Papatzul Mexican

(212) 274-8225

55 Grand St (Between W Broadway and Wooster Street)
New York, NY 10013 40.7224 -74.0037

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Neighborhoods: SoHo, Downtown

PAPATZUL.COM

Hours:

Sun-Wed: 12pm-11pm

Thurs-Sat: 12pm-2am

Price:

$$$

Last updated 1.24.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Brunch, Business Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar

Cuisine:

Mexican

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Papatzul Mexican

Featured Review

Justin Hartung

Contributor

The Scene – If a Mexican farmhouse were dressed up for a night out in Soho, it might accessorize like Papatzul. Painted white brick walls, festive masks and a skylight in the back create a folksy effect, while the red cloth chairs, globe lights and artsy black-and-white photos gussy-up the aesthetic. The sweet, but slightly befuddled waitstaff gives equal attention to 20-somethings fueling up before hitting the bars and older locals enjoying a leisurely dinner. – – The Food – The menu works best with homey Mexican classics. Seviche is a highlight, tart and full of…

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
Brunch, served Saturday and Sunday 12am to 4pm, features dishes like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles.
What to Drink:
Margaritas and mojitos make decent showings, but the red sangria, potent and well-spiced, takes the beverage crown.
What to Drink:
Margaritas and mojitos make decent showings, but the red sangria, potent and well-spiced, takes the beverage crown. Happy Hour is every Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-8:30pm.
ambiance
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. “Papatzul is a great place, beautiful light and welcoming atmosphere.”
  2. “My wife and I, unlike npandela who had an awful experience last night, had a great time enjoying the simple, unpretentious decor and great food.”
  3. “Papatzul is beautiful and warm- the staff are lovely, the space is incredibly charming, in a fun location for going out afterward as well.”
  4. “Amazing and sophistical Mexican food in a cool and cozy setting”
  5. “Great food, drinks, ambience, and staff, the right, unpretentious combination”
  6. “Everything from the beautiful decor, the ambiance of the candle lit trees of life, the authentic photos of Mexico City that surround you as you slowly sip your tequila or the best margaritas in town, the music that makes you want to move to the rhythm, th”
  7. “wonderful blend of fabulous authentic mexican food and warm welcoming atmosphere!”
  8. “The atmosphere is warm and full of life and the service, as well as the owners, are very friendly and attentive.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “What looked like a big cookie turned out to be a garnish of walnut brittle: fudge from heaven.”
  2. “recomend this place wheter you want to take a formal dinner (apetizer, entre, desert), or if you want to do it more like tapas and order a bunch of smaller plates.”
  3. “We had ice cream: two scoops of dulce de leche, a delicious flavor, providing a cool contrast to the heat of the meal.”
drinks
90.4800033569336% positive
  1. “The pitcher of margaritas was better than most house drinks I've had, and the ceviche was terrific.”
  2. “Your date loves margaritas, mojitos, tequilas, beer, wine or even champagne, they have it all.”
  3. “Great food, drinks, ambience, and staff, the right, unpretentious combination”
  4. “Tequila selection is incredible (they have more than 40 to choose from) and even if you are not a fan of tequila you can always take a look at their wine list (which is excellent) and find a wine (I recommend Juan Gil) that will rock your world.”
  5. “Terrible service, mediocre food, good drinks”
  6. “Both bar and wait staff could not have been more helpful and attentive.”
  7. “Great bar with many tequilas to choose from (served with a wonderful sangrita).”
food quality
87.91000366210938% positive
  1. “The best food, the best tequila and the best staff”
  2. “First, our food came to our table 45 min after we order, the menu was pretentious and confusing, our waiter despite that he seemed to be mexican looked confused too.”
  3. “Futhermore, the sous-chef is talented and versatile, and has differentiated himself by pushing the limits on the definition of "salsa”
  4. “Everything from the beautiful decor, the ambiance of the candle lit trees of life, the authentic photos of Mexico City that surround you as you slowly sip your tequila or the best margaritas in town, the music that makes you want to move to the rhythm, th”
  5. “The Guacamole was really fresh and tasty, as was the Tortilla Soup.”
  6. “The food is fantastic with some dishes that seem to come directly from a mexican "mercado" and others that have their own fantastic personality.”
  7. “This Mexican gem served up some of the best Mexican food I have ever tasted.”
