Food was muy bueno!! Server was in great mood, we had our two year old with us and waiter made sure we had an extra plate for him.... I would recommend this place to anyone who likes good Mexican food. I love the look of a hole in the wall restaurant with great food and servers!!
(5)
Jason T.
Great Merikanized greasy Mexican food. Their salsa is great. Their refried beans are very good ( LARD makes things good) The rest of the food we've had is cheesy and crispy in all the right places. Like I said not terribly authentic, but it fills the void when you have that craving for American style Mexican food.
(3)
Chelsea W.
The first time I went to la Palma it was pretty decent food but the second time there was way too much cheese. As if that's possible right? It was almost like there was more cheese then other ingredients on all three items we ordered (nachos, enchilada, burrito). I would still go back because the service was good and maybe the too much cheese time was a random accident.
(2)
Matt R.
Everything about La Palma is all sorts of meh...... This is your typical microwaved food Mexican joint. I'm not saying Mexican restaurants who rely on microwaves are bad- they have their place- but for $15 a plate- you expect something a little better. Standard chips and salsa for free when you arrive. Below average selection of tequila and certainly NO mezcal on the menu. The Chile Relleno isn't what you would expect- it's downright misleading. It's an enchilada with a strip of poblano pepper in it. Service was hit and miss. Empty water glasses.... Empty chip basket. The guy was awfully prompt when it came to bringing the bill though..... I would go just about anywhere else for Mexican food before going back to La Palma.
(2)
Babs B.
I base my star ratings on whether a place lives up to the type of place it attempts to be. La Palma is not a gourmet or hip Mexican restaurant. This is old school Americanized Mexican food with lots of beans, cheese, rice, etc. a good value, quick service, good chips and salsa and super friendly waiters. Order the scratch margarita and it comes with a good pour of Hornitos, and is perfectly balanced. Not much to say about the food. It's fine, not great, but exactly what you expect from a place who's decor looks like it hasn't been updated since 1975.
(4)
Ali D.
Yuck. Just, yuck! I came to La Palma not by choice but to be a good sport with a group of friends who insisted we go here. I tried to be open-minded. The decor and overall look of the restaurant didn't even turn me off. I'm not scared of a hole-in-the-wall with amazing food but La Palma, sadly, was not one of them. The salsa was clearly straight out of a jar and lacking in any sort of zesty flavor. The chips were stale and definitely not homemade. We live in a place that's highly abundant with restaurants that take the time to make homemade items to take their restaurant to the next level so I've come to expect it and will hold it against you if you can't measure up. ESPECIALLY if the store-bought chips you serve are stale. Come on, people, there is no excuse for that. I love my greasy, dirty Mexican food as much as the next person but there's a fine line between your typical greasy spoon and a plate of food that has your stomach churning just by looking at it. My rice and beans were oily and had way too much cheese in them (this coming from a cheese lover). The nachos we shared as a group were practically a plate of cheese. The guac, pico, sour cream and lettuce accompaniments weren't even fresh or homemade which made the cheesy, greasy chips completely unappetizing. On top of that, the food wasn't cheap ($12 for a plate of rice and beans and a portion of nachos). I also was extremely turned off by the service we received. I realize our server was trying to be "funny" by heckling us each time he approached the table to order tequila and margaritas but good lord, no means NO. It's not cute or funny and it ultimately just took my poor dining experience over the edge therefore resulting in this one star rating.
(1)
David M.
Excellent food and great service. Very well priced and their lunch special runs to 4 pm.
(5)
J M.
Such great authentic food... Friendly staff and always busy. Don't go here if you are looking for Mexican American cuisine... This place is legit
(5)
Ken S.
This is the first time I've been to this restaurant. So I really did not know what to expect. I walk to the door and I was seated right away. Waiter came by and I asked for some recommendations he gave me three.I went with the carne Asada burrito.while I waited for my meal I ate the chips and salsa both were very tasty. My burrito arrived and all I can say is ,oh my God. It was huge. So I immediately expected the burrito to be filled with rice and beans with very little meat, I couldn't be more wrong. The Carne Asada was tender and juicy the burrito was fantastic and I'd have it again in a heartbeat. Service was great the price was even better the food was outstanding can't wait to come back.
(5)
SeaProps S.
One of my favorite dine in Mexican restaurants in Seattle! The fajitas are my go to order. The service is always great and so are the margaritas! Honestly never had a bad meal here in probably close to 50 trips. Go try it now!!!
(5)
Audi B.
Horrible food. I order through a delivery service and was extremely disappointed. Do not waste your time and money. I had the chicken enchilada's and my wife had the steak fajitas. It's disappointing because we just moved to the area with hopes to find good Mexican food and it didn't happen.
(1)
Phuong B.
Wow this restaurant is one of the most legitimate Mexican restaurant in Seattle! Trust me, I went with someone from Mexico and she agrees! We immediately noticed that the exterior of the restaurant was already "Mexican". Nicely put, it looked like it belong in the nicer part of Tijuana..... But it had a unique charm to it. The service here is superior. Upon entering, we were greeted in Spanish nonetheless. Gave me the perfect opportunity to practice my rusty skills. We ended up chit chatting with the greeter in Spanish for a few minutes and were promptly seated. The server was super nice as well and we also spoked in Spanish. He came back and forth throughout lunch to check up on us and chatted like we've known him for years! It was definitely nice to have a waiter talk to you like you are close friends! Sure, half of us didn't understand anything but it was quite refreshing actually. Food was okay, nothing spectacular. Portions are huge and really filling and fatty. We went for lunch and I was in a food coma for about three hours afterwards. I definitely recommend splitting a plate as you'll get really sick of it after a few bites. But the service makes up for the food.
The food and drinks are great. We love the food. The waitet was great with his service. The place was great as well.
(5)
Carla C.
Best chimichangas ever! We love this place...its been our regular dive for years! Grandma always gets her double margaritas and they are awesome. They have had the same staff forever and they are so nice! They always bring us the habanero salsa to challenge our tastebuds. If you have never been, make it a point to go and try it out!
(5)
John M.
Better than it looks. Ate at La Palma the other day and it was pretty good. I have seen this place sitting along side 15th for a while but never ventured in. The exterior isn't the most inviting in the world. The inside, is typical american style mexican...and you know sometimes that is what you are in the mood for. When you are La Palma satisfies and is certainly a better bet than the typical American Mexican. The burrito was huge the GF liked the steak mexicana.
(4)
Andrea K.
Awesome ambiance, nice staff. Had the cream cheese chicken delight which sounds weird but was really good.
(5)
Samara L.
The service is good, and the food is PHENOMENAL. This is Washington, not California, and this is by far the best Mexican food in Seattle. If you like fried: the chicken chimichanga is tender, juicy and delicious. I think about it for days after eating here... The only thing they'd need to do for a 5th star is clean the upholstery on their booths :)
(4)
Skyler D.
We have driven by this place for YEARS and have always been a more than a little hesitant to stop in. Well, a co-worker recommended the place and we needed to wait out the football traffic so we decided to give it a try. We weren't disappointed, in fact, we were quite pleased. It's like going back in time... to the age of 1970's 'Family' Mexican Restaurants. It felt comfy and cozy, the staff were super friendly and welcoming, the food was tasty, and the margaritas had the right amount of booze. Don't hesitate to stop in to La Palma. I'm pretty sure you'll like it. I know we'll be back.
(4)
Reina K.
Went last night and had the Chicken Fajitas for two. The staff is always friendly and courteous. Service was quick and food hot and tastey. The roasted jalapenos we had on the side were delicious.
(5)
Curtis S.
Place checks out. They got strong margaritas. Strooooooooooong margaritas. Like strooooooong. Strong. Yelp said my review is too short so I'm just going to blabber about stuff. Potato chips are really just thin fries potato pancakes. This should do it for yelp length.
(5)
Andrew Z.
My family loves La Palma, we've been going there for about 8 years. Great staff, we love the decor. The salsa is very yummy. The only downfall for me is there's not much pork on the menu.
(4)
Michael G.
Excellent Mexican food! The Margaritas were cheap and quite delicious. Loved the Enchilads and the chips and salsa. The staff was very friendly. My lady loved her tacos as well!
(4)
Damien S.
La Palma is a quality Mexican restaurant. They've got the best Arroz Con Pollo around. The staff is always welcoming and friendly.
(5)
Daniel S.
I'm originally from San Antonio and my parents are from Mexico. This is some of the best Mexican food I've found in Seattle. Aside from the food, the wait staff is awesome as well. I highly recommend checking this place out.
(5)
Dan P.
The most average place you can think of, IMO. I went in for lunch and ordered the quesadilla with chicken. It was very large, but absolutely bland. It has no color or crisp on the outside, lots of very bland cheese, and some amount of equally bland chicken. The best thing about my lunch was the Dos Equis beer - from a bottle. I might go back to try their Carne Asada - I hear it's really good. But not likely.
(2)
Audra B.
After our last experience here I have no choice but to mark this restaurant's ratings down severely. What we experienced at our last meal here, was nothing short of sexual harassment. It went beyond the usual flirtations that we have received here in the past. I won't go into details, but I strongly recommend women do not dine here alone.
(1)
Jill S.
I recently went to La Palma after not having been for a long time. What a welcome surprise. The service and food were as good as ever. The multi-floor configuration makes the place feel roomy, and you don't feel like your conversations are being heard by the people next to you. I had the steak tacos--the meat was nicely seasoned, spicy, but not too spicy. Portions are generous and service is attentive and friendly. And can I just say their refried beans are VERY good. They have a much richer, savory flavor, unlike other restaurants where the beans can be pasty. I don't live near here, but I would say it's definitely worth going out of the way.
(4)
Sabrina K.
Tried this place for the first time only because I had a business meeting in the area. When I was told, "the restaurant's on the hill" they weren't kidding. It's literally made of multi levels up a very steep hill ~ if you have a margarita or two, hold onto the stair rail very tight when leaving. If you slip ~ there's a metal grate at the bottom of the stairs to stop you from rolling down to 15th. No kidding! Staff were great but unaware of "vegetarian"...they've got one choice of beans and "they only have a little bit of lard". Hmmmm. Well, I opted for their cheese enchilada with green tomatillo sauce and a side salad. Cheese was grated cheddar and hadn't melted sufficiently. Tomatillo sauce was ok. Complimentary chips and salsa were excellent.
(2)
Cynthia L.
I detest writing poor reviews on a business but this is actually for your health and overall well-being. Four of us tried La Palma yesterday (received high marks on Yelp) and two of us were sick THROUGH THE NIGHT. But, let me back up: We got there before the dinner hour, so there was plentiful parking. Once inside, for some reason, the staff had trouble figuring out where to seat us. (There were like, 6 people in the whole place.) I am thinking it was because they didn't want us to see into their kitchen--a veritable Temple of Doom. We were seated and given chips and "salsa". I didn't know ketchup, canned tomato sauce and taco sauce mixed together was considered salsa. By far, the worst I've ever had. Regarding the entrees, I'm only going to comment on my food but know that all but one of us were more than a little horrified by the food. But, we were so hungry, we ate some of it anyways. I ate Polla la Crema, which 1) came with corn tortillas that I'm sure were recycled from another table. You think I'm kidding? I'm not. room temperature, dry, and leathery--cracked even... 2) the chicken had been pre-cooked waaay in advance. I can't tell you how how many days (!) prior but it wasn't fresh; that's for sure. I couldn't eat the rice and beans, which I'm sure would have only added to my digestive dilemma even more so later. Bummed out by poor food and an odd waiter that would only look at us in a sidelong manner, we get the bill: over $60 for 4 people!! There are so many other things I would have done besides eat there for $60!...Brand my inner eyelids, fill up my gas tank and drive 120 mph into a brick wall...the possibilities are endless. Then finally, the coup de grace. I am actually laid up in bed STILL as I write this, and know that in order to actually publish this review, I'm going to have to get off my phone and publish via laptop. I don't think I can make it past the bathroom... Please folks, while reading the 5-star ratings here, take special heed of the low ratings--they are not flukes!
(1)
Liliane E.
I pride myself on honesty, so here goes. I love love love Mexican food, but this is by far the worse I've ever had. We came tot his place for lunch, and being that I wasn't super hungry, my co-worker and I shared their super nachos. Cheese, 2 slices of tomato, guacamole, sour cream and re-fried beans. There was a more than generous amount of toppings, but the cheese was very very greasy. When I say greasy, I mean there was a pool of yellow grease hiding under the chips. So greasy, that the cheese wasn't sticking to the chips. I felt gross after eating the nachos. This weird and unpleasant after taste of grease and beans stayed with me all afternoon.
(1)
Adam B.
As a previous Magnolia resident, La Palma became my home away from home. Is two nights a week too much?? Quite the contrary, it's not enough. The wait staff is so friendly that they treated me to one-too-many tequila shots when I went here on my 30th birthday. (Thanks Raphael!) These guys know how to make an excellent margarita...and BIG! Ask for the Grande size and one should be plenty for most patrons. Their fajitas are hands down the best dinner item on the menu. One serving is usually enough for two people. Combine that with the Queso Fondito as an appetizer and you have what can only be called "The perfect meal".
(5)
Geoffrey C.
Quirky atmosphere/building, but in an endearing sort of way. Friendly service. The food is what you might expect from a family-oriented, Americanized Mexican establishment far north of the border. Fajitas were tasty, but the generous portion sizes verified a 'quantity over quality' credo. Recommended if one is feeling in the mood to over-imbibe in a manner unsavory Gringos in Cancun might believe to be an appropriate Mexican experience--the loud table of drunken teenagers next to us appeared consistent with this approach ...
(3)
Nicholas G.
Wonderful food and drinks. The house margarita was delicious and well priced. The staff is really friendly and the restaurant has a very "home" feeling to it. The only advise I can provide is to make sure to tell them "no lettuce" on anything you order as they put lettuce on everything (including a quesedilla??!!)
(5)
Dennis R.
Nice people and good service. The food was not great though. Had high hopes!
(2)
D C.
This place is fantastic. I'll keep it simple. The food is delicious and plentiful. The service is always friendly and even though they use the same jokes, surprisingly, they make me smile every time. The place is not the prettiest place but it's not ugly. C'mon, let's keep it real. It's a great place and it's definitely one of my staples. So people that have never been there because they thought it was a two floor apartment building, if you like Mexican food, check it out. It's delicioso.
(5)
Edward P.
Prices are fair with large portions. Service quality is very dependant upon the server, but is generally average to great. Food is tasty, but not outstanding. Great place for some cerveza or a margarita. Notably, one of the few reasonable Tex-Mex places we've found near us. Other restaurants typically serve food closer to authentic Mexican.
(4)
Bridget B.
