Papi's Cuban and Caribbean Grill in Lawrenceville, Georgia

I have to admit that I am not a big lover of Cuban food. This is most likely a result of having tasted some less than desirable Cuban food in the past. Therefore it took me a month to finally try a new Cuban and Caribbean restaurant in my neighborhood. This place is called Papi's Cuban and Caribbean Grill and I had heard rave reviews about it from some of my Columbian and Cuban friends. So, I decided to forget about the past and try this new restaurant with a fresh pair of eyes and taste buds.

The outside appearance of Papi's Cuban and Caribbean Grill is pretty unremarkable; however, once you walk into the building, it's actually very breathtaking! The beautiful Caribbean inspired colors seem to leap off the walls. Shades of aqua, yellow and deep blue are very reminiscent of the Caribbean. I almost felt like I was at an Island restaurant somewhere far far away from Georgia. At the entrance of Papi's you'll find a very inviting seating area with deep Mocha Leather Sofas and Chairs. Even the dining seating is Island inspired with beautiful wicker and cane chairs with plush and comfy cushions. The beauty of the restaurant continues in the restrooms as you'll find beautiful flagstone tiles on the floor and beautifully crafted wood doors to the stales.

When I finally was done admiring the décor of Papi's Cuban and Caribbean grill, I turned my focus to the menu. This was some menu! The choices were almost overwhelming, so I asked for recommendations from my server. The server knew pretty much everything about the dishes and gave me his opinion of what to expect from each dish. Since it was lunch I and I had a meeting soon after, I decided to go light and order a jerk chicken sandwich. This sandwich is made from a very tender chicken breast sautéed in their own special jerk sauce. The bread itself is homemade Cuban and it is so delicious! I have never had Cuban bread so fresh and wonderful.

Papi's Cuban and Caribbean Grill offers soup, salads, wraps and weekly specials that include entrees that come with salad and fresh Cuban bread. Some of the favorites are the Chicken Fricassee with potatoes and slow cooked in Creole sauce served with black beans, white rice and plantains. Or perhaps you're in the mood for more variety? Then you'll want to check out the Sunday special which is your choice of steak, chicken or fish served with black beans, white or yellow rice and plantains. Papi's also offers lots of vegetarian choices that include veggie sandwiches, various rice dishes and salads.

Papi's Cuban and Caribbean Grill also offer some pretty great desserts that include some of my favorites like their Mango pie or Chocolate cake. Or if you like more traditional Cuban desserts you may want to try their Cuban Guava pastries, Coconut Flan, Arroz Con Leche or Tres Leches. It doesn't matter which one you choose, you will be more than satisfied.

Papi's also offers some pretty great LIVE entertainment. Check out their website for special events and times at http://www.papisgrill.com/. The bottom-line: Excellent Cuban and Caribbean fare. Lunch prices are between $5.00 and $10.00 and dinner prices start at $8.00. Papi's Cuban and Caribbean Grill is located at 911 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043. Give them a call today at 770-237-8889 to plan your next party or business meeting. Great family friendly environment!