This review is solely based on service. The food was good, as were the drinks. My friend and I went to sit at the bar at 255 on a Thursday to get happy hour at 3. The bartender could not have cared less about us. We told her we wanted to wait for happy hour, she didn't come over to us til 310 when I FLAGGED her and another girl down that didn't even realize we were sitting there. I am a server, have been for almost 10 years. It's not hard, acknowledge people, maybe pretend that you care that they're sitting at your bar and you never know who will tip you over 20%. I wanted another drink but by the time they got down to us I was over it and just wanted to go. Bad service really can mess up your whole meal. Won't be back. read more

I have been coming here for YEARS. This location in particular has to be the most mis managed of all of them. I normally color in on week nights to find always a wait. Only a quarter of the restaurant tables are open. This is the case every week night. Why not have more staff and seat more people? Unreal. Think of the business that is lost due to the wait times. The food is great but expensive. But not worth a 30 minute wait on a Monday night. The parking lot is empty and I was able to park right at the front as there were several spots open. read more

Have left a 5 star review last year but dropping it to a two star. We come here almost every week, on our day off (Monday). Love the food but today the service was absolutely horrible. Took us so much time to put our order in, get drinks even to get chips. Our waiter couldn't handle more than one table. He never came to check on us after someone else dropped off our food, had to ask someone else to bring us refill tortillas, drinks, butter and rice; The other waiters we asked for refills were lovely, they had everything out in a matter of seconds and apologized. Even after OUR waiter came back after disappearing for 20 minutes the first thing he did was talk to other coworkers instead of checking on his tables. We were going to order dessert but went against it thinking there was no way we wanted to stay there an extra 30 minutes waiting for it. Had to ask for the check three separate times. Definitely disappointed, was not a case of one neglected table as we saw he neglected all of his tables and customers. read more

I would give it zero stars if it was an option. The fajitas have some kind of broth flavor that isn't good. The salsa is oily. I made a reservation and had to wait 10 minutes and then another 10 minutes to even get a drink order. Worst place ever, will never return. read more

Was so excited to go here but turned out with the worst service. Waited forever for our food and the food was okay...and I mean just okay. The cost is not worth the food. Won't be back. read more

Worst experience ever. I never like to write anything negative but I don't want anyone to waste money like we did here. I went the day before Mother's Day to celebrate a birthday. We knew it was going to be busy, we've eaten there before and knew it was a holiday weekend. No big deal, we can wait to be seated. When we got our message (after waiting an hour and 10min) that our table was ready, we walked over and the seater told us we missed our table that we had been messaged three times. We showed her that we just got the one message and walked right inside seconds later. She said "oh our system has been doing that lately, it's having problems" she said we had to wait again for another table. We were furious! The system glitch was not our issue and we even asked for a manger and she did nothing and didn't try to make it better. Another ten minutes of waiting and we finally got seated. It was so beyond crowded and overly packed that we could barely get to our table. The aisles are so tight that you hit people while walking. At one point when we tried to get up we couldn't even get out of our table because a server left a dirty tray and table in our one path out. Our sever, I get it, it's very very busy. But he didn't come by our refill our drinks once! Not once. When we pay such a high bill for food, the least we could get is a refill on drinks. Also, like I said, we've eaten there before. We ordered the large fajitas, which are like $50, it's expensive but usually worth it. We were so shocked how skimp it was this time around that my husband asked the waitress if she accidentally brought a small. Like just because it was busy they scrambles and put way less than usual. Needless to say it was the worst experience ever. A birthday was ruined, this is not how you treat customers, a service man celebrating a birthday, anyone! We were treated poorly the entire time. Do not recommend this place anymore. read more

We had the worst experience ever at this location of Pappasito's. We are a regular at papas chain in Houston and wanted to try it in Austin as we have moved here recently. But alas we had to walk out with a hungry stomach. We sat at the table for 20 minutes without a server , some one came and told us they will get us water and found out who our waiter is ... but that never happened.Finally some one came with chips still no water . When we asked what's wrong she in a very rude tone told us about some mix up , did not apologize for no water for 20 minutes and we left ! Never going back ! read more