I love the weird decor in this place. It's SUPER dark and the ceilings feel really low but what a great setting for chips and salsa! I've been here before and I'm never very impressed by the fair however, this time I ordered a simple $8 dish of seasoned meat, cheese topped with iceburg lettuce and sour cream -- it was REALLY delicious, low carb and cheap. I would definitely order this again. I had half of it for lunch the next day and I never have leftovers (generous proportions!) Their chips are OK -- mine were a little cold. The server made the requisite, "Diet Coke and Rum" joke when I ordered a diet coke. They can't help themselves :) Personally I feel I can get this same joke and better food at the same price down the street at El Ranchon in Magnolia!
(3)
Stephen S.
WOW, server decided to pad his tip and added on an extra $3.00 to his tip. Just reviewed my credit card bill and thankfully I have my copy from the restaurant. Shocked! Wonder how often this happens. He disappeared for the last 20 minutes of the visit. I left him a decent tip for the service anyway. I was a regular at this location but certainly will not be back now. Food was only mediocre this visit
(1)
Eve T.
Good Mexican food without all the greasy mess. Very generous portions, you can easily share a dish with someone else. Chimichanga was fried perfectly. One star docked because although the waiter was really friendly and attentive, he wouldn't leave our table alone to savor our foods. He stopped by every 5 min to strike up a conversation about who's paying, where we're from, what language we're going to order in, what other people ordered, etc. Besides that, everything else was delicious.
(4)
Katie K.
La Palma would get a high rating based on service alone. They greet you right as you walk in the door and keep up the friendly attitude throughout your whole visit! It is very close to SPU and convenient to students. My friends and I enjoy walking there to visit Raphael who always says "see you mañana!" The margaritas are fabulous and a great deal during happy hour. We have tried the traditional, strawberry, and peach (which is my favorite). All of the food is pretty typical for Azteca-style Mexican food. The salsa is decent (on the spicy side, which I appreciate) and the guacamole is really good. A great place to go with friends for happy hour!
(4)
S M.
This place is gross and they stole our money. Server was so rude that we left him a very low tip. He added $9 onto the tip and then management failed to send us a refund after promising they would. Don't do it.
(1)
Emily A.
i like non-authentic mexican. hey, i grew up around these parts - we're raised on azteca and las margaritas. this place is so-so. service is more inattentive than just plain bad. food is pretty good, but not worth the miles unless you're already in interbay or at SPU. plenty of parking, which is nice. prices are okay, a little high for what it is and where. solid 3 stars.
(3)
brooke e.
Amazing. I have lived in Seattle for a little over a year now and I always drive by La Palma but I had never tried it because I just didn't know what to expect (I'm from California so I am a bit of a Mexican food snob). My boyfriend and I decided that we would give it a whirl last night and boy, are we happy we did. We split the fajitas for two with chicken and steak. It was delicious and the perfect amount for two (if you like to eat a lot, if you don't, you will probably have left overs). With this deal, each person also gets their own plate of rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce and pico. The flour tortillas they come with are heavenly. They have a large menu so everyone is bound to find something they like. Also, you won't feel bad for hounding down tons of Mexican food here - everything was so fresh and wasn't swimming in grease or cheese, including their tortilla chips which can sometimes be hit or miss. Our server was great too. Very attentive and joked around with us. Made the experience even better. Moral of the story... go!
(5)
Teresita C.
I once had a dream in which I was drowning in cheese and then we went to dinner at La Palma and lo, and behold, my nightmare came true! They actually deserve 2.5 stars because it was certainly edible but not quite palatable. Spreading approximately two inches of cheese over everything does indeed cover a multitude of crimes against food but even with the cheddar blanket I could still tell that the Chile Relleno was all wrong. It was spongy and too thickly dipped in egg, making it more of a Chile omelet, than a Relleno. The chicken in the chicken burritos that my friends ordered was dry, dry like the martini I needed after eating this crazy mess. Service was energetic and pleasant but it just couldn't make up for the food. No mas, por favor.
(2)
Clayton J.
There was a time when I could have eaten Mexican 7 days a week. I love Mexican food and truly miss the days when hot crispy chips and spicy salsa ruled my world. The irony is over the years I passed this place again and again on my way to other Mexican eateries in Ballard. If I'm not mistaken, there was even a Bellevue location at one point, but I could be wrong. I do however remember about 15 years ago a banner hanging outside that read Healthy Mexican Food. That was back during the Fat Free push of the late 90's. However, I let me food to be bathed in fat, that's where the flavor comes from! The portions here was rithickuous! I don't think I have ever had so much meat on a taco platter, however, I needed to use a liberal amount of both salt and pepper to bring the plate to life. The salsa also wasn't that good. It tasted like the canned salsa that you got in the store on the Mexican aisle next to the candles of Patron Saints. All in all, it wasn't bad, but they fell short by cutting a couple corner that would have taken them to the next level. With a better fresh salsa, flavorful meats and faster service, this place could easily become a hot spot. They have potential, but that potential could go either way.
(3)
Kellie C.
Cons: They couldn't make a paloma and the guacamole was incredibly bland tasting. Pros: My shrimp enchiladas were pretty good, and the server was nice, even if I couldn't understand him. They also had Monday night football on.
(2)
Victoria C.
What can I say? La Palma offers you traditional Mexican food in a family atmosphere. PROS: 1. Amazing service. You really are treated like family. The minute we walked in the door, we were greeted by a cheerful man with a tray in his hand, with two glasses of water, chips, and salsa atop it. We were immediately escorted to a table. Damn that's fast. It's like he was peeking out the window to see how many of us there were and prepared his tray while we walked up the steps. The waiter came back often to check on us. Nothing but smiles. 3 stars for service alone. 2. Fast service. Food came out minutes after we ordered. 3. Typical prices. 4. Typical food. Came out piping hot. 5. HUGE portions. An entree is enough for at least two people to leave stuffed. CONS: 1. The food isn't blow-ya-outta-the-water good. It's average. The mole was meh. Kind of flavorless. Very light in color. Not great. Not bad. 2. Dated decor. Kinda dingy. But hey, they just celebrated 35 years in business! We probably wouldn't go out of our way to come here again. But if we are in the area and happen to be craving Mexi food, why not?
(3)
Mike S.
This place gave a coworker and I the squirts.
(1)
Gina C.
Pretty typical Mexican food. Yummy. Nothing stunning. Friendly staff that seem to enjoy themselves and their guests which is great. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but glad to have decent Mexican food and a good margarita nearby.
(3)
Tan Lo S.
This is the worst Mexican place ever!!! So glad I was right about this place. The outside looks so dingy and dirty and sketch!!!!!! I'm so mad I came here! I walk in and nobody's there to greet me. After a minute, I'm greeted and seated. I'm having high hopes for this place since the waiter was so nice. I was seated, served chips and salsa, and got water. I looked at the menu, and it is fairly pricey. However, I decide on their lunch specials,just because. I was impressed by how fast the service was. Very good so far. Low and behold, I get my food. I look @ the plate like wtf!???! First off why is there a freaking hard shell taco on my plate? The lunch said, beef enchiladas, taco, and rice and beans. Okay. A freaking hardshell taco? That's not even Latin or Mexican!!!!! I was so pissed. Next, I try the beans. Wtf and which can of beans did they open and reheat? Yes, the beans were disgusting! Tasted from an old can. Ugh. Then, to top it off, the enchilada is hard as hell! I couldn't even cut through it! I have made enchiladas so I know how it's supposed to taste and looK. Ugh and the beef was worse!!! The beef tasted so American, as in, fake Tex Mex. Very grounded, like processed or canned! No joke. I stopped eating that quick. A few bites was enough. The only reasonable tasty thing was the rice. Looked a bit dry, but it wasn't bad as I ate it. Could things get worse? Yes! There's a freaking hair on my freaking rice! A hair! Looked curly like an eyelash or chin hair! I'm now disgusted and lost my appetite! It takes like 10 minutes just to get his attention! I finally do, and he freaking takes it, stares at it for like a minute, and looks at me, then says, "what do you want? Another one?" Seriously?!!!! First off, if he was thinking it's mine, it's not! I barely have eyelashes!!! When I tell him no I don't want another plate because I lost my appetite, he says, "well what do you want?" I look at him like wtf? Seriously? So I just say, "I'll just take check and go." He says, "ok ill get you a discount." I'm so annoyed at this point. I barely ate your food, you give me a hardshell taco, your beans and meat are gross and I find a hair! Seriously?! He comes back moments later and says I don't have to pay since I barely ate. Dayum right Im not paying!!!! I pack my things and leave. Smh. This is the worst Mexican place ever. Food and service sucks!!! Not authentic and their food is old. Plus, I hear many people get food poisoning here. Good luck, save yourself!
(1)
Howard L.
Ok food. Great Margarita. Friendly and good service. Be carefull with the hillside parking. Park on the flats if you can. The food reminded me of my trips to Mexico where I took the long distance buses and we would stop for lunch. The food was similar. It was nothing special but the meals are hearty and will carry you for another 200 miles. Let me tell you the Margarita will keep you happy for that 200 miles. I just needed one.
(3)
J D M.
We have a joke about this place, "La Palmaria", because every time we eat here someone gets the runs. I want to enjoy this place, they have a tasty veggie fajita entree, but it never agree's with me. Plus they are a touch too expensive for a Mexican restaurant, especially for food that often times makes us sick.
(2)
Jay H.
Abandon all hope ye who enter here. I've tried coming here once before due to the proximity to my residence and positive Yelp reviews but the parking is so atrocious that if La Palma is at half capacity there is no parking for the other half. "Luckily" last night we were able to enjoy this establishment... er... maybe overpay for a near death experience is more accurate. How many staff members does it take to seat a table of four when there are only 3 other tables being used? Three. The answer is three. And if you guessed it took them 200% longer than it should take you would also be correct. Our server was awkward to the point of him being creepy and off putting. He would start speaking, stop, stare at us and then mumble before wandering off to accomplish unknown goals. Sometimes he would pounce out of nowhere and ask if we needed more chips while other times he would drag himself to our table like the love child of Uncle Fester and Gollem. The chips and salsa: this is always one of the best tests of a Mexican joint. The chips weren't amazing but they weren't horrible either so that's okay in my book. The "salsa"... tasted like they'd drained the tomato sauce out of a can of Chef Boyardee Ravioli and added tapatio sauce to it. Except I'll eat Chef Boyardee in a pinch. Gag! I've never seen a table not touch the chips and salsa provided after one chip/dip before. Call me amazed... and saddened. Our food was brought out fairly quickly... the fact the food wasn't even warm is probably a factor in this. My dish of delights was a burrito verde. Not much in the way of sauce and the rice and beans looked and tasted liked they'd been scraped off of a plate a week ago and dropped back into the vessel they are cooked in for reissuing. They were gross... and that's just the rice and beans! The insides of my burrito weren't warm. Some of the meat was actually cold. You know how a server drops off your food and tells you the plate is hot but you figure it's merely warm and touch it anyways in a kind of 'how hot is it really' sort of game? Well, here they tell you the plate is hot and when you touch it you find that the only warm spot on the plate is where the server was holding it. I was ravenously hungry so I devoured my food but I would also eat my own arm if I was stranded on a mountain top with nothing else to eat. Friend #1 ordered carne asada and it was 90% gristle and fat. She took two bites and couldn't eat any more. They also brought her the wrong beans with her entree. One of the biggest shockers of the night was the price tag for all this amazing food. A $60 check for pretty standard Mexican food prepared horribly. We could have gone to numerous other Mexican spots, ordered the same food and paid $40... and the food would have easily been much more edible. To top it all off 3 out of the 4 of us experienced food poisoning. Friend #1 who barely ate her food got the light end of it but the other two of us had a pleasant night filled with not sleeping while we exploded out of both ends. I don't like to give 1 star reviews and often times I'll hold off on bad reviews so I can try the place a second time... but this place was so bad I will avert my eyes when I drive by. Do not eat here if you value your money, health or the quality of your meal. Not a fan.
(1)
Wes B.
This is the best mexican food place I have found in Seattle. The prices are quite reasonable. I grew up in Tucson, AZ, an hour away from mexico so I know what I'm talking about. While I cant say they are 100% authentic they serve great food with a bit of Tex-Mex style. They prices on food and alcohol are good too! I have had a combo meal, the beef burrito, and chicken chimichanga all of which exceeded my expectations, (because I have no expectations for Seattle Mexican food) over all quite tasty to those who complain about the salsa, please let me educate you on what salsa is. Salsa is spanish for sauce, in mexico it is traditionally hot sauce. So they might not make it themselves, their salsa has a good spice to it and keeps me reaching for more (and more beer). How about this dont expect american PACE salsa, or Spanish (from Spain) gazpacho. To those who do not want to risk getting sick, try something NOT cream based. Eat simple dishes, like a beef burrito or fajitas. Everyone Ive taken here has faired just fine and they ordered what ever they wanted. maybe it was something else you ate? The service has been fine when I have been here. maybe a little inattentive but it didn't slow down my meal.
(4)
Egon R.
Was not impressed with this restaurant. Was over at a friends house and we were discussing about where to go to eat and for some reason we decided this place.. even though my two friends had been there before and said they wouldn't go back.. Once we got there we were 1 of 2 group of people there.. not really a good sign on a Saturday lunch time... but besides that we sat down and had lunch.. I had the Carne Asada burrito which was way too big.. I would have preferred a smaller portion but something that was actually good... The only good thing was their $14 Margarita that come in a huge cup... after one of those you will be feeling a lot better and makes you forget about the flavor of the food... I didn't get sick after the lunch but I can't say the same for my friend.. it might not be due to the food but he was fine before. I'm not going to jump to any conclusion that it was this place but there was nothing else that he had after wards. Personally I was just too stuffed to even move and just passed out and the couch and felt lazy.. I'll never go back again as the food was not good and I dint want to waste a day after eating sleeping...
(1)
Stephanie M.
I could not believe how busy La Palma was--I've NEVER seen it this busy. I hadn't been here for a few years so I thought, "Could the menu be different? Could they have different specials?" NO, nothing seems to have changed, but for some reason it was hoppin! I ordered a shrimp enchilada and my boyfriend got one of the combo plates. They have A LOT of choices, as does many Mexican restaurants, but nothing really stuck out to me as unique. The quality was good, but not excellent. I did really enjoy the salsa and the service was very good. I noticed that La Palma offers pretty great lunch specials so it also seems like a good place to go for lunch with coworkers or friends!
(3)
Alan D.
Very good food, excellent service, and the staff is really friendly. I go here often, and have never been disappointed. The staff is always very helpful, even when really busy.
(5)
Jennifer B.
I was surprised by the fabulously seasoned food, outrageously generous portions and excellent service. My partner asked for his "Camarones a la Diablo" extra spicy and they even added in a habanero pepper! He was delighted! Must recommend the taquito appetizer! They were stuffed with tasty shredded beef!
(4)
Bob J.
The sign out front says they're celebrating 35 years of business in Seattle. That's testament to their staying power. The food is strictly run of the mill, fairly priced and served by friendly waitstaff. Be prepared to climb stairs. The interior is long overdue for a renovation. In the meantime, a thorough cleaning wouldn't hurt. Parking is easy. Restrooms are hidden away.