  8. “The duck enchilladas were not good - the meat seemed old - and we couldn't finish them.”
  9. “Everything about that place is amazing: food, margaritas and the staff.”
  10. “have to say the service was good, the food turned out to be the problem.”
  11. “wonderful blend of fabulous authentic mexican food and warm welcoming atmosphere!”
  12. “We had ice cream: two scoops of dulce de leche, a delicious flavor, providing a cool contrast to the heat of the meal.”
  13. “Even the rice was good: moist, full of flavor, flecked with red pepper, and threaded with cheese.”
  14. “Four years ago, I spent five months traveling around Mexico and ate a lot of authentic Mexican food.”
  15. “highly recommend Papatzul to anyone feeling a little adventurous with Mexican food.”
  16. “The food I had at Papatzul last night was amazing.”
  17. “Loved the strong, authentic Sangria, the jicama salad, and the rich Mole sauce.”
  18. “The fresh salsa and guac to start were my faves!”
  19. “This unique place offers a delicious and original selection of mexican dishes with a contemporary and impressive touch.”
  20. “especially like the ceviche, so fresh, and the octopus with a chipotle sauce is really unusual and delicious.”
  21. “Perfect for weekend brunch, the breakfast food is great and it is usually not crazy crowded.”
  22. “The food is great too, love the guacamole and also love the tortilla soup.”
  23. “Service is great: somoene finally figured out what a restaurant should be: good food, corteous service, decent check.”
  24. “hint of heat made it a delicious appetizer for a cold night!”
  25. “Great food, drinks, ambience, and staff, the right, unpretentious combination”
  26. “Terrible service, mediocre food, good drinks”
  27. “They have vegeterian/ vegan (chile poblano relleno) dishes, fish, steak, lamb so you don't have to worry that your date won't find anything that he/she likes on the menu.”
  28. “Great food, service & chill scene”
  29. “Lastly, the Slow Roasted Duck Enchiladas in a Rich Almond Mole is so delicious and flavorful that you will feel the desire to order one more of the same main course, even if you've filled up on appetizers leading up to it.”
  30. “If you want to have a great time along with great food and the best margaritas in the city PAPATZUL is the place to do that!”
  31. “We enjoyed a great meal here last week.”
  32. “We started with the guacamole which had such a tart and fresh taste, the ceviche was to die for and the duck enchiladas were mouth watering!”
  33. “Lovingly presented and carefully prepared, the food here is delectable and sophisticated yet not overpriced.”
  34. “so tasty & left you with the perfect buzz.”
  35. “From mild to extra spicy, the salsas are unique and have a blend of flavor that will open your tastebuds (and mind) to new heights.”
  36. “The seafood ceviche with light citrus flavor and avocado creme, the duck enchiladas with an almond mole and the chile poblanos were fantastic!”
  37. “Unique and delicious mexican food in NY city”
  38. “The food here is fresh and inviting.”
  39. “Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who likes flavorful food and value for their money.”
  40. “The food is delicious”
  41. “I'm not exaggerating, Guacamole at Papatzul is so delicious that me and my boyfriend ordered three (and it's pretty big) when we went there first time!”
  42. “Amazing and sophistical Mexican food in a cool and cozy setting”
  43. “spend a respectable portion of my time looking for good food.”
  44. “The lunch menu is a very good value for quality food.”
  45. “had ceviche (fresh beyond believe) and the ancho lamb chops which were really tasty (came with sweet potatoes and grilled apples - yum!)”
  46. “It was greasy, drooling with disgusting sauce and had little resemblance to duck meat in any form (dead or alive).”
  47. “The food at Papatzul is AMAZING and very very authentic.”
  48. “Then we shared cerviche and a salad w/some of the freshest and lightest dressing--so refreshing!”
  49. “If you are planning to have a great time and enjoy delicious food i highly recomend Papatzul.”
  50. “My wife and I, unlike npandela who had an awful experience last night, had a great time enjoying the simple, unpretentious decor and great food.”
  51. “You get great food at a really great price.”
menu variety
77.77999877929688% positive
  1. “They have vegeterian/ vegan (chile poblano relleno) dishes, fish, steak, lamb so you don't have to worry that your date won't find anything that he/she likes on the menu.”
  2. “The tequila menu is impressive and try Sangrita.”
  3. “have a had couple of great meals at Papatzul, it's a reliable place to bring friends because the margaritas are so good and there are many interesting choices on the menu.”
  4. “First, our food came to our table 45 min after we order, the menu was pretentious and confusing, our waiter despite that he seemed to be mexican looked confused too.”
  5. “The lunch menu is a very good value for quality food.”
