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    Papi Queso

    4.4 (324 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Papi Queso Takeout or Delivery

    Papi Queso Photos

    Business Info

    PAPI QUESO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Papi Queso

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    Jalapeño Bacon
    Gregory B.

    Went back for a second visit and had the buffalo chicken grilled cheese. This one was much better, and had way more filling between the bread. Dipping in the ranch is a must, highly recommend!

    Texas Cheese Steak
    Denawa A.

    Not a typical grilled cheese. I wanted to try something familiar yet not. Had the Texas Grilled Cheese, which really reminded my of a steak and cheese but on the crispiest butter bread. I also tried their s'mores grilled Nutella grilled cheese and it was AMAZING. There were bits of hazelnut and the marshmallow ratio was perfect. There was a little bit of a wait but the staff was very kind and speedy once orders were ready. I will definitely be back

    Tori H.

    It was Friday so you know had to stop and get a Frosé! It was strawberry peach flavored with some kind of wine in the mix, and it was absolutely delicious. We got the smallest size but that was more than enough. It was refreshing and packed a little punch. All the staff interacted with us, it was good vibes all around. Definitely recommend.

    Texas Cheesesteak
    MK W.

    Ordering was easy. Lots of choices. The sauces options are great and I highly recommend trying a few. We ordered the cheesesteak and the bacon with pepper jelly and while both were good, the bacon with pepper jelly was the clear winner.

    Spaghetti Melt
    Erica Y.

    Spaghetti plus grilled cheese? Sign me up! I wanted something Italian for dinner tonight, so the spaghetti in the grilled cheese really did the trick. I ordered ahead online and it was a super quick and easy process. The staff was really nice and packaged extra utensils and napkins. Perfect meal to eat outside where the weather was warm and sunny! Did not want to share this meal

    Grilled mac and cheese
    Jennifer L.

    I'd say 3.5 stars here. Staff were really great. Not just average order takers. They engaged in conversation. My friend got their monthly special which had shrimp in it and he said it was really good. I got the grilled mac and cheese sandwich with fries. Fries were great. Sandwich was a little lacking. And weirdly enough, what it was lacking was actual cheese flavor. Its a cute location in Optimist Food Hall. I would definitely not try the mac and cheese sandwich again but the staff said their monthly specials are always very popular.

    Mo S.

    Stopped inside Optimist Hall for lunch. I love grilled cheese so decided to give them a try. We had the pig mac, which was pulled pork and the Texas cheesestesk, brisket grilled cheese with tomato soup. Perfect meal on a cold day. The lady that took our order was helpful when we had questions. She kept track of the many orders that were flowing through and when mine came up she remembered what was mine and alerted me that it was ready. There seemed to be a great flow of dine in verses to go orders. It was orderly and clean. Great customer service. The grilled cheeses did not disappoint. The Texas cheesteak brisket was my favorite but the pig mac was good too. The bread was toasted with a perfect crisp and the sandwiches were very cheesy. The soup was good and light, not overly tomatoey, but it was a tad bit too thin and soupy. I like my soup slightly thicker. The taste was good tho. I also tried the frose, which was a frozen Rose' drink. It was really good. good. I can't wait to go back and try the other unique grilled cheeses.

    Little Cheesy from Papi Queso at Optimist Hall, Charlotte
    Bruce K.

    No more chasing after the food truck, Papi Queso and their amazing grilled cheese have landed at Optimist Hall. After walking the circuit and checking out to see if there was anything else we would regret missing, we circled back to the neon moustache and ordered the classic "Little Cheesy." A few minutes later, the pager buzzed and I picked up half of our dinner. A perfectly toasted grilled sandwich. Inside, American cheese, provolone and cheddar all combined for a rich tangy cheese deliciousness. This is grilled cheese for grown ups! Of course, they have tomato soup and fries and sandwiches that also include brisket or pulled pork or buffalo chicken. But for our first go with Papi Queso, we stuck with the classic and it was the right choice. Delish! [Round number 23100 overall - review 2081 of 2024 - 3763 in North Carolina]

    Ashley C.

