I've given this place 3 attempts to win me over. Of all of the Mexican restaurants in this area, probably 10 in a half mile radius, this place comes in dead last. The food is very average and only if you're lucky, everything is warm or hot. In such a competitive market, you would think customer service would be paramount. Not here. I placed an order for pick-up in order to hopefully have a hot meal from there. They deliver for free (supposedly). I live 4 blocks and picked up my order within 5 minutes. I had a coupon for $5 dollars off any order over $30 with no expiry date. I was told they wouldn't except that but would give me $2 off. After a minute of arguing with me and giving me attitude, nothing changed. When I returned home 5 minutes later with cold tacos, they forgot my chips and salsa. No chips and salsa is like eating a hamburger meal without the fries. I wasn't looking for a la cart. I called and was told I could come pick them up. I asked if they would deliver them and was told they would not do that. At first I was a lost customer over the false coupon ad. Now, I wanted to share my horrible customer service experience, so people can avoid the frustration. There are plenty of other great tacos in the area (Dona Torta, El Presidente). I tried; I really tried. 3 strikes, I'm out. read more

A vendor at work brought breakfast from Papacito's and I really liked it. Visited last week for breakfast w/ my kids and hubby. I like Mexican food, and I like it authentic. This place was small, but really cute. It's a restaurant that you'd probably see in Mexico. The kids meal was really big, the pancakes sold out w/ my kids. I had a carne asada and my husband had the fish tacos. It was really good. Worth a try. But if you are looking for something fancy or not a big mexican food type of person. This will not be a good place for you! read more

The place needs a makeover. The chairs were wobbly and it just looked old. I heard for a while how the food was amazing, however I was not impressed. It was somewhere between ewww and eh, ok. The service was poor and I'm pretty sure my small group of friends and I were the only one in the place. read more

Are y'all CRAY CRAY? This is the best Mexican food in the city. For a vegetarian like myself, it is Mexican heaven. They don't use lard in their chips, and they include broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, and carrots in all of the veggie dishes. Most Mexican places translate "veggie" to leaving ingredients off... like I really want a burrito with only beans, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream - ? No. Not this place. Also, best chips and salsa of all time, hands down. The guac is also great. The veggie quesadillas are BOMB. The food is the exact same as Mamacita's, R.I.P., for those of you who remember. I'm not sure about their delivery service, but the food itself is SUPERB and consistent. I can pig out here and feel full, but not feel like killing myself. It's basically the only Mexican food I will eat these days. These reviews completely baffle me - maybe because the food here IS different than most Mexican joints. But to me, that's a good thing. read more

First of all, a zabihah halal Mexican restaurant; so I finally got to do the meat dishes of Mexican cuisine after all the vegetarian tacos and black bean burritos. Secondly, this place is Excellent; I hardly ever give 5 stars, but this deserves it. I've been here several times; and never left disappointed. It's not a large establishment, but they have a large menu, the staff is always friendly, and the prices are reasonable. The steak tacos are particularly good, as are the chicken fajitas; and the chips & salsa have to be the best ever. Highly recommended; particularly to halal meat eaters. Go Papacito's! read more

giving up another star... for my new favorite veggie tostadas! actual VEGGIES to go with my avocado and beans! yum. read more

Food is decent, delivery is terrible. I mean, TERRRIBLE. Ordered through Eat24. Was given an estimated delivery time of 45-60 minutes. 70 minutes later, I contact Eat24's live chat b/c after ordering, my fiance was having a medical issue and I felt I needed to take him to the ER. So I contacted them on the live chat to cancel the order as it was already late and I had to go right then. I was told that the delivery person was parking. Fine, I'll just grab the food and put it in the car and we'll go and I won't lose $35 No delivery guy in sight and parking in front of my building is easy. While packing the car with our stuff and the fiance, I tell the Eat24 people to cancel the order and give me my money. This whole ordeal takes about 20 minutes, yes, nearly 20 minutes after the delivery guy was allegedly "parking." I go to get in the car to leave and guess who arrives? You got it, delivery guy. And it's funny, there is a girl in the passenger seat. Hmmm, I wonder why my food was 30 minutes late. Also, the order was messed up. Wrong meats in the tacos. So I was not pleased and won't be ordering again. The chips are really good and so was the guac, everything else just ok. read more