  6. “This unique place offers a delicious and original selection of mexican dishes with a contemporary and impressive touch.”
  7. “If you like sophisticated and creative menus Papatzul is a real gem.”
  8. “Tequila selection is incredible (they have more than 40 to choose from) and even if you are not a fan of tequila you can always take a look at their wine list (which is excellent) and find a wine (I recommend Juan Gil) that will rock your world.”
  9. “Our waitress talked us through the menu and then made some good recommendations.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “With so many good places to choose from in the area, there's no need to waste your time on this place.”
  2. “The service was good, the place is festive and despite not being too big, can and did accomodate large groups(6-10), and the prices are reasonable for this type of fair and setting.”
  3. “Papatzul is a great place, beautiful light and welcoming atmosphere.”
  4. “have a had couple of great meals at Papatzul, it's a reliable place to bring friends because the margaritas are so good and there are many interesting choices on the menu.”
  5. “If you want to have a great time along with great food and the best margaritas in the city PAPATZUL is the place to do that!”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “Reasonable prices as well- so excited to return as soon as possible.”
  2. “And the staff is so friendly and helpful that I guarantee you, you will come back.”
service
79.67000007629395% positive
  1. “(in my opinion the best in the city) bartender attentive, fast and with very impressive knowledge about tequilas.”
  2. “Both bar and wait staff could not have been more helpful and attentive.”
  3. “Terrible service, mediocre food, good drinks”
  4. “The waitress was nice and knowledgeable but the only server for the room and responsible for seating guests too.”
  5. “Service is great: somoene finally figured out what a restaurant should be: good food, corteous service, decent check.”
  6. “The service was really poor, however, and brought the whole experience down to the lowest level.”
  7. “Papatzul is beautiful and warm- the staff are lovely, the space is incredibly charming, in a fun location for going out afterward as well.”
  8. “First, our food came to our table 45 min after we order, the menu was pretentious and confusing, our waiter despite that he seemed to be mexican looked confused too.”
  9. “Everything about that place is amazing: food, margaritas and the staff.”
  10. “Very friendly staff.”
  11. “The service was good, the place is festive and despite not being too big, can and did accomodate large groups(6-10), and the prices are reasonable for this type of fair and setting.”
  12. “The atmosphere is warm and full of life and the service, as well as the owners, are very friendly and attentive.”
  13. “Awful service experience”
  14. “Second, the chef and his staff are great people who love what they do and are good at it.”
  15. “Bartender serving the front tables was super friendly and even told us the name of the song we were trying to "shizam" on our ipod.”
  16. “And the staff is so friendly and helpful that I guarantee you, you will come back.”
  17. “From the beginning, the service was friendly and attentive.”
  18. “The hostess was really nice and happy to serve us.”
  19. “have to say the service was good, the food turned out to be the problem.”
  20. “Sadly our visit to was marred by terrible, slow service and a generally low quality experience.”
  21. “Great food, drinks, ambience, and staff, the right, unpretentious combination”
  22. “The best food, the best tequila and the best staff”
  23. “Our waitress talked us through the menu and then made some good recommendations.”
  24. “The warm feeling that hits you entering the dining room is indescribable, you see friendly faces everywhere.”
  25. “Great food, service & chill scene”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “Reasonable prices as well- so excited to return as soon as possible.”
  2. “You get great food at a really great price.”
  3. “Lovingly presented and carefully prepared, the food here is delectable and sophisticated yet not overpriced.”
  4. “flavored with whatever chili pepper went into it, served in a chunky lava bowl, with tortilla chips that are the perfect size for one generous dip.”
  5. “The service was good, the place is festive and despite not being too big, can and did accomodate large groups(6-10), and the prices are reasonable for this type of fair and setting.”
  6. “Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who likes flavorful food and value for their money.”
  7. “The lunch menu is a very good value for quality food.”
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. “Sadly our visit to was marred by terrible, slow service and a generally low quality experience.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/02/10