(2)
Raihan A.
The food here isn't what you'd call authentic Mexican food. Even calling it true Tex-Mex is a stretch. I saw an old school picture of the joint, so my theory is that back in the day American restaurant goers had "adventurous" appetites that were not so adventurous. To accommodate their clientele's timid palate, La Palma basically "dumbed down" their Text-mex food by Americanizing it with not so bold flavors and blankets of cheese. Cut to the present, the American palate has become a lot more sophisticated, however La Palma kinda still keeps their menu the same from way back when. That being said... The service alone earned them 3 stars. They serve their guests and are EXTREMELY personable. I would probably hang out with these guys at a fiesta. Case in point, our server over heard us talking about how it was one of our friend's birthday and so after our dinner, he brought out a tequila shot for the birthday girl, and it was on the house. Oh and he had her take the shot with a sombrero and took a picture for their wall. Definitely made us feel welcomed. The people at La Palma exude an atmosphere that says, "Hey, relax and enjoy your stay." And isn't that what we all want anyways? So yeah, overall, the food is so-so, but the employees make it a nice relaxing experience.
(3)
Al S.
This place is going to lead me down the path to obesity. Can you say yum! I'm not going to write much write now because my wife and I went there last week for the first time to "kick the tires"....and ended up on yelp while trying to find their number so I can order take out this time. I got the #19 and it was GREAT last time! But it wasn't just that the food was good, rather, it GREAT because it comes with BEEF, PORK and CHICKEN! {in my online "masculine" hysterical voice}. Seriously, how many times have you been stricken with anxiety at Mexican restaurants because their combo dishes only come with two of those options. Call me greedy, but when I order a combo plate I want to see every animal on the farm on my plate - without having to order appetizers. (Like I said, you can all me greedy);and the price is reasonable. Well, that enough for now because I decided to multitask and order the food while I wrote the review so it should be done by now. Unfortunately I doubt I'll be able to try any of the other dishes for at least a year because the combo has me sprung. Signing off - soon to be - "Fatty, Fatty, Fat, Fat"
(5)
Sally M.
Sometimes the chef will make a "secret" habanero salsa that is awesome! (ask for it) Also, you can order giant margaritas.
(4)
Dania P.
I love love love this place! Here are the highlights: 1. Delicious mexican food-I highly recommend the steak carnitas/chicken carnitas/fajitas. 2. Excellent staff-everyone is so friendly and are always cracking jokes- you can tell they really enjoy working there! 3. PARKING LOT! Yay! 4. It has a nice cozy atmosphere 5. If you have a passport card you can use it here and get buy one get one free! Nice Love La Palma!
(5)
Nancy K.
If you want americanized Mexican food this is the place to go. The food is good and fairly priced and the servers are awesome. They're quick and funny and always remember us (we go back all the time). Our favorite thing to order is the fajitas - they're the best - the single order is enough that you can easily split between 2 people.
(5)
jessica c.
I've been on a quest to find a family owned/homestyle family type restaurant that lives up to the one i used to go to in my hometown which is a couple hours north of seattle... but i'm sad to say la palma is not it for me. I arrived and tried to order a margarita and the waiter informed me they are not allowed to take the vertical drivers licenses (i'm a few years over 21, btw) that was strike one for me. Their chips and salsa were not that great... salsa was extremely watery. I always order a chimichanga. It never fails me... but this one I could barely get down. The chicken was not shredded very well at all and they used dark meat and it was rubbery and watery yuckkkk. i prefer white meat chicken. and there were no beans inside! wtf, a chimichanga is supposed to be a deep fried burrito. don't burrito's generally have refried beans in them?! it was deep fried, plain, watery, rubbery, dark meat chicken. the spanish rice was good, i will give them that, but i was disgusted by the chimichanga... definately don't think i'll be returning. also, the place was dark, dingy and really sketch feeling inside.
(1)
Jessica Z.
Love the service! Funny man that makes me laugh everytime and pours a mean drink. I also love their chips and salsa..warm and fresh! Huge portions so plan to share. Great spot when Im feeling extra naughty and not counting calories!
(4)
Nadia G.
I didn't expect much from La Palma. I was just happy to be satisfying my curiosity after years of driving by and reading very polarizing reviews. Well, I didn't get good Mexican food, but I did't get bad Mexican food either. It was okay. I did get a fruity margarita that I didn't really enjoy. I think I should have gotten the regular margarita. My friends were happy with theirs, I think. The thing that stands out the most in my memory though is that the staff was so friendly! They smiled and were attentive to our table. They even brought our friend a shot and a sombrero for her birthday! She (and I unfortunately) are on their wall! I don't usually shy away from a camera but they caught me making an icky face.
(3)
Cindy M.
The BEST MEXICAN FOOD in Seattle! We LOVE LaPalma! We have enjoyed this restaurant for 14+ years & now our grown children frequent this restaurant with their family & friends as well. The staff, the service, the food is excellent! Not a better choice unless you go to Mexico!
(5)
Matt S.
I'm kind of a Mexican food snob, and this place is fantastic. The first hurdle that a lot of places run into is salsa. If there isn't a basket of chips and a cup of it on the table, chances are that you're in trouble. This place doesn't disappoint on that note, and the salsa itself is some of the best I've had since leaving San Diego. If you ask, they *also* have a habanero-spiked salsa that they will bring out which is absolutely worth trying if you like things a bit spicier. Next, the service... Admittedly, I arrived at around 2pm on a weekday, a slow time of day for them, but the waiter, Rafael, went way, way above and beyond. He noticed that, despite being a gringo in a suit, I spoke some Spanish and for the rest of the meal was happy to stop by and chatter with me, offering recommendations on everything from places to practice speaking to other menu items to where to find a good Thai place. Huge thumbs up. Finally, the food. At the waiter's recommendation, I had the "street" style chicken tacos- these are the little ones with peppers and onions wrapped in 2 ~6" corn tortillas and covered in a bit of pico de gallo. It sounds small and uninspiring, I know; it was phenomenal, and between the tacos themselves and the rice / beans that accompanied them, I had more food than I could finish at a sitting. (Note: Not a small guy, nor possessed of a dainty appetite.) I thought I'd hit the jackpot when I discovered El Chupacabra (also definitely worth a visit if you get a chance), but this place is going to be a serious contender when I get the Mexican food itch moving forward.
(5)
gretchen m.
This is average suburban mexican, very edible and not that bad. The dishes all taste sort of the same. The service is very friendly. The food is not scary but getting into the place is. The restaurant is on a small lot on a very steep hill. The parking lot is steep, the steps up to the restaurant are steep, there's ledges, obstacles and once you are inside its like a jungle treehouse with different rooms at various levels. Leaving, the door opens directly onto the stairs and you could easily fall down. Not where you want to be drinking margaritas during a snowstorm.
(2)
Jamie D.
La Palma is one of those restaurants you can't stop loving. My husband and I have been going here for 8 years now. And I have yet to be disappointed. The pork fajitas make my mouth water - thinly cut pieces of meat neighbored with peppers and onions, carmalized to perfection. Amazing. The fresh squeezed lime margaritas put other bartenders to shame. The atmosphere - endearingly cheesy. The staff - cheerful, speedy. If you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of the owners smile, and if you are VERY lucky, his even bigger heart. No nonsense mexican food at it's authentic best. Yum.
(5)
Lauren D.
This place is a decent option for food. It has a quirky atmosphere as it was built into this little multi story house. I ordered some cream cheese chicken entree which I found pretty good. I was satisfied with that and would order it again. They serve pepsi products. The chips and salsa, unfortunately, were as bad as it gets. The chips were fine but the salsa tastes like they dumped half a can of chili powder in it. Chili powder? You're not supposed to put chili powder in salsa. At the very least, you should not dump the entire can into it. Prices were a couple dollars higher than I would have expected and using the restrooms is a risky venture. Service: Good Food: Good Price: Little too high for what it is Chips / Salsa: Bad Atmosphere: Cute Restrooms: Bad
(3)
Kelly S.
I have been going here for as long as I have lived in Seattle. While it's not the BEST Mexican food I have ever had, it is certainly very good and the service is great. Everyone there is SO nice and the food is definitely delicious. They serve huge portions so sharing is nice (unless you want to bring home a big thing of leftovers) I highly recommend trying their Banana Margarita (these blow my mind every time) Their lunch specials are also great.
(4)
David A.
La Palma holds a (tiny) place in my heart as it was the first restaurant in Seattle that I stepped foot in, back when I moved here a few years ago. I love me some Mexican food and was too lazy to head to the grocery store, snap up some ingredients, and *gasp* actually cook something. Thus... LP did in a pinch, serving up basic Mexican food with decent service and the usual ingredients. Note the "normality" of those adjectives and you'll see what I'm hinting at. La Palma is nothing over the top, but when all you want is a damn carne asada burrito with none of that Tex-Mex frill, this place will do. I will say that the one unique thing about this place would be the parking lot. So go there if you are a construction nerd and enjoy oddly placed concrete.
(3)
Juanca W.
...well,,,, food is good...... even though , I think that business owners, should know what the actual meaning of AUTHENTIC, is...... anyway.... an honorable maragarita is that one, made at the moment, so the flavor is not old and extra sweet,,,, and by the way , tequila, is something to be proud for mexicans,,, not some substance made with tequila, with the name tortilla, that tastes horrible....... I think it is an insult to anyone, who pay to get a decent drink..........
(2)
Rachel S.
I have a very long history with La Palma. Legend has it that La Palma was the 1st place my parents took me as a baby. Years later....right after I graduated from college I found myself living down the street for La Palma for a year. A couple years ago I thought it was only fitting that I had my birthday party there. I had about 25 people come. The staff was super accomodating and friendly. We had a blast! Here is the reality of La Palma: It is a neighborhood Mexican Restaurant. It isn't gourmet and it isn't fancy. It is a fun place to meet friends, hang out with the family, have a couple margaritas, and have some decent mexican food that comes in huge portions for a good price. There is a reason they have been open since the late 1970's. I highly recommend the #21: It is a little bit of nachos, a little bit of salad, and an enchilada.
(5)
Maria B.
There are so many Mexican restaurants to choose from; the hip, atmospheric restaurant com club (ie Pesos, Matador, Cactus), soulless chain restaurants, gobs of taco trucks all varying in quality and service, but few that strike the right balance between good, authentic food, nice dining atmosphere, and good, smart service at a decent price. La Palma strikes this balance. Their sign reads that they have been in business for 35 years, there is a reason for this. My experience: Saturday night, get in the door ask for a table for two. We are immediately shown to one of the best tables in the place (a booth by the window overlooking ehh Interbay), within a minute two glasses of water and chips and salsa on the table. The menus follow as well as a friendly greeting from our server. The menu is pretty standard but as a vegetarian/vegan, there are lots of options that I can order with fresh veggies; veggie enchilada, veggie burrito, quesadilla, you get the drift. We order two margaritas, not sweet. They show up in 5 minutes and are quite good, they take our order, food is out in 10 minutes. Our server was awesome, checking back periodically, joking with us about our next order of margaritas (cinco, six). I got the veggie quesadilla, my partner the veggie/vegan style burrito. Mine was really good; stuffed full of veggies (mushrooms, squash, carrots, onions), my bf kept saying, this has real flavor. Mine was so big I could only eat a third of it. When we got the bill, the margaritas were on the high side ($9-) but overall the bill/food prices was/were fair. La Palma will be on the regular rotation for "date-night". I'd give them five stars if their chips and salsa were as good as the Matador's.
(4)
Aaryn S.
BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN SEATTLE! I lived in Phoenix, AZ for over 20 years and in that time, mexican food became my favorite, HANDS DOWN. I consider myself an expert on good mexican food. THATS WHY I LOVE THIS PLACE SO MUCH! Since I moved here, ive only found wannabe mexican food and mexi-food thats been all "granola'ed" up for Seattle (ex: veggie quesadillas, tofu on nachos, etc)..... LA PALMA IS THE EXCEPTION. REAL mexican food, owned by a REAL mexican family from Mexico! The food is greasy (LIKE ITS SUPPOSED TO BE) and not all Gringo/Granola'd up like all the other mexican rest. in town. If you want greaseless and tasteless and ingredients normally NOT found in mexican food, go to Azteca or ANY other mexican food rest. in Seattle. You obviously do NOT want REAL mexican food and can go choke on your vegan fare or gringo-xican elsewhere. For those who love REAL mexican food, I recommend MAMAs SAMPLER PLATTER (or whatever its called)... its a little bit of everything and its SO good! Their carne is AMAZING. this is my fave rest. in Seattle.... because its so UN-Seattle. Its good, uncompromising mexican food. Not only the best mexican rest. in Seattle, but MY FAVORITE REST. IN SEATTLE, PERIOD.
(5)
G W.
It must have been an off day. This place has been there forever. It used to be called "Torreros". As long as I can remember, it was there. The place needs a really good cleaning and the food needs some work too. The food was greasy and seemed "assembled". I am certain everything was pre-cooked and then just assembled to order. It didn't taste "fresh". There are far better Mexican restaurants in the PNW.
(2)
Megan R.
This place is definitely many steps up from your typical Azteca - but not enough to WOW me. The ambiance is cute, and the servers are friendly friendly - they also get some points for showing football on their many big screen TVs. I went out on a limb and ordered taquitos (usually my favorite dish). I was a tad bit disappointed - they didn't look like taquitos I have had before, they looked more like mini tacos and the chicken in them was overcooked. They still tasted good - just not exactly what I was used to having. The chips and salsa were AMAZING - I couldn't stop. Prices were also very reasonable!
(3)
Sarah H.
I love La Palma! It's a fantastic authentic Mexican restaurant - the people are super friendly and always speak a little spanish to you by saying hola or calling you amigos. They have a variety of delicious choices and their portions are huge! I've been a few different times and I've never been disappointed!
(5)
Nick B.
This is the GREASIEST Mexican food I have ever eaten in my entire life, and I've eaten some greasy Mexican food! I ordered the dinner special with a burrito and an enchilada that came with rice and beans. The beans were blanketed in a film of grease, allowing a few chunks of the unevenly molten cheese to slide around disgustingly on my plate. The burrito and enchilada were almost literally swimming in the grease as well. My wife had the veggie quesadillas which should have been renamed to "a whole bunch of cheese with a carrot on top" quesadillas. Now, I'm a big proponent of "greasy" Mexican food once in a while, but this was really a bit much for me. Other than that, the service was great and the restaurant itself was really cool. Maybe next time the chef won't spill half the vegetable oil in all of Seattle on my meal.
(2)
Danielle E.
I love this place! I think the food is great and tastes fresh as opposed to other Mexican restaurants in the area. (AND it delivers!!!)
(5)
David G.
Disgusting! Truly.
(1)
J J.
La Palma's pretty good eatin'! Yummy margaritas, good chips, interesting salsa. Their chalupas are great!!
