@ Papi’s Café is a Colombian-inspired café and bakery in Dubuque, Iowa, created to honor the legacy of “Papi”- a father whose love for food and family inspired a dream.
With authentic Colombian street food, fresh pastries, and rich coffee, we bring warmth of our heritage to the community.
More than a café, @ Papi’s is a place to gather, share, and celebrate culture through food.
Devin Ganka
This place was pretty darn incredible. It is always nice having an authentic, delicious and well done empanada place in town! Everything was amazing, fresh and tasty. The service was fast and I was greeted right as I walked in the door. I will be back and love that I found this hidden gem! I would suggest the yuca fries and empanadas of course. I also have no idea what sauces I ordered but they were all good.
… moreKayla Walleser
So so good! I have eaten a few times now and will continue to go back. The empanadas are the best I’ve ever had especially with their homemade sauces. Coffee drinks are delicious! Today I had the caramel apple macchiato and it was so perfect. Everything is just so tasty and it’s a perfect unique Place to eat in Dubuque! The Arepas are also a favorite! YUM. I love the quaint atmosphere. Everything is done with quality!
… moreE
Great for breakfast OR lunch!
Arepitas, mini donuts, pandebono, pastel gloria (delicious pastry!), and really anything on the menu alongside a coffee drink makes an awesome breakfast.
Empanadas, arepitas, perro caliente, and again, anything on the menu with any of their limeades or drinks makes for a great and cheap lunch!
Lunch doesn’t need to be sandwiches when you go to Papi’s!
… moreCory McClain
Food – The food was fantastic. We decided order a bunch of smaller items to try/share. Started out with Pandebono, which was a delicious warm cheesy bread and a hint of sweetness. Followed that up with Arepitas, which had a wonderful flavor and softness. Reminded us of an Irish potato cake. We then tried the Empanada with the lime cilantro sauce. The meat paired with the lime sauce was incredible. Last, we tried the 6 mini doughnuts. There are several flavors. We had 2 Guava, 1 Cinnamon Sugar, 2 Powdered Sugar and 1 Arequipe (caramel spread). The fresh doughnuts did not disappoint. Everything we had here was incredible and we’re looking forward to trying more of the menu.
Service – It is a walk up counter to order. The ladies we spoke to were very kind and helpful.
Restaurant – Very small location, but the food makes up for the size. There is one booth and 4 chairs at a short bar. There is a wall with visitor signatures and a map to put pin locations from visitors. Well decorated, clean and fun.
Overall – First time stopping in as this a newely opened restaurant. One look at the menu and I knew we were in an exciting new addition to Dubuque! The food is absolutely fantastic. My suggestion: just because of the size of the portions, get a mix of items to try – a little sweet and something savory. This is going to be a regular stop for us going forward. Let’s spread the good news and get them more visits to help them out. 100% need to stop here in Dubuque!
… morePauline McCarty
Stopped by Papi’s Cafe after an event at the library and was completely blown away. The environment is so friendly and welcoming, and the food was incredible. I brought home empanaditas for my three very picky kids and they devoured them—always the ultimate test! Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back.
… moreMarco
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wow, this place is easily the best I’ve found in the Dubuque area. I’ve been to Colombia many times, so it was such a great surprise to come across a spot with truly authentic Colombian food, amazing coffee, and delicious sweets. Everything tastes just right and at the right prices.
The people here are incredibly kind and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. It’s the kind of place that just feels good to be in.
Since discovering it last week, I’ve already been back four times It’s definitely a must-visit if you’re in Dubuque
the orange juice, arepas and empanadas are a must! Also, super convenient that they sell colectivo coffee beans so no more trips to Madison needed
… moreMindful Reviewer
I haven’t had a chance to try the food yet, but if it’s anything like their drinks, I can’t wait. The golden latte is perfectly smooth and well balance. And the limeade is super refreshing and bright. I always make sure to stop here while I’m on a brain break/walk from work. The cafe itself is quaint and inviting, the kind of place that makes you want to stick around. The staff is genuinely kind, and you can tell they work well together, always stepping in to help one another and making the atmosphere feel warm and welcoming. Dubuque is really lucky to have this little gem. I’m already looking forward to my next visit.
… moreSidnie Morris
My husband and I stopped here on our way home from Galena and it was the best way to end our vacation! Even though there is not much seating options, the food and coffee make up for it. We loved the empanadas, guava donut and the yucca fries are always a must!
… moreRebekah Rauch
friendly staff and great food!! We got three empanadas each, and they came with garlic aoili and a cilantro lime sauce which was a delicious addition. The meat was perfect!! I don’t usually do well with spice and got mine “spicy,” but I could handle it just fine – the spice didn’t overpower flavor (which the meal was full of)!
We also got *freshly squeezed* orange juice, which was AMAZING, and an americano. I had never had coffee with a meal like this before, but I would recommend the pairing because the americano and empanadas together were delicious.
I got to meet the owner, staff was very friendly, and you can tell they are eager to open next week!
… morePeter Swanson
What a little gem of a place. The mini donuts were divine and this is probably the best coffee shop I’ve been to in Dubuque, for my money.
Highly recommend.
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