Papalo Spices Up La Mesa With Global BBQ Fusion

Papalo, the brainchild of Executive Chef Drew Bent and the City Tacos crew, is back and better than ever, with international flair meets smoky goodness.

Chef Drew isn’t messing around. With world-class training and a knack for pushing culinary boundaries, he’s taking BBQ to places it’s never been before.

“We’re not just slapping sauce on ribs,” Chef Drew tells us. “Papalo is where BBQ meets the world. It’s comfort food with a passport.”

More Than Just a Meal

Papalo isn’t just serving up plates—they’re dishing out experiences. Imagine the smoky essence of your favorite BBQ but with flavors that’ll take you on a global tour.

You don’t need to be a food snob to enjoy it. Papalo’s all about keeping things approachable, consistent, and wallet-friendly. Plus, the staff’s so nice, you might just want to invite them to your next backyard BBQ.

Nestled right in the heart of La Mesa, Papalo’s got that warm, “come on in” vibe that’ll make you want to stay awhile. Whether you’re a die-hard BBQ fan or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this place is calling your name.

See You There!

Papalo’s doors are open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 8:30 PM. You’ll find them at 8323 La Mesa Blvd, right next to City Tacos. Pro tip: They’re closed on Mondays, so plan your BBQ cravings accordingly!

For a sneak peek at the deliciousness, check out their Instagram. For more info on Papalo BBQ, visit the website here.

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Post
The Latest
An award-winning violinist makes his San Diego debut at the La Jolla Music Society Winter Season
La Jolla Music Society’s 58th Winter Season continues in November with a lineup for just about every music lover. Kick things off with a free...
Same Same But Different: RENEW
Participate in SSBD renew wellness and enjoy a full day of uplifting yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness sessions at Belmont Park.
Oceanside Museum Of Art Kicks Hosts “Art After Dark: Metamorphosis” Event
Check out this week’s Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend and make your plans! Trick-or-treating in Little Italy or Liberty Station brings the...
top concerts in san diego this week
Here are the top concerts in San Diego this week! Gorillaz bring their genre-blending sound, Juanes delivers Latin rock favorites, Swae Lee serves up melodic...
Step back in time at the Fall Back Festival on Island Avenue
San Diego is about to turn back time. The 26th Annual Fall Back Festival Children’s Street Fair comes to Island Avenue, where kids and adults...
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter’s fourth annual Holiday Fundraiser for Give Kids the World Village is a chance for locals and the hospitality community to...
Recently Featured Restaurants
If you’ve spent any time in the Cedros Design District, you know there’s always been a gap between the galleries and Belly Up. Chef James...
Pamela Peraza and Erik Hobbie have been selling sourdough at the Little Italy Mercato for a while now, and if you’ve crossed paths with their...
goop kitchen del mar
Yes, that goop. Gwyneth Paltrow’s brand just opened its first-ever dine-in restaurant at One Paseo in Del Mar, and it’s a 92-seat space she personally...
City Tacos has been a San Diego staple since 2014. What Gerry Torres is building next makes it look like a warm-up. El Punto at...
Zuma has spent nearly 25 years taking over the world – Hong Kong, Istanbul, Rome, Miami, Madrid, and more. Now they’re open in San Diego,...
Doug and Lara Hamm spent years traveling through the French Riviera, Greek Isles, and Amalfi Coast. By The Sea is what happened when they decided...