Papa Jay's café is easy to overlook if distracted by inferior fast food options on Route 20A.
The small yellow building that houses this eatery sits just before Wendy's on Reservoir Road, but don't pass it by – Papa Jay's is perfect for lunch or light dinner. This family-owned establishment serves up freshly-made soups, sandwiches, salads and pies, all at a reasonable price.
A recent trip with a friend to Papa Jay's proved a good decision. I received friendly service and delicious food. An adorable 11-year-old boy took our orders, and our food came out fast and hot. The Reuben sandwich, made with fresh corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread, was one of the best either of us had ever had. Unlike other versions of the sandwich, this one was light and grease-free.
Both homemade soups we sampled – potato with smoked ham and lentil – were hearty and enjoyable. Portions were generous, and the crocks that cradled the soups kept them warm throughout the meal.
The homemade pecan pie and chocolate almond ice cream excellently concluded our feast. Both were excellent, but the pie really stood out. It was smooth but not overly sweet; a welcome change from most other pies. Papa Jay's offers two homemade pies daily, and they appeared to be a big hit with customers.
Eating at Papa Jay's was like eating in a family's home. The charming decorations and fireplace created a soothing atmosphere. The restaurant offers free Wi-Fi, making it the perfect place to get some work done in a quiet environment.
Though Geneseo holds more than its share of sandwich shops, Papa Jay's is undeniably worth a visit. The quality of the ingredients, the friendly service and the peaceful environment cannot be beat.
Skip the greasy fast food and mundane Main Street fare and stop by. The service is almost as fast as and unlike a burger from McDonald's, the food tastes like it was prepared as part of a homemade meal. Open Mondays 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Papa Jay's is the perfect choice for a healthy and warming meal that won't drain your wallet.