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    Papi

    4.4 (106 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Papi Photos

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    PAPI ATMOSPHERE

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    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Papi

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    Reviews With Photos

    Street Tacos
    James H.

    Papi has an appealing and inviting allure to it's bar and dining area. They also have an outside section (small but functional, for sure). We ordered a couple drinks and some small bites to get us through the afternoon walking around the Old Port. The fried plantains were disappointing. Far too thin. It was essentially eating a fried batter with some delicious dipping sauce. I also have to criticize the street tacos a bit -- the ratios were off (too much meat and a lack of sauce for my liking). The taste of the tacos was quite good though. And the prices were fair for the portions of food.

    Lovers Booth

    My girlfriend and I decided to try Papi after a show around 9pm. It was drizzling a cold outside typical Portland spring. We walked inside and pushed aside a curtain to open up a warm, full capacity buzzing with life room. There was a coupe females ahead of us that put in for a seat and were told about a half hour. We were more than willing to wait, but...! The host pulled my girlfriend to the side and they started walking towards the back. A lovers booth! The green lit booth was perfect. The aesthetics were some of the best Iv experienced The Puerto Rican music was equalized to where you could talk across the table and other patrons wouldn't be able to eavesdrop. Our waitress was a busy a bee and was still able to get our drinks and take orders with ease. I orders a Margarita smh )I wish I had ordered one of their special cocktails.) it was fabulous. For our Mano we order the Sorullo. They were quite delicious. Our Plato she order the Bistec I order the Pollo Guisado. There isn't one iota of a critique we could offer. Price for the quality and experience was excellent. I can't wait to go back and try more of everything. Whenever I'm in Portland I'll be sure to stop by Papi.

    Outdoor seating
    Tyra P.

    I love coming to Papi when the weather is nice to grab a cocktail and hangout. They have really great small Puerto Rican bites. Piña Colada: the best nugget ice, refreshing Boriken Gold: delicious coco cold foam on top, sweeter cocktail

    Amaury J.

    Ayyyyy Papi! Not gonna lie -- when I first heard a Puerto Rican bar was opening in Portland and that it was named Papi, I rolled my eyes so hard. I assumed it was going to be another one of those "Latin-inspired" spots that leans heavy on the branding without any of the actual culture or heart. So I ignored it. For months. Wouldn't even consider stepping inside. Yeah... I was wrong. I don't even remember what made me finally go, but I do know I've been back close to a dozen times since. Friends nights, date nights, rainy days, hot summer afternoons, and every single visit has been incredible. The first time I walked into Papi, I literally sighed out loud. As a Cuban living in Maine, I don't often walk into places that feel like home -- that remind me of my childhood, my family, my roots. But Papi did. From the prints on the wall to the smells coming from the kitchen to the drinks on the menu -- guava, guanábana, mango, Malta, Goya cans stacked like back home -- it felt like someone got it. It was honestly a liiiiittle emotional. And I have to shout out Lyanna, the head mixologist. Watching her command the bar while having real conversations with guests is just insane -- she'll be deep in making ten cocktails at once and still make you feel like you're the only person there. She's gotten so much well-deserved recognition recently, and still manages to stay humble and always present. It's always like catching up with a friend. Not, onto the drinks. Papi is doing things that no one else in Portland is doing -- both in flavor and presentation. These are cocktails you remember. And at $14-$16 each, they're priced the same as other bars around here, while (in my opinion) being a top player when it comes to creativity and ingredients. My all-time favorite is the Boriken Gold; guava, gold rum, lime, queso and coconut foam. I don't even have the words. It's magic in a glass (and comes with this edible glitter that makes for quite a pretty drink!). We mostly go for the cocktails, but we've had their food too. The tostones are my personal favorite. Always perfectly crispy, garlicky, salty, and way too addicting. Papi, I didn't believe in you at first, but now I just hope you stick around para siempre.

    Plantain chips
    Jennifer O.

    I had the pleasure of visiting Papi on Valentine's Day and we were very pleased. They were entirely booked & somehow they were able to squeeze us in which I appreciated it. The vibes were on point they had Bad Bunny playing which was a super plus. The people were friendly and the food was good. The plantain chips were good but the tostones too tier. Had the right amount of garlic. The pork was really good & the pollo guisado was too. I had a caribeño drink which was really good too. If you're in Portland I would recommend.