    Love that it is in a food hall! This little restaurant had a few seats in front at the bar. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. Thankfully we put our orders in before the rush came. But the food was superb. I got the spaghetti grilled cheese and it was so nostalgic. It was hearty, the flavors were on point, and it wasn't rushed to be cooked

    Spaghetti grilled cheese
    Elizabeth H.

    We loved the spaghetti grilled cheese- yummy. It was like cheesy spaghetti inside garlic bread. I had to share it- it was SO heavy. The area itself is cool too with it being inside the renovated mill with shops and restaurants. Service was friendly and quick. My friend got champagne on draft, and the portion was quite large. Overall- would definitely recommend attain.

    D A.

    After always hearing about it, I finally got to Optimist Park to try Papi Queso. I've been loving grilled cheese since I was a little girl. However, I let fear keep me from being too adventurous and just went with the little cheese. I didn't want to get something that I wouldn't enjoy, especially as this is the most I'd be paying for a grilled cheese. There was a short wait as they were busy while I was there. The staff was pleasant. I think I'll try the pulled pork or the mac and cheese next time.

    Mac Melt Grilled Cheese
    Reagan B.

    Alright y'all - this was AMAZING. First of all, I recommend ordering online so that you can avoid the lines and just go pick up your food. It was ready within 15 minutes of placing the order. The mac & cheese melt was absolutely to die for. I added caramelize onions and it rounded out the whole entire melt. The flavor was there, and it was incredibly cheesy. Now the star of the show were the garlic tots with the truffle aïoli and I also got the garlic aïoli. OMG these were the best tater tots I have ever had. Without a doubt every time I visit this place I will be getting these garlic tots. I already can't wait for my next visit so I can try what I'll they have on the menu.

    Little cheesy, tomato soup, hip hip frose'
    Tori O.

    Incredibly kind and genuine staff! Comfortable atmosphere- I sat at their little counter.

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    6 years ago

    I love Papi Queso! The food is amazing & the staff is always so friendly! Best grilled cheese in Charlotte!

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    9 years ago

    What a amazing grilled cheese, even the pickles were great. I had a smoked bacon and tomato grilled cheese. I would go back for another

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    Page 6 of 9

    Ask the Community - Papi Queso

    Does anyone know where they will be located Wednesday?

    Their twitter account says they'll be at 2940 commonwealth ave from 6-8pm. Check out their twitter. It's the most up to date. Hope this helps!

    View All 2 Questions

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    The Crunkleton - Thanks for our special cake "beignets"

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    1.5 miElizabeth
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    Crunkleton was great! Met a friend for brunch and we had a great time…read more Out waitress Nia was excellent and so was Trey. They provided excellent service. This how service at a restaurant should be. I ordered the Charlotte hot brown - which their version of a hot brown --- it was amazing! I nice blend of flavors. My bourbon bramble was also very good. My friend had the shrimp and grits and she loved it. The ambiance gives rustic and a little casual.

    The Crunkleton has been on my list of restaurants to visit for quite some time and finally got my…read morefriends together to go. It's beautifully decorated (I fell in love with the bathroom decor) and the bar area is lovely and we stocked. Our server Natasha O was exceptional. She explained items on the menu and even made a drink recommendation that was not listed. For appetizers we had the fig salad and the large portion was more than enough for 3 people with leftovers. We shared the charred oysters and I really with we had gotten a dozen because they were perfection! I had the Wagyu burger which was 1/2 pound and I brought half of it home. It was complimented with truffle shoestring fries. Great portion sizes, amazing service and beautiful decor. I will surely come back. Hope I get sat in Natasha's section again she was amazing! Parking as always is tight in that area so plan accordingly.

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    Sixty Vines

    Sixty Vines

    4.5(447 reviews)
    1.7 miSouth End
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    Experience was great, Christian the server was very friendly and attentive and did a great job and…read moreprovided delicious recommendations. I got the Burrata starter and Creste di Gallo, the pesto cream sauce was delicious. Seemed a little strange not to have the table set with silverware upon arrival, as my appetizer came before it, but other than that it was lovely.

