I always wanted to try Pappasitos as it's been recommended many times. Finally had the chance and it was delicious! Just down the road from Pappadeauxs, it has a similar charm but focused on great Mexican food. Since I am a burrito fan, I had the Pappasitos Famous Burrito with chicken which came with plenty of rice and beans. It was served quickly even though it was pretty busy when we arrived. The atmosphere was pretty festive but not too loud. There was a wait but we chose to sit at the bar as it was a long day at the COTA races. Will definitely come back and a great choice for awesome food! read more

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Well... my last review for Pappasito's was 15 years ago. Wow, how time flies when you're eating chips and salsa. That said, I've been back several times over the years, and I'm happy to report they've remained impressively consistent in both quality and service. I went for dinner a few weeks ago and ordered the fajitas. I vaguely remember when they used to run a fajita special on Wednesdays, so I asked about it--only to get a few wide-eyed looks in return. LOL. Turns out no one working there has been around long enough to remember it. Let's talk chips and salsa. Pappasito's chips are still light, crispy white corn perfection, and the salsa is some of the best out there. I was genuinely happy to see that it tasted exactly the same--no tweaks, no shortcuts, no "updated" recipe. That alone made me smile. The fajitas were excellent. The beef was superb, with a marinade that's incredibly flavorful (almost teriyaki-like), and everyone at the table commented on how good it was. The chicken was just as impressive--large, high-quality cuts of white breast meat, perfectly charred and cooked just right. What truly pushed this visit to 5-stars, though, was the customer service. Toward the end of the night, as I was packing up my leftovers, I mentioned to a manager that it would be nice to take some extra chips and salsa home. She said, "No problem--I'll be right back." While I waited, at least three different servers stopped by to ask if I needed anything else. Super attentive and genuinely customer-focused. One server noticed me waiting, asked if I was okay, and when I told him I was just waiting on chips and salsa, he went back to check. He returned shortly after with the chips--and extra salsa. Win! Overall, everyone was friendly, professional, and on point. It was really great to see that Pappasito's quality and consistency have held up after all these years. They exceeded my expectations, and I'll definitely be making it a point to visit more often. read more

Let's start with the fact that I had a reservation at 3:30 then went back to ask to change it to 3:15 via submitting a form. We were coming over from another spot to celebrate my husbands birthday after driving in from Leander to find that the place we wanted to go to had sold out of everything we wanted to try. When we walked in there were tons of tables open. We were asked to step aside to wait. After waiting 10 minutes I asked again if they showed we asked for a 3:15 and the guy said yes. I was in the middle of talking to him and a rude customer interrupted us and he made her a priority instead of saying, "just a moment, I am speaking with this guest." I told him that was rude too. Then he said they were waiting for a table to get up and pay before we could sit. Again, tons of tables open. We were seated closer to 3:30, but without menus. Many of the tables seated ahead of us got menus when they were seated by the host. It was almost as if the male host was mad at me for speaking to him. It took a really long time for Sunday to approach us, and ask if we wanted an appetizer or drinks. I had to say "how would we know if nobody gave us a menu?" Meanwhile she proceeded to visit her other tables and had no sense of urgency to bring us water, or menus. She kept menus under her armpit while she visited these other tables and finally brought them to us. That is true uncleanliness. Finally after 10 minutes or longer she brought menus, and we ordered fajitas. After having been in the uncrowded restaurant for 40 minutes, our food never arrived and we dediced to get up and leave. After receiving such poor treatment and service/lack thereof from both the male host on duty and Sunday, this was no way to celebrate my husband's birthday. Plus we had just come from another spot that sold out of everything we wanted. This place has really gone downhill, as we have been customers for over 35 years between Austin and Houston. Furthermore, it was starting to look like a nightclub in there at 4:00 as we were leaving. Each person coming in was trashier than the next. read more

So good we came here twice during our stay at the Drury Inn a few buildings away. The steak fajitas were SO DELICIOUS!!! They season the meat so well, it was some of the best steak fajitas I've ever had. The service was over the top good. Our waitress even helped us navigate some touristy things to do. We brought a big group over here for a late lunch and they were again, so good. We tried so many things and everyone loved what they got. I would definitely head over here for a meal, you won't regret it. The restaurant is HUGE so they can easily accommodate many large parties. And for sure, I recommend the steak. read more

