We Don't Agree That Pappasito's Is a Top 10 Marietta Restaurant. These Local Places Are Better.

While traveling, we often rely on Tripadvisor.com to get recommendations on restaurants, and we've been pleased with the results. So, we thought we'd give it a try for our home area near Marietta, GA.

When we checked out Tripadvisor's Top 10 restaurants in Marietta, we recognized and agreed with many on the list. But one caught us by surprise: Tex-Mex chain Pappasito's Cantina on Windy Hill in Marietta. Pappasito's is owned by the same Texas chain as Pappadeaux Seafood, and the restaurants literally are next door neighbors down near the Braves stadium.

The Texas-based Pappasito's chain is lively, loud and good. But we don't agree that it's one of Marietta's Top 10 restaurants.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

Thus, on a sunny Marietta, GA, weekday, we decided to drop in at Pappasito's and compare it to some of our local favorites Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants.

This Place is HUGE!

If you've never been to Pappasito's, the restaurant is huge -- a hallmark of the Pappa's chain outlets. It also reflects the replica design style of the chain, featuring lots of authentic-looking ornamentation, ranch relics, signage, and the like. A long, wood bar stretches from the entrance, and provides an inviting spot for some of the signature drinks, a happy hour rendezvous, or a quick meal without waiting in line for a table.

Pappasito's features the Pappas family's distinctive restaurant design.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

Seated quickly though the weekday lunchtime was unexpectedly busy, we enjoyed the fresh chips and salsa delivered by our waiter. Then we ordered two lunch specials, discount-priced and smaller servings when compared to the standard dinner menu.

My chicken burrito with rice and bean sides arrived overflowing the small plate. My wife's lunch fajitas were served on a sizzling platter, with extra tortillas and all the typical add-ons for a create-your-own bite.

My chicken burrito with sides nearly overflowed the plate. But at $40 for lunch for two people, we found Pappasito's pricey by comparison.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

Without a doubt, our food was good, but -- in my humble opinion -- not worthy of a Top-10-in-Marietta rating. And compared to some of our local favorites, even at lunch, the meal was pricey -- nearly $40 after tip for two of us.

Local, and Better

Now by comparison, we frequently enjoy Taqueria Tsunami, on the Square at 70 S Park Sq NE, Marietta. This locally-owned restaurant serves Mexican and Latin fusion dishes similar to Pappasito's. And we find their menu, flavors and atmosphere much more to our liking. Plus, we generally have lunch for two for 25% less than we paid at Pappasito's. Oh, and Taqueria Tsunami is rated No. 2 in Marietta restaurants by Tripadvisor.com AND by rated highly in local polls, too.

The street-style tacos at Taqueria Tsunami with a side of black beans was tasty and filling. Plus, lunch cost 25% less than at Pappasito's.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

We also enjoy food similar to Pappasito's at Cielo Blue, located at 3805 Dallas Hwy SW, Ste 101 in Marietta. Cielo Blue also has other locations in Smyrna and Atlanta. While Cielo Blue isn't listed in Tripadvisor.com's Top 10 in Marietta, we'd give it a higher score on food and flavors than Pappasito's. And it's an even better bargain as we often have lunch for two for approximately $25 after tip. Our nearby location on Dallas Highway also features a cozy bar, covered patio and a roof-top area for enjoying food, beverages, weather and friends.

Two of us ordered fish tacos at Cielo Blue -- fried and grilled. For half the price of Pappasito's, we devoured all we could at lunch.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

Would we return to Pappasito's? Yes, if we were traveling and in search of a "safe" choice with a consistent quality and familiar setting. But as locals, we'll keep eating at more local establishments which offer better food at better prices.

What Are Your Favorites?

We're always on the lookout for great places to eat in Marietta and Cobb County. Share your favorites, their locations, and your experiences in the comments.

More From DeanLand

Follow DeanLand on Newsbreak for more like this. You may also enjoy these stories about local dining and exploration around Cobb County and beyond from our blog, OurTravelCafe.com, and here on Newsbreak:

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Classic Italian at Provino's in Kennesaw

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