on having 1 pie and then leaving with 5 to take and share. I had a Po Boy and Ox tail. I swear thousands of years of my past life trauma was healed. You feel the love and care with every morsel of food. It's just so good you'll cry and sit in silence in awe. I feel like that critique in ratatouille with an entire life flashback eating this food. On top of all that the service was incredibly friendly and warm. read more

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AMAZING oxtails with rice and gravy!!! Also ordered a side of red beans and rice and collard greens and those were just as tasty. If you're looking for a delicious oxtail plate, def come here and it'll fill your belly and your soul!! read more

Visiting from Michigan, we found this restaurant via Yelp! The menu was different in a great way'! We tried the fried bologna sandwich and the macaroni and cheese, which both delicious. I ordered the greens and grits. They both took me back in time as if I were at my grandmother's. But everything was topped off with the fabulous German chocolate cake! It was everything I wanted, and was not in the least disappointed!!! This restaurant gave us a reason to return to Reno Nevada. read more

Oh man here we go. This place take me back to NOLA and the Southern comfort food. Small intimate spot thats totally legit. Bottom of the old post office downtown Reno. The food was awesome! I will be trying everything on the menu. The Nate Burleson was epic and the red beans and rice oh my lord. read more

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Delicious food!!! We waited a little for our food but it was worth the wait. Their cookies and cornbread are to die for!!

Absolutely the best tasting oxtail and shrimp and grits. My son has been asking to go here for months, and no regrets. I absolutely will be coming back! Not sure if the owner reads these, but just giving you a heads up, we showed up around 5:15 and your front counter employee blonde girl turned away two customers at 5:30. 30 minutes before closing. If I was an owner, I would be pissed. read more

Phenomenal! Easily a hidden gem in the Reno culinary scene. The baked chicken was amazing, the dirty rice was wildly flavorful, the cucumber lemonade was delicious, and the cornbread was sweet. An absolute mustgo for anyone looking for the most delicious food in the area. read more

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Came here today while visiting Reno. We came about 55 minutes before closing so we ordered and took the food to go because we didn't want them to wait for us. The employees were so sweet and nice. They had a deal for 2 cookies get 1 free. We ordered the ox tails, grilled PB&J, and a chicken sandwich. The food was very good. The chicken was juicy and the ox tails were falling off the bone. Can't wait to come back on our next trip. P.S. they are located in the basement on an old building and elegant post office along with other stores and shops. read more

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I've ordered delivery 3 or 4 ties since my initial visit to Papa's, and have been completely satisfied every time. On April 4th, however, I was let down. The shrimp on the shrimp and grits were much spicier than they were in previous orders , and the bread pudding I had ordered was not in the bag (which was an open grocery-type bag.) I believe that the delivery service was responsible for the missing dessert, but Papa's never responded after I called (left a message as it was the only option) to report the problem. read more

Boutique restaurant serving up good soul food in a renovated building that was once preoccupied by USPS. Located in the Paloma building that is shared by other shops and eateries. Service is friendly and courteous and quality of the dishes matches the price of the plate. All dishes were flavorful and delicious. read more

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Absolutely fantastic! Tried it upon landing and it was so good we came back on the way back home. If you order the dirty rice, get a side of the gravy - you'll thank me later. Baloney sammich was also great. The spot is great and worth the trip and everyone was very friendly. read more