(3)
Tyler A.
This is our current favorite Mexican restaurant in Seattle. Their beans are amazing. I assume they use lard, to glorious effect. The Tacos al Carbon and Tacos al la Plancha are both consistently fantastic. Waiters are all friendly. They have a ton of room, so there's never a wait, even when they're busy. Plus parking. Love this place.
(5)
Melissa J.
Tonight just seemed like the right night to finally give this place a try, and I'm definitely not disappointed! The actual building itself looks pretty dumpy, but I LOVE the upstairs dining area! My bean & cheese burrito was more like a plate of delicious beans & rice covered in a block of cheddar, but was delicious nonetheless. My highlights of the evening? -the staff! Always a bienvenidos and hasta manana for everyone -my strawberry daiquiri was the best I've ever had -our server gave my boyfriend the bill and insisted that I, the senorita, should not have to pay for anything. Awesome. If you want some yummy (American) Mexican food, you really should check out La Palma.
(4)
Emily S.
When I moved to Seattle, I ended up living down the street from La Palma. I was tired from moving and hungry, so I decided to head in even though it was a Friday and I was all by my lonesome. The first thing I noticed was that the restaurant is actually a converted house, so I knew it was going to be good. And it was. The food is amazing and the portions are more than generous. The first meal I had there lasted me four days of dinner. Over time, I learned not to eat anything all day if I planned to go there ;) I took almost everyone I met in Seattle and they all loved it. The decorations are hokey but after a few margaritas, you don't mind. They have five flavors of margarita including melon and banana, which sound strange, but taste amazing.
(5)
Toni H.
We love this place for a quick dinner with our kid in tow. It's family friendly (the wait staff always engages our little one) and the service is quick. Their margaritas are delicious on the rocks... and food is pretty good. It's Tex-Mex in my opinion or what I call "hot plate" Mexican food. If you are looking for more authentic head to Ballard Josefina's up the street...but for Tex-Mex it's great. The fajitas and green enchiladas are our favorites.
(4)
Aaron E.
"This is the best bad place. It's my very favorite bad Margarita".... So says my amigos. Everything here is bad... but it's the kind of bad that's good. Their food is about as authentic as Taco Bell and yes, their Margaritas are clearly made from a mix but for some reason it just makes everything that much better. So hard to describe. They have a wide array of glasses, and as a result of that they don't ever serve a tables' drinks in the same one... haha... it's entertaining. I feel like nothing is clean there.... but oh well... it is indeed terrible... but in a not terrible way.... so hard to describe. All of its flaws make it good. You'll leave with clogged arteries, but at least it will have been an entertaining dining experience.
(3)
Dennis M.
Wow-we have been going to the LaPalma in Seattle for close to 13 years now and it is BY FAR the best mexican meal in Seattle. I am simply stunned by some of the poor reviews I see here. While the are items that are not as good as others, nothing has ever been bad at the restaurant. We are always so pleased when we venture out and try something new. The servers are the best and we have become a part of their family when we arrive. Simply put, I think some of the reviewers here were having a bad day and blammed their bad day on their experience here. i would recommend it to ANYONE!
(5)
Ninja S.
This is a good option. A bit of a weird house conversion and 70s funkadelic ambiance, but they serve up some strong drinks, sneaky salsa that gets hot slowly, and respectable mexichow. I'm thinking this would be a cool place to go to for happy hour and have a couple margaritas and taquitos. I'll have to check and see if they have some happy hour specials. They also take Amex for a change. How nice.
(3)
A. D.
Amazing, everytime! The food, drinks, atmosphere and service are all great. I frequent this place more than any other Mexican restaurant.
(5)
Mike M.
Good food, service could be better, but nice atmosphere and will try this place again.
(3)
Maria D.
La Palma is a great place to take someone for a birthday drink. Came here for a friend's bday and the waiter surprised her with a sombrero and free shot.... This is the only reason I am giving La Palma 3 stars. Otherwise I would have gone with 2 due to multiple order errors at our table, ultra sweet/syropy margaritas, and mediocre food.
(3)
Samantha C.
The place is a little small on the inside and they also have lots of stairs, so be prepared. I got the 2 cheese enchilada & beef taco plate, which is a lot of food. The food was SUPER greasy & didn't taste good; I barely was able to eat 1/2 my taco & 1/2 an enchilada. I couldn't bring myself to try the beans as they looked like they had been cooked too long & then covered with it's own layer of grease. We wont be giving it a second chance since it made me super sick. Sadly, the only good part of eating there was the friendly waiter.
(1)
C Y.
Very old school and a little pricey for the quality but it's typical American Mexican food. The service is friendly and there is plenty of seating.
(4)
Drew G.
Solid Mexican if you're looking for your standard big plate traditional Mexican place. Relatively inexpensive for the size of the portions and for the area of Seattle. Friendly waitstaff, a bit dark and dingy, but it's been around for 36 years. I'd go back again.
(3)
Sue M.
IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES, DO NOT EAT HERE! Our son has life-threatening allergies and twice his food has been cross-contaminated with either seafood or mole sauce.
(2)
Theresa D.
I went here for lunch one day on the recommendation of one of my coworkers, and I really don't think I'd be back. The chips were uber stale, the food super greasy (while expected from a mexican food restaurant, they seemed to cook with an exceptional amount of lard. Compared to similar restaurants (La Palmera, Azteca), it seemed pricier for lunch, especially considering it's an extra .95 cents just for chicken. Not even white meat, but dark meat. Yuck.
(2)
Orion P.
While the staff was friendly and helpful, the food fell far short of our expectations. Even for a greasy spoon Mexican food experience, it was disappointing. The nachos had (you say it's not possible, but it is) too much cheese, and a pool of grease in the bottom of the dish. The guacamole lacked any interesting flavor, and tasted as though it came from a bag. The veggie quesadilla was soggy, and contained what appeared to be a frozen vegetable mix of zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and broccoli. The chicken taco was completely acceptable; that's all. The only redeeming quality? The aforementioned service staff, which was friendly, offered plentiful beverage refills, and took the horrifying quesadilla off the bill without being asked. They received an excellent tip, and a hearty thanks, but in spite of that, will not receive our business again.
(1)
Sarah V.
My husband and I love to go here for the nachos. Being from south Texas (where family owned Mexican restaurants are to Texas what coffee shops are to Seattle...), we have rather high standards. So far, the nachos have never failed to disappoint (when I say nachos, I am talking about their "super nachos"); granted, I haven't really tried any other dish besides the nachos since I have been on a nacho kick lately, but whatever. The chicken that goes on nachos is stereotypically boiled Mexican chicken. I prefer grilled chicken, and if you do too, then be sure to specify. Geez, can I say nachos one more time?! Last night I tried their blended lime margarita (they also have peach, banana, strawberry and pineapple I think). It was wonderful. It was strong without tasting strong (I was tipsy when I walked out) and huge and just generally one of the best margaritas I have ever had. They are pretty cheap, so you should definitely try it, and if you don't like it then you won't feel like you wasted a ton of money. :)
(5)
Ryan D.
The atmosphere was nice, the food was solid, and the service was present and very pleasant. It's a solid option for Mexican on the Ballard side of things. La Palma is in an older house on the side of Elliot Avenue just before the Ballard Bridge. The dining area is split between two levels, but the restaurant feels very open, and there's lots of great "mood lighting" (read: Christmas lights and hot pepper lights). Because you are not dining on the ground floor, you don't have to stare at the parking lot out the windows. We sat down and were immediately greeted with chips and salsa. For dinner, we ordered the mole chicken and the chorizo burrito. The mole chicken was quite good -- they were generous with the rich, flavorful mole sauce, and there was plenty of chicken for dinner and leftovers. The chorizo burrito was a gamble that paid off well! Usually chorizo is greasy, but La Palmas chorizo is well spiced and moist (without being orange and greasy). Both plates were served with perfectly good beans and rice. Prices were reasonable and our server was very friendly .
(4)
Elena M.
We were in the neighborhood and decided to stop in. I can generally take or leave Mexican food, but, my husband is a fan and so we partake at times. La Palma is close to where I used to work, and, though I'd never been before, I have several past co-workers who are big fans. Also, they accept the Passport card, which is always an enticement in getting us to try some place new. Our experienced was mixed. We were seated almost immediately, but then it took a very long time to actually get waited on. We were in a small room with two other occupied tables and these two parties had also just been seated. I don't know what was going on in the rest of the restaurant, but our three tables sat there a long time ignored. They have sign at the front door that "coupons must be presented at the time of ordering." So, I presented, and they took, my Passport card. This not a coupon, but a keep-in-you-wallet, reusable card. I've never had it taken from me at the time of ordering before. [In fact, at another establishment, I tried giving it to our server after we were done eating, before she brought the check, figuring it would save her a step to have it in advance. She told me she could not take it until she'd brought the bill and we'd presented our method of payment. But, I digress... ] I initially found the chips to be a bit greasier than the norm, but then I found I really liked the salsa and so put away a few more than I'd planned. I had a chicken with grilled onions in a creme sauce and it was actually quite good. The offer the alternative of whole beans over refried and that is always a plus for me. The rice serving was not overly generous, but, that is probably just as well as I'd rather fill up on the chicken than the rice. My husband had a pretty standard dish of burritos with rice and beans which he reported to be fine (no great shakes, but nothing wrong with them either). He was not crazy about the place in general, though -- thought it had a bit of a stank. I would not quite say that, though it is definitely a bit "rough around the edges." If we're in the neighborhood, we might stop in again some time, though I definitely do not see this as a place we'd go out of our way to go to again.
(3)
Terrance D.
I live near this place and have been to it twice. We ordered the enchiladas and tacos. It honestly felt like we were eating at Azteca. The food was just not that great. The beans and rice really didn't have any taste, and the enchiladas and tacos tasted as if they microwaved a Banquet tv dinner and put it on my plate. The only reason why i'm giving this place 2 stars is because they made some delicious margaritas.
(2)
Lydia P.
This is where we go if we're in the mood for "yellow cheese mexican" comfort food. I've gone with several friends, and Jaz almost always gets the Arroz Con Pollo, I know a couple of people who never stray from the spicy prawn dish (can't remember what it's called, something to do with the devil I think...but it's 2nd from the bottom of the left hand side of the menu on the right side of the page... yep, I've considered it a few times.) Amy varies her selections, and frankly... I have no interest in what any of them are getting, because all I can focus on is the thought of my order: Pollo a la Crema... That's right. Because, say it with me kids: "Fat IS Flavor"! And boy howdy, how I dig it! I love their refried beans, and ridiculous portions. I'm still snacking on leftovers two days after a visit! The decor is errr.. entertaining, the wait-staff are nice, and we'll keep coming back for our fix.
(4)
Zombie C.
I had the cheese enchiladas and it was a lot of things. My lunch was a lot of food, but it was really greasy. It was so greasy, and I'm not sure if I like the sauce or not because there didn't seem to be much taste to it; but the grease could have been masking the flavor. The beans, OH THE BEANS! Why would anyone do that to the beans? I've never seen beans look like that before, they looked like the surface of a strange alien world where grease dominates the surface and constantly tries to permeate the already saturated body beneath through strange random pits and ridges. I went here because there are really good reviews of this place, and I.......... don't know why. Maybe I'll comeback and things will be better.
(1)
Dan H.
I love La Palma, but not for the reasons that normal people love it. It's a little on the dumpy side with fairly unremarkable standard Americanized Mexican fair. I love it because I'm a regular. My friends and I have been looking for a cool hang out for a long time. Somehow, we never found a place that was quite right. It was either too hip or too divey or too country or too upbeat or too down-scale. We always had an excuse for why some particular place was not THE place. Because it was close to many of us, we started going to La Palma. Honestly, I didn't really think much of the place when we first started going but it grew on us. The margaritas are as stiff as Ron Jeremy at a beauty pageant and the sangria is a tasty evening palate primer. The table salsa is always excellent in its plainness. They don't try to make it original by adding creative ingredients like *gasp* celery; nor do they improvise with the texture. It's good ol' straight up spicy and flavorful salsa the way God intended it when he handed the recipe down to Adam. At least I think that's where the recipe started. We go often enough now that the waitstaff knows us and our preferences. The staff turnover is refreshingly slow so you can be a regular in no time.
(4)
b b.
Its TexMex - in Seattle Get yer fix here Careful, the plate is hot !
(4)
Heather F.
This place was not bad. Service was friendly and prompt, definitely not the best but worth giving another shot. The Margarita I ordered was quite strong but not so much that I didn't feel the need to order another.
(3)
Flying J.
La Palma is a great place to come to with friends for cold Coronas and lots of food. It's decently priced. It's fast. And it's large enough to hold a group of friends comfortably - - and you can chatter to your heart's content w/ nobody giving you any grief about it. If you want satisfying Mexican, La Palma is cool.
(4)
Ron G.
This place is always ok; never great. Pretty decent beans, always the key to good Mexican food for me, but its such a crap-shoot if you get a decent seat or not. If you're down in the basement against the wall it's not a fun time, if you're upstairs on the balcony and can watch the kitchen it's not bad; but it's still just a slightly better than average plate of Mexi-slop. I was here once with my 82 year old mother and they presented us with someone's bill from the week before; accusing us of skipping out on it! Check out the spray-can-green house next door (painted same as the restaurant and giant rocks). Do the workers all sleep there?
(2)
Mei-I F.
La Palma is awesome! The place looks a little scary from the outside and no it is not a front for anything. Once you step inside it is really cozy and you will be treated to super friendly service and gigantic plates of delicious Mexican food. I usually wear yoga pants there because (1) we walk there so we are forced to walk back after eating too much to help digest and (2) because elastic pants are the choice are for eating too much. Killer-never-ending chips and sala doesn't help either.
(5)
Taylor B.
Oh my...I had no idea that Mexican food could be this ghastly. My bland and over-tenderized broiled chicken breast tasted like it was about to spoil. The beans came out of a can...no...they would have tasted better if they'd come out of a can. The green pepper in the Chile Relleno came out of a can for sure...it was the worst version of that dish I could ever have conceived. When I got there I was hungry but left more than half of my dinner uneaten. I wanted a drink but the Margarita was so sickly sweet that it tasted like cheap cough syrup. Added to that was the frantic herd of six- and seven-year old kids who were running up and down the interior steps and who at least twice nearly made an adult take a header from top to bottom. I guess at La Palma they figure that if you break your neck or get knocked out you won't mind the food. This was the worst restaurant meal I have had in Seattle in at least two years...mind-numbingly and jaw-dropingly HORRIBLE. Stay away if you like Mexican food...no joke you will get better quality and service at Taco Time. NOTE: When I wrote this review the ohter day, I should have noted that the place was packed with what seemed to be happy diners. I sometimes forget that there are plenty of good folks out there for whom just the act of going out to dinner is a sufficient treat that the food becomes incidental. I am not one of those folks!
