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    Papi's Barbacoa

    4.5 (45 reviews)
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    All meat Barbacoa on corn tortilla
    Matthew Z.

    I wanted to try a new barbacoa spot, so I stopped by Papi's this morning. I ordered the all meat barbacoa with salsa and corn tortillas. Barbacoa (3/5) The barbacoa here was a bit more dry than ones I have had in the past (Rio's, a few places in Laredo). The flavor was still solid and what I expect from good barbacoa, but it was noticeably less tender. Salsa and corn tortilla (2/5) The salsa was a bit too watery for me, and the corn tortillas were paper thin. The tortillas tasted like ones I would get from the store compared to corn tortillas I've had at other establishments (including taco joints). They still got the job done, but I've had better. Pricewise, the above costs about $18 after tax. I would personally stick to rios barbacoa for your barbacoa fix or try a different spot. It's possible maybe I came at too late a time or should have ordered menudo or tamales instead. However, even if it was as good as barbacoa places I've been to in the past, being a few dollars pricier for the same thing makes it not really worth it in my opinion.

    The tamales I opened and paid 15$ dollars for dry and gross

    Food was dry maybe even stale and given in a messed up tin foil wrap and it cost 15$. Don't go much better places nearby

    a car parked outside
    Erika J.

    It is a hole in a wall Barbacoa. The batbacoa is very good, but the flour tortilla was a little dry. People are nice. Still I would recommend this place.

    All Meat, corn tortillas and green salsa
    Edna C.

    Best to go barbacoa. I got half of All Meat, corn tortillas&green salsa. I got complementary beans. Everything tastes so good!! Great staff, very friendly. 100% recommended!

    All meat, finely shredded! They didn't have refried, beans, so ran over to TC's for that!
    Dave L.

    I used to go here all the time when it was Arturo's. This was my first barbacoa I tried when I move to SA in 1998, and it was delicious! Guess what, it's almost even better now under new ownership! I got the all meat, which is seriously finely shredded, little fat, and amazing! Their corn tortillas are a bit thin, and they don't serve refried beans like they used to, but for a little more than $15 for 1lb ALL MEAT, 12 corn tortillas, and green hot sauce, I'll be back!

    Initial press of a fork.

    Tried Papi's for the first time on the recommendation of a friend. He had good reviews but nothing that stood out. I went there as soon as they opened, 0630, and purchased the Spur Special All Meat selection, a packet of flour tortillas and another pound of All Meat. The rice was higher than I expected compared to my usual establishment CMM. But not one to give judgement without trying, I paid the higher price, over $35. I found the All Meat to have much more grease than CMM. I do expect some grease but this was to the point when I pressed it with a fork, I would get excessive drainage. All in all, I was disappointed with my first visit but I will give them two more visits before making a final decision on further patronage. For the time being, I will continue to go down CULEBRA for a few blocks more and get my usual All MEAT Special at that particular MARKET. Strike One.

    Tamales have meat so tasty! Not a lot of masa!

    Hands down the BEST Barbacoa in San Antonio! I love their specials. Food taste so good. Corn tortillas are so soft! Tamales are on point! Not like some that have more masa & less meat! I'm sorry I didn't take a pic of the Barbacoa but it is NOT greasy at all!! When it says ALL meat, that's what you get!! The staff is friendly. This place use to be Arturo's Barbacoa. The former owner had a friendly staff & always took care of his customers. I'm feeling like this new owner is also taking care of his customers. I've never been disappointed!! I've tried many places & nothing compares to Papi's!!

    Barbacoa with avocado, fresh green salsa on a home made corn tortilla. And charro beans on the side!

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    9 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Great pick up and fresh Barbadian for the weekend! Not loaded with fat very nice and lean

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    This place will remind you why barbacoa made childhood Sunday breakfasts so memorable.

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    4 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Barbacoa was ok. Wouldn't go out of my way to buy again. They said they have homemade tortillas but they weren't.

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    6 years ago

    The Barbacoa was delicious. My tamales weren't as great but I'd still choose this place over any other Barbacoa place

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Best Barbacoa in town. Friendly an open Saturday and Sunday. Very delicious. Once you taste it you will return. Don't forget the Big Red.

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Papi's is the best! Moved here from So Cal and have not been able to find good menudo until now. Thanks Papi

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    8 years ago

    Barbacoa & charro beans are on point....do yourself a favor & give this place a shot...you'll never go back to Rios again

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    9 years ago

    This is my go-to if I'm in the mood for excellent barbacoa. Amazing lengua and really good barbacoa.

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    8 years ago

    I was really satisfied with service and the all meat barbacoa.... I won't be going else where .

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    8 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Papi's Barbacoa

    Review Highlights - Papi's Barbacoa

    The charro beans are perfect for a cold day out eating them in a cup while freezing out in front of a bonfire.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery - Flautas de Pollo

    Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery

    3.7(4k reviews)
    9.5 miDowntown
    $$

    Party of 2 on Monday 1730…read more OVERALL Great service, great food, great ambiance. SERVICE Seated right away. Mario was our kind and happy server. He provided great recommendations. He checked us often and refilled our waters often. CHIPS AND SALSA Complimentary. Tortilla chips are freshly made, oil it was cooked in tasted well, and the salsa was flavorful with roasted ingredients. FLOUR TORTILLA Very fresh, the right amount of salt and moisture, hot, toasted perfectly, just the right thickness, and teared apart very well. CHALUPA COMBO The chalupa was made with a typical crispy tortilla. Placed next to the enchilada so it made it a bit difficult to grab since one half of the chalupa got soggy. EL RANCHO SPECIAL Recommended by Mario. Selected beef tips. The beef was very tender and flavorful, the sauce was flavorful with spice and savory, the rice/beans were well seasoned and flavorful. The guacamole/lettice/cheese was placed into a taco shell. The guacamole was very fresh and had a great texture with varying chunks of avocado. ENCHILADA POBLANO The shredded chicken was juicy and well seasoned. The poblano mole sauce was mildly creamy, tasted of delicious poblanos, seasoned well, and added a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken filling. The pickled onions were a refreshing addition and had a great snap to them. AMBIANCE Feels like we were in a home. The place is decorated vibrantly. The decorations were also very bright and clean. The booth was comfortable and relaxing.

    Attentive service was friendly and sweet for our must go to place for pastries before hitting the…read moreRiverWalk. The wedding cookies were so good we bought a few walked around the Mexican market and came back for more. The pumpkin and sweet potatoes empanadas just came out of the oven and were really flavorful. Palmares cookies were a large size and also were a good treat that offer a flaky buttery crisp flavor. 5 out of 5. Parking is limited but available if come early. Nice truly authentic bakery decorated with Mexican items and even heard mariachi playing in restaurant .

    Photos
    Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery - Balcony in the bar

    Balcony in the bar

    Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery - Triple Chocolate Cake. @coreyd123 on ig for all your photography needs!

    Triple Chocolate Cake. @coreyd123 on ig for all your photography needs!

    Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery - Chocolate cake. @coreyd123 on IG. Contact me with product/marketing photography interests

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    Domingo - Enchiladas
 Photo by Amanda Spencer

    Domingo

    4.0(930 reviews)
    10.0 miDowntown
    $$

    Took a stroll on the Riverwalk and ended up at this georgous spot for a weekend brunch. Mainly…read morepatio restaurant (a small number of indoor tables and bar) ... it sits staring out and up at the unique architecture and trees. From the street, enter the Canopy Hotel and take the elevator down to the riverwalk ... or from the riverwalk come up the stairs and the hostess is all the way inside the restaurant. The outside is a great setup and pretty unique for the riverwalk. The service was super nice and attentive. The Cobb Salad was huge and amazing with a good portion of toppings. Loved the chipolte ranch kick. I had the pressed beet juice as well .. yum! The drink was okay .. mia tai mimosa ... Will definitely try something different next time as the alcohols just did not mix as well as they sounded on the menu. PS. A couple came with dogs which are welcomed on the patio. The restaurant had doggy water bowls. Cute!

    Went here for a work lunch with coworkers. The place is so beautiful inside and out. Luckily we got…read moreto sit by the river which great weather. The service was fast and friendly. Our waiter checked on us a lot and was very knowledgeable about food allergies and substitutions. Our drinks and meal came out fairly quick. The guac and chips are yummy. The guac was creamy but does have a spicy kick to it. I also tried the cucumber agua fresca. So refreshing and light. For the meal I had the Baja fish tacos. It doesn't come with a side but it does have 3 very filling tacos. It was grilled halibut, pico, romaine lettuce, guacamole and Baja sauce. It was delicious and very flavorful. It needed a spicier sauce but deff would go back for this.

