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    El Papi Real Street Tacos

    3.8 (220 reviews)
    ModerateTacos
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order El Papi Real Street Tacos Takeout or Delivery

    El Papi Real Street Tacos Photos

    EL PAPI REAL STREET TACOS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Papi Real Street Tacos

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    Stephen T.

    Looked good but the beef wasn't seasoned as I expected. To me it was a on the expensive side for 3 tacos. Plus 6% service charge - not cool. Staff was friendly.

    Horchata
    Kristina B.

    I'm sorry, there's nothing authentic about the food here. The consome doesn't taste like birria consome. It tastes funky like there's something weird in it.. chamoy?? Is that why it's red and dyes your fingers?? The salsa roja is literally just gross. Smoky, spicy, pero lacking essential flavor. The horchata tastes crazyyy like the Red Hot candies. It's watered down, you won't taste the arroz flavor. I'm pretty sure it's a powder mix. The Birria "taco" is LITERALLY a Birria quesadilla. It's served with soggy, under salted steak fries. The flour tortilla is soft and soggy, tastes and feels like a flatbread. And the whole thing tastes like cheese pizza because apparently they decided not to use the proper cheese for quesabirria. It also had a melted plastic taste imbedded in it. Not sure how or why. Very disappointing, muy decepcionante. The decor is very inviting and LOOKS authentic but it tastes like someone who never had Mexican food cooked it. The people that rave about this place in the reviews are people that have probably never left the DMV, let alone have been to California or Mexico. Source: I'm Mexicana, born and raised in San Diego/ Tijuana up until two years ago when I joined the military.

    Nice music, welcoming. Fast and friendly service. Food was everything you could ask for--hot, moderate spicy, tasty and filling.

    Red Quesa-Birria And Soup
    Teryl R.

    With the reviews I thought this would be my go to spot but unfortunately that is not the case. There are so many signs up about no public restrooms, certain toppings aren't offered (Tex-mix), don't talk to certain people behind the line because they are cooking etc.. it's just not welcoming especially since there isn't any interaction unless you pay with cash which there is a sign that it needs to be exact change. No one spoke to me until my order was ready. I order the #2 though it was a huge portion I was blown away. The Birria soup lacked flavor but was salty at the same time if that makes sense. The red queso tacos were filled but wasn't the best seasoned nor tender.

    Menu
    Destiny E.

    Here for the churros and street tacos. The birria tacos, while good, weren't my favorite. The carnitas street tacos were fire. I placed the order and it was ready about 10 minutes later. The food was delicious. And the churros were bombbbbb. This place is no frills and very casual. Def a place I'd recommend.

    Chicken Red Pollo Tacos. ( Papi ' s ).
    JRose B.

    I came here for lunch and it was practically empty. There are mobile tablets where you can place your order so I used that. I ordered the street elote and red pollo tacos. As I was observing the cooks, I noticed one of the cooks only had a glove on his right hand and not his left hand. I asked him where his other glove was and he did not respond. Mind you, I'm really big on food safety and using gloves on both hands. When I tried to speak to another staff about the issue , they didn't understand English. The staff just stared at me and made me feel like they didn't value my concern. Not only did the cook's lack of gloves anger me, but the food quality is subpar. The chicken in the tacos were dry and had no flavor at all. And the street elote was very salty and had too much cheese. I'm never coming back here.

    Erika E.

    " Food so good makes you wanna smack ya mama" a true statement from a customer. GUYS I WILL AGREE food is amazing, I know it's just tacos but, I am a true fan of authentic tacos and elote (corn). I am picky and cannot stand tacos that are not fresh a full of flavor. You don't have to worry about that here, this place has truly satisfied my tastebuds every single time I come without disappointment. I got the juicy traditional chicken shredded tacos with a crazy corn cob on the side. I must say their supplier for corn is great and I wouldn't change it. The corn comes out fresh and hot loaded with true authentic cheese, mayo spread, and Tajín. I am not from the area but will be more than happy to drive down just for this spot! The location is in the Panadería centro americana, a cute place. Only improvement I would suggest is an updated bathroom. I would love to be able to take cute flicks to promote visitors. Love the aesthetic and food :) Thank you for the amazing tacos Team !

