Cancel

Open app

Search

Papi Queso

4.5 (327 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Order Papi Queso Takeout or Delivery

Papi Queso Photos

Business Info

PAPI QUESO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Trendy
Dogs allowed

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Papi Queso

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Spaghetti Melt
Tiffany T.

Carbs on carbs? You've got my attention. I tried the Spaghetti melt grilled cheese with a side of tomato soup. I was really glad I go the tomato soup to dip the sandwich. The sandwich itself is good, but it's really rich as you can imagine, so after a few bites I was craving a hit of acid or something different. Halfway through the sandwich I was pretty full, but I ended up finishing it. The service was very friendly too, and the food was well packaged, as we were taking it to the brewery downstairs. Papi Queso was a great stop for some relaxed, unhealthy comfort food.

Outside
Ally F.

Aesthetic: Relaxed grilled cheese outpost in Optimist Hall. My favorite: Little cheesy and tomato soup. Experience: I always end up at my favorite sushi in Optimist, but when I'm craving comfort food, I love Papi Queso's lil cheesy and tomato soup. The lil cheesy is a simple, classic grilled cheese with basil, and the tomato soup is creamy and delicious. I recommend it if you're looking for a comfort meal at Optimist.

Jalapeño Bacon
Gregory B.

Went back for a second visit and had the buffalo chicken grilled cheese. This one was much better, and had way more filling between the bread. Dipping in the ranch is a must, highly recommend!

Texas Cheese Steak
Denawa A.

Not a typical grilled cheese. I wanted to try something familiar yet not. Had the Texas Grilled Cheese, which really reminded my of a steak and cheese but on the crispiest butter bread. I also tried their s'mores grilled Nutella grilled cheese and it was AMAZING. There were bits of hazelnut and the marshmallow ratio was perfect. There was a little bit of a wait but the staff was very kind and speedy once orders were ready. I will definitely be back

Tori H.

It was Friday so you know had to stop and get a Frosé! It was strawberry peach flavored with some kind of wine in the mix, and it was absolutely delicious. We got the smallest size but that was more than enough. It was refreshing and packed a little punch. All the staff interacted with us, it was good vibes all around. Definitely recommend.

Texas Cheesesteak
MK W.

Ordering was easy. Lots of choices. The sauces options are great and I highly recommend trying a few. We ordered the cheesesteak and the bacon with pepper jelly and while both were good, the bacon with pepper jelly was the clear winner.

Spaghetti Melt
Erica Y.

Spaghetti plus grilled cheese? Sign me up! I wanted something Italian for dinner tonight, so the spaghetti in the grilled cheese really did the trick. I ordered ahead online and it was a super quick and easy process. The staff was really nice and packaged extra utensils and napkins. Perfect meal to eat outside where the weather was warm and sunny! Did not want to share this meal

Grilled mac and cheese
Jennifer L.

I'd say 3.5 stars here. Staff were really great. Not just average order takers. They engaged in conversation. My friend got their monthly special which had shrimp in it and he said it was really good. I got the grilled mac and cheese sandwich with fries. Fries were great. Sandwich was a little lacking. And weirdly enough, what it was lacking was actual cheese flavor. Its a cute location in Optimist Food Hall. I would definitely not try the mac and cheese sandwich again but the staff said their monthly specials are always very popular.

Mo S.

Stopped inside Optimist Hall for lunch. I love grilled cheese so decided to give them a try. We had the pig mac, which was pulled pork and the Texas cheesestesk, brisket grilled cheese with tomato soup. Perfect meal on a cold day. The lady that took our order was helpful when we had questions. She kept track of the many orders that were flowing through and when mine came up she remembered what was mine and alerted me that it was ready. There seemed to be a great flow of dine in verses to go orders. It was orderly and clean. Great customer service. The grilled cheeses did not disappoint. The Texas cheesteak brisket was my favorite but the pig mac was good too. The bread was toasted with a perfect crisp and the sandwiches were very cheesy. The soup was good and light, not overly tomatoey, but it was a tad bit too thin and soupy. I like my soup slightly thicker. The taste was good tho. I also tried the frose, which was a frozen Rose' drink. It was really good. good. I can't wait to go back and try the other unique grilled cheeses.