(1)
Hunter O.
the food here is good.. the waiters suck... so the price for the good food is crappy service.. but i still go there often as i can so it is what it is!!!
(4)
Nicole P.
this place is awesome. i'm totally blown away that the waiters actually remembered my name after the first time that we ate here. food is good and not at all over priced, or attempting to be anything that it's not. it's just honest americanized mexican food... oh, and the drinks? i love me a margarita... actually... usually morelike 4 or 5... but here i feel like a light wieght. lets just say they are strong, really, really strong. anayway- long story short, great service, good food, strong cocktails, affordable. what more could you want in a neighborhood mexican restaurant? have fun.
(4)
Diane T.
I did not go into this place with high expectations on food or beverages. My visit was more to explore this interesting, yet shady hole in the wall. To my surprise, the place was actually merely ok as other reviewers have said. You could even say the food was actually slightly good, but not really good or really bad. The margaritas were also ok and the beer was moderately priced. They had a giant menu with almost every single combination of rice, beans, tortillas, meat, cheese, and sauce. The plastic parrots, fake flowers and bright colors mixed with some additional cheesy mexican/american decor created a pretty pleasant atmosphere. My only real complaint was on the price. Not sure how they get away with charging $14 an entree. This place is in an undesirable location, but whatever they are doing it's working because this place had a steady influx of pretty average looking people. All and all, it was a pretty tolerable experience. The little homies vending machine in the entrance is reason enough to revisit.
(3)
Todd W.
Ever since Beso del Sol closed down I've been looking for its replacement, and I think La Palma is it. I love the way the restaurant is laid out, very Escherish a maze of steps and rooms. The food reminds me of authentic mexican cuisine, the drinks are great, the staff are friendly and it's a great place to eat and party with your friends.
(4)
Carlie B.
When you unpeel my foodie exterior you will discover a soft squishy spot somewhere deep inside for bad Mexican food. La palma takes bad to the next level. The salsa tasted like canned marinara sauce. The vegetarian fajitas were soaked in a sugary sauce that may have once resembled terriyaki?! I may end up going back there, because it's in my neighborhood and I'll hope to get the same server. He tried to be funny, upsell, and be our friend at the same time! Letting us know that he was new, but would still hook us up (wink winK). I have no idea how, but he kept telling us so. Anyway, I enjoyed the tacky atmosphere and the aqward service, next time I'll opt for something covered in cheese.
(2)
Kaylene C.
I used to frequent this restaurant almost daily in my teen years when I lived in the 'hood. My friend lived right behind it and we befriended the people who ran the joint (yay free food!). Don't know how it is these days but if it's anything like it was back then it's great!
(5)
Michael F.
Actually 2.5 stars. Typical " big plate" of rice, beans, and whatever. Nothing to write home about, totally edible. When in the 'hood it's a good place for fair salsa and a store bought chip fix, some tacos and enchiladas. Restaurants like La Palma are all over town. Not much to distinguish one from the other. Lots of places do it worse (a shout out to Azteca.) Some do it so much better you gotta' wonder how these other guys stay in business (try Barrio or Galeria's.) At any rate, something must be right as this place has been going strong for over 35 years. The staff is super friendly, provides good service, and a big menu with all the expected combinations. Could someone explain to me their chicken vegetable soup? :Plopped down in the middle is a whole bone in thigh skin included. That's the dish we all talked about when we left. The rest could have been served up in any one of many other places in town.
(2)
Shannon S.
When I'm in the mood for straight-up mexican food this place fits the bill. Great specials and it taste the way it should. Great, friendly, fast service and yummy sangria. Good stuff!
(4)
Jasmine M.
Oh La Palma, you're really too good to me. What with your damn fine, yet simple margaritas and the best Arroz Con Pollo I've ever had, how can I not come here once ever other week for the past 10 years? I can't. The tri-level interior is cooky but easily manageable. The large picture of the Lady of Guadalupe over the kitchen pass out window is just the right touch to remind me of Arizona. The child loves the large parrot figures hanging from the cieling and the 50 cent machines full of silly and useless toys. Oh and their crisp beef tacos with extra sour cream (who ever heard of a 6 year old liking sour cream?) The Camarones ala Diabla are beautifully spicy and tasty. The Chicken Flautas (I get 'em w/o the sauce) are very crispy and tasty. The #12 is my fave combo with the Chili Relleno (oh so friggin' yummy), tostada and enchilada, no rice or beans with this one but really you don't need it. Speaking of their rice and beans, nice and light with mild flavoring so as not to out do the main part of the entree. And cheese. LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS ... AND LOTS of cheese. Cheese? Yes please! And to finish it off, the guys working here are so friendly it's a crime.
(5)
Diana H.
One word: Be-N. Never again will I return to the McDonald's-like food of a certain Mexican chain restaurant that shall go unnamed. Granted, I'm sure La Palma's food is just as unhealthy, but it reigns supreme. As described by other reviews - the interior is a classic Elvis portrait meets Mexican vacation on crack. If you're looking for the crisp lines found in the interior of Pottery Barn, search elsewhere. The building itself looks like it must have been a giant, old house; so the layout is multi-tiered for dining, which makes it kind of fun. You can eat ala carte and they have the combos you'd typically find - "pick one, two, or three of the following", but their dinner selections are great and come with the standard rice and beans. My favorite is the carne tacos with sauteed green peppers and onions in flour tortillas. Also, splitting their chicken fajitas with a buddy is a great lunch idea. This place also has kickin' margaritas. Beware though: after having more than one, getting into your car may be a bit of a challenge (the parking lot is sloped and if you get one of those spots, opening your door or closing it can be difficult). Tip: for birthdays - yes, you get to wear the sombrero and have your Polaroid taken and posted on the wall. What more do you want?? If you're looking for a funky little Mexican restaurant to walk away with Buddha belly - this is your place.
(4)
Soren L.
The most underwhelming (or maybe just whelming) Mexican food I've ever had. I didn't think you could go wrong with chips and salsa, but it's like they poured La Victoria brand red taco sauce into a bowl and served it with day-old chips. The enchiladas were also drowning in cheese and not very exciting to eat. I left feeling like I had eaten food... but nothing more.
(2)
Jim K.
I love this place! The chorizo burrito is GREAT and my coworker swears by the Colorado Burrito. Good prices for a large amount of food with quick, friendly service. What else can you ask for? Perfect lunch spot.
(4)
Rory M.
Nothing is more meaningful then the taste of memories. When I was a young kid my family would frequent the now closed Olympia location for birthdays and other special occasions. How my heart ached when that place closed down. Jump ahead 10 or 15 years and my Fiance and I discovered the Ballard location and have never been so happy eating at a Mexican Restaurant. Contrary to what others have written about this place, the food is great, ESPECIALLY THE BEANS! They are not out of a can are filled with great flavor. The service is great and when you are seated you instantly feel as if you're family. Pay no attention to what others say...La Palma is the best! Hell I'm getting some to go for the Super Bowl. Keep Eating!
(5)
Helen H.
This place is near where I live, so I thought I'd try it one night based on the good reviews it got here. I have to ask, did you people even go to La Palma? Because when I went there, the food was terrible. The absolute most bland Mexican food I have ever had in my life. The service was terrible, the margarita was from a mix. Even the chips and salsa were bad. I will never go here again!
(1)
Adam C.
One of my favorite mexican places in the Seattle area, great dishes, drinks and staff. Their chips and salsa are great, be careful not to fill up on them before your order arrives (which doesn't take too long) as that'll more than likely blow out the old gut too. I don't mean blow the gut out in the Taco Del Mar sense (those of you who can't handle that crap will understand where I'm coming from), but from the "Oh mah god, my bellies can holds no more Captian," sense. I've never had a bad meal here and have tried quite a few things on the menu. Since it is a mexican restaurant and I'm pretty sure "mexican food" means "anything with a shit ton of cheese melted on it", they keep that belief alive with me at least. Cheese, cheese, cheese and some cheese on the cheese. It's like the goddamn "Spam" sketch from Monty Python; except with cheese. One of my "test dishes" for a good mexican place is wether or not their chile relleno passes muster and La Palma's does not disappoint by any stretch of the imagination. I've introduced a few friends to this place as well and they've not been disappointed either; if their empty plates and happy faces were to be believed that is. They have a full bar, as well as a good selection of mexican beer; my favorite is Negro Modelo which goes nicely with everything and all bottled beers are served with a chilled glass. I've tried their fried ice cream as a dessert once and it was pretty tasty, but I don't generally eat dessert when I'm out on the town so it might not be as good as some other places; I simply haven't tried it at many places. Be wary of their parking lot though, its laid out kind of strange and is on a hill as well. My car almost got backed into last time I was there by some knob who was driving a huge SUV. I believe they have a second lot kind of above the restaurant but I've yet to park up there. Also park with the mindset that you'll eventually have to leave, should the parking lot fill up this can be a little bit of a challenge; especially if you've had a margarita or six.
(5)
Gerald H.
Be careful which plate you get. The enchiladas and burritos are so so but the shrimp fajitas are awesome. After I got that, I didn't order anything else. Went here about 5 times and service was always good. Try this place but get the fajitas.
(3)
Marc M.
this spot is kind of like a time machine. step inside and the decor is vintage since it seems like they haven't touched it since at least the 80s - which is a good thing. the combos are pretty standard like what you'd find at Azteca. don't frequent here too often, but the veggie fajitas were absolutely on point last night. tons of yummy mushrooms, onions, and other goodness. other times i've had the burrito chorizo (eggs + sausage) which was coo. while i can't say that there's anything that sets this place apart as far as the food, it's a good spot to go to if you live in the Queen Anne/Magnolia/Interbay neighborhood.
(3)
Bethany L.
it was alright. nothing special. my husband and I split the carne asada burrito. It was freaking huge! The salsa that comes with the chips though is pretty good. Not your pico de gallo--very good though.
(3)
M S.
Love this place. We are regulars too. We usually come late at night so Sergio is commonly our waiter, and he's awesome. The beans are the best around, without a doubt. My husband and I are from Illinois where there's a certain Chicago-Mexican fare we're used to. We searched high and low in Seattle for it.. and La Palma is the closest we've found. Not a replica, but we've grown to love it. The Mai Tais are also tasty in my opinion. The nachos, enchiladas, arroz con pollo, and burro especial are all on the top of our list. Hmm.. they're guacamole always tends to lack a little though, if that's a priority for you.
(5)
Brien H.
Not spectacular by any stretch of the imagination, by no stretch also not terrible. Typical yellow-light, sombrero-on-the-wall ambience. Pretty tasty, simple, VERY cheese-y num-nums. Open pretty late for Mexican food on a weekday, which is nice.
(3)
Renee D.
Had it delivered and it was delicious. Totally hit the spot.
(4)
David N.
Just like everyone else who patronizes here, we have become regulars and this place is a weekly habit. Being from Texas, I'm used to more (dare I say) greasy cheesy Tex-Mex food, and this brings me back! But in a good way!! Call it comfort food. They pretty much know us by name so I'm biased, but so what.
(5)
Ireina B.
just give me the rice and beans already! oh and a little hot sauce, top that with some cheese and you've got a meal.
(4)
Kathy J.
I am not much for Mexican food, but hubby loves it. After he started telling people 'my wife won't let me eat Mexican food' I 1) pointed out he drove by Taco Time twice a day and 2) consented to go to La Palma. Waitstaff was hardworking and efficient and it seemed to be predictable Mexican/American fare. After eating about a quarter of my chicken fajitas things began to feel seriously wrong. It reminded me of my co-op preschool where there were three kinds of kids: the paste eaters, the paste tasters and me, the would never, ever dream of eating paste. I imagined this was what paste felt like in the GI tract. Hubby said his was even worse. So now he gets to go to Taco Time, until summertime when we can snag a sidewalk table at Oaxaca in Ballard. This was a serious disappointment, particularly since the staff really work hard, but chicken fajitas should not require 3 Zantacs and half a jar of Trader Joe's peppermint enzymes.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Avery S.
Food was muy bueno!! Server was in great mood, we had our two year old with us and waiter made sure we had an extra plate for him.... I would recommend this place to anyone who likes good Mexican food. I love the look of a hole in the wall restaurant with great food and servers!!
(5)Jason T.
Great Merikanized greasy Mexican food. Their salsa is great. Their refried beans are very good ( LARD makes things good) The rest of the food we've had is cheesy and crispy in all the right places. Like I said not terribly authentic, but it fills the void when you have that craving for American style Mexican food.
(3)Chelsea W.
The first time I went to la Palma it was pretty decent food but the second time there was way too much cheese. As if that's possible right? It was almost like there was more cheese then other ingredients on all three items we ordered (nachos, enchilada, burrito). I would still go back because the service was good and maybe the too much cheese time was a random accident.
(2)Matt R.
Everything about La Palma is all sorts of meh...... This is your typical microwaved food Mexican joint. I'm not saying Mexican restaurants who rely on microwaves are bad- they have their place- but for $15 a plate- you expect something a little better. Standard chips and salsa for free when you arrive. Below average selection of tequila and certainly NO mezcal on the menu. The Chile Relleno isn't what you would expect- it's downright misleading. It's an enchilada with a strip of poblano pepper in it. Service was hit and miss. Empty water glasses.... Empty chip basket. The guy was awfully prompt when it came to bringing the bill though..... I would go just about anywhere else for Mexican food before going back to La Palma.
(2)Babs B.
I base my star ratings on whether a place lives up to the type of place it attempts to be. La Palma is not a gourmet or hip Mexican restaurant. This is old school Americanized Mexican food with lots of beans, cheese, rice, etc. a good value, quick service, good chips and salsa and super friendly waiters. Order the scratch margarita and it comes with a good pour of Hornitos, and is perfectly balanced. Not much to say about the food. It's fine, not great, but exactly what you expect from a place who's decor looks like it hasn't been updated since 1975.
(4)Ali D.
Yuck. Just, yuck! I came to La Palma not by choice but to be a good sport with a group of friends who insisted we go here. I tried to be open-minded. The decor and overall look of the restaurant didn't even turn me off. I'm not scared of a hole-in-the-wall with amazing food but La Palma, sadly, was not one of them. The salsa was clearly straight out of a jar and lacking in any sort of zesty flavor. The chips were stale and definitely not homemade. We live in a place that's highly abundant with restaurants that take the time to make homemade items to take their restaurant to the next level so I've come to expect it and will hold it against you if you can't measure up. ESPECIALLY if the store-bought chips you serve are stale. Come on, people, there is no excuse for that. I love my greasy, dirty Mexican food as much as the next person but there's a fine line between your typical greasy spoon and a plate of food that has your stomach churning just by looking at it. My rice and beans were oily and had way too much cheese in them (this coming from a cheese lover). The nachos we shared as a group were practically a plate of cheese. The guac, pico, sour cream and lettuce accompaniments weren't even fresh or homemade which made the cheesy, greasy chips completely unappetizing. On top of that, the food wasn't cheap ($12 for a plate of rice and beans and a portion of nachos). I also was extremely turned off by the service we received. I realize our server was trying to be "funny" by heckling us each time he approached the table to order tequila and margaritas but good lord, no means NO. It's not cute or funny and it ultimately just took my poor dining experience over the edge therefore resulting in this one star rating.
(1)David M.
Excellent food and great service. Very well priced and their lunch special runs to 4 pm.
(5)J M.
Such great authentic food... Friendly staff and always busy. Don't go here if you are looking for Mexican American cuisine... This place is legit
(5)Ken S.
This is the first time I've been to this restaurant. So I really did not know what to expect. I walk to the door and I was seated right away. Waiter came by and I asked for some recommendations he gave me three.I went with the carne Asada burrito.while I waited for my meal I ate the chips and salsa both were very tasty. My burrito arrived and all I can say is ,oh my God. It was huge. So I immediately expected the burrito to be filled with rice and beans with very little meat, I couldn't be more wrong. The Carne Asada was tender and juicy the burrito was fantastic and I'd have it again in a heartbeat. Service was great the price was even better the food was outstanding can't wait to come back.
(5)SeaProps S.
One of my favorite dine in Mexican restaurants in Seattle! The fajitas are my go to order. The service is always great and so are the margaritas! Honestly never had a bad meal here in probably close to 50 trips. Go try it now!!!
(5)Audi B.
Horrible food. I order through a delivery service and was extremely disappointed. Do not waste your time and money. I had the chicken enchilada's and my wife had the steak fajitas. It's disappointing because we just moved to the area with hopes to find good Mexican food and it didn't happen.
(1)Phuong B.
Wow this restaurant is one of the most legitimate Mexican restaurant in Seattle! Trust me, I went with someone from Mexico and she agrees! We immediately noticed that the exterior of the restaurant was already "Mexican". Nicely put, it looked like it belong in the nicer part of Tijuana..... But it had a unique charm to it. The service here is superior. Upon entering, we were greeted in Spanish nonetheless. Gave me the perfect opportunity to practice my rusty skills. We ended up chit chatting with the greeter in Spanish for a few minutes and were promptly seated. The server was super nice as well and we also spoked in Spanish. He came back and forth throughout lunch to check up on us and chatted like we've known him for years! It was definitely nice to have a waiter talk to you like you are close friends! Sure, half of us didn't understand anything but it was quite refreshing actually. Food was okay, nothing spectacular. Portions are huge and really filling and fatty. We went for lunch and I was in a food coma for about three hours afterwards. I definitely recommend splitting a plate as you'll get really sick of it after a few bites. But the service makes up for the food.
(4)Brittany S.
Great food and great service. I am not really an enchilada person, but I tried the cheese and onion enchiladas per my friends request and they are some of the best. I love that they put so much onion and they are sautéed perfectly. I also had a taco dish that was amazing!
(5)Nathan P.
The food and drinks are great. We love the food. The waitet was great with his service. The place was great as well.
(5)Carla C.
Best chimichangas ever! We love this place...its been our regular dive for years! Grandma always gets her double margaritas and they are awesome. They have had the same staff forever and they are so nice! They always bring us the habanero salsa to challenge our tastebuds. If you have never been, make it a point to go and try it out!
(5)John M.
Better than it looks. Ate at La Palma the other day and it was pretty good. I have seen this place sitting along side 15th for a while but never ventured in. The exterior isn't the most inviting in the world. The inside, is typical american style mexican...and you know sometimes that is what you are in the mood for. When you are La Palma satisfies and is certainly a better bet than the typical American Mexican. The burrito was huge the GF liked the steak mexicana.
(4)Andrea K.
Awesome ambiance, nice staff. Had the cream cheese chicken delight which sounds weird but was really good.
(5)Samara L.
The service is good, and the food is PHENOMENAL. This is Washington, not California, and this is by far the best Mexican food in Seattle. If you like fried: the chicken chimichanga is tender, juicy and delicious. I think about it for days after eating here... The only thing they'd need to do for a 5th star is clean the upholstery on their booths :)
(4)Skyler D.
We have driven by this place for YEARS and have always been a more than a little hesitant to stop in. Well, a co-worker recommended the place and we needed to wait out the football traffic so we decided to give it a try. We weren't disappointed, in fact, we were quite pleased. It's like going back in time... to the age of 1970's 'Family' Mexican Restaurants. It felt comfy and cozy, the staff were super friendly and welcoming, the food was tasty, and the margaritas had the right amount of booze. Don't hesitate to stop in to La Palma. I'm pretty sure you'll like it. I know we'll be back.
(4)Reina K.
Went last night and had the Chicken Fajitas for two. The staff is always friendly and courteous. Service was quick and food hot and tastey. The roasted jalapenos we had on the side were delicious.
(5)Curtis S.
Place checks out. They got strong margaritas. Strooooooooooong margaritas. Like strooooooong. Strong. Yelp said my review is too short so I'm just going to blabber about stuff. Potato chips are really just thin fries potato pancakes. This should do it for yelp length.
(5)Andrew Z.
My family loves La Palma, we've been going there for about 8 years. Great staff, we love the decor. The salsa is very yummy. The only downfall for me is there's not much pork on the menu.
(4)Michael G.
Excellent Mexican food! The Margaritas were cheap and quite delicious. Loved the Enchilads and the chips and salsa. The staff was very friendly. My lady loved her tacos as well!
(4)Damien S.
La Palma is a quality Mexican restaurant. They've got the best Arroz Con Pollo around. The staff is always welcoming and friendly.
(5)Daniel S.
I'm originally from San Antonio and my parents are from Mexico. This is some of the best Mexican food I've found in Seattle. Aside from the food, the wait staff is awesome as well. I highly recommend checking this place out.
(5)Dan P.
The most average place you can think of, IMO. I went in for lunch and ordered the quesadilla with chicken. It was very large, but absolutely bland. It has no color or crisp on the outside, lots of very bland cheese, and some amount of equally bland chicken. The best thing about my lunch was the Dos Equis beer - from a bottle. I might go back to try their Carne Asada - I hear it's really good. But not likely.
(2)Audra B.
After our last experience here I have no choice but to mark this restaurant's ratings down severely. What we experienced at our last meal here, was nothing short of sexual harassment. It went beyond the usual flirtations that we have received here in the past. I won't go into details, but I strongly recommend women do not dine here alone.
(1)Jill S.
I recently went to La Palma after not having been for a long time. What a welcome surprise. The service and food were as good as ever. The multi-floor configuration makes the place feel roomy, and you don't feel like your conversations are being heard by the people next to you. I had the steak tacos--the meat was nicely seasoned, spicy, but not too spicy. Portions are generous and service is attentive and friendly. And can I just say their refried beans are VERY good. They have a much richer, savory flavor, unlike other restaurants where the beans can be pasty. I don't live near here, but I would say it's definitely worth going out of the way.
(4)Sabrina K.
Tried this place for the first time only because I had a business meeting in the area. When I was told, "the restaurant's on the hill" they weren't kidding. It's literally made of multi levels up a very steep hill ~ if you have a margarita or two, hold onto the stair rail very tight when leaving. If you slip ~ there's a metal grate at the bottom of the stairs to stop you from rolling down to 15th. No kidding! Staff were great but unaware of "vegetarian"...they've got one choice of beans and "they only have a little bit of lard". Hmmmm. Well, I opted for their cheese enchilada with green tomatillo sauce and a side salad. Cheese was grated cheddar and hadn't melted sufficiently. Tomatillo sauce was ok. Complimentary chips and salsa were excellent.
(2)Cynthia L.
I detest writing poor reviews on a business but this is actually for your health and overall well-being. Four of us tried La Palma yesterday (received high marks on Yelp) and two of us were sick THROUGH THE NIGHT. But, let me back up: We got there before the dinner hour, so there was plentiful parking. Once inside, for some reason, the staff had trouble figuring out where to seat us. (There were like, 6 people in the whole place.) I am thinking it was because they didn't want us to see into their kitchen--a veritable Temple of Doom. We were seated and given chips and "salsa". I didn't know ketchup, canned tomato sauce and taco sauce mixed together was considered salsa. By far, the worst I've ever had. Regarding the entrees, I'm only going to comment on my food but know that all but one of us were more than a little horrified by the food. But, we were so hungry, we ate some of it anyways. I ate Polla la Crema, which 1) came with corn tortillas that I'm sure were recycled from another table. You think I'm kidding? I'm not. room temperature, dry, and leathery--cracked even... 2) the chicken had been pre-cooked waaay in advance. I can't tell you how how many days (!) prior but it wasn't fresh; that's for sure. I couldn't eat the rice and beans, which I'm sure would have only added to my digestive dilemma even more so later. Bummed out by poor food and an odd waiter that would only look at us in a sidelong manner, we get the bill: over $60 for 4 people!! There are so many other things I would have done besides eat there for $60!...Brand my inner eyelids, fill up my gas tank and drive 120 mph into a brick wall...the possibilities are endless. Then finally, the coup de grace. I am actually laid up in bed STILL as I write this, and know that in order to actually publish this review, I'm going to have to get off my phone and publish via laptop. I don't think I can make it past the bathroom... Please folks, while reading the 5-star ratings here, take special heed of the low ratings--they are not flukes!
(1)Liliane E.
I pride myself on honesty, so here goes. I love love love Mexican food, but this is by far the worse I've ever had. We came tot his place for lunch, and being that I wasn't super hungry, my co-worker and I shared their super nachos. Cheese, 2 slices of tomato, guacamole, sour cream and re-fried beans. There was a more than generous amount of toppings, but the cheese was very very greasy. When I say greasy, I mean there was a pool of yellow grease hiding under the chips. So greasy, that the cheese wasn't sticking to the chips. I felt gross after eating the nachos. This weird and unpleasant after taste of grease and beans stayed with me all afternoon.
(1)Adam B.
As a previous Magnolia resident, La Palma became my home away from home. Is two nights a week too much?? Quite the contrary, it's not enough. The wait staff is so friendly that they treated me to one-too-many tequila shots when I went here on my 30th birthday. (Thanks Raphael!) These guys know how to make an excellent margarita...and BIG! Ask for the Grande size and one should be plenty for most patrons. Their fajitas are hands down the best dinner item on the menu. One serving is usually enough for two people. Combine that with the Queso Fondito as an appetizer and you have what can only be called "The perfect meal".
(5)Geoffrey C.
Quirky atmosphere/building, but in an endearing sort of way. Friendly service. The food is what you might expect from a family-oriented, Americanized Mexican establishment far north of the border. Fajitas were tasty, but the generous portion sizes verified a 'quantity over quality' credo. Recommended if one is feeling in the mood to over-imbibe in a manner unsavory Gringos in Cancun might believe to be an appropriate Mexican experience--the loud table of drunken teenagers next to us appeared consistent with this approach ...
(3)Nicholas G.
Wonderful food and drinks. The house margarita was delicious and well priced. The staff is really friendly and the restaurant has a very "home" feeling to it. The only advise I can provide is to make sure to tell them "no lettuce" on anything you order as they put lettuce on everything (including a quesedilla??!!)
(5)Dennis R.
Nice people and good service. The food was not great though. Had high hopes!
(2)D C.
This place is fantastic. I'll keep it simple. The food is delicious and plentiful. The service is always friendly and even though they use the same jokes, surprisingly, they make me smile every time. The place is not the prettiest place but it's not ugly. C'mon, let's keep it real. It's a great place and it's definitely one of my staples. So people that have never been there because they thought it was a two floor apartment building, if you like Mexican food, check it out. It's delicioso.
(5)Edward P.
Prices are fair with large portions. Service quality is very dependant upon the server, but is generally average to great. Food is tasty, but not outstanding. Great place for some cerveza or a margarita. Notably, one of the few reasonable Tex-Mex places we've found near us. Other restaurants typically serve food closer to authentic Mexican.
(4)Bridget B.
I love the weird decor in this place. It's SUPER dark and the ceilings feel really low but what a great setting for chips and salsa! I've been here before and I'm never very impressed by the fair however, this time I ordered a simple $8 dish of seasoned meat, cheese topped with iceburg lettuce and sour cream -- it was REALLY delicious, low carb and cheap. I would definitely order this again. I had half of it for lunch the next day and I never have leftovers (generous proportions!) Their chips are OK -- mine were a little cold. The server made the requisite, "Diet Coke and Rum" joke when I ordered a diet coke. They can't help themselves :) Personally I feel I can get this same joke and better food at the same price down the street at El Ranchon in Magnolia!
(3)Stephen S.
WOW, server decided to pad his tip and added on an extra $3.00 to his tip. Just reviewed my credit card bill and thankfully I have my copy from the restaurant. Shocked! Wonder how often this happens. He disappeared for the last 20 minutes of the visit. I left him a decent tip for the service anyway. I was a regular at this location but certainly will not be back now. Food was only mediocre this visit
(1)Eve T.
Good Mexican food without all the greasy mess. Very generous portions, you can easily share a dish with someone else. Chimichanga was fried perfectly. One star docked because although the waiter was really friendly and attentive, he wouldn't leave our table alone to savor our foods. He stopped by every 5 min to strike up a conversation about who's paying, where we're from, what language we're going to order in, what other people ordered, etc. Besides that, everything else was delicious.
(4)Katie K.
La Palma would get a high rating based on service alone. They greet you right as you walk in the door and keep up the friendly attitude throughout your whole visit! It is very close to SPU and convenient to students. My friends and I enjoy walking there to visit Raphael who always says "see you mañana!" The margaritas are fabulous and a great deal during happy hour. We have tried the traditional, strawberry, and peach (which is my favorite). All of the food is pretty typical for Azteca-style Mexican food. The salsa is decent (on the spicy side, which I appreciate) and the guacamole is really good. A great place to go with friends for happy hour!
(4)S M.
This place is gross and they stole our money. Server was so rude that we left him a very low tip. He added $9 onto the tip and then management failed to send us a refund after promising they would. Don't do it.
(1)Emily A.
i like non-authentic mexican. hey, i grew up around these parts - we're raised on azteca and las margaritas. this place is so-so. service is more inattentive than just plain bad. food is pretty good, but not worth the miles unless you're already in interbay or at SPU. plenty of parking, which is nice. prices are okay, a little high for what it is and where. solid 3 stars.
(3)brooke e.
Amazing. I have lived in Seattle for a little over a year now and I always drive by La Palma but I had never tried it because I just didn't know what to expect (I'm from California so I am a bit of a Mexican food snob). My boyfriend and I decided that we would give it a whirl last night and boy, are we happy we did. We split the fajitas for two with chicken and steak. It was delicious and the perfect amount for two (if you like to eat a lot, if you don't, you will probably have left overs). With this deal, each person also gets their own plate of rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce and pico. The flour tortillas they come with are heavenly. They have a large menu so everyone is bound to find something they like. Also, you won't feel bad for hounding down tons of Mexican food here - everything was so fresh and wasn't swimming in grease or cheese, including their tortilla chips which can sometimes be hit or miss. Our server was great too. Very attentive and joked around with us. Made the experience even better. Moral of the story... go!