NEAT

by Scrutiny

I went to Papatzul last night with my girlfriend for the very first time.

We were greet for most of the staff which was a very good start.

We wanted to try some of their signature cocktails so we order a Margarita tradicional and another cocktail made with tamarind.

Then we order a Mayan ceviche, a couple of entrees: Budin al Pasilla and Enchiladas San Marqueñas.

The drinks were brought to the table within 3 mins from ordered.

Both were AMAZING! I'm a bartender myself and was surprised with the flavor of this delicious drinks.

The food was great as well.

The ceviche was big enough to share, colorful and full of flavor.

The main course ended up making our night: big servings of tradicional Mexican food, glamorously decorated.

Will go back soon to try some other delicious dishes of this colleagues of SoHo.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/29/10

Great food, service & chill scene

by egerst

We went on a Sunday night and the place was bumping with what seemed like locals enjoying the end of the weekend. Bartender serving the front tables was super friendly and even told us the name of the song we were trying to "shizam" on our ipod. Great margaritas and yummy food. The fresh salsa and guac to start were my faves!

  • Pros: local neighborhood chill vibe, friendly service
  • Cons: table are too small to hold all the food & drinks
1 Star Rating: Poor

10/20/09

Awful service experience

by food2010

I've dined at Papatzul on multiple occasions, but I will never eat there again based on an experience I had there a few months ago.

It was a Thursday night, and they were expecting a large party. They seated us, and told us that we would have to be out in an hour and a half. They took FOREVER to bring us our food, drinks, etc, which prolonged our dining time significantly. We ordered hot chocolate after dinner, thinking we had enough time to enjoy it. In the middle of drinking it, the busboy literally grabbed it out of our hands and said we had to leave. He was physically crowding us, pushing into to me and telling me to get up while we were waiting for our check to be delivered to us. When I told him he was being extremely rude, he turned around and shouted, "No, YOU'RE being rude. Get out!" I was appalled by this treatment, and I will never eat there again.

  • Pros: Food is decent
  • Cons: Service
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/23/09

Unexpected treasure!

by dineh

Hottest day of the year and went for lunch here. This place is down the street from my apt., and it has great AC, so in we go! Gr8 drinks and guac and some of the freshest salsa ever--we ordered another round of it. Then we shared cerviche and a salad w/some of the freshest and lightest dressing--so refreshing! Then we had ome tortilla soup--3 of us could not stop ourselves--and we still did not finish the generous portion. The show-stopper was the fish tacos!! Crispy yet light, with unreal slaw in a soft homemade taco. This is what foodie dreams are made of. Go to Dos Caminos for the outside seating and scene and edgy food, but come here for the real deal Mexicam, drinks, and lower prices. And the AC was divine!

  • Pros: Fantastic food and drinks!
1 Star Rating: Poor

05/05/09

Don't go there!

by dzinder

I've been to NY with my with about a week ago (April 2009). I was so disappointed, I decided that when I come back I should post a note so that other people would be weary of this restaurant.

I have to say the service was good, the food turned out to be the problem. I ordered the duck enchiladas and my wife ordered a vegetarian course. It was greasy, drooling with disgusting sauce and had little resemblance to duck meat in any form (dead or alive). The basic theme repeated in my wife dish as well, to many ingredients with undefined taste.

Bottom line, I truly and honestly recommend to skip this place.

  • Pros: Good service
  • Cons: Drooling with disgusting sauce

The Details on Papatzul Mexican

Place Categories:

  • great flavorful food
  • good corteous service
  • not so delicious guacamole
  • authentic mexican food
  • fantastic mexican place
  • pretty bad service experience
  • best margaritas
  • relaxed entire experience
  • terrific ceviche
  • beautiful papatzul
  • really poor slow service
  • great meal
  • warm welcoming atmosphere
  • like menu
  • loved authentic sangria
  • reasonable prices
  • likes value
  • cool setting
  • great drinks
  • divine ac
  • incredibly charming space
  • terrible low quality experience
  • helpful staff
  • responsible waitress
  • loves tequila
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