It doesn’t take long before anyone spending time in Asheville, Hendersonville, or Brevard, North Carolina starts hearing about Papas & Beer. With three locations in the Asheville and Hendersonville area, this is on the radar of most locals and a growing number of visitors as the best Mexican restaurant in western North Carolina.

The Hendersonville Papas & Beer is an unobtrusive spot north of the historic downtown on Highway 25, hidden amongst car dealerships. But, you can recognize the perpetually-filled parking lot quite easily.

The Asheville locations are slightly more polished, but they share the same great menu and steady stream of loyal customers. You will see country folks, kids, summer campers, outdoorsy types and professionals standing in line, but the theme and dress code is totally casual in all three spots.

The cultural décor is typical of any Mexican restaurant throughout the southeast, but the salsa bar is out of this world. From a spicy pumpkin salsa and bean dip to a creamy cilantro salsa and a super fresh tomatillo salsa, it is difficult to stop eating the plentiful chips and focus on the enormous options on the menu.

Without fail, I am asked “What’s good?” My response is typically “Everything.” You will never find mystery meat smothered in cheese here. The dishes are bursting with flavor and authenticity.

After taking friends, visitors and family to Papas, I have never heard a complaint about any of the dishes, and most first-timers are quickly begging to return.

Mexico City Tacos is a home run dish, overflowing with three soft, flour tacos - chicken, grilled steak, and juicy, slow-cooked pork. Fish lovers will savor the fish tacos, overflowing with delicate flavor and corn tortillas.

Specializing in Cal Mex cuisine, Papas and Beer also makes fresh guacamole and chile rellenos that please the crowds. The staff at Papas is quick and courteous, the portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, but it is the incredibly fresh flavors and the dynamite salsa bar that keep everybody coming back and continually raving about Papas and Beer.