Best of: Eats: Latin American/Mexican
1st placePapas and Beer
WNC is crazy about Papas and Beer. So crazy that the restaurant has managed to open three locations in the past few years.
Best Breakfast Sunny Point Cafe Photo by Zen Sutherland
What's so special about this place?
In 2007, former Xpress writer Hanna Raskin asked the very same question. After trying Papas' brand of Cali-Mex food, she had this to say:
"The restaurant’s cultish devotion to freshness is apparent in almost every dish. Papas’ produce tastes so unmistakably alive that indulging in its salads can make even a carnivore feel savage."
That just about says it. Sure, there's plenty of refried beans and queso to be had at Papas and Beer, but what sets this eatery apart from the veritable legions of other Asheville Mexican restaurants is an attention to freshness. And let's face facts: Giant Margaritas and cheap beer don't hurt either.
Xpress correspondent Jake Frankel says that his favorite part of Papas and Beer is the unlimited amount of salsa he can pilfer from the salsa bar.
“The staff is boisterous," Xpress editorial assistant Jaye Bartell adds.
"Their staff is particularly boisterous and friendly," Frankel agrees.
"They play Mariachi music. And they have drums," Bartell says.
"It's a fun atmosphere," says Frankel.
"It's Mexi-fun," Bartell counters.
"A Mexi-fun atmosphere in which to hang out with friends and drink cheap Mexican beers and eat all-you-can-eat chips and salsa," finishes Frankel.
— Mackensy Lunsford
