This has always been our go to place when we want Tex-Mex without going to a chain restaurant. The service is always great from being acknowledged when entering to making sure you get everything you want. Our niece can to visit for a day and she agreed to join us to eat even though she says where she lives there is tons of Mexican restaurants. She was so impressed with the food, saying it the best Tex-Mex she's had. The place is fairly small with a separate bar area so the atmosphere is very easy to relax and talk while eating plus visit. Check this lace out, guaranteed you won't be disappointed! read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - Birria Tacos - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

This Mexican hole in the wall appears tiny from the outside. The parking lot in this mini-mall was small, but I didn't have any trouble finding a spot. The restaurant reveals itself to be larger once you're inside. It's a cozy dining experience and I liked the cluttered decor of Mexican tchotchkes and liquor bottles. The owners were very kind to reserve tables for our large group and arrange for us all to pay separately. I tried the cheese enchiladas and they were very filling - they came with Spanish rice and refried beans on the side. I was tempted by the taco salad... some fellow diners ordered it and they were serving size was enormous! Most dishes here seemed well suited to having enough leftovers for the next day. read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - 2nd dining room with high top table in the corner and TV. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

I found this place on Groupon. You could pay 6.00 for 14.00 worth of food. I looked at the reviews on here. I saw that Elite Yelpers recommend this place but, Iwas really undwelmed? I will tell you why. The Chips were stale. The salsa was fresh, a little too hot and lacked flavor. My Enchiladas Pablanas were dry and lacked flavor.The Refried Beans were flavorless and the rice was undercooked. I tried my Cousin's Queso. It tasted like Tostitos Cheese Sauce? I tried her Chicken Flautas out of curiosity. I like the crispiness of the Tortilla but, when I took a bite, a chunk of meat was clumped together! It's like it had been previously frozen? It's nice and clean inside and they had a good crowd. The Manager and Waitress were really nice. I called the Manager before, I went to ask him how the Promotion worked. He knew exactly what I was talking about. I really appreciate that even though he had a thick accent. Despite the great reviews, I would not recommend or return. This the only restaurant that I've had such a bad experience. I lost my winning streak of finding good restaurants. I hope my cousin has not lost ,her respect for me. Lol! read more

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This really is some of the best Mexican food around, and there are lots of great spots to choose from in Arlington. I love Papaya because their produce is always so fresh and crunchy and colorful, which is a big deal to me because I like to have pico de gallo, avocado, lettuce, or something fresh with every bite. No translucent soggy tomatoes, weird avocado, or sad cilantro here! All the veggies are colorful and the limes are fresh. Definitely get the guacamole, whatever you do. The table salsa and guacamole are both top tier. Between Jon and I, we've enjoyed Papaya's enchiladas, street tacos, crunchy tacos, burritos, salad, tortilla soup, soft tacos, fajitas, queso, guacamole, nachos!! Mmm. Those are our usual picks. Oh--they have a really yummy steak and shrimp (Mar y Tierra) dish served on perfectly cooked onions and peppers with the best charro beans ever... okay great, I'm hungry. Full bar. Great margaritas. Really kind waitstaff. Affordable food that's truly so delicious. Cozy and casual space that's festive enough for special occasions. Papaya Mexican Grill is a solid five-stars. read more

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I ate here on a whim when I saw it on the side of the road and thought it would be good. The service was amazing and incredibly fast, but I was just not impressed by the food. I would absolutely be willing to try it again and hopefully have a better experience. read more

The best barría & street tacos . And don't sleep on those drinks... if you're not careful, you'll be Uber'ing home . lol The staff is attentive and most know the regulars orders by heart. Stop by and tell Mario hi ! read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - My favorite order... 5 birria tacos with extra cheese, cilantro, & pico. You must try them with their table salsa - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

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I've been coming to Papaya Mexican Grill for about 3 years now after being introduced by a good friend, and it never disappoints. The staff is always friendly and attentive, and the food tastes truly authentic at a good price! read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - Birria tacos & Tortilla Soup - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