On Cinco de Mayo, where else do you go but for Mexican? After walking on a quest to a. get exercise, and b. enjoy a nice night, we stumbled upon Papacitos...a little non-assuming mexican dive staring at us from across the street. I've passed this place before, but this time, we thought long and hard about a stop in...and after consulting the Yelp reviews, we sat down at a small table in their front patio area. Thank you fellow Yelpers, for aiding in our lovely dining experience. The chips were delicious, especially dipped in the awesome salsa. I was pleasantly surprised to look at the menu and discover some very reasonable prices...prices that my good friend Uncle Julio should consider. We both opted for the taco/quesadilla special...including one taco, one quesadilla, rice, beans, and a drink...all for the low low price of $7. Can't beat that. I had the steak taco and chicken quesadilla, and neither disappointed. I especially loved the quesadilla. I've seen a few reviews about the lacking service, but our waitress was really friendly, fast, and kept a watchful eye to make sure we didn't need anything. What a pleasant surprise on such a nice spring night! read more

This Mexican gemstone is a best kept secret! This hole-in-the-wall is BYOB, which, let's face it, deserves a bonus star. The staff will let you sit at your table for hours on end...and the food is really great. My only issue is that unfortunately, they do not have fountain soda...only cans. I don't know why this bothers me, but other than having to drink from the diet coke can, the rest of our dinner here was awesome. read more

The service here is great and the food is good. Reasonably priced and it's BYOB. They often bring me free appetizers as I frequent the place. The place is primarily booth seating for four so if you're bringing a group, you may need to wait to get tables pushed together at the front. There is limited outdoor seating that can get a little tight if they're busy. read more

I would honestly not suggest this place for Mexican food. My friend and I were craving some burritos and the carry out food we received was sub par. I personally have had plenty of burritos in my life, and Papacitos did not live up to what I expected from an authentic Mexican restaurant. I like to support local business, but I would caution people away. There is just something "not right" with the way my food tasted. I personally will never order from this establishment again especially considering the price I paid for? Not acceptable. read more

The most flavorless, colorless, bland Mexican food I have ever had. Ever. What a rip off!!! How they can charge the prices they do and serve such horrible food is beyond me. Please don't waste your money. read more

My only regret is that I didn't find this place sooner. What great food here! You have to try the Tacos Picantes. You'll be hooked forever after. read more

Ehhh, been to quite a few mexican places in Chicago and this one is right in the middle of the row. Got the beef tacos and I would give them about a 5.5 stars. Chips and salsa were decent. I'm not sure if I'll go back. read more

Yum! This is now my neighborhood Mexican spot. The food is super fresh, inexpensive, and much more imaginative than your typical Mexican joint. Yep, Mexican food can have more ingredients than beef, cheese, beans, rice and tortilla! They usually have a really good, cheap daily special, which is helpful because everything on their menu sounds so tasty that it's hard to choose! They have tons of vegetarian options that even a non-veg like myself is tempted to try. And the service is unbelievable! They are so quick on take-out orders, and the staff is really friendly. While the atmosphere isn't stellar (tile floor, with tables and chairs reminiscent of a late-night joint), I've eaten in here twice and had a great experience because of the service. And it's BYOB, which I love. They even have non-alcoholic Sangria that you can buy there, bring your booze, and have an authentic drink! Go here. Or if you live in the neighborhood, order take-out, and they'll make your food fresh for you in like 5 minutes. Literally. read more

We order Papacito's regularly for delivery. There are very few viable Mexican delivery options - and when they do, it usually is not good. Papacito's however is very good - and it delivers well. The delivery is quick - usually arriving within 1/2 hour of the call. I usually get the fajita burrito - and it is very tasty. The peppers inside are very crispy. My wife usually gets the chicken enchiladas with the red salsa. She loves these enchiladas. They are good - but I prefer the green salsa. The flaws are two: (1) occasionally they will screw up the order; (2) their salsa with the chips and salsa is good - but too often it comes cold - like close to freezing. They really need it to seem like it is coming fresh. read more

I've been to Papacito's a half dozen times and it's my favorite Lakeview Mexican joint. It's reasonable, it's BYOB and you can always get a table. The fish tacos, fajitas and steak tacos are all very good, highly recommended. The nachos are awesome (the toppings are added individually to each chip). Their veggie tacos, as other reviewers have mentioned, were not very impressive. We've eaten here and also had them cater for a 25-person party. The catering was hot and delicious. We got fish & steak tacos as well as guacamole, beans and rice. There food isn't anything groundbreaking and the decor isn't impressive, but that's not what they're trying to be. If you want solid Mexican food and a place where you can easily grab a table (even for 8-10 people) - I'd always recommend Papacito's. read more

We dine-in, get delivery, and we have used the catering twice!! There is never a disappointing meal had with this restaurant. Papacito's goes above and beyond with their catering and pricing!! If you are looking for great Mexican food at even better pricing this is the place to go!! The owner is excellent and great to work with on large events!! read more