    Crystal C.

    What a vibe here! As soon as we entered, it was like we went through a portal and traveled to Puerto Rico. The hostess and waitress were filled with positive energy. They were inviting, made you feel like you were family they were happy to see, and offered helpful suggestions while you navigated the menu. We settled on the tostones al ajillo (fried plantains), street tacos, beef empanadas, and rum cake for dessert. The beef empanada filling was different than any others I've had. I'd dare to describe them closer to the consistency of a sloppy joe. They were good, but saucier than expected. The fried plantains were HUGE and the garlic was prominent (yay!). I could eat just about anything dipped in that sauce. The street tacos were my favorite, hands down. The pork was AMAZING- so tender, juicy, and flavorful... a must get! The rum cake was a perfect ending to this meal. The pineapple compote and the coconut ice cream played perfectly off of each other. Loved our time at Papi and can't wait to return!

    Cocoa colada
    Ellen B.

    Came to Papi for first time and mixed reviews. Cute, little space with limited table seating but a big bar to sit at. The drink menu was impressive with some interesting cocktails. I had the cafe colada which was delicious. As far as dinner, I was disappointed in my meal. I had the short rib over yucca mash and corn salsa. Very nice presentation with a 3" square of short rib, but once I started breaking it up to eat, found that about half of it was pure fat and gristle. I salvaged what little actual meat there was and ate the sides. Fortunately this was our second stop of the evening so I wasn't starving, but would have been but for that fact. When you are paying $30 for an entree, you expect to be able to eat more than half your protein. Flavors were very good, but not one of the more memorable short ribs I've had. Server was friendly and helpful with the menu. Not sure I will be back to try again.

    Robert H.

    A stellar dinner out at this Puerto Rican restaurant in Old Town. The vibe is electric - very cool bar and lighting, tin ceiling tiles, photos of prominent Puerto Ricans along the back wall, and fun regional music loud and proud. The food was superb. We loved the empanadas, the sorullo, the street tacos, the tostones, and the main plates. Papi can be a family/tapas kind of experience. The desert was a lot of fun - guava and cheese empanadas with powdered sugar, anyone? My cocktails were very good as well, really liked the Burden in My Hand and the Grito de Lares. My wife enjoyed Goodfire beer on tap. Our server was incredibly helpful. The kitchen is fast so it is easy to order as you go. Honestly this is one of the most fun restaurants I have experienced in the last few years. Highly recommended even with all the other great spots in Portland. We'll be back!!!! :)

    laser cut ice cream- nice touch
    Melanie B.

    My husband and I had dinner reservations somewhere else, but we decided to come here and have a few cocktails first. We were able to get two seats at the bar a few minutes after we arrived. We met some people and had some interesting conversations. We did enjoy the cocktails as well!! The vibe was nice. It was noisy, but not crazy loud. The bartenders were kept busy but remained friendly. The food we saw looked great and people said it really was good. It was a nice place to spend a few hours on a Wednesday evening!

    Two cocktails with garnishes are on a wooden table in a restaurant or bar setting, with a blurred background of the establishment's interior.
    Priscilla M.

    Papi is where I go where I want to have a delicious meal/drink and have fun. It's always popping in here, and the vibes are up. The first time I came here, there was reggaeton blaring throughout the restaurant, definitely not somewhere I would bring my parents. The service is pretty casual, and one of my servers was really patient and kind recommending some drinks to my friend and myself. The bright rose hues and tropical decor make this place pop. Dinner was perfection; I've had the pernil and the steak before and almost had to change my pants (jk ;)). Unfortunately, I can't remember the names of the dishes. This is a very modern type of Puerto Rican restaurant with prices to reflect the mid/upscale menu creations. Not your typical Puerto Rican food on the streets of New York.

    Lost My Mojo Martini
    Anne S.