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The food was delicious, the service was very personable and amazing. We also enjoyed the ambience. We went in for lunch and were properly attended to. We will be back! Especially enjoyed the watermelon margarita! They are entered into the Arlington taco contest right now, and we tried El Fortachon tacos. They were amazing and we voted for them! Absolutely delicious. read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - El Fortachon tacos! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

My sister-in-law grabbed fajitas for the family, 5 adults and 2 kiddos. She lives out of state and she loves to go to a specific commercial Tex-mex restaurant when she is in town. I figured that she would go there for fajitas as she usually does. She threw us a curve ball. I knew she went somewhere different when I smelled/saw/tasted the food. I asked her what was going on and why the change? She didn't want to have to pay the high price tag at her big name place. The price at Papaya was great, which is impossible to find these days. The food was great and plentiful. read more

A new fav. My go to is the nacho appetizer and I also have leftovers! Everything I've tried so far has been hot, fresh and delicious. Service is excellent and it is so laidback here. Their margaritas are fire and even better when it's happy hour! read more

This gem is a couple miles from Decorators Warehouse, so if you aren't from there you might not know about it. I mentioned Decorators Warehouse, because you NEED to eat good before you go shopping. What drew us in was the bbq pit with a whole log hanging out and smoking. The son-in-law of the bbq master explained that there were two specials going on from the pit: Carna asada or ribs. We decided on Carna asada plate with a side of ribs. The plate came with a smoke potato, guacamole, Charo beans, rice, and tortillas. THIS WAS THE BEST CARNA I've had in the DFW area! It's a seat yourself restaurant and service is very fast. If you aren't in the area, it's worth it to drive out here! read more

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I can't believe I am just now finding this place. I started out with the quesadilla and wasn't a fan but others have said how good they are, could've just been me. I ended up switching to the tacos and OMG if heaven had a taste this would be it. It was cooked to perfection and every bite made me smile. I will be back just to get these cause whew I am in LOVE... lol. Don't wait, come try it and thank me later. read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

This is a hidden gem in Arlington. I had lunch here for the first time today, and got the Taco Bowl. Huge portion and great flavor. My guest got the Beef Enchiladas, and also raved about how good it was. And we split a guacamole, which was also a generous portion and lots of mixins. We will definitely be back. read more

Lived in arlington my whole life and never knew about this place. Great customer service, large portions of protein with their platters, and reasonably priced. My issues were the chips being VERY stale, the barbacoa didn't have much flavor - the corn tortilla for the tacos were stale and chewy not soft, the pastor was surprisingly good and my friend liked her birria tacos but the rice and beans were bland. The plastic goblets the frozen drinks came in just throws off the flavor and temperature of the drinks, but that's a personal preference. Also I felt the frozen drinks didn't have liquor in them and the floater that was added is the liquor that's suppose to be mixed into the frozen drink machine. We went during the evening so the space was dimly lit, air was stuffy, but place is spacious, and felt like an original party bar that hasn't changed in years. read more

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Love that they serve chips and salsa! The salsa is spicy which I love. Thoroughly enjoyed our meals and will be coming back. Owner and server is super nice and attentive. The portions are big and you can definitely get two meals out of one. Thank you read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - Chicken flautas & Birria tacos - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

Good service, good food and super friendly staff. We tried the strawberry mango margarita and it was fantastic. For lunch we did street tacos, a chili relleno and an appetizer sampler. read more

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The food was amazing and the service was excellent. The food had great flavor and highly recommend. read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - Chile Relleno - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

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The place was dirty, and the grass of the lemonade was also dirty. The food was okay, but it wasn't clean.

