Papi Portland

Stopped in for a light afternoon snack as we were eating our way around Portland. So glad we did! The empanadas were delicious, the best we’ve had in Maine. The shrimp skewers were tasty and each dish was served with a wonderful sauce to accompany it. The cocktail menu looks amazing but it was a little early for that. Friendly staff that were happy to recommend their favorites. We are planning to return for a full meal soon!

This place was fantastic from start to finish! A great find with authentic PuertoRican specialties! Tge atmosphere was trendy and upbeat, but also intimate and cozy. We started with drinks, the mojitos and Red Stripe were amazing. Next we sampled a couple appetizers, including the beef empanadas and the fish tacos (along with a sample plate of the four house sauces). All were very flavorful and fresh. For entrées, we had carne frita and costilla estofado. Both were seasoned and cooked perfectly. Our waitress was super friendly and passionate about the menu. We are so happy to have found this place and we will definitely be back.

If you find yourself in Old Portland, Maine, make sure to stop by Papi, a vibrant Puerto Rican bar that is a true gem. The warm, inviting atmosphere immediately draws you in. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind and truly enjoy the moment. The drinks are absolutely outstanding—whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or something with a unique twist, Papi’s bartenders have you covered. Every drink is crafted with care and precision, using fresh ingredients that pack incredible flavor. What truly elevates the experience, though, is the service. Lyanna, the cofounder, brings a personal touch that’s hard to beat. She’s friendly, knowledgeable, and her passion for the space shines through in every interaction. You can tell she’s dedicated to making every guest feel special. Papi is a must-visit in Portland for anyone craving delicious food, drinks, great vibes, and top-tier service. I can’t wait to return for another round!

We loved this restaurant! Small, cozy and friendly, the ambiance was welcoming and festive when we were there. The food was great: we are vegans, and their short menu includes two vegan appetizers and a vegan main course, all clearly marked. We had the lentil empanada (lentil and farro stuffed savory pastry) and el yunque, a rice and beans dish that comes with tostones al ajillo (fried plantains) and is out of this world delicious. Highly recommended!

Papi has been on my list of places to hit in Portland for a while now, and when we finally made it back to Portland after 9 years, it's the first place we headed towards once we checked into our hotel. I can't express how happy this place made me. We fortuitously got 2 seats at the bar right in front of bartender-owner LyAnna and right before we had a chance to have a conversation, it was clear that she put heart and soul into the beverages and is very proud of Papi. The ambiance takes you back to PR, not in a kitschy way, but the decor really reflects the feel of what it's like to visit an establishment in Puerto Rico. Music selection was dope. Pernil was juicy and tender, the arroz con gandules was tasty, and a small salad balanced the plate out. The 4 drinks we tried all knocked it out of the park. La-Factoría-who? There's a conscious effort to elevate latinx spirits, and demonstrate boricua culture through the writings in the menu. I'm so sad something like this doesn't exist closer to Boston but am glad it has a home in Portland. Salud!

Everything was 10/10. Strongly recommend. Those tacos (appetizers) were tiny and damn delicious. A good small plate! I had a beer, but everyone around me was ordering and showing off their cocktails. They were raving! And the cocktail presentation was perfect. That bartender was an expert. I will be coming back!

Really great food! Love the fried pork and the cocktails were so delicious. They have mocktails here too. The empanadas were great

We've gone now on two occasions and each time the experience has been remarkable. Chef Ron's food is a gift. He has the right touch to elevate comfort food to an art. Everything coming out of the kitchen is ambrosial. The cocktails are simply magical. LyAnna's creations tickle your soul. The combination is truly remarkable There is a deep well of talent in the restaurant that will leave you fully satisfied. It is restaurant that satisfies the eyes, mind, and the belly. Each night our servers greeted us a with an air of joy that says they are happy to work there. Papi is the place to be in Portland and we look forward to many happy returns.