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Patricia Chang

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Check Out Papi Rico, Serving Puerto Vallarta Vibes in the Castro

Starting this weekend

A new Castro District cantina is sure to turn some heads when it opens this weekend (just in time for Cinco de Mayo, no less). That’s Papi Rico, a Puerto Vallarta inspired bar with bites like ceviche, empanadas, and tacos. But the whole place looks “good enough to eat,” per the motto of owners Rick “Daddy Rick” Hamer and Bill Vastardis (also of the Castro’s Finn Town). Have a look inside their new watering hole at 544 Castro between 18th and 19th Street (in the former Dante’s Table), and don’t worry, it’s okay to stare.

The bright new cantina opens onto a main bar area, and behind that, a rentable event space, the Gecko Lounge. Decor includes everything from speedos (hung with care like Christmas stockings), piñatas aplenty, and seahorse imagery throughout. Further back, a mural depicting beachgoers and tropical plants on a backyard patio beckons patrons outside.

To drink, Finn Town bar manager R.M. Richards has a list of Mexican beers and beach-evoking cocktails like playas conchas (tequila, lime, grapefruit bitter). Starting Sunday (after the Cinco de Mayo opening), Hours are 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on weekends, with the the kitchen to close at 11 p.m. and the patio at 10 p.m.

A bright entryway at Papi Rico
The colorful new space is located in the former Dante’s Table
A mural by J. Manuel Carmona
Papi Rico’s Mexican cuisine
Connor Bruce
Drinks as colorful as the decor at Papi Rico
Connor Bruce
Connor Bruce
The main bar area
Perhaps San Francisco’s first speedo art installation
Patricia Chang
Piñatas above a hallway
A sign points patrons to the Gecko lounge
Inside the Gecko Lounge
Looking out at the patio
More murals await on the Patio
A living wall adorns the patio space
Even the bathroom is colorful (of course)

Papi Rico

544 Castro, ,
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