Papaya grill was absolutely amazing ! The service was outstanding . We were helped by the owner and a server, both very attentive and friendly . The food , OMG the food ! I got the quesobirria tacos they were to die for and my husband got the fajitas , he said they were also very good. We also got the Mexican shrimp cocktail appetizer it was very delicious. Our margaritas were strong and very flavorful . I would definitely Recommend this place and I will be back . read more

If you don't look hard enough you might miss this place, but it's in a little strip. Small but mighty Mexican restaurant that needs more of a spotlight! Let me start with my margarita which in itself proved that liquor was involved lol. The liquor was floating on top and I had the pleasure of mixing it in :) while drinking my drank I had the guacamole and cheese dip the serving size was perfect for sharing without being mad that you had to share ( if you know what I'm saying) . For my meal, I had the Birria tacos and they were so so good! SO MUCH MEAT! I could only eat two of them. Seasoned well and the consome was great, the best I have ever had. I can't wait to go back! I need to slide for a taco Tuesday for sure read more

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Food, drinks and service were ahhhmazing!! The watermelon cucumber margarita was soooo delish. One of the very best margs I've ever had. I even had to get a couple to go! I can't remember the name of what I got but the meat was tender, the rice yummy, charro beans spot on. My husband got the wet burrito. He's a big guy and could only eat at maybe a third of it if he ate that much. I would come here again and again. Very friendly, great food and quick service!! read more

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Walked in and welcomed by a nice gentleman to find a table of my liking. My waitress greeted me with a smile and a brief description of my favorite items on the menu followed by fresh chips and awesome salsa! I'm not a salsa person, but this one was tasty! My dinner was street tacos, (pastor, chicken, & carnitas),beans. and rice! My plate was hot and delicious! Drink of choice was a frozen mango margarita. Could not leave without dessert of churros with 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream and chocolate drizzle! Customer service was the best and I left full as a tick! Thanks!!! I will be back! read more

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Stopped in for an early dinner 4 pm. I ordered the 4 tacos plate with sides. I got 1 Asada, 1 Carnitas and 2 Pastor. The carnitas were good (8/10), asada was ok (5/10), Pastor was my least favorite I've had (2/10). The only items that aren't Steak, Chicken or shrimp were the tacos. All other items are more Tex mex. Staff and service were good. My only complaint is that I felt like they were rushing me out. I was trying to do some studying while I ate but with the constant interruptions it made it pointless, so I just left. they were so quick to serve that it made it seem like a fast food place and not a restaurant. Which just wasn't what I was looking for. Ambience and decorations were good. They had a couple of TV's with sports on and music playing. Overall I do not think I will be back and would try somewhere else. read more

AMAZING!!!! Definitely a hidden gem. We stumbled on this place on accident after we had to walk out on another restaurant (el arroyo). First we started with drinks. House margaritas not from a machine hand made and delicious! My husband got a cucumber and jalapeño margarita and I was so jealous it was delicious and refreshing. As for food I ordered the ceviche and tortillas soup. Both amazing! The ceviche only had shrimp in it but still flavor was great! My husband ordered the quesabirrias harina and it was phenomenal, the sauces amazing and great flavor with epic proportions. The staff was so sweet and just perfect. New favorite place I can't wait to come back Ps we ordered the choco flan last min and it was incredible- insert happy dance what a way to end the meal! read more

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This "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant has been on my radar for quite a while now but hadn't taken the time to stop in until now. Wow, why did I wait SO long? It's in a strip center loaded with Vietnamese restaurants and businesses. I was very strange to see it there. My wife who doesn't like new restaurants sprung on her hesitantly decided to humor me when I mentioned that we were headed to a new TexMex restaurant. When we arrived on a Friday evening the place was hopping, a great sign. The establishment was probably around 1/2 way full. At first glance the place was very clean and organized. We were greeted warmly by the staff and seated immediately. A bowl of hot tortilla chips and salsa arrived almost instantly. We also ordered a couple of margaritas. Our gauge of a TexMex restaurant is their salsa. If the salsa is up to par, half the job is done. My wife dipped her first chip, I was watching closely. She nodded and said, "Good salsa." Whew, I was off the hook. In fact, in a short time, we went through two baskets of chips. My preference would have been a bit spicier salsa. Next time we're in, I'll ask our server if there is an alternate salsa with a bit more kick. We enjoyed a bowl of excellent queso while waiting for our dinner entrees. We both took some time familiarizing ourselves with the menu, there was SO many wonderful entrees to choose from. My wife loves chicken quesadillas, and I had a craving for chicken flautas. They were both on the menu, dinner was ordered. After a short wait, both of our entrees were delivered to our table, hot and picture perfect. Our food was incredible. All the Yelp reviews I'd read about Papaya Mexican Grill held true. The chicken in the quesadillas was grilled and flavored to perfection. My flautas were perfect. Rice and beans so yummy and the gauc was delicious. We can't wait to return to Papaya Mexican Grill. On our next visit, my wife asked that we order fajitas and indeed we will. read more

