Justice Mangrum
We ate here last night and while our server was very sweet and stayed on top of our drinks, the food was underwhelming. When I think of Cajun food, I expect bold, well seasoned flavors, and that just wasn’t our experience.
I ordered the red beans and rice with sausage the rice tasted earthy, the sausage could have been seared, and the beans lacked flavor. The garlic shrimp pasta was just okay and needed extra seasoning from the table. The redfish special was enjoyed, but the pasta that came with it was stuck together and bland. The shrimp creole was fine but again lacked depth of flavor.
The boudin balls were very small (about quarter sized) and over $17 for five felt overpriced. We also waited nearly two hours for our food. Our total was almost $140 for four people, and for that price, the wait and food quality didn’t feel worth it.
The restaurant is very small, cash only, and reservations are recommended. However there was 2 families there when we arrived so it wasn’t busy. It’s possible we caught them on an off day, and we may try again in the future, but our visit didn’t match the reviews or expectations.
… moreJoe LaFerriere
The absolute best Cajun food North of I-10!!! I made many treks to Papa Boudreaux’s Cajun Cafe for their great Cajun cooking when they were in Franklin. I found myself near their weekend restaurant in Santa Fe and placed an order to bring home. Crawfish & Shrimp Étouffée…one of their signature dishes and my absolute favorite. The dish is rich, savory, and you can see the butter creaminess of the dish. The “Holy-Trinity” is plentiful and still maintains its bite. Filled with crawfish along with large shrimp and rice…this meal is the epitome of Cajun cuisine. Christy took excellent care of me and while this is an hour away, I will be back!
… moreTroy Harwell
Forget everything you’ve been told about Cajun food. You’ve been lied to. Especially in Tennessee. Take the drive to Papa’s in Santa Fe. A buddy from Louisiana tipped me off on this place today. I’m extremely upset I’ve never been here until now. Call for a reservation because it’s a small hole in the wall place with limited seating. Tell her Troy sent you. You won’t be disappointed.
… moreDrew Matthews
Absolutely loved my experience here. Off the beaten path but worth the trip. Best Cajun food I have had outside of Louisiana. I highly recommend the Crawfish Etouffee and Gumbo.
Important to note that you should call ahead to get a reservation as seating is very limited. Also bring your own beer or wine.
… moreTodd Walton
Ran across this place yesterday on a motorcycle ride. Normally you need a reservation but I was able to get in for an incredible meal. Had Gospel Creole. Really amazing. Best part of the meal was getting to speak at length with Papa Boudreaux. Truly an amazing place. I will be back.
… moreTori Hollinsworth
Papa’s is by far our absolute favorite special occasion restaurant!! If you are reading reviews thinking about coming here, 100% recommend it, you will not be disappointed!! Our most recent meal here was Mother’s Day and it was 10/10 as always!! Make sure to bring cash though, no credit cards here! Etoufee is my all-time fave but whatever dish you decide to get l, be sure to add a piece of redfish. It is unreal, best fish I’ve ever eaten in my whole life!!!
… moreDavid Harper
The fried oysters were spot on, and the freshly made beignets were amazing. The crawfish and shrimp were pretty fresh surprisingly and etoufee was good but on the bland side and needed to add creole spice. Service was good, Atmosphere was homey and comfortable and fun–Thanks guys, looking forward to coming back. Fyi: reservations are recommended and cash is the only form of payment.
… moreHot Mess Inc.
Papa is a Hoot! Came for the food but fell in love with the atmosphere They are serious about their LSU football, too Don’t you dare leave without beignets either. You’ll be sorry
… moreZachary Duquette
Definitely the best Cajun food in Tennessee
Reservation only so plan ahead
but damn this was worth every penny.
Massive portions and you have to try the beignets. They’re a little different than at cafe DuMond but they’re even better imo.
… moreLucky Blackwell
Excellent place to eat, They do require masks until seated and Reservations because it’s a small place but it’s very clean and PaPa and the Staff are all very friendly and helpful. We got there before they opened and they invited us in early.
It’s a very comfortable atmosphere and the food was Excellent.
We ordered a Big bowl of Gumbo and split it, They gave us extra bowls with bread and a Smile… Afterward we ordered the Chocolate Bread Pudding, Requested Butter on top and Came with Alamode and it was Amazing !!!
It may seem like it’s pricey but for the size of the place, Quality of the food and service it’s worth every penny!!! I highly recommend this place. Ask for Kristy.
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