First visit here and it was ok. We waited over an hour for a table of 6 when we were told it would be 20 minutes. Waited 10 more minutes for water to be brought to the table. The manager seemed overwhelmed but he did comp two appetizers and the kids meals. Our food saved the day though my husband food came long after everyone had received. The food was HOT. I had the salmon plate and it was grilled well. It's a really big restaurant with a bar. I would give it another try but maybe on a slow day at opening for better service. read more

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Even in a city now jam packed with great restaurants,Pappasitos still places head and shoulders above some of the competition. Part of the corporate chain outta Houston,anyone who's dined at a Pappas restaurant is a happy camper. You can find their food in Major Texas Cities. My Texas Redfish on the Half shell today was perfectly prepared and exactly what the Doctor ordered. The table also ordered the world class Chicken Flautas...simply untouchable,world class . Always accompanied by excellent service. If you see Papas in a restaurant name anywhere in Texas,screech to a halt and go eat. read more

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We reserved a seat on the website. We waited about 10 minutes after arrival and were seated by a friendly hostess. We were served by Ernie. He did not seem happy to serve us. He asked my friend if she ordered a drink and after she reminded him of the discussion he did bring the drink. Even though he was standing with his coworkers I still had to go and ask for a refill. I had the snapper taco which was great with the chicken enchilada. The food arrived on a nice hot plate. The chips and guacamole were wonderful . My friends both enjoyed their desserts. I won't let one server keep me from going again. read more

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Pappasito's is one of my favorite non hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurants. Our waitress was fantastic! She sat us quickly despite the lunch rush and she anticipated our needs. The restaurant itself is a bit crowded - most likely to accommodate more people. The food was amazing! I love their fajitas and Diablo shrimp. This plate is great if you're on the carnivore diet. read more

Pappasito's Cantina - Beef Fajita*, Jalape-o Cheese Sausage & Shrimp Diablo - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

I don't post reviews often, but I read them nearly every time I visit a new restaurant. I had low expectations after reading several less than favorable reviews but my husband implored me to go - so we did! From start to finish, everything was perfect. The hostess, waiter and additional staff helping deliver food, drinks and bussing tables were on point. Arguably most importantly, the food was impeccable! I consider myself someone who isn't easily impressed by average food. We shared the beef fajita, quail and shrimp brochette and the lamb chops meal. The flavors were amazing and there was plenty of food...we have a full meal of leftovers. Our waiter, Luis, was attentive and kind and I just want to give this guy a shout out! Thank you all, we will be back! read more

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Made an online reservation at the pappasito's website then showed up for my meal at the appointed time. Was told despite my reservation I'd still have a 35 minute wait. Extremely obnoxious and totally unacceptable. Canceled the reservation and left hangry. What's the point in bothering with an online reservation that's not honored. read more

The steak fajita is AMAZING. It was cooked perfectly medium-rare and was unbelievably tender. If you come here and don't get it, go back and get some because you made a mistake! My uncle who is picky about quail took a bite and said "that's how you cook quail." It was juicy and not the least bit overcooked. The inside of this place is huge in the inside with TVs at the bar to watch sports. They also have some outdoor seating that looked nice. They make their tortillas and chips in house. The chips that come with salsa are thin and crispy. The ones that come with guacamole are thicker and taste better than most tortilla chips I've had in my life. The staff was friendly. We were there in a Thursday night, so it wasn't busy and we were sat right away. My meal wasn't cheap, but it was a LOT of food and the ingredients were high quality. I'll definitely be coming back to get some more fajitas! read more

Pappasito's Cantina - Quail, steak fajita, and stuffed shrimp - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

A classic Tex Mex restaurant serving up everything you would expect and doing them well. From the style to the vibes when entering, you already know this place is gonna hit. I had the fajitas with both chicken and beef. The tortillas are freshly made, the meat was juicy and seasoned well, all the sides were great that came with the fajitas, a great take on a classic dish! Don't forget the free chips and salsa are a hit as well. Overall, one of the better Tex Mex places I've had in Austin and I'll definitely be back for more. read more

Pappasito's Cantina - Chicken and Beef Fajitas - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

One of the best Tex-Mex Places i have ever eaten at. Rusty was our server, and he was very on top of everything whether it was making sure our drinks were filled, or if we needed anything with our food. Highly Suggest getting the Quesadillas as they were phenomenal. Unfortunately, I am not a local or this would be a go to spot. Highly Suggest to anyone in the area. read more

Pappasito's Cantina - #2 Grilled Quail, Beef Fajita*, Grilled Chicken & Diablo Shrimp, Chicken Fajita Quesadillas - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lamb chops & grilled veggies were amazing as usual. Waitress was very friendly and ambiance was chill.