This restaurant has declined in the last 10 years. I don't mind waiting for good food, but when you wait for 25 minutes for a simple 3 taco meal and you get dried out food that looks like it's been sitting on a hot stove all day then it's time to say goodbye! Thank God this is Texas where there is plenty of Mexican restaurants. I order the taco trio and I would recommend to everyone NOT TO GET THIS DISH! Beef fajitas have degraded over the years but these tacos hit a new low! You can definitely get better food at Taco Bell or Taco Cabana. After I got the meal I asked to speak to the manager and told her the time to deliver this meal was too long and the food was totally unacceptable. And because it was lunch I could not wait to order something else. So I simply left and needed to post this to warn other Tex Mex food lovers. read more

OK so it's a chain. Yes it is very loud in there when its full. I have never had a bad meal at Pappasitos. Home made tortillas to boot. Margaritas?? Killer. Go upscale on the tequila and add Grand Mariner. sp? If there is some kinda Track and Field deal or a Big Conference of some sort. Steer clear. Way crowded with the I-35 Motel crowd. read more

I'm not really fond of chain restaurants but for my first try at Pappasito's I was very pleased. I had their taco salad which was big enough to share with 4 people! I ordered the barbecue sauce for the chicken on the side and wow was it good. It has a wonderful flavor without being runny. For the first time ever trying tres leche cake I really enjoyed theirs. Served with fresh strawberries and mango it made a nice compliment with the spice filled cake. My only suggestion is that they serve more fruit with the cake. Their prices are higher than I would normally see at a Mexican restaurant but with the sizes of the portions it was well worth it. I would definitely eat here again when I'm in the Austin area. read more

Beautiful, clean atmosphere. Delicious food & incredible smells! The few reason I can't give 5 stars is because 1) HUGE portions on everything. Even on appetizers they didn't give an option for something my size like 1 taco w/beans & rice 2) Pricy. An average lunch price was about $15 & an average appetizer was $15 3) Wait time. It to about 20 for our lunch to arrive. We came about 2:30 on a Sat. In September. read more

I came during a super busy Friday evening by myself but the server served me like I was going to leave the biggest tip of the night. Did a great job. Food was great. I had the Pappasitos Grill. So much food it'll make two more meals. :-) yummy food too. Volume was up due to the crowd, but hey, I wasn't talking anyway! Plenty of groups looked like they were having fun talking. Other customers were friendly and greeted me. This Texas thing I guess. read more

Pappasitos Cantina - That's where my date should be sitting. Next to me. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I'm already biased before stepping into the joint because I'm not a lover of in authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. That said it's a nice atmosphere especially if you're going to have a conference or whole day fund raiser but really now folks this food is just plain garbage. It's processed cheese all the way and The guacamole is Meh, the salsa even worse it's right out of a Cosco or Sysco industrial bad. I guess if you eat enough of this you might contract diabetes. As the sugar to salt ratio drowns out all taste of chemicals inherent in processed food. read more

First, this place is fairly more expensive than the outside or the inside would suggest. I was thinking prices closer to Chuy's or something, but every entree was in the $16 - $22 range and even things like lunch fajitas were at least $13. But, hey at least the food was good! What I had: Quail - these were basically quail tacos, two quails served on corn tortillas with a sides of pico de gallo, guac, beans, and rice. The quail was delicious! They put a really yummy honey-based glaze over it, and I loved it. The only thing is eating the quail is a lot of work. It arrives as basically a bird that's been spit and flayed: very pretty but full of bones. But not dry or anything! And you can really taste that glaze. I loved the meat. And the sides were yummy too. I would come back here for the seafood enchiladas that looked good (but were like, $21). Other than that, I just think I can get as good Tex-Mex for cheaper elsewhere. I just have no idea why these items are priced so high, especially since nothing about the place, decor, or service suggests a premium price. read more

