La Palapa in New York
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New York, New York County, New York, US
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Site: http://lapalapa.com/
- Monday:12–10PM
- Tuesday:12–11PM
- Wednesday:12–11PM
- Thursday:12–11PM
- Friday:12–11PM
- Saturday:11AM–11PM
- Sunday:11AM–10PM
We found La Palapa on the internet and it was just a coincidence that we chose it. Thanks god we did. The food was absolutely fantastic! The card is a bit confusing first but it’s not a problem at all. The atmosphere was lovely, the staff was friendly and kind. You get water for free and the other drinks are in between a normal price rate. My friend had a margarita which was double amount of a normal one for the same price! We will definitely go there again!!!
One of the downsides of starting with the best item as an appetizer brings up the bar for everything else from then on.First time and finally here at La Palapa. I’m sick so I wanted some Pozole or some Pancita. They didn’t have any so I had the noodle soup. Absolutely exquisite, it remained me of my childhood back in Mexico City. Buuuuut then, I ordered Jicamas, rice and beans and taquitos de papa...The potatoes inside the tacos were very salty, the jicamas were fresh and juicy but when you add the cilantro, that flavor takes over; lime, salt and hot sauce is all you need, oh and my rice was over cooked. I didn’t order dessert this time. The service saved the night... as usual.
Well, I would have given this place a one star, but I wont because they did provide us a table last minute or a big group and the birthday shot. Other than that, one on the drinks. The house tequila was horrendous. Really, whats in it? The margarita felt like it was watered down. The food, was lacking in flavor , guac had no lime. Really. Just one disappointment after the other...they definitely need to do research on the authenticity of their cuisine. Hate to say it, the atmosphere was was great and really went in expecting a lot better.
Nice environs, ok food, excellent happy hour.This place is, kinda, the epitome of the NYC Mexican Food experience.- The margeritas are big and boozy- the food is a mish-mosh of, well, everything Mexican- mind you, the food isnt particularly good. It aint bad either, but it certainly isnt all that good- the peoples/environs are niceTheyre almost interchangeable really, which is kinda sad.Oh well...
This is an update. Been going here for about 19 years and never disappointed! The Pre Fixe brunch has only gone up about $6 or $7 in almost 2 decades with the meals being just as flavorful and increasing in options. Its also a great place for anyone who loves margaritas, as they have many awesome flavors including hibiscus, tamarind, wild blueberry, ginger and many more! They also have great deals like $10 pitchers of sangria and happy hour bar food as well as drinks. Great place for authentic cuisine and a happy, friendly atmosphere! Do yourself a favor and visit!
OK, so this place is perfect for a fun tasty traditional mexican food. It’s an upscale version of the cheap Mexican we all love w a solid bar and quirky adjustment, like the duck mole. I give it five stars if you’re looking for good food, a lively scene, and good value for money. It’s not Michelin starred five quality but it really hits the nail on the head for me in terms of comfort mexican and has for 15 yrs.
I’ve lived in nyc for a decade, and this might have been the best restaurant experience i’ve ever had in the city! their restaurant week deal is pretty insane... for $21, you get a ridiculous amount of food. but even if you order off of their normal menu, their food is SO good. the different salsas were amazing, the guac was so delicious, the chips were great, tacos were great, quesadillas were great, and really, everything we tried was fantastic. the margarita menu is so much fun & has so many different flavors, and they were easily able to make one of them with mezcal. the back patio was great, and we were seated right at the time of our reservation. but above all else, our server was SO fantastic. he was also serving a 20-person party on the patio, but he constantly made sure that he was checking on us as well. and he was so friendly! and the food came so quickly, despite how busy the restaurant seemed. this was the type of service that you’d expect at a high-end restaurant, and we were so impressed with how he handled all of his tables! we will definitely be back!!!!!!!
Went to this spot b/c someone said they had great margaritas. The best thing about this spot is the guacamole and the chips. The drinks were pretty basic, nothing spectacular at all. The service, decor, and ambiance was pretty good though. Didn’t have the food but I don’t think I’d go back to check it out.
