Great service, great food and lunch portions were surprisingly large. Salsa was really good, had a spicy kick to it. There was an operational fee on the bill, however I am seeing that more and more at restaurants now days. We almost didn't go because of the bad reviews, but I am always willing to give a restaurant a try. Glad we did. read more

Went on a Saturday evening, was NOT too busy. We were seated at a back booth, we got our chips & salsa (more like tomato sauce), and were never helped. We waited 15 minutes before we left. Manager saw us, no help. The chip lady asked if we were helped, I told her no. Chip lady told a waitress, waitress looks over to us & no help. Finally .. we decide to leave, ran into the manager again and told him we were never helped, his excuse "we're short staffed". No excuse! Do better And I leave a star, because I have too. Otherwise no star would be given. read more

Yes, it is under new ownership but Cooper is still there. I'm not sure what people are talking about but the salsa was chunky and delicious while the chips being good. They are new and getting adjusted so give them a little grace. My only agreement is the staff is a bit green and disorganized but with the right leadership and team this could be fixed easily. I agree the decor could be a bit freshened since its been 16 years but its Mexican so old world decor is fine while they adjust. I was the first customer to go 16 years ago and they had issues off and on as well but its a local business that we should support. read more

This is a disappointing review I'm about to make. Papa Lopez closed for 2 weeks during a change in management and has now reopened. Keep in mind we've been regulars for 5 years. Not sure why they kept the name Papa Lopez bc the food changed. The new salsa was finely pureed tomato sauce with a hint of Mexican spices. The new queso, no flavor. Chips were thick. We want the chunky salsa with chunks of onions with their thin chips. The corn tortillas were oily amd tasted like old oil. The cheese in the cheese enchiladas were different. Instead of using American cheese, they used Cheddar. Terrible. read more

They have a large menu. Casual nice athmosphere . Papa Lopez is overall your average Mexican food restaurant. The service was prompt and friendly. My meal was on the table within 10 minutes of ordering. Their 'Paparita' house margarita is quite tasty. Be warned, the salsa is on the fiery side. read more

Papa Lopez Mexican Cantina - Camarones Varacruz - Tex-Mex Near Me - Allen, Texas

My wife and I had been wanting to try this place for a while. We've searched far and wide in McKinney and Allen for decent Tex Mex and haven't really found our spot yet. Papa Lopez kind of has mid reviews but the other spots that had better reviews have been pretty meh. So regardless we wanted to give it a shot and I'm so glad we did! We were very pleasantly surprised by the overall experience. I'll start with the margaritas which were the best we've had in the area. I got the house marg and my wife got the skinny pineapple and both were great, didn't just taste like sweet and sour mix, but you could taste the triple sec and tequila in a good way. For the entrees my wife got the chile relleno, and she's from El Paso so she's a self proclaimed connoisseur and she loved it. Delicious ranchero sauce on top and the asadero cheese inside with flavorful ground beef, just done right. I got the Mexican flag enchiladas and they were great, the sour cream chicken and the verde chicken were the highlights. A lot of places in this area try to trick up their enchiladas, but I think the simpler the better... with Tex Mex I just need simple things done well and these enchiladas were that. Best I've had in the area by far, with tasty rice and beans on the side. Lastly the service was really outstanding top to bottom. Our server could not have been nicer, and more welcoming. He interacted with our little boy and was making him laugh and that will pretty much sell you on any place right away! Great relaxing atmosphere, we just felt right at home. All to say good Tex Mex should be the simple things done with thoughtfulness and care and Papa Lopez more than delivered on that. 5 stars and we will definitely be back! read more

Ordered salsa and queso and received a bag of 13 chips. This has happened now multiple times and I am done with this place. read more

Papa Lopez Mexican Cantina - This is the bag. Service at this place over the last 3 months has went from good to terrible. Not first incident. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Allen, Texas

...this is no longer PAPA LOPEZ, it's "Tex-Mex R'Us"... used to really love this place. came in a few weeks ago and everything was normal. came in on 9/27/25 and so much had changed for the worst. first off, the chips and salsa were different...no longer flavorful and full of cilantro and chopped onion slices. the chips had NO flavor and were thick and dry. second, the corn tortillas we ordered with our queso had oil all over them and tasted like oil, not the corn tortillas we've known and loved for the last 5 years. luckily, the queso seemed to be the same. for 5 years minimum, i've been ordering the Jalisco Enchiladas (2 cheese enchiladas with sour cream sauce, topped with chicken fajita meat and pico de gallo). the cheese was creamy, melted in your mouth with every bite...it was runny. this current experience had the cheese hard, congealed and just like any other enchilada you can get at any TEX-MEX restaurant. they used to use american cheese in their enchiladas, now they obviously use cheddar...i came here because the enchiladas reminded me of the enchiladas i loved growing up...El Paso in Plano and Cafe Mexico in Richardson. these new enchiladas were generic and BORING...tasted like every other tex-mex restaurant out there. the sour cream sauce wasn't as tangy as usual either. I voiced my complaint and learned that new ownership happened....so to the new owners, WHY BUY A PLACE AND CHANGE SO MUCH? This place was successful, no? best chips and salsa around, creamy cheese enchiladas, great tortillas...the things i loved are now gone. if you're going to change the ingredients just change the name. this is no longer PAPA LOPEZ, it's "Tex-Mex R'Us"... read more