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Great hole on the wall Mexican restaurant, we got several items but the Bria tacos they were fantastic. Portion sizes were good as well.

We have heard really great things about Papaya Mexican Grill, and with today being a holiday (July 5th, observed) we decided to come here for lunch, and we brought our friends across the street with us. We arrived a bit after 1:00pm, and we were pleasantly surprised that the restaurant had a lot of lunch specials, and received some chips, and some salsa, and of course we had to get some queso. The salsa and queso were great, and the chips were good. My wife has been here before, but our two neighbors, and me, have never been, so looking at all the options on the menu and lunch specials, I already knew that we will be be coming back soon. I ordered the beef and cheese enchilada lunch special, with rice and refried beans, one friend ordered the same thing. My buddy ordered the chicken fajitas, and my wife saw a patron eating a large shrimp cocktail, and she had to have it. Overall, we all really liked the food, and my wife absolutely loved her shrimp cocktail. This is not a typical spend $13.99 on a shrimp cocktail and have 5 shrimp, this shrimp cocktail was loaded with 20-25 shrimp, and she ate every bit of it. The lunch chicken fajitas, with all the fixings for $10.99, was enough for 2-3 people, and he ate half, and had enough to bring home for a second meal. They have a nice beer selection, full bar, and the service was OK. The only issue was the restrooms were having a slight plumbing issue, and I am sure the manager/owner was taking care of it. This place has a great following, and rightfully so. This is Mexican food, not TexMex, and we look forward to coming back, dive into the menu for some incredible food, and eat away. Stay hungry my friends... read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

Y'all are missing out if you haven't tried the Quesabirria Harina tacos. Absolutely delicious flour tortillas stuffed with birria meat and melted cheese! Didn't even dip them in the consommé cuz the green salsa that comes with is fire, spicy and flavored with a kick. The rice and beans were good but the tacos steal the show. We started off with the appetizer sampler which was also good, starting with the quesadilla being #1, especially when dipped into the queso, yummy! Nachos were tasty and loaded with meat, served individually which I'm not used to but was delicious. The chicken flautas were also tasty but a bit over cooked tonight. I'd say overall a delicious Taco Tuesday and I'm sure we'll be back!! read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - Quesabirria Harina - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

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I'm literally going 5 because of the service, they try so hard it was very impressive. We got queso to start, it was good, very standard. I ordered a Mexican burger and I absolutely loved it. The person I was wish had a shrimp taco bowl and that was amazing. It doesn't looks impressive but if someone told me this was their favorite Mexican spot I'd understand why. The prices were pretty good too. read more

Foods ok. Chips leave an after taste in your mouth like old fry grease or something . The fajita steak is kinda fatty and fajitas too salty. There's better out there read more

Excuse my language, "BEST DAMN MEXICAN RESTAURANT I HAVE HAD IN THE DFW METROPLEX!" I can't tell you how good the food is. Everything is homemade and the flavor is very good. Food was well seasoned for me. My wife and I stopped here on our way home from DFW airport. The entire staff was awesome and treated everyone here as they were family. I definitely will be coming back here when I am in the area. Please visit if you have the chance. You will not be disappointed. read more