    Photos
    Domingo - Ceviche dish
 
 Photo by Amanda Spencer

    Ceviche dish Photo by Amanda Spencer

    Domingo - Views of the River Walk 
 
 Photo by Amanda Spencer

    Views of the River Walk Photo by Amanda Spencer

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 Photo by Amanda Spencer

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    La Fonda on Main - Cochinita pibil empanadas

    La Fonda on Main

    4.1(1.3k reviews)
    9.4 miMonte Vista
    $$

    WOW! What a beautiful place! The restaurant has a feeling of importance and history that was felt…read morefrom the moment we walked in the door. The food is absolutely delicious. The flavors and balance of every item shows a level of attention that is rare to see these days. Our service was attentive and only enhanced the dining experience that much more.

    We just had our second incredible meal at this place, and we're still raving about it!…read moreThe dinner menu truly impressed us once again. There's such a wonderful selection, and everything we tried was absolutely delicious. As parents with notoriously picky eaters, we especially appreciate how accommodating the staff is - it's such a relief to know that our kids can also find something yummy with just a quick chat with the staff member. That really makes a difference for a family outing! And oh my goodness, the appetizers are simply fantastic. We couldn't get enough! I also have to give a special shout-out to the Carrajillo I ordered. It was such a delightful surprise - perfectly balanced, not overly sweet, with a lovely citrusy kick that made it incredibly refreshing. Definitely a new favorite drink! We're already looking forward to our next visit to explore more of amazing menu. Just a little heads-up for anyone else, we realized on our way out that there's an extra parking lot right across the street if the main one fills up. Super handy to know!

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    La Fonda on Main
    La Fonda on Main - Hamachi Aguachili

    Hamachi Aguachili

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    Panfila Cantina And Restaurant - Bistec street tacos with cheese

    Panfila Cantina And Restaurant

    3.8(308 reviews)
    18.3 mi
    $$

    I still can't get enough of this place!!!! I keep coming back and love it every single time!! The…read morefood, the cafe de olla, the service the atmosphere, I love it all!! Been coming here for about 3 years, just updating my review!

    Surprised the wife with a trip to Pan Fila for her favorite hot chocolate and concha. We started…read morewith the Pan Fila Conchota combo that is a combination of the two that is 1/2 gallon of hot chocolate made using a base of Abuelitas with additional cinnamon, and cocoa along with something special. It was delicious! The concha was soft, buttery and flaky, with just the right sweetness. We took home the majority of it and it stayed nice and soft instead of turning hard like so many others. We decided to try several appetizers to go along with our concha to get a wider taste of their food than we would by just ordering a couple entrees. Let me tell you, this was a great idea! We ordered the Tosti-Ceviche Verde, Panela Asado, Mexican Street Corn, and their Spicy Bean Dip. The Ceviche Verde was excellent, the freshness of the fish and shrimp was wonderful with the chipotle mayo and avocado. We chose to have it on the salsa Verde Tostitos and it was all great combination. The Panelo Asado was a completely new dish for us and was extremely good with a savory flavor from the salsa Tlaquepaque that mixed well with the Panela cheese. Their tortillas though not made in house, are made for them and taste like mom made them. The Mexican Street Corn was great and had the perfect bit of char taste from the corn. It was creamy and flavorful, we did think it could use just a tad more lime juice though. The Spicy Bean Dip was very good. You can't go wrong with Oaxaca, Chorizo, and pieces of pork mixed with some mildly spicy beans. Our server was fantastic. She had great recommendations for us, and was quick with checking on our drinks and generally helping us throughout our dinner. The food was prepared quickly, was hot, tasteful and refreshing. We definitely will be going back, and recommend Pan Fila to all of you.

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    Panfila Cantina And Restaurant
    Panfila Cantina And Restaurant - Chicken Milanesa torta

    Chicken Milanesa torta

    Panfila Cantina And Restaurant - Chips and salsa

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    Papi's Barbacoa - mexican - Updated September 2026

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