Mexican Street-Style Concept PapiChulo Tacos Now Open Near Regal Cinemas
Tasty Tacos
BY JENNIFER MARTINEZ
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 icecold 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.
(Clockwise from top) There are 10 different varieties of tacos; a wall of Jarritos Mexican soda; margaritas are served; an order of Mexican donuts; the Papi Skillet; and a margarita lineup. PHOTOS COURTESY PAPICHULO TACOS
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, jala-
peño, 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 wellington the magazine | november 2020 79