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This is a total gem! We went yesterday after the rangers game. Fajitas for two , chicken steak shrimp and sausage . 30.00$ we shared it and still had more to share at home the next day! The beans Omgsh perfect! We also had gauc queso and a few different salsas. A green a very spicy red and then the regular salsa was perfection just the right amount of spicy but, not overly hot! As well as the margarita. OOOOOOOHHH BUDDY! Perfection. read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - Margaritas salsa and queso - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

I've been eyeing their food advertised on Yelp and decided it was time to stop by. I recommend checking on Groupon for deals, papaya usually has a Groupon available. I ordered the enchiladas verdes that comes with refried beans and Spanish rice. The enchiladas verdes was full of flavor and soft. The rice was okay and the refried beans were good especially with the salsa. The order came with their complimentary chips and salsa which were crispy and yummy. I ordered the tres leches cake for dessert which was delicious and a big portion. read more

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Have to downgrade had a bad experience here at Papaya. My food was incorrect no problem I asked for cheese and got beef enchiladas. The server took forever to replace my order so my husband food was getting cold since he was eating slowly. Food finally showed up it was wrong again. I sent it back. I stop the owner he was defensive. After third time he brought out some very bad tacos not what I ordered. I had to tell him these are bad they tasted bad not sure what they were doing. He just said you do not have to pay for your food . I was shocked we always have had good service and food here we have been coming here for 7years. Not sure what happened. read more

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Stopped today for lunch and we're pleasantly surprised! Ate here a couple of times a long time ago so knew it wasn't horrible but it was really good. Hubby had the street tacos and I had crunchy beef tacos. Both were really good, beans both refried and borracho were tasty. The rice was kinda meh but honestly I'm not much of a Spanish rice fan so it really has to wow me and this one did not do that. Beer was cold, sweet tea was sweet and you can pay with your phone. Life is good. We will be back. read more

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I travel a lot and have an opportunity to eat just about anything I'm in the mood for. And I don't leave many reviews. The birria tacos at this point were the best I've ever had! Don't let the outside or the location turn you away. It is the opitamy of a great hole in the wall restaurant. read more

Papaya Mexican Grill - Birria taco plate. Dipped corn tortillas with slow roasted pork and melty cheese. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Texas

Amazing food drinks and service!! Everything I order is always delicious! This time I dos the appetizer combo plate and a watermelon/cucumber margarita. Wow! The drink is amazing and everything on my plate is so tasty. Food comes out fast and can't say enough good things about the owner. read more

Overall a really good experience with this little off the path Mexican spot. Portions are enormous, no exaggeration on this one. The loaded nachos are served on a half pan. The xl wet burrito was as long as my forearm from elbow to wrist! Fast and friendly service from the staff. Got us in and out because we poorly time managed and did it without rushing us. The location is a little run down could use a coat of paint, great selection of bottled drinks, but no pricing that I could find. Good menu options, texas dip was tasty! Go check it out! read more

Tried this place based off Yelp, just like you! It was worth the drive (from Flower Mound). Beans and rice were okay, chips and salsa excellent, but anything with shrimp is worth the money. The creamy poblano sauce was excellent too! The service was great and stopped by or around to check if we were okay or needed anything. Next time I am trying their XL Wet Burrito with the shrimp. I hope you enjoy their food as much as we did. read more

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We were craving authentic Mexican food so we looked at Yelp and this amazing restaurant popped up. We were greeted immediately as we walked in. Mario was our server and he was very friendly, helpful and attentive. This was our first time but it didn't take long for us to look at the menu and know what we want. This is what we ordered: Shrimp Enchiladas w/rice: 10/10 Full of flavor! Pescado Laguna: 10/10 omg -- the fish and shrimp tasted so fresh and yummy We had two Correlejo shots (tequila), one Midelo and one strawberry margarita. Everything was amazing from the customer service to the vibe to the food. I'm so happy we trusted our Yelpers and stopped by. We will definitely be back! read more

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