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Papi Tacos & Churros
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Papi Tacos & Churros
8.5
Specializing in 16-hour cooked beef birria and wood-fired pollo asado, this street food specialist rose from the ashes of a fire to become a local phenomenon. Their made-from-scratch churros and rich consommé create an authentic Tijuana-style experience steps from the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Quesataco, OG Plate Combo, Dulce de Leche Churros
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Authentic birria with 16-hour slow-cooked beef and handmade churros
Who should go: Street food lovers and birria enthusiasts
When to visit: Lunch for shorter lines than dinner rush
What to order: OG Plate, birria quesataco, churros
Insider tip: Order the OG Plate for best variety and value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street meters $2/hour or paid lots $10-15, very limited after 5pm near pier
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual, beachwear welcome
Noise level: Lively street food vibe - easy conversation at outdoor tables
Weekend wait: 20-30 min line during peak hours 6-8pm
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait, moves quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean & cheese tacos, veggie quesadillas, churros
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify bean tacos without cheese
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual daytime dates - affordable, no pressure, and you can walk to the pier after. Skip for evening dates if you want something more intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations - it's order at counter with first-come seating. Best strategy is avoiding 12-1pm lunch and 6-8pm dinner rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - kids love the churros, portions are shareable, and the casual outdoor setting means no stress about noise. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Most authentic birria in Santa Monica with that rich 16-hour consommé you won't find at trendy spots
Skip if: You want table service, craft cocktails, or a see-and-be-seen scene - head to Tallula's or Cha Cha Chicken instead
Papi Tacos & Churros
8.8
Wood-fired birria specialist that slow-cooks beef for 16 hours and smokes pollo asado for two days. Their OG Burrito features the signature birria with consomé for dipping, creating an elevated street food experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
OG Burrito, Smoked Pollo Asado Burrito, Birria Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: 16-hour wood-cooked birria with rich, complex consomé
Who should go: Birria enthusiasts and late-night diners
When to visit: After 8pm for smaller crowds
What to order: OG Burrito, birria ramen, churros with ice cream
Insider tip: Both chicken and beef are certified halal
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, challenging after 7pm - budget 10-15 min to find a spot. Paid lots 2 blocks away ($8-15)
Dress code: Come as you are - ultra casual, perfect for beach attire or late-night munchies
Noise level: Lively but manageable - outdoor seating quieter for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for prime time (8-10pm), walk-ins only
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typically, grab counter seats immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - grilled veggie burrito, quesadillas, elote, churros
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie burrito without cheese/crema, ask for beans cooked without lard
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but cross-contamination likely from shared grill
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - the birria dipping creates a fun, interactive experience and the late-night vibe keeps things relaxed. Just warn them about the messy eating!
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's all walk-in. Best strategy is arriving before 7:30pm or after 10pm to avoid the dinner rush
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 9pm - kids love the churros and quesadillas. After 9pm it becomes more of an adult late-night spot with louder music
Best For
Better for: The only spot in Santa Monica doing authentic wood-fired birria with proper consomé - beats Teddy's Red Tacos for depth of flavor and portion size
Skip if: You want a quick grab-and-go burrito - the experience here is about savoring the slow-cooked meats and dipping ritual
Papi Tacos & Churros
8.8
Wood-fired birria cooked for 16 hours and smoked pollo asado define this street food sensation. The OG Plate with consomé-dipped tortillas and fresh-made churros creates an authentic taqueria experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
OG Birria Plate, Quesatacos, Fresh Churros with Dulce de Leche
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: 16-hour wood-fired birria with perfect consomé
Who should go: Street taco purists and birria lovers
When to visit: Lunch rush or late-night cravings
What to order: OG Plate, quesatacos, fresh churros
Insider tip: The halal chicken option brings amazing smoky flavor
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, metered until 8pm ($2/hr), easier spots on side streets
Dress code: Come as you are - it's a casual taqueria, anything goes
Noise level: Lively street food vibe - expect music and chatter but you can still talk
Weekend wait: 15-20 min line typical, moves fast
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during lunch rush, no wait otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean & cheese options, veggie quesadillas, elote
Vegan options: Very limited - sides like rice, beans (check for lard), guac
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - low pressure, great food, easy conversation. Skip if they're expecting white tablecloth dining
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's order at counter with limited seating. Most people grab and go or eat standing
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love the churros, portions are shareable, casual atmosphere where noise isn't an issue
Best For
Better for: Best birria consomé in the area, fresher churros than any brick-and-mortar Mexican spot, unbeatable value at these prices
Skip if: You want table service, extensive cocktail menu, or upscale Mexican dining - hit Republique or Guelaguetza instead
Papi Tacos & Churros
8.1
Wood-fired birria specialists taking three days to prepare their signature beef. The OG burrito with consome-dipped tortilla creates an unforgettable crispy-wet texture combination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Tacos, OG Burrito, Homemade Churros
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: 72-hour slow-cooked birria preparation process
Who should go: Birria lovers and Instagram food photographers
When to visit: Lunch for shorter wait times
What to order: OG Plate, birria tacos, churros
Insider tip: The meat is halal-certified
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered until 8pm, competitive during lunch rush. Consider the public lots on 2nd Street (2 blocks away, $3/hour)
Dress code: Come as you are - it's a casual taco spot. Expect to get messy with the birria consomé
Noise level: Lively and bustling - counter service with communal seating, expect background music and order callouts
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak times (6-8pm), order ahead on their app to skip
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min during 12-1pm rush, minimal wait otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom birria and cheese quesadillas available, plus churros for dessert
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify veggie tacos without cheese, better options elsewhere
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but cross-contamination likely in small kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 3rd+ dates - it's messy eating (dipping tacos in consomé) and counter service without table service. The vibe is fun but not romantic
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's first come, first served counter ordering with communal seating. Best strategy is off-peak hours or order takeout
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual atmosphere welcomes families, kids love the churros, and the halal meat options work for many dietary needs. High chairs available but limited
Best For
Better for: The deepest birria flavor in Santa Monica thanks to 72-hour prep - other spots can't match the complexity. Plus it's halal-certified unlike most competitors
Skip if: You want a full-service dinner experience or need extensive vegan options - try Gracias Madre instead for plant-based Mexican