A Charming Space Designed for Connection 

The Cooking Cottage blends comfort, character, and convenience. Inside, it seats up to 30 guests for a sit-down meal, while mix-and-mingle style events can accommodate around 50 guests—with the option to expand outdoors when the weather cooperates. The space features its own private bar, 92-inch screen with surround sound, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speaker, and private restrooms, so your guests can relax and enjoy without ever having to step away. 

Whether you’re planning a holiday party, graduation celebration, bridal shower, birthday, rehearsal dinner, weddings, or corporate event, the Cooking Cottage delivers a welcoming atmosphere with a touch of Cajun charm. 

Flexible Booking on Your Schedule 

We understand that every event is unique. Some guests book their date a year in advance, while others plan on a whim. We’re happy to accommodate last-minute bookings if availability allows, and we simply require a deposit to reserve your date. Just keep in mind that May and December are high-demand months due to graduations and holidays - so if you’re planning ahead, call today to get your party started!

Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn’s Main Dining Room is available for private parties on Sundays & Mondays!

Menus Tailored to You 

Food is at the heart of every great gathering—and our team is here to help you create a menu that fits your taste and budget. We offer a variety of set menu options for both sit-down and mix-and-mingle formats, including several pre-designed menus to make planning easy. Prefer something custom? No problem. We’ll work with you to build a menu featuring your favorites, while keeping things streamlined for a smoother experience. 

Our plated dinners typically include 4–5 entree options, and our Mix & Mingle menus are designed to encourage conversation and flow. We’ll help you narrow the choices so your guests enjoy the best of what we offer—without the overwhelm. 

Simple Pricing & Thoughtful Service 

The Cooking Cottage is available for a $275 rental fee, which is waived when your party spends $500 or more on food and beverages. Depending on your guest count, we’ll assign the right number of servers—usually two—who are with you from start to finish. Each server receives $125 or 22% of the bill, whichever is greater. They’ll handle setup, service, and cleanup, so all you have to do is enjoy. 

We also offer decorating services to match your color scheme, ensuring your event feels as personalized as the menu. 

More Than a Venue — A Piece of Acadiana History 

When you book the Cooking Cottage, you're not just getting a venue—you’re becoming part of a legacy. Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn is the oldest restaurant in Acadiana, founded over 93 years ago. We’ve led the way in Cajun cuisine, introducing Redfish, Crawfish Étouffée, Poor Boy sandwiches, Emu, and Alligator to local menus. From installing the area’s first air conditioner to bringing in the first lobster tank, we’ve always believed in combining innovation with tradition. 

With a beautiful space, customizable menu, and a team that treats you like family, Riverside’s Cooking Cottage is the perfect place to gather and make memories. Whether you're planning months in advance or putting together something last minute, we’re here to help make it seamless. 

Contact us today to check availability and start planning your event. Email us at info@poorboysriversideinn.com.

Thoughts From Our Guest