Being that this restaurant was created by one of the previous managers of Mamacitas; I thought I would give this place a try. Turns out they have a much more innovative menu. I went on a Tuesday evening, and took advantage of their "ladies night" deal for an extremely discounted entree. I chose the steak dinner, which is made on a charcoal grill. I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing flavor of the steak. I look forward to going back (on another Tuesday of course) to try some of their other menu items out, and to take advantage of the BYOB. :) read more

$17 for a burrito with rice and beans that you can get a couple blocks away for $7. Prices are outrageous here. They have bad hours, open 10-3. Food is mediocre. Chips are stale. Worst Mexican spot, AVOID! read more

I stopped by one day while strolling down Lincoln, my friend & I just wanted to sit outside. We were pleased with the meal, everything was very good! I was responsible for planning a couple of bachelorette parties this summer. I needed somewhere moderately priced & byob. Papacito's took both of my reservations for 10 people each time on Saturday nights. They brought us free apptizers & they were very attentive to large groups of rowdy women :) Both parties were a success - everybody enjoyed the food! The bills of $90 & $120 for each party of 10 were beyond awesome. (and all my suburban friends were excited about the byob - it was new for them) read more

My first Halal Mexican Place in Chicago. Great food. The combo plates have big portions for a low price. Chips and salsa as soon as sit down. read more

An authentic, excellent Mexican with a bow to healthy eating, admirable portions and fresh food. I love the spinach, walnut, goat cheese salad for $6.99, The fruit pancakes are addictive and the omelets delicious. Fresh chips and thick, picante salsa on the table are almost a meal unto themselves. Not remarkable atmosphere, but it's clean and friendly, usually quiet, and the food is oh, so satisfying. read more

This place is absolutely DISGUSTING. We've been searching for a decent, simple taco salad and decided to give this place a try. And hey, a $9.00 taco salad must be good for that price, right? Wrong. First and foremost, the advertise it with "special veggies." Assuming this meant tomatoes and maybe peppers, didn't ask to hold them. What they really were: TONS of sliced mushrooms and cooked spinach. How does this even make sense in a Mexican taco dish? The flavor overpowered everything, including the shell. On top of the disgusting ingredients, it was nothing but a stew inside of a shell. Everything was mush and seemed to be cooked in a pot with the spinach and mushrooms. Gag. Finally, there was so much grease pouring through the bag, it was dripping all over the floor and table. Do not spend money here. read more

I wanted NACHOS and I got nachos. I should have been skeptical when I saw them on the appetizer menu, but at $6.99 (on par with the rest of the meatless items) I was confident I would get what I paid for. Wrong. My "meal" consisted of seven chips with cheese, gauc, and sour cream. That's it! While the chips were quite good, the toppings were nothing special. As a business that promotes itself as being a healthy establishment I would have expected to see some lettuce and tomato, if not for the more extravagant jalapeno, beans, and corn. Needless to say my craving went unsatisfied. I could possibly give this place another go sans nachos. It is by far the closest Mexican joint to my apartment, but until proven otherwise, my expectations will remain mediocre at best. read more

My review is based on carryout only. I stopped in here to grab a quick lunch with 2 friends while we were helping one of the girls move. I ordered chicken tacos with refried beans and rice, which were pretty good. Being a guacamole fiend, I also ordered that on the tacos. We got back to my friend's house and dug into the food. All was well until I bit into a large chicken bone and then a nice chunk of avacado stem. I kinda lost my appetite after that... read more

Oh my God! Great Guac, order it! We were looking for a Mexican restaurant that delivers and found this one. Great steak tacos and cheese encheladas. We didn't go in to the restaurant, but with food this good, who cares? They delivered on time and food was hot and yummy. read more

This is the best place I've found in Chicago for Mexican delivery. Great food. It arrived warm and the ingredients were surprisingly fresh and flavorful. Fast delivery. Order arrived in exactly 30 minutes. Good prices. As another commentor siad, it's not Rick Bayliss good. However, it is still very good and a great option for the price, especially if you want delivery. read more

This has become our very favorite Mexican food!! We get it delivered at least twice a week but the truth is that I could probably eat it every day. This is the one Mexican food experience that never leaves me feeling the least bit gross after eating. The ingredients are super fresh and of the highest quality. And whoever is doing the cooking is putting food together in really delicious and creative ways. From their chips and salsa to their chicken soup (LOTS of chicken breast) to the carne asada burrito or the mouthwatering chicken tamales w salsa verde, the food is just outstanding and totally consistent. Add to that their really charming phone service and their extra fast delivery and I simply LOVE Papacito's! Check it out! read more