Dishes are huge. Delicious margaritas but food a little spicy. Service is always prompt and pleasant. Manager actually works in this place. Very nice young lady. Thumbs up for our server Chris. He knows exactly how to present the menu and good service. read more

Pappasitos Cantina - Strawberry margarita - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Amazing food, great service and wonderful atmosphere! The fajitas are TO DIE FOR!!! We will be back very soon!! read more

A huge bar with TexMex barFood prepared in microwaves and deep fat fryers. $20 for a 2 enchalada plate and drink in a loud dirty bar was over the top. With all the staff standing around it would seem someone could clean the place for the prices they charge. What makes them think if you put small portions of crap food on a huge plate that makes it all ok. We left the food on the table tipped the waitress and left. read more

Love the del mar, half order of beef fajitas with homemade tortillas and shrimp brochette - with jalapeno, jack cheese and wrapped in bacon, good top shelf margaritas. read more

They have the best fajitas I've ever had. The small is more than enough for two people which makes this place very reasonably priced. I also love their shrimp brochette but that is more of a special occasion item. read more

If you want great mexican food- this is the place! It stays busy, but worth the wait. Have a mexican martini or strawberry margarita at the bar and once you have been seated the tortilla soup and fajitas are a must! You can't beat their homemade tortillas and the garlic butter sauce they serve with the fajitas is yummy! I have had them cater numerous events for me and I am always 100% satisfied. read more

My wife's favorite restaurant. I had the Mahi & Jumbo Shrimp with lump crab & creamy avocado and my lawwwwdddd it was great! Everything we ordered was good to great the 2 times we have been there. The prices are high but my wife likes high price places. We will be back for special occasions or a splurge or 2. read more

The beef fajitas here are very flavorful. Their margaritas are also large, tasty, and inexpensive. The food is usually good, but preparation had been hurried. Service can be hit or miss. It has been slow on different occasions. On one occasion, they ran out of flour tortillas, and neglected to tell us until right before they brought out the meal. Parking can be overcrowded with plenty of room inside. read more

Everytime my boyfriend and I eat at Pappasito's, we have an AWESOME experience. - great service (fast, but not pushy) - great food (usually some sort of fajitas/shrimp brochette combo) - great atmosphere; when i'm waiting i walk around their patio outside its so cute its like old style mexico or something (maybe?) If you try Pappasito's, you HAVE to try the stuffed jalapenos! We didn't try them until the third or fourth time eating there, at the reccomendation of the server and they were SOO GOOD! Try them as an appetizer (1 order is perfect for 2 people, because they are huge) or along with your meal. read more

Came here for My Birthday dinner and I must say the service the food the drinks and the atmosphere was just Awesome .....I totally love it when I can induldge myself w some Pappasitos...the chips N Salsa are always on Point N Make me feel some type of way...the way that My stomachs just wants more...lol Our Waiter Eli Was Sooo On Point friendly and ready for us at every moment..He even was thoughtful enough to say HAppy Birthday to Me....Yay....this place is a no Brained come back for the great Experience..food service dessert etc...&&& Margaritas!!!!¡! read more

Pappasitos Cantina - Refreshing - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

Very Nice Restaurant the staff is very nice and the manager is nice we ordered 2 DZ Tamales for the new years very affordable and the Pork Tamales were very good and home made and they make them fresh daily. so if you are like me and enjoy Tamales on New Years Pappasitos is the place read more

Horrible customer service I was left outside with my kids for 45 min. seeing other people who came after me be seated before me...had I not asked what was taking so long we would have never been seated. I had to ask someone to take my order for drinks. This will be my last time coming here!!!!!!! read more

Love this place! Service Is amazing! Robert the Mgr. Is so awesome and always stops by to say hi and make sure we are satisfied! Amazing fajitas! So happy that we have 1 in Austin! read more

