Welcome to El Pope Latin American Cuisine
El Pope Latin American Cuisine, nestled in Richmond, VA, is a vibrant hub celebrating the rich flavors of Latin America. Here, the culinary journey is diverse, offering everything from authentic pupusas to savory tacos and scrumptious burritos. With a strong focus on fresh, quality ingredients, each dish bursts with flavor, captivating the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. The warm and inviting atmosphere draws diners in, making them feel at home. Whether you're indulging in their celebrated yuca or enjoying the complimentary chips and salsa, El Pope promises an unforgettable dining experience that leaves you craving more.
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1731 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220 Hotline: (804) 997-4083
Welcome to El Pope Latin American Cuisine, an inviting gem nestled in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. Located at 1731 W Main St, this vibrant restaurant serves as a flavorful gateway to the rich culinary traditions of Latin America, specializing in an array of dishes that celebrate the authentic tastes of Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine. Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, El Pope promises an experience filled with delightful flavors and warm hospitality.
One of the standout features of El Pope is its extensive menu, which boasts an impressive selection of pizzas, tacos, and traditional Latin American fare. The restaurant's offerings, starting from fried calamari to escalpion shrimp, all reflect a commitment to freshness and quality. For a classic appetizer, try the jalapenos nachos, layered with cheese, beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo, or indulge in the mouthwatering mussels a la caserola, sautéed in a rich pomodoro sauce.
When it comes to their tacos, patrons rave about the flavorful combinations. The carnitas tacos, served with cilantro and tomatillo sauce, and the zesty tilapia taco with jalapeno sauce are favorites among the regulars. Each bite is a burst of flavor, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Latin American spices and techniques. Amidst customer reviews, many shared how the torta al pastor won hearts with its thick, fluffy bread and perfectly balanced spicy sauce, making it a must-try item on your next visit.
Moreover, El Pope prides itself on a friendly atmosphere that evokes a sense of community and warmth. Multiple customers have highlighted the attentive service that makes each dining experience feel personal. Whether you dine with friends or family, you'll enjoy the buzzing ambiance that makes every visit special.
Those looking for a good deal can rejoice—El Pope offers a unique balance of quality and affordability. Your meal may start with complimentary crispy chips and their signature salsa, which adds a fun twist to the dining experience. The eatery is particularly well-known for its pupusas, with a diverse range of fillings that have won over both locals and visitors alike.
- Location: 1731 W Main St, Richmond, VA
- Contact: (804) 997-4083
- Signature Dish: Pupusas, Tacos, and the Torta al Pastor
- Ambiance: Casual and Vibrant
If you're seeking a culinary adventure that transports you to Latin America without leaving Richmond, El Pope Latin American Cuisine is your destination. The combination of taste, authenticity, and a welcoming environment ensures that you'll leave with a satisfied palate and fond memories. Come hungry, and be ready to experience the best of Latin American flavors right in your neighborhood!
I finally tried El Pope and I was pleasantly surprised! I hadn't heard good things but wanted to check it out. They give you free chips and salsa (more like salsa juice lol). For appetizers we got pupusas and they were good. For entrees, I got 2 tacos - 1 beef and 1 al pastor and they were delicious!! My BF got a chimichanga/burrito and said it was good. I also order yuca as a side because I love yuca and it was good. We also ordered drinks and they were fairly cheap. I definitely want to come back and try more items!
Visited again with friends, and I just had to post another review with pics, such a blast! Our server was the same server we had as the last time we visited, which is always so much fun. The restaurant wasn't that busy, so I didn't even have to say I had a reservation, which was so nice. The vibes were amazing, and the place was buzzing! Our orders arrived and we were practically shaking we were so excited, my buddy got a steak quesadilla, I got chicken and my other friend got a burrito, absolutely delicious. Well made, and filling. What a treat!
EVERYTHING WAS SO GOOD! service, food, ambience it was lovely, have been coming back often!