    I'll join the general enthusiasm for Papi's warm and welcoming vibe--you step off the street (on a chilly November evening, as was the case for me) and you're suddenly transported to something tropical and a bit old-school. Think classy but ever-just-so-slightly shabbily postwar, like you'll find in Buenos Aires. And they have empanadas! They come in a beef and lentil version (very cool that there's that vegetarian option). Otherwise the menu is a selection of smaller and larger plates. I went for the classic carne frita (a braised pork, vegetable, and rice dish), which was comforting and very filling--though unfortunately also a bit greasy and bland. I know that Puerto Rican food isn't spicy but even with the addition of their so-called hottest hot sauce option (it really wasn't hot at all), it just didn't pack much of a punch and settled in my stomach a bit weirdly. But I'll try something else next time, because what you're really here for are the cocktails--and this is where Papi's shines! I started with the Lost My Mojo Martini, which was a really intriguing combo of vodka and a dash of sherry, with cilantro, mint, and black pepper--a gorgeous green color, vegetal but amazingly balanced. Next up was the café colada, justifiably famous: vanilla vodka, rum, brandy, coconut ice cream, pineapple, and espresso, served over crushed ice. Adult dessert, yum! (Or second appetizer, as the case may be.) All of the drinks are carefully crafted and presented just gorgeously, by the wonderful staff behind the bar who will be happy to explain how flavors are infused and so on. Our server was amazing too and knew a ton of helpful details about what we were ordering (not to mention being patient and completely chill while dealing with our table of 6 and our various questions). Update TK once I return to try their giant special rum drink served in a pineapple!

    Mojo Martini
    Sean E.

    We came here for drinks only before dinner and had initially had a drink at Blyth & Burrows next door. It was a night/day experience in service and atmosphere - much more welcoming and the layout more inviting and bright. We had the tamarindo lindo and lost my mojo martini. Both were good, although the tamarind drink may have been a tad too sweet for me. The waitress was awesome! The food that people were eating around us looked very good - we'll have to return to try it. 4.25/5

    I wish I took note of this drink - it was smoky.
    Brooke L.

    ¡Aye, Papi! My husband saying 'We're going to ____ tonight, I made reservations' has only happened twice in our 15-year marriage, and boy am I glad one of those instances was for Papi. 6pm on a Friday in the Old Port can be chaos, but we found parking easily, and the brightly-painted door made it obvious as to where Papi was located. For anyone who has spent any time at all in Puerto Rico, this coral color will spark fond memories. We were greated and seated in under a minute. The host recommended the pollo guisado - I took it to heart. We ordered drinks (we drank them before me noting what they were, regretfully). My husband got a delightfully sweet drink with a candied kiwi on top of a large ice cube - it was perfect. Mine was a very smoky, herby something -or-other - I would only get this again if I wanted to sip on a single drink the entire night. It was a lot on the palate. Again, sorry I don't recall their names. The pollo guisado is absolute perfection, and brought me back to my time spent in Aguada. Huge chunks of veggies, the most tender chicken, and oh my gahhhhh the broth! This soup is serviced with a side of white rice and avocado. I loved scooping the rice and dipping into the broth - there's honestly nothing better. I'd like to say that you can't put a price on a perfect stew - but I cannot, because they did - and $28 was approximately double what feels right. That said, the flavors were immaculate. My husband got the Carne Frita, and I was lucky to snag a bite before it was gone. He kept mentioning how the pork fell apart, and boy did it! the rice and veggies were the most heavenly team to pair with the pork. My husband has asked me twice in the last week to attempt recreating it. Our server was accommodating and at first seem disinterested; however, toward the end of the meal very chatty which we enjoyed. This menu touched my heart, as I love Puerto Rico with my entire being. These flavors were precise and brought back such incredible memories of my favorite island. Portland needed this restaurant so badly. I truly hope the neighborhood embraces Papi with both arms - we want you around for years to come! Hoping to see some mofongo on the menu soon!

    Carnes Fritas and braised short rib

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    27 days ago

    Had such a great time here! Food tasted great, service was fast and the team was so amazing and welcoming!

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    6 months ago

    Food is really unique and well prepared. Service great and atmosphere very authentic Latin vibe.