Have been coming for years, couple of years ago I'd be in probably once a week maybe every other week. I used to love coming here and still do.Now I'll only be in every blue moon. Food is great but doesn't have the same quality as before. Service varies I've gotten okay service and sucky service here but it's never been the best. read more

One of the best lunch specials in the area and they even have it on Sundays. The chicken and shrimp fajitas are my favorite. extra melted butter is a must! The service is always friendly and fast every time we visit. Interior is pretty well kept and restrooms are clean. Highly recommend for lunch or dinner! read more

This review pertains to a group function in a private room. They do have an enclosed private room off to the side which will hold about 40 people. I did have time to read through many of the reviews before arrival and one common complaint were the higher than expected prices. I agree with some yelpers concerning the watery salsa which also lacks heat, but I love the thin chips. They did also bring some queso, which was pretty basic, but good. When you walk into this place, you immediately realize the very spacious interior with countless tables. There's lots of seating at and next to the bar as well. In order to make things simple, our group was served family style instead of individual orders. We all enjoyed their beef and chicken fajita fixins along with the sides. The service was very attentive and our three hour holiday lunch went off without a hitch. Eight photos included for more insight. read more

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The service and food were awesome. Had the tamale appetizer and fajita mix. Cant wait to go back!

SO delicious! The beef fajitas were out of this world...seriously the best I've ever had. The chicken was so tender. Chips and salsa were great. Service was a little slow for 3pm on a Sunday. I would have expected it to be a little faster, but our waitress was very responsive. The atmosphere was great and they do birthday celebrations! Would definitely come back here! I'll be dreaming on the beef fajitas until I make my return. read more

Pappasito's Cantina - Chicken and beef fajitas - lunch portion - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

Cam here on a Sunday at about 3 pm with a party of 10. The place is huge but we still had to wait about 15 minutes cause it's a very popular spot. Sat down and the table ordered multiple sizes and varieties of fajitas because they are known for their fajitas. And I understand why now, they are delicious!! The unfortunate part is that the food took forever to come out. We probably waited 45 minutes after getting our drinks just for 3 orders of fajitas. I understand that they were busy but the people around us were getting their food even though they had been seated after us. They also brought the food for another table over to our table and set it down not once but twice! It's like they were teasing us. That obviously was not intentional but there is nothing worse than having to wait for food when you're hungry. I would come back again just maybe not at such a crowded time. read more

Pappasito's Cantina - Coaster - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Good Tex-Mex considering the competition in Texas. Our table had the chicken quesadillas to start/share. These were good. Jalapeños and pico were good to add. The fajitas were good. Had the combination of beef and chicken. Service was nice and staff was friendly. Bar areas was nice as we had a drink and waited for a table. This would be a good place for a group if needed. read more

As part of the generally high performing Pappas restaurant group, high food quality is pretty much a given. Service at the table was first class but the hostess and bartenders were a little less engaging. While all dishes were excellent the real food star is the in house made tortilla chips. The complimentary chips served with salsa are extremely light and tasty. While it may be difficult to really separate yourself as another Tex mex restaurant in the Austin area with the standard entrees, Pappasito's chips are truly memorable. read more