It is not often I give 5 stars to anything. I don’t give 100% as a teacher either. There is always room for improvement.Not here.Everything was absolutely perfect, from start to finish. We were quite late to our reservation due to a sudden rainstorm, yet were still seated within 30 minutes. Everyone was incredibly hospitable, offering us sanitizer as we made our way back to a darling table in the enclosed backyard. The servers were kind, funny, and helpful. The pitcher margaritas were fast to come out, and absolutely delicious. The guacamole was the freshest I’ve tasted out of Mexico, and the tacos were just as tasty. Though on the pricier side, they were large-format and I could only finish 2 of my 3 (‘til this morning!).Thank you, thank you, for welcoming us and making my friend’s birthday so wonderful, particularly during such turbulent times.Sorry the picture isn’t great— I was too busy enjoying 😁
I loved the atmosphere, it was very cozy with a friendly vibe. You can either just hang at the bar or have a meal at the tables. I brought my husband for his birthday, we both never been here, but as soon as we entered we absolutely loved the way it represented Mexican culture. My husband and I are Mexican and even we were surprised on how authentic the food and the atmosphere was. The only criticism we had was the flavoring of some meats. Although the portion of each meal wasnt too much or too little, it was just right to fill you up. The service was excellent, they were always attentive and very friendly. Ill definitely be coming back!!
4 people in my party, each one sent the dish back to the kitchen because of how salty it was. Terrible quality food, weak drinks, $365 bill. How this passes as 4 stars is beyond me. Probably all those 24 year olds who just moved to NYC having their first fine dining experience.
Came on a busy Friday night. Made reservations and didnt have to wait to long. Margaritas are decent and strong. Ordered Guac for appetizer which was made to order and good. Fajitas and first tacos for dinner. Both a bit bland... Needed some type of seasoning or sauce, especially the fajitas. Service was good and good came out quick despite the how busy the place was.
This place was outstanding. They serve up a truly sensational Mexican brunch. I had the chilaquiles verdes with perfectly cooked over-easy eggs, and a Mexican Coke. Strange combo, I know, but I didnt feel like drinking alcohol. Their house sauces are incredibly delicious. Our server was very nice and attentive. Best of all, the price was staggeringly cheap for what we got. I almost felt guilty!
Its our regular place for years for its happy hour $5 margarita and its happy hour $4 snacks. Not until recently, they increased their price on their menu but we still went and enjoyed their drinks and snacks. The famous margarita is the frozen mango margarita, the bloody orange also good, the tamarind margarita too. The drinks I also recommend was the sangria, white and red (although they are a little too strong for me). The snacks I always ordered were the calamari and the plantains (my favorite). All my coworkers knew I would always ordered these two things everytime i went there. I got the nickname the calamari lady. must try if you are around the area and during the happy hour 4p-7p Monday-friday.
Definitely keep coming back to this East village Mexican spot in part for the frozen margarita selection and the 6 dollar happy hour. The fish tacos are a must here to go with the drinks, and its fun to sit and see the magic at the bar with the different cocktails that are made.
Been to La Palapa on several occasions and can now say its my favorite happy hour place in the East Village. The food is delicious, the drinks are great quality (none of that watered-down BS), the service is quick, and the Happy Hour deals rock! (The bartender isnt bad either ;)
Outstanding food and service! I ordered from this place to cater for a little get together with some co-workers and I couldnt believe the attentive service I received from Barbara, Judy & co. I chose the pickup option and had misjudged the weight of my order. Barbara helped me carry my items and waited with me till I got in a cab! Highly recommend.
Good bar/restaurant focusing on cuisine from central Mexico, so a little unfamiliar if you are expecting your average burrito. Be adventurous if you come here. My main complaint is that the bar crowd during their happy hour can be very noisy. There is a back room that I would recommend if you want to actually talk to someone while dining.
One of those happy hours I almost dont want to tell you about in fear it will get too popular! $5 margaritas and not just any but frozen! I love frozen margaritas and have recently found them very hard to find. They had a bunch of awesome flavors to choose from and even mix up like Ginger with Blood Orange! So good!