El Pope has always been a go-to for some delicious authentic Mexican and Salvadoran food. This was the first time I got the torta al pastor, and it definitely won't be the last. The bread was thick and fluffy with a hint of sweetness that perfectly balanced with the flavors of the al pastor. I loved the addition of the spicy sauce to add a kick to each bite. Every ingredient tasted so fresh! The service was also amazing with the cashiers helping us make decisions and guided us throughout the menu. This was my friend's first time visiting RVA, and since he left he can't stop thinking about his wonderful experience here.
Cute spot in the fan for a quick bite to eat. It seems like they only have one person running the lunch shift, so service can be slow. Food was great. I've never had a pupusa before, and they were delicious. 2 pupusas and a drink for $10 - happily!
Amazing food. We came here after visiting Williamsburg / Virginia Beach and glad we did. It has an older/vintage to it, but I dig the ambiance. There was one dude who was serving us, friendly but a bit quiet. We got the sopapilla (crab / shrimp) and also the chicken torta. Both were very good, but the sopapilla tasted absolutely amazing. The shrimp was very well seasoned and cooked. The chicken torta was big and we got a full serving. I loved the freshness of the torta as well, and it was accompanied by a red sauce that add some flavor/oomph to the dish. If I lived nearby I'd eat it all the time. Great place and would recommend.
Amazing! I've come here a couple of times, and have even brought my Salvi dad too (which he approved of). I was looking for a nearby pupuseria, and I'm so glad I found el Pope. There's a variety of pupusa options, my favorites are the revueltas (pork, beans, and cheese), and they're all equally good. Their drink options are great too. From horchata, jamaica, marrón, etc. I personally love their refresco de marrón, it has a sweet and sour flavor. The service is great too, your local mom and pop shop. The owners are very kind, and I feel a sense of home every time I'm here. Definitely recommend checking it out!
This place was great. I went with 2 friends from work for a moment away from the office and was pleasantly surprised by the Peruvian flavor. The complimentarychips were really crispy and salted just enough, and they came with what seemed like an extremely watery salsa to dip them in. At first, it seemed like it wouldn't be good, but the taste quickly won me over. It seemed that papusas were a specialty, so we tried them. You can mix and match what filling you want, so I tried 3 different options: potato & cheese, shrimp & cheese, and bean & cheese. They were really good although I couldn't tell them apart because they were all so good. I also had a side or rice and beans that were flavored pretty nicely. There aren't a lot of drink choices, so we went with the jarritos punch. It's like a dark, almost grape tasting juice that grows on you with each sip. I would absolutely go back to try something else.
The #1 spot to get cheap eats in Richmond. Get a bang for your buck at El Pope. If you want authentic and tasty pupusas, this is the place for you. They're so yummy and they offer a great selection of proteins you can choose from. If you prefer something else, they have everything from tacos to burritos to fajitas, soups, and more. I'm not sure if they still do it, but a waiter will try to convince you to try their brunch, don't. The brunch isn't great. But their lunch and dinner menu is pretty good. My friends love coming here. You really get what you pay for. Things can be hit or miss. Like the yuca fries are too dry and stringy, but (in case you missed it) the pupusas are incredible. A great spot for a great deal.
I've always driven past this place and wasn't sure what to make of it. It doesn't look like much from the outside but the food was amazing. See below for pros and cons. Pros: -amazing food all around. Best pinto beans I've ever had. Ask for the spicy salsa - it's legit spicy but won't kill too, it's really good -price - $11 for a steak burrito, can't beat that -best pinto beans I've ever had -complimentary chips & salsa Cons: -the tortilla chips were stale -not the best service experience (server sat at a booth with headphones in and on his phone; the bartender also and headphones in) - we had to go out of our way to request a refill for chips & salsa -dirty floors and the back of one of the booths had something dark or brown splashed on it Despite the drawbacks I'd definitely suggest this place because of how good the food is!