The food was what is expected for fajitas($20)and a cup of queso($10). Prices are higher than expected. $30 tab, plus a .97 cent 'operational fee'? Then they tax the .97 cents? I thought for a second that it was for using a credit card, but then they offer a cash price or a credit card price. Either way, they are collecting a mystical Operational Fee PLUS an increased fee if you use a credit card. Other businesses accept the fees as a cost of doing business or build it into their cost. It's been a long time since we have eaten here, but will say, definitely not coming back. read more

This a great place to go with your buddies for some Tex-Mex food. The prices are reasonable and the portions are fairly large. The Sopapillas are huge and that's why they sell them one a piece plus you get to add as much honey as you want yourself. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the grilled fish tacos. The flavor wasn't very good. I think I'd they changed the menu item to more street food style, it would taste MUCH better. The stuffed peppers were delicious and the ceviche was really tasty! Overall a good atmosphere tomorrow spend an evening night out. read more

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I love when I walk into a place and you are not overcome by the sound of their music. The tone of the afternoon was set as myself and two coworkers dine for happy hour. Our waitress was amazing she offered us beverages and told us about their happy hour specials... nice! The chips and salsa overflowed which lead to me no finishing my meal in its entirety. Everyone was pleased with their entree . Oh by the way we had queso as well. Oh my we made an evening of it ! We'll be back, thank Papa Lopez! read more

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Placed a catering order with Cooper for my birthday, was quoted $168. At time of pick up, the night manager said he made a mistake after charging us, $349. He proceeds to refund us and then charges us $582 instead. He changed the order on us without informing and getting approval and then overcharged us. I used to be a big fan of this place, seems shady now. Watch out for your order being changed without notification. Would not recommend them as catering either. The owner never returned my calls to resolve the behavior of their employees. read more

Just ate at the location ..got there just before they close and they took care of us. Food modifications worked out perfectly. They got our order right and everything was awesome. We will be back. Zero complaints. Great staff read more

Been driving by for years and decided to finally stop in for dinner. Our server was pleasant but there was nothing else that would ever bring us back. The food was below average, ambiance dated, all adding up to an overpriced meal. read more

This has to be the worst salad I have ever had. I did not go inside so I cannot adjust to the service or the ambience

I arrived at the restaurant a few minutes before 2:00 for a quick lunch. When I tried to order off the lunch menu at 2:02, the waitress said it was too late for lunch and the computer automatically shuts off lunch at 2. This is completely ridiculous so instead of ordering a $12.95 lunch, I order an ala cart chalupa for $3.25. We really like the food here, but the rigid and ridiculous lunch policy needs to be changed. And note the operational fee on my receipt. Papa Lopez - seriously?!?! read more

Papa Lopez Mexican Cantina - And what the heck is an operational fee? - Tex-Mex Near Me - Allen, Texas

Greeted as we walked in. The food is good and service is good and friendly. The restaurant was clean. We have been there 3 times now. We have tried the Enchiladas, burritos and tacos.. read more

Had a terrible lunch today. Ordered the tamale and enchilada lunch special with extra chile con carne. Tasted like cardboard. When I went to check out they wanted me to pay an extra $3.50 for extra sauce. I complained to the manager who said thats their policy. I said you should have mentioned that before I ordered. They took it off. The food was bad, the salsa was bad and they nickel and dimed me. A totally bad experience. This place used to be good a year ago but has gone down hill. Please avoid at all costs and save yourself from the disappointment. read more

We got the brisket nachos they were pretty good. The chips and salsa were good as well. The michelada was the best one I've had in that area. read more

Surprisingly good. Staff on point. Menu pleasing with great options. Food quality good. Prices reasonable. Ambience fun lots of regulars. Will come back. read more

