Papa's and Beer: Simpsonville, SC

So if you have seen my review of the Papa's & Beer in Greenville, you know we thought pretty highly of it. But we wanted to see how it compared to the location in Simpsonville, so one rainy night when no one felt like cooking, we ventured out. Just a tip if you head to this location, get there EARLY or be prepared to wait. The building is tiny and if I am counting right, I believe there are only about 12 tables in the whole restaurant. In fact, once the wait begins, the front door area is as crowded as Wal-Mart on Black Friday.

This location offers the same chips, bean dip and salsa bar...just on a smaller scale. Again we decided to go with the table-side guac. Same deal as in Greenville, although our server here made it more fun. For some ridiculous reason we decided to order entrees as well. Not really sure what we were thinking because I was already full...but it's the kind of food where even if that is the case, you still keep eating. It really is THAT good.

The Hubby looked over the menu (which if I haven't mentioned is the same at both locations and offers a wide variety of traditional Mexican favorites as well as things with more of a Tex-Mex flair) and when the server came over to take his order, he pointed at two different items and said, "I want that." I ordered for the kids and then opted for a fajita style quesadilla for myself. I asked my husband what he had ordered and he replied, "I have no idea. It just looked like it would be good." He ended up with some type of sandwich and some chicken dish with traditional sides. He said both were amazing, and since I didn't try either, I will have to take his word for it.

(Below: Carnes con Salsa de Molcajetes, A traditional Mexican plate served with molcajete sauce, rice, beans, tortillas and pico de gallo topped with choice of meat)

My quesadilla was HUGE, but again, I have no complaints. Even after the chips, salsa and guacamole, I actually managed to eat the whole thing. I just hit the gym a little harder the next morning. The hubby ended up taking over half of his sandwich home, but considering that he ordered two entrees, I'd say he still did pretty well.

This location does have the same lemon-fresh cleaning product scent as the one in Greenville...but I no longer complain. Seems all of their locations are on the same page when it comes to cleanliness and whatever they are doing, it works. Coming from someone who can't stand dirt and is grossed out by something as ridiculous as a sticky table, it is quite impressive. We've been back to the Simpsonville location 3 times since our initial visit. I will say the food is about equal...if not maybe just slightly better at the Greenville location. Perhaps their kitchen offers a little more space than a 3x3 area large enough for one guy to turn around in. But, the service at the Simpsonville location seems much better. They are just so dang nice. Regardless...this has quickly become one of our new favorite restaurants. We will be back to whichever location we are nearest to when hungry!

And the huge $3 beers and $2.25 margaritas for happy hour are just an added bonus!

*This review has been brought to you by "The Wife."