(5)Teresita C.
I once had a dream in which I was drowning in cheese and then we went to dinner at La Palma and lo, and behold, my nightmare came true! They actually deserve 2.5 stars because it was certainly edible but not quite palatable. Spreading approximately two inches of cheese over everything does indeed cover a multitude of crimes against food but even with the cheddar blanket I could still tell that the Chile Relleno was all wrong. It was spongy and too thickly dipped in egg, making it more of a Chile omelet, than a Relleno. The chicken in the chicken burritos that my friends ordered was dry, dry like the martini I needed after eating this crazy mess. Service was energetic and pleasant but it just couldn't make up for the food. No mas, por favor.
(2)Clayton J.
There was a time when I could have eaten Mexican 7 days a week. I love Mexican food and truly miss the days when hot crispy chips and spicy salsa ruled my world. The irony is over the years I passed this place again and again on my way to other Mexican eateries in Ballard. If I'm not mistaken, there was even a Bellevue location at one point, but I could be wrong. I do however remember about 15 years ago a banner hanging outside that read Healthy Mexican Food. That was back during the Fat Free push of the late 90's. However, I let me food to be bathed in fat, that's where the flavor comes from! The portions here was rithickuous! I don't think I have ever had so much meat on a taco platter, however, I needed to use a liberal amount of both salt and pepper to bring the plate to life. The salsa also wasn't that good. It tasted like the canned salsa that you got in the store on the Mexican aisle next to the candles of Patron Saints. All in all, it wasn't bad, but they fell short by cutting a couple corner that would have taken them to the next level. With a better fresh salsa, flavorful meats and faster service, this place could easily become a hot spot. They have potential, but that potential could go either way.
(3)Kellie C.
Cons: They couldn't make a paloma and the guacamole was incredibly bland tasting. Pros: My shrimp enchiladas were pretty good, and the server was nice, even if I couldn't understand him. They also had Monday night football on.
(2)Victoria C.
What can I say? La Palma offers you traditional Mexican food in a family atmosphere. PROS: 1. Amazing service. You really are treated like family. The minute we walked in the door, we were greeted by a cheerful man with a tray in his hand, with two glasses of water, chips, and salsa atop it. We were immediately escorted to a table. Damn that's fast. It's like he was peeking out the window to see how many of us there were and prepared his tray while we walked up the steps. The waiter came back often to check on us. Nothing but smiles. 3 stars for service alone. 2. Fast service. Food came out minutes after we ordered. 3. Typical prices. 4. Typical food. Came out piping hot. 5. HUGE portions. An entree is enough for at least two people to leave stuffed. CONS: 1. The food isn't blow-ya-outta-the-water good. It's average. The mole was meh. Kind of flavorless. Very light in color. Not great. Not bad. 2. Dated decor. Kinda dingy. But hey, they just celebrated 35 years in business! We probably wouldn't go out of our way to come here again. But if we are in the area and happen to be craving Mexi food, why not?
(3)Mike S.
This place gave a coworker and I the squirts.
(1)Gina C.
Pretty typical Mexican food. Yummy. Nothing stunning. Friendly staff that seem to enjoy themselves and their guests which is great. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but glad to have decent Mexican food and a good margarita nearby.
(3)Tan Lo S.
This is the worst Mexican place ever!!! So glad I was right about this place. The outside looks so dingy and dirty and sketch!!!!!! I'm so mad I came here! I walk in and nobody's there to greet me. After a minute, I'm greeted and seated. I'm having high hopes for this place since the waiter was so nice. I was seated, served chips and salsa, and got water. I looked at the menu, and it is fairly pricey. However, I decide on their lunch specials,just because. I was impressed by how fast the service was. Very good so far. Low and behold, I get my food. I look @ the plate like wtf!???! First off why is there a freaking hard shell taco on my plate? The lunch said, beef enchiladas, taco, and rice and beans. Okay. A freaking hardshell taco? That's not even Latin or Mexican!!!!! I was so pissed. Next, I try the beans. Wtf and which can of beans did they open and reheat? Yes, the beans were disgusting! Tasted from an old can. Ugh. Then, to top it off, the enchilada is hard as hell! I couldn't even cut through it! I have made enchiladas so I know how it's supposed to taste and looK. Ugh and the beef was worse!!! The beef tasted so American, as in, fake Tex Mex. Very grounded, like processed or canned! No joke. I stopped eating that quick. A few bites was enough. The only reasonable tasty thing was the rice. Looked a bit dry, but it wasn't bad as I ate it. Could things get worse? Yes! There's a freaking hair on my freaking rice! A hair! Looked curly like an eyelash or chin hair! I'm now disgusted and lost my appetite! It takes like 10 minutes just to get his attention! I finally do, and he freaking takes it, stares at it for like a minute, and looks at me, then says, "what do you want? Another one?" Seriously?!!!! First off, if he was thinking it's mine, it's not! I barely have eyelashes!!! When I tell him no I don't want another plate because I lost my appetite, he says, "well what do you want?" I look at him like wtf? Seriously? So I just say, "I'll just take check and go." He says, "ok ill get you a discount." I'm so annoyed at this point. I barely ate your food, you give me a hardshell taco, your beans and meat are gross and I find a hair! Seriously?! He comes back moments later and says I don't have to pay since I barely ate. Dayum right Im not paying!!!! I pack my things and leave. Smh. This is the worst Mexican place ever. Food and service sucks!!! Not authentic and their food is old. Plus, I hear many people get food poisoning here. Good luck, save yourself!
(1)Howard L.
Ok food. Great Margarita. Friendly and good service. Be carefull with the hillside parking. Park on the flats if you can. The food reminded me of my trips to Mexico where I took the long distance buses and we would stop for lunch. The food was similar. It was nothing special but the meals are hearty and will carry you for another 200 miles. Let me tell you the Margarita will keep you happy for that 200 miles. I just needed one.
(3)J D M.
We have a joke about this place, "La Palmaria", because every time we eat here someone gets the runs. I want to enjoy this place, they have a tasty veggie fajita entree, but it never agree's with me. Plus they are a touch too expensive for a Mexican restaurant, especially for food that often times makes us sick.
(2)Jay H.
Abandon all hope ye who enter here. I've tried coming here once before due to the proximity to my residence and positive Yelp reviews but the parking is so atrocious that if La Palma is at half capacity there is no parking for the other half. "Luckily" last night we were able to enjoy this establishment... er... maybe overpay for a near death experience is more accurate. How many staff members does it take to seat a table of four when there are only 3 other tables being used? Three. The answer is three. And if you guessed it took them 200% longer than it should take you would also be correct. Our server was awkward to the point of him being creepy and off putting. He would start speaking, stop, stare at us and then mumble before wandering off to accomplish unknown goals. Sometimes he would pounce out of nowhere and ask if we needed more chips while other times he would drag himself to our table like the love child of Uncle Fester and Gollem. The chips and salsa: this is always one of the best tests of a Mexican joint. The chips weren't amazing but they weren't horrible either so that's okay in my book. The "salsa"... tasted like they'd drained the tomato sauce out of a can of Chef Boyardee Ravioli and added tapatio sauce to it. Except I'll eat Chef Boyardee in a pinch. Gag! I've never seen a table not touch the chips and salsa provided after one chip/dip before. Call me amazed... and saddened. Our food was brought out fairly quickly... the fact the food wasn't even warm is probably a factor in this. My dish of delights was a burrito verde. Not much in the way of sauce and the rice and beans looked and tasted liked they'd been scraped off of a plate a week ago and dropped back into the vessel they are cooked in for reissuing. They were gross... and that's just the rice and beans! The insides of my burrito weren't warm. Some of the meat was actually cold. You know how a server drops off your food and tells you the plate is hot but you figure it's merely warm and touch it anyways in a kind of 'how hot is it really' sort of game? Well, here they tell you the plate is hot and when you touch it you find that the only warm spot on the plate is where the server was holding it. I was ravenously hungry so I devoured my food but I would also eat my own arm if I was stranded on a mountain top with nothing else to eat. Friend #1 ordered carne asada and it was 90% gristle and fat. She took two bites and couldn't eat any more. They also brought her the wrong beans with her entree. One of the biggest shockers of the night was the price tag for all this amazing food. A $60 check for pretty standard Mexican food prepared horribly. We could have gone to numerous other Mexican spots, ordered the same food and paid $40... and the food would have easily been much more edible. To top it all off 3 out of the 4 of us experienced food poisoning. Friend #1 who barely ate her food got the light end of it but the other two of us had a pleasant night filled with not sleeping while we exploded out of both ends. I don't like to give 1 star reviews and often times I'll hold off on bad reviews so I can try the place a second time... but this place was so bad I will avert my eyes when I drive by. Do not eat here if you value your money, health or the quality of your meal. Not a fan.
(1)Wes B.
This is the best mexican food place I have found in Seattle. The prices are quite reasonable. I grew up in Tucson, AZ, an hour away from mexico so I know what I'm talking about. While I cant say they are 100% authentic they serve great food with a bit of Tex-Mex style. They prices on food and alcohol are good too! I have had a combo meal, the beef burrito, and chicken chimichanga all of which exceeded my expectations, (because I have no expectations for Seattle Mexican food) over all quite tasty to those who complain about the salsa, please let me educate you on what salsa is. Salsa is spanish for sauce, in mexico it is traditionally hot sauce. So they might not make it themselves, their salsa has a good spice to it and keeps me reaching for more (and more beer). How about this dont expect american PACE salsa, or Spanish (from Spain) gazpacho. To those who do not want to risk getting sick, try something NOT cream based. Eat simple dishes, like a beef burrito or fajitas. Everyone Ive taken here has faired just fine and they ordered what ever they wanted. maybe it was something else you ate? The service has been fine when I have been here. maybe a little inattentive but it didn't slow down my meal.
(4)Egon R.
Was not impressed with this restaurant. Was over at a friends house and we were discussing about where to go to eat and for some reason we decided this place.. even though my two friends had been there before and said they wouldn't go back.. Once we got there we were 1 of 2 group of people there.. not really a good sign on a Saturday lunch time... but besides that we sat down and had lunch.. I had the Carne Asada burrito which was way too big.. I would have preferred a smaller portion but something that was actually good... The only good thing was their $14 Margarita that come in a huge cup... after one of those you will be feeling a lot better and makes you forget about the flavor of the food... I didn't get sick after the lunch but I can't say the same for my friend.. it might not be due to the food but he was fine before. I'm not going to jump to any conclusion that it was this place but there was nothing else that he had after wards. Personally I was just too stuffed to even move and just passed out and the couch and felt lazy.. I'll never go back again as the food was not good and I dint want to waste a day after eating sleeping...
(1)Stephanie M.
I could not believe how busy La Palma was--I've NEVER seen it this busy. I hadn't been here for a few years so I thought, "Could the menu be different? Could they have different specials?" NO, nothing seems to have changed, but for some reason it was hoppin! I ordered a shrimp enchilada and my boyfriend got one of the combo plates. They have A LOT of choices, as does many Mexican restaurants, but nothing really stuck out to me as unique. The quality was good, but not excellent. I did really enjoy the salsa and the service was very good. I noticed that La Palma offers pretty great lunch specials so it also seems like a good place to go for lunch with coworkers or friends!
(3)Alan D.
Very good food, excellent service, and the staff is really friendly. I go here often, and have never been disappointed. The staff is always very helpful, even when really busy.
(5)Jennifer B.
I was surprised by the fabulously seasoned food, outrageously generous portions and excellent service. My partner asked for his "Camarones a la Diablo" extra spicy and they even added in a habanero pepper! He was delighted! Must recommend the taquito appetizer! They were stuffed with tasty shredded beef!
(4)Bob J.
The sign out front says they're celebrating 35 years of business in Seattle. That's testament to their staying power. The food is strictly run of the mill, fairly priced and served by friendly waitstaff. Be prepared to climb stairs. The interior is long overdue for a renovation. In the meantime, a thorough cleaning wouldn't hurt. Parking is easy. Restrooms are hidden away.
(2)Raihan A.
The food here isn't what you'd call authentic Mexican food. Even calling it true Tex-Mex is a stretch. I saw an old school picture of the joint, so my theory is that back in the day American restaurant goers had "adventurous" appetites that were not so adventurous. To accommodate their clientele's timid palate, La Palma basically "dumbed down" their Text-mex food by Americanizing it with not so bold flavors and blankets of cheese. Cut to the present, the American palate has become a lot more sophisticated, however La Palma kinda still keeps their menu the same from way back when. That being said... The service alone earned them 3 stars. They serve their guests and are EXTREMELY personable. I would probably hang out with these guys at a fiesta. Case in point, our server over heard us talking about how it was one of our friend's birthday and so after our dinner, he brought out a tequila shot for the birthday girl, and it was on the house. Oh and he had her take the shot with a sombrero and took a picture for their wall. Definitely made us feel welcomed. The people at La Palma exude an atmosphere that says, "Hey, relax and enjoy your stay." And isn't that what we all want anyways? So yeah, overall, the food is so-so, but the employees make it a nice relaxing experience.
(3)Al S.
This place is going to lead me down the path to obesity. Can you say yum! I'm not going to write much write now because my wife and I went there last week for the first time to "kick the tires"....and ended up on yelp while trying to find their number so I can order take out this time. I got the #19 and it was GREAT last time! But it wasn't just that the food was good, rather, it GREAT because it comes with BEEF, PORK and CHICKEN! {in my online "masculine" hysterical voice}. Seriously, how many times have you been stricken with anxiety at Mexican restaurants because their combo dishes only come with two of those options. Call me greedy, but when I order a combo plate I want to see every animal on the farm on my plate - without having to order appetizers. (Like I said, you can all me greedy);and the price is reasonable. Well, that enough for now because I decided to multitask and order the food while I wrote the review so it should be done by now. Unfortunately I doubt I'll be able to try any of the other dishes for at least a year because the combo has me sprung. Signing off - soon to be - "Fatty, Fatty, Fat, Fat"
(5)Sally M.
Sometimes the chef will make a "secret" habanero salsa that is awesome! (ask for it) Also, you can order giant margaritas.
(4)Dania P.
I love love love this place! Here are the highlights: 1. Delicious mexican food-I highly recommend the steak carnitas/chicken carnitas/fajitas. 2. Excellent staff-everyone is so friendly and are always cracking jokes- you can tell they really enjoy working there! 3. PARKING LOT! Yay! 4. It has a nice cozy atmosphere 5. If you have a passport card you can use it here and get buy one get one free! Nice Love La Palma!
(5)Nancy K.
If you want americanized Mexican food this is the place to go. The food is good and fairly priced and the servers are awesome. They're quick and funny and always remember us (we go back all the time). Our favorite thing to order is the fajitas - they're the best - the single order is enough that you can easily split between 2 people.