Well very first time here. Looked charming from the outside, was greeted very nicely by the hostess and even made sure we liked our booth as it was somewhat busy. It went down after that. Can't recall the servers name, he is the biggest one there. Not friendly at all, seemed agitated, my wife and I had some questions about the menu and after about 15 second he said you want to hurry up I have other tables! 3 tables were seated after us and he took all 4 orders at the same time. We waited for a good while and was the last of the 4 to be severed - still no big deal we weren't in a hurry - just not the way it should be managed. Once we started eating we both realized our meals were very cool almost cold in spots as if they had been sitting for a long time ready to be served. Still trying to make it work, my wife asked for a steak knife for her fajitas as it should have been served with the meal. He seemed annoyed and took about 5 minutes to get it. He was clumsy and almost dumped the meal tray walking my to the next table. He never refilled or asked to refill our drinks so I asked a passing server who was very nice and quickly responded. The chips were stale and the food was cold and the flavor sub par. So we told the server who we had to flag down of our experience without a word he ran off and we were like what was that. About 5 minutes later the manager Cooper arrived was very nice and was appalled about our experience, comped our meal which we ate less than a quarter of anyway and gave a discount card to try them again. My wife thought I'm hungry so she asked the server for some Sopaipillas and if they were served hot and he said no we wouldn't like them since we like hot food!! So we ordered some anyway and they were hot and ok. The only thing we enjoyed. We are very low maintenance however, this serve can't help if the food isn't good, but his behavior as an establishment ambassador he needs a ton of training or do something else. Because we saw a couple other servers who were good examples of the role. We may come back because of Cooper but avoid this guy entirely! read more

Best Tex-Mex I've had in a long time. Wonderful chips and salsa. I got the cheese enchiladas with chicken fajita and pico, but instead of the spicy queso I requested the sour cream sauce. Mmmm mmm! Definitely will be back. Staff seemed a little rushed but still got the food out on time and check when asked. read more

Papa Lopez Mexican Cantina - Cheese enchiladas with sour cream sauce, fajita chicken and pico de gallo - Tex-Mex Near Me - Allen, Texas

Didn't wanna write this review cause I don't want everybody to know but this staff and business deserves it. They were amazing from food to service. It was my friend and myself first time coming here as we just came to the area & had been passing it. Stumbled in during happy hour (3-7 and this was on a Monday) and was greeted and seated. I liked the ambiance: pretty nostalgic. It was nice to Sit and have drinks, catch up. we were recommended by Ricky to try the flight, which was a wonderful price for 6 delicious frozen margaritas for $10.50!! I don't know if that was I'm happy hour but I've never found a better deal on a margarita flight! The food was great and resonantly priced. Our bartender Marley was so sweet and attentive & quick. I had the chicken nachos (full size) and he had the brisket tacos. I got full and the prices were great if I didn't mention that. &13.50 for full order of nachos & all in all we paid $40 for 2 ppl, full margarita flights, and full meals. I can't wait to go back. I love this place, for the price you can't beat it and the food is really good, drinks too. The service topped it off because as a new comer i don't know what it is I want and Ricky helped me with that quick lol. The chips and salsa bomb as well See you guys soon! read more

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The atmosphere is super fun and simple. However my issue was the service was meh- our waiter was not present, got drink orders wrong, had no personality and didn't make the experience fun. That being said the food was delicious and the margarita flight was a fun try! I would try them again and hopefully service is better read more

Papa Lopez Mexican Cantina - Margaritas - Tex-Mex Near Me - Allen, Texas

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Been going to Papa Lopez since it opened, it always been outstanding and our "go to" Mexican Restaurant for 20 plus years. Not sure it's the new ownership or new cook staff, but the last visit food was so-so. Beef quesadillas had very little beef, very little cheese and were over cooked. Cheese in the cheese enchiladas was not melted and bland. We are hoping this is a "one off" and they just had a bad night. read more

A great place with some good food. Atmosphere is fun, and the staff are very friendly. Brooke was an excellent server, and took good care of us. Be sure and get the spicy hot sauce and the jalapeno margarita! read more

I had no expectations during my visit. Honestly was just looking for good drinks and food. I'm not sure that I got what I was looking for. I can tell that those that go are regulars as it did appear the staff was familiar with a lot of people. I do think that says a lot and makes it a more family atmosphere. Unfortunately the food and drinks just didn't hit the mark for me. And the gnats. They were terrible read more

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My husband and I have been here multiple times and we will keep coming back! The waiters are not only nice but are incredibly attentive. The drinks are good and a lower price than most. We usually get the sampler platter for an appetizer and it's great. Recommend every time! read more

Edgar was an absolutely amazing server, he was extremely kind upon every interaction regardless of us being the last people of the night. The food and atmosphere was great as always but Edgar would be the reason for my return, excellent service read more

The service was amazing. Abel was fantastic at making sure our group was well taken care of. Great attitude and good heart. Really cares about the customers. The food was also delicious. My husband and I are always trying different chips and queso around town, and theirs is my new favorite. Can't wait to come back again soon. read more

We have been here before and the service used to be excellent. sad to see the standard go down so terribly. We had requested for less cheese and our dish was buried in cheese and bland . It was like the request was completely disregarded. additionally Some of the items that we ordered were never delivered .Had to request for silverware several times. The wait staff did not care and never bothered to check on us even once. I have never experienced this kind of service anywhere ever. This restaurant needs to train their wait staff on customer service read more

it has the best tacos and chips. Owner and staff go above and beyond. We go there often.