Very disappointing avocado and toast, quite unacceptable really. Unfortunately we also had a rude waiter, who when asked about items on the menu answered abruptly and with disdain. It seems this restaurant is now under new management as the food wasnt this bad on previous occasions. Average overpriced tacos. Bottomless brunch is way overpriced considering the quality food and beverages you can get elsewhere and only lasts 1h30min. Best to steer clear.
Ive been coming to La palapa for years. Only for brunch. I love in Brooklyn and for some reason only have brunch there. Its always completely constantly and fantastic. All the food is amazing. Drinks are great and the prices are really affordable. I really need to stop in for dinner at this point.
I hosted a surprise engagement dinner for 22 friends and Sofia at La Palapa was amazing in helping me coordinate this from the UK. The setting and table layout was just perfect on the beach. Due to our group size, I chose 2 selections of starters, main and dessert which were then printed on personalised menus for the happy couple, something I wasnt expecting and they loved this wonderful keep sake. The food was outstanding, the best we had in Puerto Vallarta, we had the lobster bisque, pork, la palapa shrimp, chicken, chocolate pudding and lemon tart, yum! We opted for the inclusive mid drinks selection however as it was happy hour, I suspect we would have been better ordering from the bar, still, its a great offer. Thanks again to the team for a most memorable and fabulous experience
This place has great brunch specials. I also love that they have a delicious mole sauce, which is difficult to find in New York. I was also impressed by the margaritas. Not the most amazing Mexican food Ive ever had, but definitely adequate for the price range and atmosphere. I will go back when Im craving mole!
Good and attentive service. Young New Yorkers seem to love this place because it was packed. Everyone in our party was happy with their order. My tilapia was on the salty side. Marguerita is home made and good. We also ordered some wine. Definitely not a place to order wine!
Ordered food for pickup which was estimated to be ready in 15-25 minutes. I showed up at that time and was told to wait. 1 hr and 15 mins and 3 requests of where my food was later, still had nothing. I was told after 1.5 hrs to speak to the owner. Multiple people had showed up after me, including people who did not order ahead. She told me my food was taken by another guest. I responded asking what to do at that point. She got snippy with me and basically told me my name was called and the food was taken. She said my name was called and that I didn’t get my food because I didn’t hear my name implying that it was my fault (it was never called). She gave the impression she was being generous by offering to make my order again or offer a gift card (no refund) despite the fact they never gave me my order. It came off very snippy and condescending. I took the food option and was told it would be put to the front of the line. The owner 10 minutes later called my name and gave me a free marg to which I was surprised and appreciative. She then snipped that she “tried to make good” and that I was “unappreciative of them making good” that they made a mistake given that I gave off no impression that I couldn’t understand a mistake. The owner continued to be rude. It proceeded to take an additional 45 mins (3 hours after the original order time and 2.5 after the later end of the estimated time) to prep the order. The remaining employees were great and I understand that mistakes happen but the attitude from the owner was extremely off putting. I will not order again as I don’t want my order going into the owners pockets. The food was pretty good but there are plenty of places in the city that are pretty good or better with nicer owners.
The place was really cute. The food was pretty bland though. I’ve never tasted bad guac before and this was the first time , lacked salt and some lime (the basics). I got the enchiladas de mole and nothing impressive , again pretty bland. Overall , it was kind of expensive for bland food. Don’t think I’d eat here again.
We just arrived in NY and walking by we saw this place. The place is really cute and it was full, so we thought it must be good. We got a table easy and we ordered. The menu looks interesting. Here comes the food, nice presentation but NO TASTE. A huge disappointment. It was disgusting and tasteless. We order the Enchilada de Carne and the duck breast dish, awful, beside that its extremely overpriced. Bottom line, bad and expensive! I believe that the only reason people go are for the drinks, not the food.
Breezy, outdoor seating and an interesting drinks selection. Ive not tried the food but for a bar on St Marks the drinks are good; you can pick and choose ingredients for a frozen margarita or on the rocks.Micheladas (Mexican style of preparing beer with sauces/condiments) are available on the menu! Would come back
Really nothing special about the food and drinks except the price. $15 margaritas, $6 tacos, $24 entrees. The front was wide open and it was so cold in there that I had to keep my jacket zipped up. (I had wanted to wrap it around my head to muffle the din of the younger set who had assembled there.) The room was cold and so was my dinner.Granted the portions are large but I cant imagine Ill ever eat my leftovers because the food really wasnt very good.