    ## 2 PATRICIA'S SAMPLE (Brisket) .
    Dana T.

    Do you remember the "Soup Nazi" from Seinfeld? "It's important not to embellish on your order, no questions, no compliments..." This restaurant is the street taco version. The food is so good that I'm willing to disregard the signage in multiple places pretty much yelling at anyone for having allergies or complaints. One legit point was that this food isn't Tex-Mex - don't be expecting sour cream, guac, rice and beans on the side. You're going to get onions, cilantro, and lime and like it. I do wish they used the wall space to highlight birria meat and the red taco - it's unique and worth explaining. The meats were very flavorful! The corn tortillas greasy and crispy. We ordered #1 and #2 and tacos (shrimp, fried pork). If I were to knock off half a star, it would be because of these minor reasons: 1) The mini soup was the size of a dipping bowl and flavor didn't stand out so next time we'd opt for another side. 2) The plates came out with a plastic sleeve - I don't know if they're trying to save on cleaning or what. 3) Also, there are no plastic utensils available except what they give you when you order which is just the spoon if you order soup. They did have plenty of napkins. Bathroom was very clean and so was the rest of the restaurant (but we also came when it had just opened). From other reviews, it looks like they've moved to a contactless system with a kiosk and QR code at the table. So, that makes it less intimidating to eat there unless you have a complaint. Sounds like you better not though.

    Hannah H.

    El Papi Real Street Tacos is known for their Tijuana-styled birria tacos and their consommé, but their menu also offers burritos, quesadillas, vampiros, elotes, and churros. We came here for a later lunch, and ordered: +3 Birria Tacos and the consommé - came with 3 birria tacos and 1 regular soup +2 Papi's Queso-Birria Tacos +elote The beef in the birria was super tender and juicy, and the consommé was pretty flavorful. The Queso-Birria tacos were super cheesy! We appreciated that they didn't over salt their items, so you can taste the ingredients. Unfortunately, we weren't a fan of the elote as it was too sour/tangy for us, but I think that's more of a preference of taste. I think I'd like to try out their fish and shrimp or asada tacos next time! There is a mini hot sauce/topping bar, but bring your plates because there aren't any condiment cups. Everything is made to order, and there are a good handful of seats; many people seem to dine-in, and there were also continuous orders to-go. I personally enjoyed the music playlist, and the sound system was amazing! Super friendly cashier! Parking in the shared small lot. +juicy birria tacos +great sound system! +friendly cashier +small lot for parking

    Inside of restaurant
    Alise G.

    I came to El Papi Real Street Tacos, an authentic Mexican restaurant for their Queso-Birria Tacos. They have pretty good reviews on Yelp so I had to check them out. I placed my order in person but I would suggest ordering over the phone especially during lunch and dinner hours. The wait times can vary between 15 - 25 minutes. You can place your order in English or Spanish. They have a variety of Birria options to choose from which include the Patricia's Queso-Birria Sample, Birria tacos-Spicy Brisket and Papi's 2 Queso-Birria tacos and Birria Sample (no Cheese). The staff recommended the Patricia's Queso-Birria Sample, which comes with 3 Queso-Birra Tacos and 1 mini Birria Red Soup Birria Tijuana style. This sample is amazing and filling, I ended up coming back the next day for another order. Keep in mind this sample doesn't come with a side. They give you the perfect amount of Birria Red Soup which is full of flavor. I paired my tacos with a Mexican soda, aka a coke made with sugar it comes in a glass bottle. Overall, I recommend this place if you are looking for some amazing Birria tacos and a real coca-cola. Currently, El Papa Real Street Tacos are only taking to go and pick up orders due to COVID-19. Of course, you have to wear a mask and socially distance while waiting/placing your order. There is plenty of free parking.

    These were the # 2 PATRICIA'S SAMPLE (Brisket). They were so good. A must try and you will not be disappointed.
    Curtis M.

    The Food was great, it was made in a timely manner. These were the Patricia #2 birria tacos. Restaurant was clean and neat. This is a must try. You will not be disappointed

    Birria Force One
    Erika E.

    Always sooooo good!!! Today we got the Birria Force One. It came with 2 mulitas, 2 red queso-tacos, 2 original tacos and 2 mini soups. Plenty of food and everything came out fast and fresh. Hands down best Birria around. More than enough food for 2. Few tips...this place does an insane amount of business around the lunch rush. Definitely plan accordingly to get a table. Also, they pride themselves on being a traditional Mexican taqueria, so don't come in here expecting Tex-mex lol.

    Parts of the menu are around the walls.

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    10 months ago

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    8 months ago

    The food was good, we got the taco sampler and the queso birria tacos, both of which were good. The juice packets were very very sweet.

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    1 year ago

    Everything was great. Fast food. Good service. And worth the price 100%. Best local tacos if visiting

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    The Birria tacos were amazing. My only complaint is that they serve lemons instead of limes but that is so minor.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Delicious tacos and quick and easy service. Perks if you are visiting Andrew's and looking for good food close!

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    These tacos where for sure very good, I recommend and I my self will be going back to eat again

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    El Papi Real Street Tacos Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Papi Real Street Tacos

    Are you open again ? I saw something recently that said you were opening on Monday.

    Yes we are. 10 am to 4 pm.

    Hi are you open for take out orders?

    No. Sorry.

    View All 3 Questions

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    El Papi Real Street Tacos - tacos - Updated September 2026

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