Papa’s Kitchen + Cocktails

We had dinner at a new place in Jacksonville: Papa's Kitchen. They're located at 1402 San Marco Blvd in the spot that used to be Breezy Jazz House. They are in a VERY soft opening phase right now. If you've read any of my reviews previously you've heard me say this before but if you go, please do keep that in mind. We learned last night that their owners have the same mindset we do in the Jacksonville Fun, Eats & Drinks Facebook group; they're all for constructive criticism but not negativity just for the sake of negativity. I've included photos of our food here and I also attached photos of their current menu to my post in our Facebook group. Due to being in a soft opening phase, the menu is a work in progress so things may change. For our first visit we started with the Brisket Egg Rolls, which were really good. I would've gladly eaten them without any sauces BUT holy cow, the sauces. One sauce was the standard type that usually accompanies onion rings, etc. However, the other sauce from a local company and it's called Dawson's Awesome Sauce. It's accurately titled. It's got mustard and vinegar but with some maple syrup thrown in. The combo just works. I normally don't want anything to do with a sentence that involves the word "mustard" but all 3 main ingredients evened each other out for a REALLY unique taste. I ordered the Garlic Cream Shrimp Pasta and liked it a lot. There was a good mix of everything and the garlic wasn't overpowering but still there. There was a LOT of pasta so I didn't finish all of it but that also had to do with us finishing every last bit of our appetizer as well. Lauren ordered the Apple Gorgonzola Salad and added chicken to it. In her words, she "loves a salad with a whole bunch of stuff in it" so she was happy with this. Her one note was that the menu listed "crisp apples" so she was thinking they'd be fresh slices. Instead, they were smaller chunks that were seasoned. Like I said earlier, we learned the owners are open to feedback and constructive criticism which we learned when one of the owners (Bob) came over to ask how our meals were. Lauren talked to him about the apples and he totally got where she was coming from. He talked about how things like that are the type of thing they're still working out. Like, is it better to have the seasoning on the smaller, cooled pieces of apple or have the big fresh slices. It was cool to listen into and know that Bob was taking her opinions seriously. Our server Hannah was great through the whole time we were there. Really personable, smiling and quick to get more drinks, etc. Speaking of drinks, Lauren had the house cab per usual and I had a Negroni. I can't remember the last time I had more than one Negroni with a meal but it turns out Rachel behind the bar knows what she's doing because I had 3 before I left, they're that good! Our first experience at Papa's Kitchen was a good one. I strongly recommend everyone stop by to try them out but again, please remember these two words for now: soft opening. This review originally appeared as a post in the Jacksonville Fun, Eats & Drinks Facebook group.

It was good to see some people at the soft opening of Papas P's in #SanMarco - a great addition for live bands. #riverside ~ Tridence

I popped in for lunch today and chose to sit at the bar since I was by myself. I was served by Hanna who was so kind, bubbly, and helped provide suggestions for the lunch menu. I chose the Prosciutto Arugula Salad. It contains Prosciutto, shaved Parmesan, arugula, slivered almonds, and a side of balsamic vinaigrette. I liked having the dressing on the side because I was able to pour in the amount I wanted. The arugula was fresh and tasty, the prosciutto was savory, the slivered almonds added that crunchy texture that was needed, with the bite from the parm and the dressing to balance it all was a great light meal for lunch. I will definitely be going again.