Finn Town Team Will Bring Puerto Vallarta to the Castro

Coming soon to the Castro: Papi Rico, a Puerto Vallarta-inspired eatery from neighborhood restaurateur and Finn Town Tavern owner Rick Hamer, along with business partner and fellow Castro resident William Vastardis.

While we don’t have an opening date just yet, Papi Rico will take over the former Dante’s Table space at 544 Castro Street. As Hamer explained to Hoodline, he and Vastardis were inspired by the scene in the Mexican resort town — a perennially popular vacation destination for neighborhood residents.

"We're trying to pay homage to gay Puerto Vallarta,” Hamer says, “and it's been a while since we've had a gay bar open in the Castro."

Expect the menu to lean heavily on tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and other Mexican street foods with a variety of meaty and meatless fillings, as well as sides like elotes, ceviche, churros and boozy popsicles. With a full liquor license, the margaritas will be flowing (both frozen and on the rocks), beer will be available by the bucket and the rest of the cocktail list will, of course, focus on tequilas and mezcals.

As for the decor, Hamer and Vastardis are staying true to the beachfront vibe with a few neighborhood twists. Beachy murals will adorn the walls and the team plans to give the bar a splash of color with more than 100 piñatas and a string of well-loved swim trunks donated by patrons who will apparently be going skinny dipping on their next trip South of the border.

Stay tuned for a firm opening date, but for now the planned hours are Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends.