Restaurant Review # One:

Papalote Mexican Grill -  SF

I'm excited to be doing my first restaurant review since starting this blog!  Last Thursday the Food Network replayed an episode of  Bobby Flay's Throwdown against the Escobedo brothers owners of Papalote Mexican Grill in San Francisco. This was my first time seeing this episode. I love when the Food Network does shows about eateries in the Bay Area. The challenge was against their famous Triple Threat Burrito. Which Bobby Flay lost.

from the menu

Anyway, after being stuck inside for days due to the flood inducing thunderstorms, it felt great to have a clear day, so I decided to get out and about and go try this burrito that looked so deelish on TV.

So off I went to the Mission district to the original Papalote located at

3409 24th Street @ Valencia

 I like to try the original of restaurants first, then I venture to the more upscale versions. They have another one deeper in the city. It's the one showcased on the website.

The original

Okay on to the REVIEW:

There wasn't a sign on the place, so I missed it the first time around the block, and there was very limited neighborhood parking.

The place was so tiny. My friend grabbed the seats while I stood in line to order a 19.95 burrito that we decided to split. I read the price was probably inflated after Bobby Flay's visit. I placed the order, got my tag number 18 and went to sit down and wait for this masterpiece.

 While waiting, a small bowl of lukewarm chips and

the famous salsa

were brought out. The salsa was pretty good. It really helped the chips which were blah. But I was starving! I really like chips and salsa, and was disappointed when the server said it would be 1.55 for more.  We had already spent over $26.00 on one burrito and 2 drinks! I hate to sound cheap but ... so no Thank you!



chips and salsa

I have to say, the burrito was huge!!!  Not 20.00 huge but huge! I forgot to take a picture when it first came out. : (

I asked that they cut it in half and my friend had the larger side.

burrito with the famous salsa on the plate

Too be perfectly honest because I said I would keep it real. This was NOT the best burrito I've ever had. It was just okay. It truly needed the famed salsa to give it some flavor. I added the works for .99 to get some cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Which this burrito definitely needed. I asked for the guacamole on the side just in case I didn't like it. I didn't They forgot to bring the guacamole, so I went to ask for it and since you could not see the sour cream on the burrito I asked for that too. The cashier said "Oh they only add a little to the burrito" o_O! I think if you're paying extra for something you should at least be able to see it. AND on a burrito that big?? A little? Girl bye!

WRAP UP:  The only meat of the three that had flavor was the shrimp. Overall, it was just an okay burrito. The meat was fresh and nicely grilled. The burrito was so huge I only ate half of my half and after the flavors marinated the extra half, which I ate later was actually tastier. Definitely not worth the price. I'll probably go try the newer upscale place just cuz tho! LOL!