Little Cheesy from Papi Queso at Optimist Hall, Charlotte
Bruce K.

No more chasing after the food truck, Papi Queso and their amazing grilled cheese have landed at Optimist Hall. After walking the circuit and checking out to see if there was anything else we would regret missing, we circled back to the neon moustache and ordered the classic "Little Cheesy." A few minutes later, the pager buzzed and I picked up half of our dinner. A perfectly toasted grilled sandwich. Inside, American cheese, provolone and cheddar all combined for a rich tangy cheese deliciousness. This is grilled cheese for grown ups! Of course, they have tomato soup and fries and sandwiches that also include brisket or pulled pork or buffalo chicken. But for our first go with Papi Queso, we stuck with the classic and it was the right choice. Delish! [Round number 23100 overall - review 2081 of 2024 - 3763 in North Carolina]

Ashley C.

Love that it is in a food hall! This little restaurant had a few seats in front at the bar. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. Thankfully we put our orders in before the rush came. But the food was superb. I got the spaghetti grilled cheese and it was so nostalgic. It was hearty, the flavors were on point, and it wasn't rushed to be cooked

Spaghetti grilled cheese
Elizabeth H.

We loved the spaghetti grilled cheese- yummy. It was like cheesy spaghetti inside garlic bread. I had to share it- it was SO heavy. The area itself is cool too with it being inside the renovated mill with shops and restaurants. Service was friendly and quick. My friend got champagne on draft, and the portion was quite large. Overall- would definitely recommend attain.

D A.

After always hearing about it, I finally got to Optimist Park to try Papi Queso. I've been loving grilled cheese since I was a little girl. However, I let fear keep me from being too adventurous and just went with the little cheese. I didn't want to get something that I wouldn't enjoy, especially as this is the most I'd be paying for a grilled cheese. There was a short wait as they were busy while I was there. The staff was pleasant. I think I'll try the pulled pork or the mac and cheese next time.

Mac Melt Grilled Cheese

See all

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Aerin S.
92
20
29

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of John H.
379
1766
1843

13 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Julia M.
372
1357
1183

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

12 years ago

It's been over 24 hours and I keep thinking about their Pig Mac. So simple but soooo very good. Here little piggy!

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Charmaine S.
389
111
277

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lemuria C.
270
141
163

13 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sarah C.
198
24
51

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Marlo Z.
140
26
74

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Fiana L.
153
68
390

13 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Best grilled cheese sandwich in the whole world! Cannot recommend this enough! A must-have in Charlotte!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of L S.
10
66
66

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kaylee S.
140
37
10

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 5 of 9

Ask the Community - Papi Queso

Does anyone know where they will be located Wednesday?

Their twitter account says they'll be at 2940 commonwealth ave from 6-8pm. Check out their twitter. It's the most up to date. Hope this helps!

View All 2 Questions

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for New American 21,282 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

La Lima Sangucheria

La Lima Sangucheria

4.6
(166 reviews)
2.1 mi
$$

Let me start off by saying that this place is so unassuming. Like how delightful can sandwiches…read morereally be? Extremely. My husband and I have been to this restaurant about five times now. We always order the same two sandwiches and we share a half each, so we get the best of both worlds. The steak is perfectly cooked to a delicious and tender medium, the chunks of meet are so tender and delicious and the sauce just sends it over the edge! I love the chicken sandwich as well the slaw really brightens up the chicken and the sauce also sets it off! We also got a house made juice it was green and the name is escaping me-- either way don't forget yours! The dragonfruit one is also delicious and very refreshing! This place will have you full off of there very generous portions. It looks like it's not a lot but you'll be walking away with a full belly wondering how a Peruvian sandwich could be so GOOD?!

