9 fun dishes and drinks to try at Papi Ricko in Plaza Midwood
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All of the serving platters, like the mini taco stand and the trompo were custom-made in Mexico. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Papi Ricko, a new Latin-fusion restaurant, is now open in Plaza Midwood.
Why it matters: Its owner, Ricky Ortiz, has operated one of Charlotte's most popular Mexican food trucks for nearly a decade. Now Tacos Rick-O has a permanent home.
The vibe: Everything at Papi Ricko — from the food to the drinks to the service — is over the top.
- "We want to bring Miami vibes to Charlotte," Ortiz tells Axios. "It's definitely going to be an experience — our servers are in training right now. You'll see choreography, we'll also have live Samba dancers and fire throwers."
- With its disco lights, Latin music, daily live DJs, monthly drag brunches and covered patio, the restaurant feels like a party. It's an Instagrammable hotspot.
My thought bubble: It feels like, at any moment, someone could get up from their table and start dancing — something that's pretty typical at restaurants in my hometown, Miami.
Dig in: "You can find all of the things from our food truck here, just with a better presentation," Ortiz said.
- Plus, expect Asian-fusion dishes like tuna tartare made with Mexican marinade and guacamole, and edamame a la macha. "Edamame is Asian but santa matcha is Mexican," he said.
Stop by: Papi Ricko Latin Kitchen & Lounge is at 1226 Central Ave., next to Moo & Brew and across from Thirsty Beaver.
- It's open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Thursday from 11am-11pm and 11a-2am on Fridays and Saturdays. The live DJ starts at 5pm daily.
Here are 9 fun dishes and drinks to try:
Street tacos
If you're a fan of the Tacos Rick-O food truck, you're going to love the street tacos served atop a miniature food stand, featuring a photo of Ortiz.
- Taco options include carne asada, al pastor, campechanos, camaron, mahi mahi fish and tinga chicken.
Edamame a la macha and Shrimp Pasta
The edamame a la macha is served atop a miniature version of the boats you see in Xochimilco in Mexico City.
- The chipotle shrimp pasta has a little kick to it.
Trompo Alpastor
Meant for two people, the "Trompo Alpastor" is a miniature version of the rotisserie meat served on tacos. It comes with tortillas and all of the typical taco toppings and salsa.
Birria tacos
The birria tacos are served along with the typical birria soup meant for dipping.
Churro cart
The churros are made daily at RiCkO's Churro Bar in NoDa, which Ortiz opened last spring.
La Jeepeta, Ni Hao Cabrón and Papi Chulo
Each drink comes with its own presentation. Whenever someone orders a flight of shots, the servers come around with choreography and different costumes.
- One example is an appearance by the "monja de Durango" — a reference to a ghost story about a nun from Ortiz's hometown of Durango, Mexico.