Oh Pappasito's...Like I said, I love me some Tex-Mex. We had a last minute reservation at 5p for two. As soon as we pulled up to the parking lot, we knew it was going to be a mad house. I mean people were parking wherever they could. We check in with the host, Angel, and he tells us it'll still be a 25 min wait...sad but expected, even with a reservation. It's not my first time here. He was friendly and assured me he would do his best to get us seated asap. It wasn't 2 minutes later when I got a text that our table was ready. Ashley walked us to our table with a smile and made small talk. We always get the same order - margs, and the beef fajitas. We were feeling fancy so I ordered the queso - not a fan. It was pure velveeta cheese without any flavor. Connor was our waiter and WOW! He was on it. Everyone was, I was literally amazed at how fast, and efficient all of the servers, busboys, hosts, waiters/waitresses were...everyone just knew where they had to be. No hesitation. I even saw the managers on the floor doing rounds. Did I mention it was Cinco de Mayo? Connor was personable, SUPER ATTENTIVE, polite and just a pro. Our order was brought out by Kennedy, so nice and cleared out our table to make room for our meal. Checked to see if we needed anything else before taking off. The fajitas were SIZZLING, the tortillas were fresh and hot, the beans were tasty...the rice was a bit dry. Pappasito's hits the spot every time. And I am pretty much bedridden after each Pappasito's feast. But I accept my fate.... read more

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Place was great! Came in with a few buddies who had been there before. This was my first time trying it out. It was in the middle of the day so it wasn't too crowded but still pretty busy. Our waiter was new but very good. Asked all the right questions, was quick with the refills and gave some pretty good recommendations. I enjoyed it. read more

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Had a fun night at Pappasito's Cantina! We started with the Margarita flights. The spicy was my favorite. For the main course, we ordered a mix of ribs and fajitas. The fajitas were solid and came out sizzling with plenty of flavor. The ribs were a bit tough and not as seasoned as I'd hoped. The portions were huge and we had great service. Kennedy, our server made sure we had everything we needed, and our food arrived quickly. read more

Pappasito's Cantina - Ribs and steak fajitas - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Special occasion place for us given 45 min ride on a good day. Restaurant wasn't packed mid afternoon so we're seated right away. Started with complementary salsa followed by the queso and then guacamole which were all very tasty. Waitress was attentive. There was a miscommunication with our lunch order. One of the entrees delivered was El Sombrero instead of Chicken Fajita Flautas. Manager came and offered us the El Sombrero entree which was the item made in error while we waited for the Flautas. The El Sombrero steak taco was very tasty and would actually order this next time. The cheese enchilada on the combo was ok but steak taco was the star. The Birria (which we ordered) was similar to stew and flavors were robust. Ended up taking this home. Unfortunately didn't get any tortillas. The chicken Flautas were an afterthought by the time they arrived. Just ok. Sauces were excellent. Not sure why they were called chicken fajita Flautas when the filling was only chicken with no onions or peppers like most fajitas. Ate most of one and didn't bother with leftover. Should have told them to skip this entree which was mediocre. Previous experience usually it is outstanding food. For desert the tres Leche and sopillas were both good. Took home most of the sopillas. Needed a dipping sauce but were tasty with just a tiny drizzle of honey. Will make one for leftovers. Manager checked in with us and was very personable - great PR for the brand. Will go back again for lunch. Dinner is too crowded for us and too much traffic getting there later in the day. Highly recommend. read more

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Evelyn was our server and she was absolutely incredible! I'm from the restaurant industry in Las Vegas and she made her job look easy. She explained the menu with ease, she was very patient with our kids, and she was friendly and really looked like she enjoyed her job! Our food was delicious best meal I had in Austin! Everything was cooked to perfection and such incredible flavors. read more

Today was supposed to be a fiesta -- my sister's birthday at her beloved Tex-Mex spot. Balloons, laughter, margaritas... you know, joy. What we got instead? A tragic tale of being ghosted by our waitress and emotionally betrayed by Pappsitos. She took our drink and food orders like a pro -- then vanished like she had a meeting with the Avengers. No updates, no eye contact, just a ghost in an apron. Meanwhile, the birthday crew at the next table was living their best life. I mean, they had drinks arriving faster than TikTok trends. I blinked -- fresh guac. I sneezed -- refill. Us? We were clinging to our water like it came from a sacred spring in the Andes. My margarita? Must've gotten lost on the Oregon Trail. When the food finally came, most of it was actually solid -- except the birria. I don't know what kind of animal they used, but I'm 80% sure it didn't start on land. It had mystery meat energy. At one point, I considered sliding into the other party's booth like, "Hey, y'all got room for one more?" Because over there? It was a whole vibe. Over here? Just disappointment, mystery meat, and the waitress that betrayed us like a soap opera ex. read more