    I came here on a Friday night with a friend and had the greatest time! The atmosphere of this space…read moreis super cute, space and classy! We had an AMAZING waitress! Shout out to Sophia! She was extremely sweet, attentive, and super knowledgeable about the menu and gave us some really great recommendations. For drinks I ordered a NA rose. It had a bit of a dryer taste than I would have preferred as I'm more of a sweet drinker, but not bad. My friend ordered the Blackberry Sage and Soda and really enjoyed it. For an appetizer, we ordered the burrata. If you enjoy tomatoes, pesto, cheese, and bread, just get it, you won't regret it! It was very flavorful! We almost considered ordering a second helping! For the entree, I ordered the Atlantic Salmon with a side of broccolini. It was the best broccolini I think I've ever had! It was seasoned very well and had a smokey taste from the charring. My friend ordered the Creste Di Gato and really enjoyed it and the broccolini as well! For dessert, I ordered the sticky toffee cake and it was MAGNIFICENT! It was brought out warm and the flavor combinations were just so good! Right now, I'm planning to make room for it every time I come back and I most definitely will come back lol. 10/10 experience! Would recommend!

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    Suffolk Punch Brewing - SouthPark

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    4.2(167 reviews)
    5.5 miSouthPark
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    Fantastic spot. I had some visitors in from Japan and they really wanted to go to the SouthPark…read moreMall to get some shopping done. We popped in here for a mid-shopping break. They have a pretty good variety of beers. I wish they had more dark beer options. We didn't get any food. But the setting is great. Wide open community type seating. Great breeze when the doors are all open. Nice little playground nearby for the kids. The service was fast and friendly. We got a few samples and our server even recommended some things to taste. Recommended!

    Someone finally capitalized on the brilliant idea of opening a brewery in SouthPark Mall, and the…read moreresults are so impressive you'll wonder why this wasn't a thing 5 years ago. Set in a fun, airy space next to the mall's outdoor plaza, Suffolk Punch serves up delicious beers, terrific cocktails and tasty grub that makes it a great destination for just about any occasion. In between mall errands, grab a table or a barstool and dive into a Hot Chicken Sammy or Pepperoni Flatbread, paired with a flavorful Joyride IPA, Daydream Lager or another brew from their extensive selection. The menu also has shareable apps, salads and burgers, along with a wide variety of wines and cocktails. Service has been excellent on all our visits, and there's ample seating inside and out. The huge covered patio can get a little steamy in the summer, but is a joy in cooler weather. And the younger kids can burn off their energy on the adjacent playground while you and your spouse tip back a few drinks. Suffolk Punch is the best addition to SouthPark in years, and will give even the most reluctant shopper a new reason to hit the mall.

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    4.2(220 reviews)
    12.1 miBallantyne
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    Happy hour specials
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    I moved from Arizona to Rock Hill, South Carolina a few years back and one thing I really missed…read morewas Postino's. I had gone to several locations in Arizona and they were all delicious. I can definitely say that this one is just as amazing! I've always been a big fan of their board and bottle deal and my favorite wine at Postino's is their Perfekt wine. It's perfect! If it's your first time here, you definitely have to try the bruschetta because it's the best I've had. You'll get to choose four different types among your board. My favorite bruschettas are the prosciutto and fig, the smoked salmon, the burrata, and the apple and brie. I also recommend the skewers. They are always cooked to perfection. If you're not the biggest wine aficionado, they also have cocktails and beers (and of course water, soda, mocktails). I believe they still do a special for beer pitchers and they have a good draft list.

    The food was absolutely amazing always amazing. The ambience was great. It was during lunchtime, so…read moreit was nice and serene. But almost 35 minutes after we had eaten I had to get up and go get the waitress because she just wouldn't come by our table to give us our check and we really had to leave and part of the service should be that the waiters and waitresses come by the table to make sure that you are OK and that your bill is ready. Should you want it

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    Papi Queso - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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