If you’ve been seeing Big Papi’s pop up and wondering if it’s worth the hype… yes. I’ve heard so many good things about their food, so I was PUMPED to finally try them, and they absolutely delivered. Minje and I checked out their new-ish Rockville location and left fully satisfied (and already plotting our next visit). Here’s what we ordered & loved most:
- Quesabirria Pizza ($27.95): This thing is HUGE – a 12” “pizza” stuffed with birria, cheese, onions, and cilantro, served with a large cup of consomé for dipping, plus limes, papi sauce, and hot sauce on the side. The birria here is the real star: super flavorful, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth. If you’re going to Big Papi’s for the first time, my best advice is simple: get birria anything.
- Birria Grilled Cheese ($13.95): This is exactly what you want it to be: ooey, gooey comfort food magic with crisped, golden-brown edges – and yes, it comes with consomé for dipping. It’s rich, satisfying, and honestly the type of thing you crave on a cold day… or any day.
- Tacos (we got 4 to share): We wanted to try a few different proteins, so we grabbed four tacos to split – and every protein we tried was cooked extremely nicely: think juicy and tender, not dry or overdone. And the surprise favorite? The smashburger taco. It comes with a whole patty on top, which sounds wild, but it worked – burger-meets-taco in the best way.
Other menu items that caught my eye
Big Papi’s definitely has those trendy, fun items too, like walking tacos, Hot Cheetos esquites, and more. And the thing I’m still thinking about? I didn’t realize they had fresh pineapple juice until after we ordered. Huge regret. Next time it’s non-negotiable because that sounds bomb.
Before you go, here are a few quick things to know: parking is pretty easy since you can find street parking nearby and there are also lots in the area, so it shouldn’t be a stressful situation. They’re open daily, and if you’re not close to Rockville, they also have two other locations in Frederick and Hagerstown – so you’ve got options depending on where you are.
If you’re coming from the Gaithersburg direction, Mi Casa Taqueria is a new fast casual Mexican spot worth knowing about, with birria tacos, chicken tinga, and a birria pizza that hits hard.
If you’re a birria lover (or you want to become one), Big Papi’s is 100% worth adding to your list. Everything we tried was flavorful, satisfying, andddddd I already know we’re going back for the pineapple juice and more tacos. Have you tried their food yet? Let me know by commenting below, Nomsters!
📍201 E Middle Ln, Rockville, MD
⏰10:30-8PM daily
For more on Rockville restaurants, click here!
Photography by Fun Food Group!