I am visiting from California, and if I ever come to North Carolina, I am definitely making a stop…read moreat this restaurant again. The restaurant is clean, bright, and beautifully designed. I've had many yucca fries and these are the best. They're crispy and the sauce it comes with is perfection. I prefer the bowls over the sandwiches to minimize carbs. You can't go wrong with any of them. Key lime pie: I'm ordering this again. This Keylime pie beats any Keylime pie in the Key West. I like that the custard has some lime shavings for texture. I also appreciate that they use meringue instead of whipped cream. The dessert is perfectly tangy. Chocolate cake: it's a really good chocolate cake. It's such a simple dessert yet not everyone gets it right. I personally prefer the Keylime pie, but for the chocolate lovers, this might be the best chocolate cake. Santiago cake: a high protein cake with almond and eggs. I actually make this at home often but I wanted to compare mine with the restaurants. The texture was good, but it had a refrigerator taste to it which I didn't like.

Photos
Menu
Menu
Tori Nikkei
Tori Nikkei
Opening menu

See all

Opening menu
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

3.6
(52 reviews)
4.3 mi
Locally owned & operated
Outdoor seating

I just want to give a huge thank you to the team at Capriotti's Sandwich Shop!…read more I placed a catering order very last minute, not realizing the store closed at 9:00 PM. Around 9:20 PM, I received a call from Olivia, the shift lead. She was incredibly calm, professional, and kind while explaining that she wasn't at the store and the employees working that night were fairly new and that they usually appreciate a little advance notice for catering orders. She asked whether I still wanted to move forward with the order. I told her I completely understood the situation and wouldn't be upset if they needed to cancel since it was so late and inconvenient. A little while later, Olivia called me back to let me know the catering had turned out great and that they could still deliver it if I wanted. When the order arrived, I was so impressed! Both catering boxes looked fantastic, and everything was prepared beautifully. I truly appreciate the employees who stayed late and put such care into making our order, and I especially want to thank Olivia for her outstanding customer service. Her kindness, communication, and professionalism turned what could have been a stressful situation into a wonderful experience. Thank you to the entire team for going above and beyond!

Food is always fresh and delicious! The Bobbie with cranberry on the side is my favorite. Victoria…read moreis always friendly, helpful, and makes sure my sandwich is made just right. Highly recommend!

Photos
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

See all

Rhino Market & Deli

Rhino Market & Deli

4.3
(335 reviews)
2.2 mi
$$

Rhino Market & Deli feels like the kind of neighborhood spot that every city wishes it had…read more This Wesley Heights location is one of my favorite easy stops in Charlotte. It's right on the way to my yoga studio, so it's perfect for a quick in-and-out lunch, but honestly, it's also the kind of place where you end up lingering longer than planned. My usual order is the ABLT on rye with Boar's Head applewood smoked bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Simple, fresh, and consistently delicious every single time. I almost always pair it with the Spinach Bacon salad loaded with spinach, cranberries, goat cheese, tomatoes, toasted pecans, and brown sugar peppered bacon. The portions are huge and definitely shareable. What makes Rhino special is that it's more than just a deli. It's part neighborhood market, part coffee shop, part beer and wine stop, and part community hangout. They've got local products, grab-and-go snacks, fresh sandwiches, beer on tap, wine, outdoor patio seating, and sometimes even live music. It reminds me of the small independent spots I used to love in the Bay Area around Burlingame, San Mateo, and Palo Alto. Relaxed, local, welcoming, and full of personality. The staff is always friendly, and the atmosphere feels genuinely Charlotte. Not overly polished. Not trying too hard. Just good food, good people, and a place that locals clearly love. And if you are visiting North Carolina, you absolutely have to try Cheerwine at least once. It's basically a Carolina rite of passage. Cherry soda lovers will probably be obsessed. Me personally? Not exactly my flavor profile, but people here drink it like water, so clearly they are onto something. Rhino Market is one of those places that makes a city feel like home. Life is too short to not eat well, Charlotte. Get out there.

Really hit or miss, but I'm so annoyed that they started charging for "fresh food". Yes, you read…read morethat right. There was an additional $2-$3 surcharge added on my bill because I ordered a meal at a restaurant, how crazy of me! Ridiculous, and borderline deceptive. All that on top of a very soggy sandwich.

Photos
Inside panorama view
Inside panorama view
Le monde and a bagel sandwich
Le monde and a bagel sandwich
Rhino Market & Deli

See all

Papi Queso - newamerican - Updated July 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...