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    Papi

    4.4 (108 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Papi Photos

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    PAPI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - Papi

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    Are Colada - vanilla vodka, and rum, but with coconut and pineapple flavors - didn't sound like it would be delicious, but it was
    Greg L.

    Date night at one of our favorite bars - the changing bar menu helps every visit be its own special event. The small tables help keep it from being overcrowded with big groups. The cocktails are unique and delicious rather than unique and weirdest happens at some places. If you want to try something different, this is a great place to start. The small plates were very good, but a bit small for the price.

    Cuban sliders on grilled bao buns
    Melissa P.

    What a gem in Portland. A little piece of Puerto Rico has found its way here. The food was fantastic, and the vibes were on point - we walked in and scored great seats by the window bar. The lighting is low and sultry, with Latin music setting the mood. The staff truly works as a team, and the owner is charismatic--he even came out to greet guests. We'll definitely be back.

    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.

    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.

    Got very cool tasty drinks, empandas ( not pictured but amazing) , and chimichurri steak. Would not have changed a thing!

    Amazing food, ambiance, and service. Left feeling very satisfied. Would highly 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!

    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

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

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    Ask the Community - Papi

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    Central Provisions

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    Dinner at Central Provisions was such a standout experience. The small plates format made it fun to…read moretry a variety of dishes, and everything felt thoughtful and well-executed. The flavors were creative without being overcomplicated, and each dish had something that made it memorable. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance--lively but still intimate enough to enjoy conversation. Service was attentive and knowledgeable, with great recommendations that really elevated the meal. Definitely one of those places you leave already thinking about what you'll order next time.

    We were happy with the service and speed at which the small plates were delivered to us however…read morethere was a small instance where we got a dish we didn't order (not pictured and it was the special). The lemon sole (fish) and octopus carpaccio (not pictured) were filled with flavor! The pork belly was very underwhelming and I would not order again. The waiter said 2-4 plates per person. I recommend starting on the lower end and adding additional dishes based on how you're feeling. The amount of food was very different from dish to dish. For example the tuna dip had way too much bread and the pork belly was very small in size. Overall I was half impressed. I wish the staff would take a moment to announce the plate as it's placed next to you or point it out on the menu for those hard of hearing and wanting to know what they are about to enjoy. However the music, overall restaurant vibe and half the dishes exploding with flavor made my experience pleasant and I will return again knowing a bit more of what to expect and looking at photos of the menu/meal options beforehand.

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    Lucky Cheetah

    Lucky Cheetah

    4.2
    (76 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    The Lucky Cheetah is an absolutely amazing place! Think delicious dim sum with a twist combined…read morewith a fun tiki bar vibe combined with a sophisticated retro speakeasy décor and ambiance. What could be better than a dumpling lounge? We just went for the first time and were blown away. The ambiance of the place is unique. It feels like a chic timeless but retro speakeasy with the fun atmosphere of a tiki bar. Dark red and black colors, floral art, Art Deco chandeliers, lacquered tables, kitsch and fun cheetah lamps and statues. It immediately put a smile on our faces. The food is also unique. Dim sum for dinner but with more sophisticated twists and better quality than you'll find in most Chinatowns. You start by getting a dish with three different dipping sauces for the dumplings. The hot and sour soup was rich in peanut flavor, filled with tofu, mushrooms, and seaweed, with a cumulative little kick of spiciness. It was a great start and a major cut above anything we've ever had in a Chinese restaurant. The sichuan cucumber salad are Chinese cucumbers innovatively cut into a spiral like a slinky or coil spring. You pick them up with chopsticks and they spring up and down! Served in a horseradish and pepper coulis, they had a spicy kick. Don't miss the mojo baby corn. It's grilled, crispy, and addictive. You'll want a bucket of it when watching a movie. Steamed soup dumplings are filled with ham or prosciutto, a nicely salty and meaty twist on the standard ones. Steamed mushroom and truffle dumplings are probably the closest to traditional dim sum, rich, flavorful, and packed with shrooms. Crab and lobster lucky bags were deep fried wontons filled with a mix of ground lobster and crab, on a bed of crème fraiche with scallions. A great contrast with the crispy salty shell and soft filling! Our favorite was the sesame beef bao. They look like the traditional sesame balls in Chinese restaurants, crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside but filled with brisket! They were mouth wateringly delicious! There was a selection of larger entrée plates that looked good (fried rice, lo mein, crispy chicken) that we didn't try but will next time. The drink menu was three pages long. Every kind of creative cocktail you can imagine, a long list of wines and sparking drinks, at prices from reasonable to 'special occasion.' For the atmosphere and ambiance, it seemed like cocktails or sparkling wine went best. All the staff and the manager couldn't have been nicer and more welcoming. They made us feel like old friends. Their warmth was genuine, we were sincerely touched by their friendliness. We were smiling and laughing the whole time, and amazed at how delicious the food was. It's unique. It's so much more than just a delicious meal. Going here is truly an experience, one that we'll remember for a long time and want to repeat often. It's an incredibly special place, and you feel special being here. You won't find a place like this outside of New York City, but here it is in Portland. We're going to go back often and regularly.

    I wouldn't recommend Lucky Cheetah…read more The aesthetics, atmosphere, and cocktails were all great, and I can see why the place is popular. Unfortunately, the service completely overshadowed the positives. The moment I walked in, I was asked if I had a reservation, which is perfectly normal. When I said no, the host gave me a look that felt very much like, "How dare you?" before telling me I was lucky they had one spot left at the bar. Oddly enough, the bar appeared mostly empty, but whatever. I was seated in what felt like the worst seat possible--tucked into a corner right next to the POS station, where servers were constantly moving back and forth picking up drinks. It wasn't exactly a comfortable or relaxing place to sit. The bartender was pleasant enough, but the overall vibe remained off the entire time. I felt less like a paying customer and more like someone they were reluctantly doing a favor for by allowing me to be there. I ordered the lobster and crab rangoon bags, which had a nice texture but were overwhelmingly salty. As soon as I placed my appetizer order, the menu was taken away, which made me feel rushed and unwelcome. The bartender also didn't check in much throughout the meal. It's a beautiful space with good drinks, but hospitality matters. Unfortunately, I left feeling unwelcome from start to finish, and I wouldn't return.

    Photos
    Decor in the back room
    Decor in the back room
    Sweet & sour cod
    Sweet & sour cod
    Sweet & sour cod

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    Sweet & sour cod

    Papi - cocktailbars - Updated June 2026

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