Mexican Street-Style Concept PapiChulo Tacos Now Open Near Regal Cinemas Tasty Tacos
Residents of the western communities can’t stop talking about the newest area hotspot, PapiChulo Tacos. Guests have been soaking up the fresh Florida fall breezes and playing oversized games on the spacious patio, raising an ice-cold margarita while greeting friends — from a safe social distance, of course — and nibbling on the freshest Mexican fare north of the border since the new restaurant’s mid-October opening.
Located at 1005 N. State Road 7, just south of Okeechobee Blvd. in the Regal Cinemas shopping center, the space pulses happily with a laid-back beach bar vibe — complete with sand brought in from the Atlantic Ocean. Locals won’t recognize the former Zaxby’s location, which is now a light and airy space with touches that’ll surprise you at every turn, such as the oversized piñata donkey.
October openings are old hat to the trio of childhood amigos behind the concept — Angelo Abbenante, Scott Frielich and Cleve Mash. The team has been churning out successful ventures for nearly three decades across South Florida. The impressive track record of a combined 25 successful local establishments include Abbenante with Lynora’s Italian Restaurants; Frielich with Dada, Kapow!, Dubliner, Howley’s and Lost Weekend; and Mash with Pawn Shop, Dirty Martini, Dr. Feelgood’s and Monkey Club, one of the longest-running nightclubs on Clematis Street. In 2018, they decided to combine their love of tacos, tequila and sandy beaches to create their flagship PapiChulo Tacos in Jupiter.
Dubbed “the best tacos ever” by diners, immediate favorites joining the taco lineup coming out of the kitchen are Smoked Brisket Nachos topped with refried beans, pickled red onions, jalapeño, queso fresco, cilantro, sour cream and scallions. The 10 different taco selections, priced from $3.50 to $5 each, feature options such as the Pescado with blackened or fried local-caught fish with slaw, pineapple pico de gallo, cilantro, avocado crema and radish, or the always popular Carne Asada with skirt steak, chimichurri, queso fresco, cilantro, sweet peppers, red cabbage, radish and scallions.
Don’t miss the Puerco taco filled with pork shoulder, red cabbage, jicama, sweet peppers, cilantro, scallions and aji amarillo. Larger appetites will love the Chicken Mole made with a roasted half chicken, Brussels sprouts, sweet peppers and mushrooms. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
The restaurant also serves fresh juices, top-notch tequila, handmade craft cocktails and house-made tortilla chips.
“We are excited to venture west and see what Wellington and Royal Palm Beach have to offer,” Abbenante said. “We love the vibe and are excited to get to know this community.”
The 3,200-square-foot, chef-driven Mexican street-style concept with culinary influences from Baja, California, and South, Central and Latin America is much roomier than its sister restaurant. You’ll feel comfortable with your choice of 150 seats split between indoor and outdoor areas. Life-sized games like corn hole, ring toss, ping pong and giant Jenga are set up for fun on artificial turf and give everyone a chance to spread their wings and have some fun.
PapiChulo Royal Palm Beach is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. You won’t want to miss the daily happy hour specials, Taco Tuesday or Margarita Monday.
For more information, visit www.papichulotacos.com, or follow PapiChulo Tacos Royal Palm Beach on social media for the latest updates.
