I was flying into DFW and the fellow in the seat next to me was talking to me about our various travels. He was living in Mississippi and flew into DFW frequently, so I asked him if there were any gems to eat at in the airport. Pappasito's was on his list, and since good Tex-Mex is tough to find in Wisconsin, I sought it out to try. I was really glad I did -- this was not just good Tex-Mex, but excellent airport dining.
The place was packed at lunch as I arrived, but the hostess was outside the restaurant and greeted me pleasantly and quickly, advising me that there was a wait for a table but I could seat myself at a bar chair for immediate service. Despite the bar appearing full, there was also long counter seating included in that, and so I was able to sit down immediately.
It took about 30 seconds for a waitress to greet me in the packed restaurant. I ordered a local beer and requested a menu, and had the beer shortly thereafter. I asked for a recommendation, and she advised me that the Coronado combination was a good pick. After a little thought, I said let's give that a shot.
The Coronado was $15.00 and consisted of a cheese enchilada, a crispy beef taco (which I was dubious about ordering), and three "shrimp en brochette". The latter consisted of tail on shrimp, butterflied and stuffed with fresh jalapeno and cheese, wrapped in bacon and grilled over fire. Rice and pinto beans came alongside.
It was lights-out. First off, the pintos were dang-near perfect. Tender beans with just the right amount of porky liquid, seasoned wonderfully and with some bits of smoked sausage and other items....man, they were good. The only thing I would change is the salt level which could be lowered a little. Still, some of the best beans I've ever had and I'd love to have the recipe.
The shrimp were great too. They were separated by grilled bell pepper slices that were crip and perfectly done. The shrimp were done just right too, which was a big surprise -- I was expecting them to be overcooked. I was really glad I took the chance. The bacon wrap was sizzling and good quality, and the jalapenos inside the cheese -- pretty sure it was Cotija or Chiuauaha -- were also fresh, green, and crisp. Again, they were a touch salty. Otherwise, perfect.
Along with that, the cheese enchilada was easily the best I'd ever had; I could eat a plate of them. The taco was good with a crispy shell stuffed full of fair-quality beef, crispy lettuce and an ample amount of tomatoes. It was very generous and what I would call a Tex-Mex taco, as opposed to a truly Mexican taco. The rice was good but nothing special -- still, call me when you find some special rice, because that'll be the day.
As an airport restaurant, service and speed are super important and Pappasito's did not disappoint. My server Rachel was on the ball and the food came out both hot and quick. The best compliment I can pay is that she provided the check shortly after I was served, saying, "This isn't to rush you, I just want to be sure you're taken care of." As a business traveller I really appreciate her knowing I may have a flight to get to and must get in and out in a hurry. As a diner, I appreciate her qualifying why I was getting a check in what would seem to a non-business traveller as inappropriately fast.
Pappasito's had generous portions, great food and great service. If this were a street restaurant, it would get 4 stars because of the saltiness and somewhat high price. However, as an airport restaurant, it's a good 5 has the service benefits and quality outshine other options and the pricing is fair in the context of airport prices. I was glad I went from terminal B to terminal A for a bite to eat, and you would be wise to do so too. Recommended. read more