Mediocre overall. Don't be confused - this is not Pappasitos or related to that restaurant group. We were not asked table or booth and were initially seated at a table in front of the bathroom hallway and ice machine despite many other better options. Had to stalk the hostess to ask to move - she wouldn't make eye contact. Best part was the margarita flight. I felt it was a really good value for the price. Very fun to share with the table. read more

Never again! How is this place still in business? My wife and I came for what we hoped could be our new local easy gem. We were incredibly wrong. The service was so bad I went next door to Starbucks to get my wife a bottle of water as we waited. The server was the Bartender who spent zero time behind the bar. Considering there were two tables set during our visit. She couldn't handle it . She was gone so long that the kitchen brought our food and I had to find someone to give us hot sauce. The food was so low quality that the sauce couldn't overcome it. Just avoid this place at all cost and you'll save time and money by making a freezer meal. No table touching happened so we couldn't even express the annoyance to the manager for a fix. Paid and left. read more

very friendly and good service. Food was great. I recommend this place to anyone.. The owner was very attentive.

Papa Lopez has excellent attention to his costumers. Service is always 100%. I personally love their Mexican Martini and the flan. Their dishes are good. Family environment, good music too! read more

This place wasn't anything crazy special, but the service was really quick. Some of the proportions were rather small for the price and the chips were cold. The food was good, but could use more flavor and seasoning. read more

Our fave place. We brought 2 family members here today to share. Ordered "fajita steak Chile relleno" off the menu. It comes with tough, dry, unflavored meat per my kiddo - because it wasn't fajita steak. It was thin, tough skirt steak. The 2 ladies told me that's what they use. Why "pretend" then? Made zero sense when the person across the table is literally eating steak fajita himself. They send a new plate in a few fast minutes after acting like it was wrong to request the item we actually ordered. It was tiny, little chards of fajita steak that seemingly broken off while cooking orders of fajitas they scraped up? Especially considering it was drenched in marinade & very salty. Pretty crazy. Why cut corners on a child ordering? Our entire office comes here constantly & today was just unnecessary. I stand corrected. Chile relleno = extra thin, tough, flavorless steak quickly grilled on the range & not what you'll get when ordering fajitas. No prepped nor cooked the same yet called the same. And again the other one at our table was eating "fajita steak" as ordered. So they run out & sub the child's plate. End up scraping the bits & broken pieces for a remake? Makes sense in a bad way. They also offer chicken fajita Chile rellenos so we might be surprised with shredded chicken & hear "that's how we always do it". We are missing the part where it wasn't the same lol. read more

Papa Lopez Mexican Cantina - Tex-Mex Near Me - Allen, Texas

We came here for an early dinner on a Sunday night. We were seated promptly and served complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa was very good. Everything went downhill from here. We started with appetizers, stuffed jalapeños and queso. The queso tastes like the plastic nacho sauce you get from a can. The jalapeños were pickled and covered in a corn meal type breading that tasted underdone. I had the ceviche - this was poorly executed. They used cooked salad shrimp and the citrus just made these taste rubbery. It is heavy on the onion and cilantro so that overpowered the entire dish. It didn't come with chips or tortillas just the ceviche. My dining partner ordered a burrito that was full of ground beef but smothered in that plastic cheese goo so she didn't even finish 1/4th of it and didn't take the leftovers. Service was so poor - we had stacks of plates on our table that didn't get cleared. We just wanted to leave but had to wait and wait for our check then wait and wait again for our receipts. Poor dining experience, terrible food. read more

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Dropped my wife off at her office Christmas party and saw Papa Lopez on my way home. Stopped in and ordered the Grande lunch special. My fast, friendly server, Abel, brought my iced tea and took my order. Chips and salsa were very good and received my order quickly. Excellent crispy beef taco and pretty good chicken sour cream (maybe some jalapeño slices on top). Too full to try the cheese enchilada with chili so got a to go box. Sides were beans and rice which were also very good. Will definitely be back soon. read more

Papa Lopez Mexican Cantina - Grande lunch. Crispy beef taco, sour cream Chicken Enchiladas and a cheese enchilada with chili. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Allen, Texas