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Papa Jose's Union Cafe ~ Pueblo, Colorado


Latest visit: Dec 2025

First visit: Jul 2009

Papa Jose's Union Cafe is another restaurant in Pueblo, like Rita's, that I've infrequently been to. This is only my third visit in 16 years, the other two Mrs. RJG was with me. We really enjoyed our first two trips here, so it's curious that it's taken me so long to get back. However, as stated before, Pueblo is loaded with good restaurants, and I'm not here all that much. I'm still trying for once a month now that I'm retired, but that doesn't always happen regardless. The restaurant is in downtown, near B Street Cafe, another RJG favorite that I don't get to as much as I would prefer. I used the same public parking lot. That's another aspect of Pueblo I love - free downtown parking.


In the past, Papa Jose's was counter service, but today they seat you and full service commences. And good service at that. Though they serve beer, I was here for an early lunch (they open at 11, and that's when I arrived), so I just settled on water. Ordered chips and salsa (not complimentary) and an Adobado Burrito. The chips were excellent, crispy and tasty. The salsa is super good, very piquant red. Reminds me of the salsas we get in New Mexico. And a huge plus is they provide a chilled squirt bottle, so you can add as much salsa to your bowl as you wish, without constantly bothering the server for more. You get your money's worth. The burrito was huge (see to your right pictured with the red salsa), doused in the spicy green (you have a choice of a few more milder smothers). Very flavorful, and you can taste the green chile's. The adobado was tender and also possesses a slightly spicy taste. Reminds me of Mrs. RJG's brisket, though this is pork not beef. I ate the whole basket of chips and devoured that burrito. And I didn't feel stuffed, pointing to the quality of the ingredients. Even though the chips weren't free, I walked out with a $10 meal plus tip. An absolute bargain in this day and age.

This is a must stop when in Pueblo. Adding to the growing list of must stops. Into the RJG Rotation goes Papa Jose's Union Cafe.

7/18/09; 10/20/18; 12/5/25 (new entry)

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