Papi Tino’s: An Authentic New Austin Cantina

By Zachary González

East Austin, Texas — This part of town has historically been known for holding the largest Latino influence in the capitol city itself. However, apart from the changing culture of the Mexican immigrant neighborhoods, new apartment buildings, lightrails, and the switch from Spanish back to English in the area, this is one of the few places that still represents the heart of Mexico.

Alan, the restaurant owner for Papi Tino’s, generously invited my friend Joseph and I off the street Thursday afternoon to visit his new place on East 6th Street. Though the restaurant was not open, he asked us if we’d like to look inside and share what we thought of his newly opened Mexican cantina.

Waitresses and bartenders greeted us as they were building chairs inside and setting up the new tables, the chefs from Mexico City smiled at us, as the owner was helping set up the final pieces to complete what he says “the atmosphere” of his restaurant.

Sticking around the neighborhood for a couple of hours, we couldn’t help but return during the opening hour. Chile, lime, queso con pan, as well as fabulous margaritas and micheladas are some of the tasty things you’ll enjoy at this place. Most importantly, though, the place has a great atmosphere.

With genuine service, don’t expect this place to rush or push you out to fill up seats! That’s not the owner’s goal here. It’s a place to hang out with friends and enjoy the evenings outside until 1 a.m. if you’d like — just like the restaurants in Mexico.

The Mexican lifestyle here is something more than you will see on the menu. It’s something you will feel when you walk by the place like Joseph and I did. In the midst of a changing side of town, places like this define what’s so special about the east side of Austin and Latin culture.

Zachary González is a student and writer in Austin, Texas.

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