What is the point of having a reservation? Booked for 7:30. Wasnt seated until after 8. Now we have to hurry because we have plans after. When we asked the hostess, her very rude response was "its not a reservation, its just priority over walkins." Excuse me, but the confirmation says "reservation." Maybe the hostess stand could learn some manners and not try to just be a big brat. read more

Pappasito's Cantina - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

We went for dinner on 9/27/25. They had 3 hostesses. They told us it was a 30-35 min wait, turned out to be over an hour. We kept checking with the hostesses. I finally went and asked if we could sit in bar area where there were 3 /4 seat tables, they told me that there was no waitress service there. One of the hostess (Kim) gave me a rude look for me going to ask why it was taking longer. Then, we walked out, I checked her name tag and she gave me another mean look! It had been awhile that we had gone to eat there, food was okay, but I've had better at other places. We won't be going back anytime soon!! read more

visited papasitos today sunday february 3, 2026, austin, tx. Myself my granddaughter and daughter waited 35 minutes to be seated. Once seated, another 30 minutes and we still were not served. i understand that this was a high traffic day, i did not appreciate the total lack of courtesy. we never ever saw are waitress not a very happy experience i will think twice about going there again. read more

My husband and I haven't had a date night in years ! Life ! But our server Big Dave was very helpful explained all the specials and menu to us! Made our date night super nice ! I believe the manager on duty Malik was his name , super nice guy! Checked in on us and as well made our date night super nice! Thank you guys ! We will for sure be back ! Haven't experienced that type of service in soooo soo long ! P.s everything we had was super good ! 10/10 recommend read more

Food was fantastic, the restaurant was clean and matched the theme. The staff is what put it over the top for us. They were attentive and we would have come in for the ice cream desert on its own. Highly recommend! read more

My goodness! We came on a Wednesday thinking they would be slow and they were. The food service was so so, but the bar service took for ever to the point we cancelled drinks. They defiantly need to improve considering how slow they were! read more

$43.99 for the most subpar run of the mill medium size beef Fajitas should be considered a crime. The food is ordinary and the prices are extraordinary. Terrible combo read more

I don't usually write dining reviews, but I'd be remiss not to give Kerry his flowers. The service here is always excellent, but this Tuesday night was exceptional. Kerry was smooth, attentive, and fast--keeping our tortillas and water refilled without us ever needing to ask. The kind ladies who brought out our food added a special touch, carefully opening the linen so we could each grab a fresh tortilla to start our main course. As always, the food was phenomenal, and the experience was top-notch. This is one of our favorite restaurants for a reason--we'll be back soon and hoping to sit in Kerry's section again! read more

My family came into town and they have never been to Pappasito's. They loved the food and the service was fantastic! We had fajitas, enchiladas, and burritos and they were all delicious! Desserts were to die for. Thank you AJ for your amazing service and making my family's visit memorable! read more

Convenient to where I was staying. Friendly bar service - ate right in the counter. Steak fajita taco was perfectly cooked -- but at $15 a taco -- man, glad I was on business. Garden salad was quite filling and fresh. read more

This place is the bomb! I went with my friend while at a conference in Austin. Pappasito's was walking distance from the hotel. We went Saturday night and had a blast. Had a few drinks and appetizers and everything was delicious. Their guacamole was so tasteful and fresh. I like that it had some queso fresco sprinkle on top. Their chips are obviously made there and so are their tortillas. Sooo good. We had so much fun that we came back Sunday for lunch before we left Austin. I had their beef fajitas steak quesadilla- it was filled with steak, toasty on the outside and the perfect amount of cheese inside. They were huge too. I had maybe 1/2 and brought the rest home for the next day. I know there is a Pappasito's at Dallas and I am wondering if they are as good as the Austin location. Need to go check it out soon. This location was huge. So many tables yet the service was good. They had lots of servers. This place is very family oriented. Lots of ppl with their kids/families having a feast. I recommend this place 100%!! read more

I had Handmade Pork Tamales and Beef enchilada with rice and charro beans and it was excellent. Fresh hot tasty and ample amounts. Service was fast friendly and pleasant. We had the brownie with vanilla ice cream and it was good. We will come back for sure read more