My friends and I chose this spot for a fun girls dinner. I ordered the mahi mahi tacos and was GREATLY disappointed. They lacked taste and seasoning. The guacamole felt pre-packaged and was way too expensive. Although service was good, the food was very poor. Do Not Recommend.
Fabulous brunch. A selection of a wide assortment of Mexican cuisine that gets adventurous with flavors and combinations. Try the chicken mole or one of their huevos dishes. The owner is very kind and chats up the guests as she did with us. The service is great and the atmosphere is relaxed with a fun vibe
The enchiladas were soggy and swimming in green sauce. I get what theyre trying to do but it seemed too much for such a big plate, it felt almost like a soup. My friend ordered a torta with beef and it was around $18, included rice and beans but for all of that, it wasnt that extraordinary to charge that for a sandwich and the side. It was ok, but not the best Ive had.My husbands back hurt after the meal, those chairs arent ergonomic, rigid wood and small. I get that they dont want customers to linger, but they shouldnt cause back aches either.Ill go to Jackson Heights and have real Mexican food, the closest to Mexican without Mexico I guess. Up
An truly authentic Mexican Restaurant with a welcoming feeling as if you are truly in Mexico but in New York City! This charming restaurant is located downtown with the most amazing enchiladas I have had, amazing cocktails by award-winning chef and owner Barbara Sibley! Truly a gem and one that I always love going to whenever I have the opportunity! A must try if you are in New York City!
The place is really cute, with really nice staff. But the food is a little bland, and the drinks are water down or too sour. Also, the music is so loud, that we have to be screaming at each others. This place should be a spanish restaurant and all we heard was rapping music.
La Palapa has amazing happy hour special for their delicious margaritas. I recommend the blood orange margarita! The bartenders and wait staff are all friendly and knowledgeable and are more than eager to suggest a flavor when you cant decide from the amazing choices!
This upscale Mexican Restaurant is a Gem. The dishes are unusual not the typical Mexican fare. I am an ex New Yorker , now living in California and never miss a chance when in NYC to dine at La Palapa . I was there three weeks ago and welcomed warmly by the staff and the charming owner Chef Barbara Sibley. Drinks are generous and the Vibe is warm and friendly.
Waste of time and money, go to the taquria next door instead. Walked in, sat down, the host acted like I did something wrong by sitting at the bar. No carnitas at a taco joint??? Should have left then. Ordered a house margarita which was $12, awful and small, finished in about 5 minutes, paid. Went next door and had another $8 amazing and large margarita and some carnitas and lamb tacos which were excellent.
Service: upon arrival they have proposed to us a table in the back room - not at all very charming - without even offering the choice to be seated in the main room, in spite of two free tables. we had to ask explicitly to be seated where we preferred.food: not worth the price.its a shame because the restaurant atmosphere is rather charming, although very noisy inside.
I love this place.I went here for the second time last weekend, but the first time for brunch and was so impressed.Such a nice change from the usual eggs and hashbrowns breakfast. I had Huevos Rancheros I believe with the tomatillo salsa. It was amazing crispy tortillas on black beans with eggs, guac, and cheese. I will be back to order this specifically.I love the different salsas they offer, and especially if youre looking for a great place to come for bunch without the endless lines you find just a few doors down at Mogador for example, this is the place.
First time here today, ordered guacamole, Pollo con platanos, and tres leche (cake). Our main dish was so delicious, apparently a family recipe which makes it even better. Guac was pretty basic, dessert was delicious. Will be returning to try something else/Sangria Sunday.
Sooo good when youre craving some mexican food! The margaritas were amazing.. a little expensive but GREAT drinks. They give you free salsa and chips and will make guac your way. But the Enchiladas Verdes will put all of the other food TO SHAME. You cannot beat them. Delicious all around. Worth the money.
