Shared carne asada fries and Barbacoa tacos. Also tried jamaica (hibiscus) and watermelon Agua frescas. Carne asada fries were some of the best I've ever had. I highly recommend them! The Barbacoa tacos were ok...not sure exactly what they're supposed to taste like, but it just tasted salty to me. They were juicy. They were also quite oily because they were fried. Jamaica was also very tasty and watermelon was a little too sweet. Arlene was friendly and helpful server. She gave great recommendations! The only miss for me was the Barbacoa (but my friend loved it)! This was a great no-frills spot. read more

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Papa Guapo is Spanish: papa is potato/patriarch and guapo is handsome/good looking ...in this instance a good looking potato. This restaurant opened recently and occupies the space which was vacant for over 2 years. It's located across from the church and a few feet away beneath the Old Town sign. Limited street parking or park at the lot 2 blocks away. There's outdoor patio seating as well as indoor seating. Decor outside looked festive. Inside decor not so much. Staff of two females were helpful and nice. The menu offered limited items, it was a hot sunny day and I wanted a cool refreshing drink of Topo Chico water or Jaramillo fruity soda both Mexican drinks but wasn't offered. I ordered their claim of fame papa which is a baked potato. The shrimp topping seemed appealing on paper and I asked if the potato was a substantial size given its price point, I was assured the potato was large. Sat outside the patio with my pup, no umbrellas to cool off made it unbearable to sit outside from the hot sunny day. The hot baked potato was brought out to my table, it was large but that's the only positive. I asked 'where's the shrimp?' since all I can see was a pool of bright yellow cheese, which resembled cheese whiz and NOT appealing at all... I had a gag reflex as I search for the shrimp beneath all that gooey mess they call cheese. I was mortified and asked for a togo container, I could NOT eat this inedible fake cheese. The ladies here were too nice and I didn't have the time to express my displeasure and disappointment as I left hangry. I parked a block away steps from Cold Stone and got an ice cream instead to cool off my feeling angry and hungry. Perhaps the idea of a baked potato is nouvelle for this area but the fake cheese was unacceptable and certainly not worthy to eat. No Bueno Papa Guapo!! read more

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What used to be a longtime coffee shop in the heart of Old Town is now the home of a taqueria specializing in loaded baked potatoes. Papa Guapo is the new taco joint that has inherited a converted house with a largely covered front patio and a spacious interior with tables in a living room setting. A cartoonish mural was painted on the right wall of the patio depicting the business mascot. Parking was available curbside or in one of the nearby common lots where most visitors parked. Two menu screens hung behind the service counter. One of them listed the signature items which were a baked potato or french fries covered with melted cheese, butter, sour cream, bacon bits, and a choice of one of four proteins. The prices ranged from $14 to $16. The rest of the first screen displayed the burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. The second screen featured appetizers, desserts, beverages, and a kids menu. I thought the cost for a loaded baked potato was a bit much so I settled for two of the four street style tacos... Carne Asada (steak) and El Pastor (marinated pork). Each one cost $5 and was served on a pair of corn tortillas dressed with guacamole, onion, cilantro, and salsa. The two meats were cooked well, however for a street size variety, the prices were high. I did purchase the Churros for dessert. There were half a dozen pieces in the order and tasted sweet and sugary as expected. The service from the staff was very friendly which was why I rounded my rating of Papa Guapo to a four star level. read more

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After looking around for a place to eat lunch in Old Town that was a) kid friendly and b) wallet friendly, we settled on Papa Guapo. They had a lovely outdoor patio perfect for eating outside on such a beautiful day. My kids happily munched on their chicken tenders and fries. I appreciated that they were cut up for them. My husband got a burrito and I couldn't decide between the El Pastor tacos and the shrimp tacos so I got an order of each and shared with my hubby. I also really appreciated that they were able to accommodate my request of no cilantro. The El Pastor was very tasty, albeit just a bit dry. And the guacamole was so good and fresh that I wished I'd gotten chips & guac as a starter. I wished they'd had a salsa verde for the pork, but the very pleasant and attentive server mentioned they didn't serve it anymore. The salsa that came with the tacos added a nice flavor though. The shrimp tacos were FIRE (delicious, not spicy) . Fried to a crispy golden brown, super fresh, and topped with diced tomatoes and a chipotle mayo, I could have easily put away twice as many. I was a little regretful that I gave my husband one of the three shrimp tacos, but after eating 4 tacos already, some self restraint was necessary. A little shredded cabbage on the side was the only thing that could have made these tacos any better. It was a very satisfying lunch for the whole family. Next time we're in the area, we'll definitely be back. And next time, I won't be sharing my shrimp tacos hahah. read more

Papa Guapo Cantina - Shrimp tacos and El Pastor tacos (with no cilantro on either, by request.) - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Great place for not being busy esp on a Friday night. Was able to get a seat and get served quickly. Great location and service. Would def come back again. read more

Papa Guapo Cantina - Right across the church & next to the old town sign. - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

O my god the food here was so good. I had the tacos with carnitas and they were not just tasty but that were flavorful and so juicy. The boyfriend has the stuffed potato and he polished it off it was so good. Definitely coming back for more. The margaritas were good too we had a strawberry one and a mango one. Service was exceptional and she was so nice. I hate going to places that feel like they hover and want you to leave this was perfect. read more

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While the service was great, the food itself was lacking, I think. It could've been a bad day, I'm not sure, but I feel like the food lacked flavor. And I ordered a few different things! It's on the main strip in Old Town, so I was expecting something really tasty. They were a little stingy with the toppings for the potato. I will say the guac was good-it was the best part. And the tacos are very small, which isn't a bad thing, but keep that in mind in case you're hungry! I guess I just had higher expectations. I'm willing to go back in the future to give a second chance, but it probably won't be for a while. read more

