On the corner of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Myrtle Street in Midtown Atlanta is a small, unassuming building painted in cheerful, tropical colors. It’s Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill.

When I was in graduate school, I had a good friend who was Cuban and she used to make Cuban meals for us on the weekends – her tostones and empanadas were delectable. Her black beans and rice were to die for. In short, she introduced us to Cuban food and when she graduated and left to work on her PhD, we were heartbroken!

Finding homemade-tasting Cuban food is tough, but if that’s what you’re looking for, then I recommend Papi’s. We went for lunch last week – huge portions for lunch, but it’s even better when you get to bring some home for later! The hubby had Masitas de Puerco (pictured above - cubed pork marinated with Cuban spices and Mojo sauce;  lightly pan fried, served with congris,  tostones and salad). I had a traditional Cuban sandwich (smoked pork marinated with Papi’s secret recipe, ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise on Cuban bread). And we split an order of Yucca con Mojo (pictured below - root cassava boiled and served with mojo), which was the best yucca I’ve ever had.

The atmosphere is fun and laid-back – brightly painted with Cuban music playing, friendly waitstaff and great prices. And if you’re not close to Midtown – never fear: Papi’s also has locations in Stockbridge, Kennesaw and Lawrenceville. For the hours for each of the four locations, visit Papi’s website.

And tell them 365Atlanta sent you!

WHERE: Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill – 216 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308
404-607-1525

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ALSO: Papi’s Stockbridge - 1375 Rock Quarry Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281

ALSO: Papi’s Kennesaw - 745 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144

ALSO: Papi’s Lawrenceville - 911 Duluth Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30043