Ive been to La Palapa a few times now and each time it was to have a drink and a few appetizers or antojitos. Guacomole, fried calamari and taquitos are among my favorites here. As for the drinks, the Red Sangria and the margaritas, especially the blood orange margarita are top notch.Fair warning: It gets quite loud in here after 5pm.
Total reviews rating 4.2
199 Reviews for La Palapa 2023:
Review №1
2022-05-22Great dinner at La Palapa! Guac and Pico De Gallo with Cumin Chips, Sangria with Hibiscus, Brisket Quesadillas, and churros. Everything was fresh and delicious! Andrew was the friendliest and best waiter too ... we will be back to try more!
Review №2
2022-07-08Great experience especially the $5 00 Margarita! So good I had to have 4 Mango Margaritas... Yummy! Food was delicious had Tacos and a Mango Salmon Ceviche
Review №3
2022-04-0820 dollar burrito! Absurd. Not a bad burrito but not particularly special. No sides or anything, I had to pay for chips separately. Two stars as it wasn’t bad but it was simply average and horrendously overpriced.
Review №4
2021-06-27Walked in this Mexican restaurant on a whim to escape the heat. I was seated next to other people in tight quarters. I ordered a steak burrito which was ok it was pretty spicy which overwhelmed the guacamole and bean taste. It has nice Mexican theme
Review №5
2022-07-07Appetizers were good but the food was mediocre and bland. I got the guava margarita but all I tasted was margarita. Plus my boyfriend found the bartenders hair in his rum and coke.
Review №6
2022-07-17Brunch food was not good, had French toast, my friends had the huevo’s rancheros. I rate the French toast 4/10 and the huevos rancheros a 3/10 because it was too soupy. Service was good, no complaints, and the drinks were strong, just not worth the price of the bottomless brunch
Review №7
2020-01-12Had a delicious dinner here in the bustling East Village. Amazing menu with lots of very interesting Mexican dishes. It’s quite a scene so I suggest making reservations and it can be a little noisy but I highly recommend it. Service was really good and friendly. Food was delicious. It’s pricey but to be expected in New York City.
Review №8
2021-06-04Not a bottomless brunch (as we originally thought) for the $38 special, but a pitcher per person which was solid too. The drinks were strong although not great tasting.I got the huevos rancheros & they were actually pretty tasty! We also shared the churros, flan, and tres leches for the table. The churros were okay, tres leches was pretty bad, but the flan was delicious (I don’t normally love flans).The staff was polite but not super attentive. They’re still serving pretty much everything disposable (except for the plates) which I was not a fan of.......so wasteful.Also they’re Mexican but don’t have pinto beans at all in the whole restaurant? Kinda strange
Review №9
2019-04-28A cute and very authentic Mexican spot in east village. Went there for a late brunch. Our server was incredibly sweet and helpful. Noting that I could get only vegetarian options or fish, she guided me through the menu and even offered to get me a Virgin pina colada. My friends who were with me also loved the place. We got the following dishes:1. Guac with nachos - fresh and creamy2. Corn on the cob - covered with cheese and lemon and spice3. Eggs on top of a base of corn and beans in a gravy sauce - really filling !4. Fish tacos - fresh but a little overpriced5. One friend got a chorizo quesadilla which she loved.The three sauces served on the side were delicious.For drinks I got an iced coffee, another friend got a margherita which they are know for and another got some tea.Service was prompt even though the place was super full! We got nice seats near the window.Great for big groups. Sadly the meat was not halal.
Review №10
2021-05-19My friend and I stopped here just for drinks on a 6 de mayo and the waitperson was very accomodating. i especifically appreciated that were never rushed by anyone + that we never felt like we needed to order up despite the fact that the restaurant got busy soon after we secured a table. however, bc we did keep ordering drinks, i was able to notice minor changes to the same drink i continued ordering- less ice, no lime or no foam at dif. rounds. little details like the ones mentioned do make a difference on a drink as good as the mezcalotón. iu it must be difficult making one drink the same way on multiple occasions but consistency is key when offering a cocktail menu. i have dined here before and this restaurant offers good drinks + food if you are in this area, it also has friendly waitstaff.