Yes, there is an authentic Tex-Mex spot in Little River and it is good. We recently ventured out with the family for an early diner at Papis.  Papis is a small laid back restaurant with a hip Texas charm.  Papis features a small but well thought out menu and incredibly friendly service.

Everyone opted for the guacamole appetizer and we were pleasantly surprised  by the balanced use of fresh lime, cilantro, garlic, and tomato.  My daughter ordered up the nachos and my son choose the taco plate.  My wife went with the taco salad and I went with the chipotle shredded beef plate.  There was no shortage of food on the table.  The chipotle shredded beef plate featured an incredible mango salsa but I would have liked the chipotle to play a bigger role.  My son absolutely loved the creamy jalapeno sauce that was served alongside his tacos.   Beef is big in Texas and it was clearly the blue star standout in each of our entrees.  The shredded beef was both tender and moist. The queso was also very good.

This was seriously good Tex-Mex prepared with care and fresh ingredients.  If you are looking for a break from the usual give Papis a try.  We will certainly be back.

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If you have been to Papis please be sure to leave a comment about your experience.

We have driven past the Beach Drive Diner for several years on our way to Sunset Beach.  There always seems to be a full parking lot and we always seem to find ourselves on our way from point A to point B with no time to stop.  The other day we made it a point to give the Beach Drive Diner a go for lunch.

You certainly won’t find the traditional diner car atmosphere here.  This place has an eclectic feel all to its own from the almost log cabin exterior to the mostly eclectic interior.   The patrons ranged from hard working locals to a retired group of ladies who just finished their round of golf.  We were seated immediately and treated to fast and attentive if not stereotypically perfect diner service.  We ordered up a couple of iced teas and were subsequently drowned by the refills.  The little plastic squeeze bottles on the table were a little kitsch but isn’t that part of the diner experience.  This is clearly the type of place where locals have their favorites.  We looked over the expansive menu of comfort food offerings for a good bit. Since we have been on a burger kick lately we thought we would put the Beach Drive Diner’s burger to the test.  I ordered the three quarter lb burger while my wife (as always) ordered the more sensible portion.

Be forewarned the burgers are served well-done without exception.  That said, this was a good burger.  I have learned that a proper Carolina burger is served “all the way” which is to say with chili, slaw, and mustard (I think).  I wasn’t ready to go “all the way” but I did venture to try the burger with chili,  mustard, and onions.  My wife went with tomato and mayo.  We decided to share a basket of fries.  Our lunch arrived quickly.  The burgers were served open faced with the toppings dressed on one side of the bun.  It was nice to see red onions and a healthy tomato slice.  I prefer a toasted roll but I have to give points for the nice sesame bun.  The hand cut fries were a treat though they could have been a little crispier.   This was good food plain and simple.  We plan to go back to explore more of the menu.

Lunch came in around $15 including the tip.

If you have been to the Beach Drive Diner please be sure to leave a comment about your experience.