The customer service was great! The chips and salsa were good. I really appreciated that the salsa was not like ketchup. I feel like the food is more Tex Mex and kind of basic. I would recommend this place for someone that has never had real mexican food. It's not bad but i enjoy those hole in the wall places that have spicy salsa and more traditional mexican food. This place is a good size with lots of seating. It's always packed and people do like coming here. It just wasn't for me. read more

Omgggggg visited Austin for the first time, we were there for three nights... and after eating here the first night, we ate here every night after that! Their campfire shrimp tacos are amazing, but I don't think one thing we ordered our entire trip was disappointing. I'd definitely return; the food is great, the atmosphere fun, and they make their own tortillas. Can't beat it! read more

OMG...Pappasitos....what can I say? I wish that I could have married into the Pappas family? Well, yes - other than that.... I grew up in Houston and fell in love with P one night after the HLSR. I've been hooked every since. In 20 YEARS...I have NEVER received bad service or bad food at any of their restaurants. If you are a first timer...it is LOUD and the portions are HUGE! The fajitas can make you moan with pleasure...the whipped into submission butter on the side? Well, don't embarass your date when you taste that... Always ask about the specials! They are a bit more ($20-$25 avg) in price but always worth it. Freshly made chips come to your table still warm. I love the salsa and recently they've added a green sauce as well. Roasted jalapenos? Yummmm. Watch the flour tortillas being made right outside the kitchen door. Warning - this place can be packed during football season/special events...waits as long as an hour. If you have the time, go for it! If possible save room for dessert...you'll leave this place full and happy! And, probably toting out enough food for another 1-2 meals. read more

We eat at this Pappasito's all the time and their food is delicious! The staff is very friendly, and we always enjoy ourselves. The only things that I do not like is the noise. During lunch it is almost impossible to hear people at your table. They play their music very loud. And the wait for food is usually pretty long.. read more

Try the jabanero salsao..it is quite the spiciest! Goes great with chips and Miller Lite to keep the calories in check! read more

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Very nice Mexican restaurant. Food was great. This was our first time there.....customer service near closing though was awful... In fact we got out food before the appetizer. However, manager saw this and took it off our bill and gave us free dessert for doing such a. Bad performance on our first visit there. She felt embarrassed. Manager stepped it up...and made me go from three to five stars. We will return. read more

Amazing fajitas! Some of the best I have ever had. I also tried a watermelon margarita and it tasted just like a Jolly Rancher. Fabulous! Highly recommend. read more

Pappasitos Cantina - Watermelon Margarita! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

Excellent food and outstanding service! 1st visit there so the manager gave us desert on the house; incredible!! Ask for server Briana! She's awesome!! read more

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I had fond memories of Tex-Mex here. We revisited recently to see if it was just nostalgia. There is so much better Tex-Mex else where. The fajita meat (combo) was rough and over cooked. The meal was really expensive and just wasn't what I remembered. I guess it was my last Pappasito's visit. read more

Great food and service. Never had a bad time and have eaten here dozens of times the past few years. Friendliest staff you'll have no matter how busy they are read more

Pappasitos has a special place in my heart. I've been coming here since I was a child, and the food has never disappointed. They have a variety of gluten free options, and their drinks are outstanding. Sometimes service has been slow or iffy, but that can come with any restaurant. read more

Way overrated. Pricey. Always packed and chaotic. Horribly noisy. I've given them several tries, and the food stays consistently mediocre. The queso is bland, but not as bland as the salsa, which, why bother? The enchiladas ate awful (the beef enchiladas are just spiced hamburger; the cheese, good luck finding any cheese in 'em), the beans and rice are ordinary; the rellenos, so-so. The margaritas aren't up to what they are charging for them either. The fajitas are about the only thing I've had that wasn't blah. Go somewhere else, is my advice... save some money, not to mention your ears. read more

Literally such bad service we had to walk out. What's sad this was one of our favorite places. It took about 15 min for someone to come to the table once seated and another 15 to get drinks. The waitress was basically ignoring us, playing on her phone and the man who appeared to be a manager who I flagged down twice didn't do anything to help. This was the middle of a weekday they where not even busy. Hope they find better help. read more