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Great food, service friendly they keep it simple but amazing it a must try visit. Plus don't forget to get a margarita read more

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I hate leaving 2 stars, especially when the service wasn't bad, but I got their best meat recommendation and it was quite literally the worst taco I've ever had. The meat was chewy and had no flavor. I was looking for hot sauce to salvage the flavor but there was none. I asked for a margarita to chase the bad flavor and they got a plastic cup, put salt on the rim and cracked open a can of some marg drink then poured it in. I understand that it's a business but the price to value just isn't close to come back and try. read more

Papa Guapo Cantina - Pour $2 marg drink can in cup then up charge 8x for ice, salt, and lemon - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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One of the worst baked potato with beef. No flavor and greasy. It lacks service but it has plenty of tables inside and out.

My family and I were so excited to celebrate and have dinner here together. However, our experience quickly turned downhill shortly after we were seated. After a long day of walking at seaworld, we were starving and ready to eat. Our server began with drinks and I will say that I enjoyed the watermelon agua fresca I had. We all then placed our orders for food, with two of us excited to try the baked potato with asada. After a few minutes, our server returned stating that unfortunately the kitchen was all out of potatoes. Although that was disappointing, they were flexible and opted for asada fries instead. We were a party of 6 and the first burrito came out pretty fast. Unfortunately, there was no verbal follow up in terms of the other meals coming out also. We all stared at each other wondering if we should wait or if the first person should just start eating. After that, the other meals came out at staggering times and people decided to just start eating rather than waiting and their meal getting cold. The 4 meals that arrived first all came with guacamole. The last 2 were taking quite a bit of time to come out and when they finally did, there was no guacamole on them. Rather than communicating that the kitchen was also out of guacamole, they kind of just dismissed it until one of us inquired why we didn't have any on our plate. The flavor was lacking in the meat and unfortunately, nothing really stood out. In addition, the last meal that came out mostly had burnt pieces of meat. Hoping that they continue to make adjustments in the future. read more

Ambiance is nice. I do wish the customer service was a little better. Our waiter forgot a couple drinks. They didn't really check in on us, sat on their phone instead. Not a lot of food options. read more

Food was delicious!!! Carne asada tacos was really good and I would eat them again. The service was just okay but the restaurant was beautiful. read more

Papa Guapo Cantina - Menu - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

What a fantastic new gem in old town San Diego! We stumbled across it for lunch and gave it a shot. Though they lead with their famous baked potato we opted for some of their Mexican entrees. The chicken quesadilla, the chicken burrito and their homemade guacamole were superb. And ask for Madelyn... as our server, she was phenomenal! read more

Papa Guapo Cantina - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

This place was awful.. poor girl was solo on Saturday with tons of tourists. Not her fault, but know to hire more staff. Ordered two quesadillas and it took 45 mins. Ordered chips and salsa (not complimentary) the salsa was Pace Picante salsa for $6! Quesadillas were super greasy, didn't end up eating them. Wanted to order a side of rice and imagine.. was told they didn't have anymore rice! This place takes advantage also of tourist with their prices which are a bit steep for what you get. Try another place in town there are plenty to choose from. Keep walking. read more

We discovered this gem in Old Town! The service was awesome and the food was outstanding! Their grilled carne asada tacos were delicious and their barbacoa tacos were out of this world! You have to come check them out! They are centrally located in Old Town San Diego right across from the historic church on San Diego Blvd. read more

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I didn't order a baked potato carne asada fry--I had an experience. The potato was giving a perfectly crisp exterior, cloud-like interior, topped with juicy carne asada. The cheese? Melted and rich 10/10, and the customer service was top-notch. I sat outside with a large group, and we fit perfectly. The server was so kind. As soon as it started to get chilly, she turned on the fire, which made the ambiance so beautiful. Do yourself a favor and order the adobada potato with everything! THANK ME LATER! read more

Papa Guapo Cantina - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Carne Asada baked potato with guacamole . Great food, nice vibe and ambience Taco Tuesday spot for sure read more

Papa Guapo Cantina - Carne asada burrito with green chili salsa - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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The Mexican-style baked potatoes here are genuinely impressive--perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and generously topped with well-seasoned carne asada, melted cheese, and crema. Everything felt balanced and thoughtfully put together. The service was warm and attentive without being overbearing, and the ambiance is clean, inviting, and ideal for a casual hangout. It's the kind of place you can easily sit, eat, and catch up for a while. read more

great little spot, visited 3 different times during our 2 week vacation. we hit other spots too , but this place has the best service and just made us feel like home. menu small, but taste great!! will stop by each time we are in town!! read more

Arlyn had the best customer service and was very attentive and sweet! She made us feel welcomed, checked on us, and made the experience even better. Highly recommend! read more

Papa Guapo Cantina - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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The baked potato is the main event. They dress it up well with guacamole and your favorite meat. The ambience is great and the wait staff are attentive. Dining on the patio next to the sidewalk makes for a pleasant environment to visit. The rest of the menu is only tacos so don't go if you want salad or other dishes. It's unpretentious and a great place to hang out in Old Town San Diego. read more

Just visited this place, yesterday from vacation and i gotta say the tacos were amazing. I highly recommend this place. Chef is top of the game. read more

Food was flavorful and fresh. Stopped in for a quick lunch and was pleasantly surprised

Great food and atmosphere. Hospitality, from what I assumed was the owner, is unmatched. It was crowded during our visit, our server was working extremely hard. This did not affect her attitude at all. She was so pleasant and full of light. Impeccable service and will definitely be back. read more