Let me start by saying "WOW! DELICIOSIO!" The food here is great! This restaurant has Chicago's BEST fish tacos. Chicago has awful fish tacos. I feel like I can be myself when I'm here. The staff is very kind, the waitress didn't seem to mind when I snapped my fingers and called her "gato". At this time of writing I'm paying th bill at papacito's, just being me. Te amo papacito's! read more

I have a history with this place. Was a regular and big cheerleader for Mamacita's on Clark (same owner) when I moved to Chicago in 1991. The veggie quesadilla is still amazing, though not the bargain it once. The house made chips are just as crispy/crumbly and the salsa still delightful as ever. Mamacita's was my first encounter with cilantro and I have never looked back. Who knows how much of my infatuation with this place is nostalgia, but who cares read more

Papacito's is my restaurant crush of the month. I've walked past this place probably a million times and never even batted an eyelash at it. It looks like a total dump from the outside and I always assumed eating there would mean an instant stomach ache. After numerous friends told me how much they enjoyed the food, I decided to give it a whirl. You know that 'don't judge a book by its' cover' saying? It totally applies here. Is it the classiest joint on Lincoln Ave? No. Is the food delicious and cheap? Yes. Plus it's a BYOB which is always a plus. The interior decor is simple and maybe a tad rundown, but you're there for the food right? It's a tiny space but they are willing to accommodate for large groups. The serving sizes are large, but not obnoxious. So if you can take down Mexican food like I can, you'll have no problem wiping your plate clean. The staff is friendly and attentive and they also deliver. Closing thought: try the Mexican pizza. You will NOT be disappointed. read more

DEE-LISH! Friendly & not crowded on top of that! The place is BYOB too, so you end up spending very little for dinner. Can't wait to go back! read more

Called them in the afternoon and they said they close at 9pm. When there from crystal lake with family got there at 8:15pm and they are closed. People inside saying they are closed. Of they don't want the business they need to shut down. Don't waste your time here. read more

Came here for breakfast after hearing / being told it was halal. Man it was amazing. The combination of eggs, cheese, salsas, soft warm tiny tortillas, cilantro, and the steak in particular was amazing. Just wish the chorizo sausage was more of an actual sausage and not just little bits but we had a great, filling meal overall. Very small place but friendly & fast service too, good prices, and cool decor read more

Just ordered and it took nearly an hour to get to us from less than a mile away. This place sucks. Horrible service, the food was cold, and they messed up the sour cream which tasted like it was watered down and expired, i didnt even know this was possible. All beware, never go here ever. Hide you money, hide your taste buds, and hide your wallet. read more

This food is great mexican food. I've had the bean dip with burrito with muenster cheese and it was delicious. i've also had the burrito plate which was amazing and fresh. I order through grub hub and they're always early and friendly. The food is always hot and just great. I'm not sure of the quesadillas, but if you order quesadillas, i'm not sure how they can be amazing. Same with standard nachos. Come on people. read more

Pollo Asada con Mole = amazing. Grilled chicken slathered in a rich, chocolaty mole, with papacito's potatoes, and a black bean salad with cilantro & scallions (healthy? refreshing? delicious.) Chips were great, and the salsa was fresh, spicy and traditional. Service was incredibly friendly, and BYOB might make it a recurring spot for me... I'd write more but I need to get to bed so I can wake up early and get brunch there. 9 a.m. open - chorizo & eggs are calling my name. read more

We got takeout from Papacito's. The enchiladas were tasty, but had no sauce...almost as if they had been plated for a restaurant order, then quickly transferred to the container without grabbing additional sauce from the plate. Rice was good. Salsa was excellent, but chips arrived stone-cold and had to be reheated as if they had never been warmed at all. It was also somewhat irritating that they were not included with the meal, and had to be paid for separately. Overall, it was good, I would go back, but it wouldn't be on the top of my list for going back, if that makes sense. read more

The food was not that great and the all employees were extremely rude. There was only one dish that was good, but I forgot what it was called (not the recommended dish in the menu, but it was in the regular section). Anyway, the waitress was ignorant, ill-mannered and had no sense of customer service. it took us 1 hour to get our food and when I asked the waitress does it usually take this long to get food, she became upset and very very rudely said, we are busy that's why. What a terrible attitude. I would not waste money here. Go to a place where people are pleasant and make you feel welcomed. The restaurant is very small, extremely noisy and we had to shout the entire time to talk and the tables are very very close to each other and very little room to walk. But to summarize everything, the food was not that great, extremely noisy and a terrible and unpleasant staff. read more