You wouldn't expect to see a taqueria in Little Italy, but that's exactly what you should expect when coming to Papi's Tacos. The menu here is plump on the torta and burrito options, with prices never pushing over $10, aside from the tampiquena (Tampico-style steak), which is worth the extra 50 cents it costs to put it in an enchilada. Everything over $7 is reserved for Papi's comidas(dinners), with special mention to the fist-sized chiles rellenos at $7.75.
Below the $7 mark is where this place really shines, referring back to those tortas, like the dry-beef cecina and the breaded steak, pan-fried goodness of the milanesa, both the size of a small dinner plate for just $4.
Papi's used to be around the block on Western and Lexington, where it was well known as a beacon of Mexican take-out in the middle of Little Italy. Its current space hosts a handful of booths that appear to have been lifted straight out of a Denny's, a half-circle bar that once saw days as a buffet and a defunct jukebox doing more harm than good. Still, the changes don't hurt too much; it's not like the place has much competition in the area.
Centerstage Reviewer: Gavin Paul