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    Ask the Community - Papi

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    Sal De La Tierra

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    Arts District, Old Port, West End

    Updated review for the Salterito food truck in the parking lot of Allspeed on Brighton Ave. The…read morecarnitas burrito and Three Amigos tacos (1 chicken, 1 pork, 1 steak) tasted very good! I could've done without the lettuce in the burrito, and I did remove 1 star because it was falling apart when I got home and I ended up having to use my own (store bought) tortilla, which was disappointing after paying $17 for a burrito. Even so, everything was super flavorful! Tacos would be my recommendation to others. I also very much appreciate that the food is all authentic and handmade, they had picnic tables in the shade for seating, and the chef was welcoming and happy to explain the menu options.

    Saw this food truck on Brighton the other day and had to make a quick turn in to the parking lot to…read morescore myself some Latin cuisine! I have heard great things and was really hoping they had pupusas available on the truck... but no such luck. Only tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. That's ok because the very kind gentleman on the truck made the 3 Amigos sound really good! It's one pork, one beef, and one chicken taco on homemade tortillas with the standard fixings - onion, cilantro, guac, and salsa. I will say that the homemade tortillas are very good, though different than most I've had. They are soft to the point of almost being creamy? Very very rich, reminded me of the base of a sope. The meats were absolutely delicious and grilled and full of flavor. I loved both the pork and the beef, though the fattiness could've used an extra lime or two. I took one bite of the chicken taco and got a couple little bones, so I didn't eat the rest of that one. The sauces were good, though I was told one of the sauces was VERY VERY hot and I didn't detect a lot of spiciness from it. I think overall, I could've used double garnish, double lime, and a lot of extra heat. There are no prices on the board so I was thinking three tacos would come to like $10 - $12. Turns out they are $20 before tax, holy moley. I admit that my expectations were high before I even took a bite, because that price point is a little crazy. I am super curious about the brick and mortar because I'm sure it's a different experience with the food truck. These tacos were definitely tasty enough to do some more research!

    Tropical Food To Go

    Tropical Food To Go

    (1 review)

    Tropical Food To Go located inside Coqui's Market opened in July 2023 at the corner of Somerville…read moreStreet and Cypress Street in Manchester. They also operate the Tropical Food Truck which I've seen parked at various locations around Manchester. They offer Puerto Rican and Dominican foods along with sandwiches, fried foods, and pizza. This neighborhood convenience market and kitchen was remodeled in the former 912 Pizza & Market. There are a few tables inside to eat your food. I've ordered takeout from Tropical food to go via ToastTab. On a visit back in September, I ordered the Pernil Sandwich ($10 plus tax), 2 Papa Rellenos ($5 plus tax), a Crab Meat Empanada ($3 plus tax) and a Pepperoni Empanada ($2.25 plus tax). My order was all set in about 20 minutes after placing my takeout order. The 12" Pernil Sandwich (Sub) had plenty of tender & soft pork pieces, lettuce, tomato and Swiss cheese on a soft & chewy sub roll. The papa rellenos (soft fried potato balls) were filled with seasoned ground beef. They threw in an extra papa relleno, 3 total. The empanadas had crispy and flaky pastry shells with the meat fillings. The crab meat empanada could've had more filling inside. On my most recent visit this week, I placed another online order for Tostones (6 for $3 plus tax) and a 3 Topping Pizza ($16 plus tax). However, after I placed my order and took a seat inside to wait for my food, I was informed that they ran out of pizza dough and I could either get refunded for the pizza or order something else. I decided to instead order the Tripleta Sandwich ($12 plus tax), a Beef Empanada ($2.25 plus tax) and a Chicken Empanada ($2.25 plus tax) along with the already ordered Tostones. The transaction was updated on their end and I waited another 15 minutes for my food order. They gave me extra tostones (6 more) for the extra wait. The Tripleta Sandwich was similar to the Pernil Sandwich, but with additional meats, which had tender soft roasted pork (Pernil), ham, pastrami, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayo on a soft chewy 12" sub roll. The fried tostones were thin and a bit chewy to eat, but otherwise a great value. The empanadas looked different than the previous visit which were bigger pastry shells (larger disc used) and had more filling with plenty of ground beef and shredded chicken inside each empanada. I say stick with the bigger empanadas. I will continue to order from Tropical Food To Go for takeout since it's along my commuting route from work to the retail area of Manchester. Hopefully, I will be able to order a pizza and mofongo on my next visits.

    Papi - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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