(5)jessica c.
I've been on a quest to find a family owned/homestyle family type restaurant that lives up to the one i used to go to in my hometown which is a couple hours north of seattle... but i'm sad to say la palma is not it for me. I arrived and tried to order a margarita and the waiter informed me they are not allowed to take the vertical drivers licenses (i'm a few years over 21, btw) that was strike one for me. Their chips and salsa were not that great... salsa was extremely watery. I always order a chimichanga. It never fails me... but this one I could barely get down. The chicken was not shredded very well at all and they used dark meat and it was rubbery and watery yuckkkk. i prefer white meat chicken. and there were no beans inside! wtf, a chimichanga is supposed to be a deep fried burrito. don't burrito's generally have refried beans in them?! it was deep fried, plain, watery, rubbery, dark meat chicken. the spanish rice was good, i will give them that, but i was disgusted by the chimichanga... definately don't think i'll be returning. also, the place was dark, dingy and really sketch feeling inside.
(1)Jessica Z.
Love the service! Funny man that makes me laugh everytime and pours a mean drink. I also love their chips and salsa..warm and fresh! Huge portions so plan to share. Great spot when Im feeling extra naughty and not counting calories!
(4)Nadia G.
I didn't expect much from La Palma. I was just happy to be satisfying my curiosity after years of driving by and reading very polarizing reviews. Well, I didn't get good Mexican food, but I did't get bad Mexican food either. It was okay. I did get a fruity margarita that I didn't really enjoy. I think I should have gotten the regular margarita. My friends were happy with theirs, I think. The thing that stands out the most in my memory though is that the staff was so friendly! They smiled and were attentive to our table. They even brought our friend a shot and a sombrero for her birthday! She (and I unfortunately) are on their wall! I don't usually shy away from a camera but they caught me making an icky face.
(3)Cindy M.
The BEST MEXICAN FOOD in Seattle! We LOVE LaPalma! We have enjoyed this restaurant for 14+ years & now our grown children frequent this restaurant with their family & friends as well. The staff, the service, the food is excellent! Not a better choice unless you go to Mexico!
(5)Matt S.
I'm kind of a Mexican food snob, and this place is fantastic. The first hurdle that a lot of places run into is salsa. If there isn't a basket of chips and a cup of it on the table, chances are that you're in trouble. This place doesn't disappoint on that note, and the salsa itself is some of the best I've had since leaving San Diego. If you ask, they *also* have a habanero-spiked salsa that they will bring out which is absolutely worth trying if you like things a bit spicier. Next, the service... Admittedly, I arrived at around 2pm on a weekday, a slow time of day for them, but the waiter, Rafael, went way, way above and beyond. He noticed that, despite being a gringo in a suit, I spoke some Spanish and for the rest of the meal was happy to stop by and chatter with me, offering recommendations on everything from places to practice speaking to other menu items to where to find a good Thai place. Huge thumbs up. Finally, the food. At the waiter's recommendation, I had the "street" style chicken tacos- these are the little ones with peppers and onions wrapped in 2 ~6" corn tortillas and covered in a bit of pico de gallo. It sounds small and uninspiring, I know; it was phenomenal, and between the tacos themselves and the rice / beans that accompanied them, I had more food than I could finish at a sitting. (Note: Not a small guy, nor possessed of a dainty appetite.) I thought I'd hit the jackpot when I discovered El Chupacabra (also definitely worth a visit if you get a chance), but this place is going to be a serious contender when I get the Mexican food itch moving forward.
(5)gretchen m.
This is average suburban mexican, very edible and not that bad. The dishes all taste sort of the same. The service is very friendly. The food is not scary but getting into the place is. The restaurant is on a small lot on a very steep hill. The parking lot is steep, the steps up to the restaurant are steep, there's ledges, obstacles and once you are inside its like a jungle treehouse with different rooms at various levels. Leaving, the door opens directly onto the stairs and you could easily fall down. Not where you want to be drinking margaritas during a snowstorm.
(2)Jamie D.
La Palma is one of those restaurants you can't stop loving. My husband and I have been going here for 8 years now. And I have yet to be disappointed. The pork fajitas make my mouth water - thinly cut pieces of meat neighbored with peppers and onions, carmalized to perfection. Amazing. The fresh squeezed lime margaritas put other bartenders to shame. The atmosphere - endearingly cheesy. The staff - cheerful, speedy. If you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of the owners smile, and if you are VERY lucky, his even bigger heart. No nonsense mexican food at it's authentic best. Yum.
(5)Lauren D.
This place is a decent option for food. It has a quirky atmosphere as it was built into this little multi story house. I ordered some cream cheese chicken entree which I found pretty good. I was satisfied with that and would order it again. They serve pepsi products. The chips and salsa, unfortunately, were as bad as it gets. The chips were fine but the salsa tastes like they dumped half a can of chili powder in it. Chili powder? You're not supposed to put chili powder in salsa. At the very least, you should not dump the entire can into it. Prices were a couple dollars higher than I would have expected and using the restrooms is a risky venture. Service: Good Food: Good Price: Little too high for what it is Chips / Salsa: Bad Atmosphere: Cute Restrooms: Bad
(3)Kelly S.
I have been going here for as long as I have lived in Seattle. While it's not the BEST Mexican food I have ever had, it is certainly very good and the service is great. Everyone there is SO nice and the food is definitely delicious. They serve huge portions so sharing is nice (unless you want to bring home a big thing of leftovers) I highly recommend trying their Banana Margarita (these blow my mind every time) Their lunch specials are also great.
(4)David A.
La Palma holds a (tiny) place in my heart as it was the first restaurant in Seattle that I stepped foot in, back when I moved here a few years ago. I love me some Mexican food and was too lazy to head to the grocery store, snap up some ingredients, and *gasp* actually cook something. Thus... LP did in a pinch, serving up basic Mexican food with decent service and the usual ingredients. Note the "normality" of those adjectives and you'll see what I'm hinting at. La Palma is nothing over the top, but when all you want is a damn carne asada burrito with none of that Tex-Mex frill, this place will do. I will say that the one unique thing about this place would be the parking lot. So go there if you are a construction nerd and enjoy oddly placed concrete.
(3)Juanca W.
...well,,,, food is good...... even though , I think that business owners, should know what the actual meaning of AUTHENTIC, is...... anyway.... an honorable maragarita is that one, made at the moment, so the flavor is not old and extra sweet,,,, and by the way , tequila, is something to be proud for mexicans,,, not some substance made with tequila, with the name tortilla, that tastes horrible....... I think it is an insult to anyone, who pay to get a decent drink..........
(2)Rachel S.
I have a very long history with La Palma. Legend has it that La Palma was the 1st place my parents took me as a baby. Years later....right after I graduated from college I found myself living down the street for La Palma for a year. A couple years ago I thought it was only fitting that I had my birthday party there. I had about 25 people come. The staff was super accomodating and friendly. We had a blast! Here is the reality of La Palma: It is a neighborhood Mexican Restaurant. It isn't gourmet and it isn't fancy. It is a fun place to meet friends, hang out with the family, have a couple margaritas, and have some decent mexican food that comes in huge portions for a good price. There is a reason they have been open since the late 1970's. I highly recommend the #21: It is a little bit of nachos, a little bit of salad, and an enchilada.
(5)Maria B.
There are so many Mexican restaurants to choose from; the hip, atmospheric restaurant com club (ie Pesos, Matador, Cactus), soulless chain restaurants, gobs of taco trucks all varying in quality and service, but few that strike the right balance between good, authentic food, nice dining atmosphere, and good, smart service at a decent price. La Palma strikes this balance. Their sign reads that they have been in business for 35 years, there is a reason for this. My experience: Saturday night, get in the door ask for a table for two. We are immediately shown to one of the best tables in the place (a booth by the window overlooking ehh Interbay), within a minute two glasses of water and chips and salsa on the table. The menus follow as well as a friendly greeting from our server. The menu is pretty standard but as a vegetarian/vegan, there are lots of options that I can order with fresh veggies; veggie enchilada, veggie burrito, quesadilla, you get the drift. We order two margaritas, not sweet. They show up in 5 minutes and are quite good, they take our order, food is out in 10 minutes. Our server was awesome, checking back periodically, joking with us about our next order of margaritas (cinco, six). I got the veggie quesadilla, my partner the veggie/vegan style burrito. Mine was really good; stuffed full of veggies (mushrooms, squash, carrots, onions), my bf kept saying, this has real flavor. Mine was so big I could only eat a third of it. When we got the bill, the margaritas were on the high side ($9-) but overall the bill/food prices was/were fair. La Palma will be on the regular rotation for "date-night". I'd give them five stars if their chips and salsa were as good as the Matador's.
(4)Aaryn S.
BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN SEATTLE! I lived in Phoenix, AZ for over 20 years and in that time, mexican food became my favorite, HANDS DOWN. I consider myself an expert on good mexican food. THATS WHY I LOVE THIS PLACE SO MUCH! Since I moved here, ive only found wannabe mexican food and mexi-food thats been all "granola'ed" up for Seattle (ex: veggie quesadillas, tofu on nachos, etc)..... LA PALMA IS THE EXCEPTION. REAL mexican food, owned by a REAL mexican family from Mexico! The food is greasy (LIKE ITS SUPPOSED TO BE) and not all Gringo/Granola'd up like all the other mexican rest. in town. If you want greaseless and tasteless and ingredients normally NOT found in mexican food, go to Azteca or ANY other mexican food rest. in Seattle. You obviously do NOT want REAL mexican food and can go choke on your vegan fare or gringo-xican elsewhere. For those who love REAL mexican food, I recommend MAMAs SAMPLER PLATTER (or whatever its called)... its a little bit of everything and its SO good! Their carne is AMAZING. this is my fave rest. in Seattle.... because its so UN-Seattle. Its good, uncompromising mexican food. Not only the best mexican rest. in Seattle, but MY FAVORITE REST. IN SEATTLE, PERIOD.
(5)G W.
It must have been an off day. This place has been there forever. It used to be called "Torreros". As long as I can remember, it was there. The place needs a really good cleaning and the food needs some work too. The food was greasy and seemed "assembled". I am certain everything was pre-cooked and then just assembled to order. It didn't taste "fresh". There are far better Mexican restaurants in the PNW.
(2)Megan R.
This place is definitely many steps up from your typical Azteca - but not enough to WOW me. The ambiance is cute, and the servers are friendly friendly - they also get some points for showing football on their many big screen TVs. I went out on a limb and ordered taquitos (usually my favorite dish). I was a tad bit disappointed - they didn't look like taquitos I have had before, they looked more like mini tacos and the chicken in them was overcooked. They still tasted good - just not exactly what I was used to having. The chips and salsa were AMAZING - I couldn't stop. Prices were also very reasonable!
(3)Sarah H.
I love La Palma! It's a fantastic authentic Mexican restaurant - the people are super friendly and always speak a little spanish to you by saying hola or calling you amigos. They have a variety of delicious choices and their portions are huge! I've been a few different times and I've never been disappointed!
(5)Nick B.
This is the GREASIEST Mexican food I have ever eaten in my entire life, and I've eaten some greasy Mexican food! I ordered the dinner special with a burrito and an enchilada that came with rice and beans. The beans were blanketed in a film of grease, allowing a few chunks of the unevenly molten cheese to slide around disgustingly on my plate. The burrito and enchilada were almost literally swimming in the grease as well. My wife had the veggie quesadillas which should have been renamed to "a whole bunch of cheese with a carrot on top" quesadillas. Now, I'm a big proponent of "greasy" Mexican food once in a while, but this was really a bit much for me. Other than that, the service was great and the restaurant itself was really cool. Maybe next time the chef won't spill half the vegetable oil in all of Seattle on my meal.
(2)Danielle E.
I love this place! I think the food is great and tastes fresh as opposed to other Mexican restaurants in the area. (AND it delivers!!!)
(5)David G.
Disgusting! Truly.
(1)J J.
La Palma's pretty good eatin'! Yummy margaritas, good chips, interesting salsa. Their chalupas are great!!
(3)Tyler A.
This is our current favorite Mexican restaurant in Seattle. Their beans are amazing. I assume they use lard, to glorious effect. The Tacos al Carbon and Tacos al la Plancha are both consistently fantastic. Waiters are all friendly. They have a ton of room, so there's never a wait, even when they're busy. Plus parking. Love this place.
(5)Melissa J.
Tonight just seemed like the right night to finally give this place a try, and I'm definitely not disappointed! The actual building itself looks pretty dumpy, but I LOVE the upstairs dining area! My bean & cheese burrito was more like a plate of delicious beans & rice covered in a block of cheddar, but was delicious nonetheless. My highlights of the evening? -the staff! Always a bienvenidos and hasta manana for everyone -my strawberry daiquiri was the best I've ever had -our server gave my boyfriend the bill and insisted that I, the senorita, should not have to pay for anything. Awesome. If you want some yummy (American) Mexican food, you really should check out La Palma.
(4)Emily S.
When I moved to Seattle, I ended up living down the street from La Palma. I was tired from moving and hungry, so I decided to head in even though it was a Friday and I was all by my lonesome. The first thing I noticed was that the restaurant is actually a converted house, so I knew it was going to be good. And it was. The food is amazing and the portions are more than generous. The first meal I had there lasted me four days of dinner. Over time, I learned not to eat anything all day if I planned to go there ;) I took almost everyone I met in Seattle and they all loved it. The decorations are hokey but after a few margaritas, you don't mind. They have five flavors of margarita including melon and banana, which sound strange, but taste amazing.
(5)Toni H.
We love this place for a quick dinner with our kid in tow. It's family friendly (the wait staff always engages our little one) and the service is quick. Their margaritas are delicious on the rocks... and food is pretty good. It's Tex-Mex in my opinion or what I call "hot plate" Mexican food. If you are looking for more authentic head to Ballard Josefina's up the street...but for Tex-Mex it's great. The fajitas and green enchiladas are our favorites.
(4)Aaron E.
"This is the best bad place. It's my very favorite bad Margarita".... So says my amigos. Everything here is bad... but it's the kind of bad that's good. Their food is about as authentic as Taco Bell and yes, their Margaritas are clearly made from a mix but for some reason it just makes everything that much better. So hard to describe. They have a wide array of glasses, and as a result of that they don't ever serve a tables' drinks in the same one... haha... it's entertaining. I feel like nothing is clean there.... but oh well... it is indeed terrible... but in a not terrible way.... so hard to describe. All of its flaws make it good. You'll leave with clogged arteries, but at least it will have been an entertaining dining experience.
(3)Dennis M.
Wow-we have been going to the LaPalma in Seattle for close to 13 years now and it is BY FAR the best mexican meal in Seattle. I am simply stunned by some of the poor reviews I see here. While the are items that are not as good as others, nothing has ever been bad at the restaurant. We are always so pleased when we venture out and try something new. The servers are the best and we have become a part of their family when we arrive. Simply put, I think some of the reviewers here were having a bad day and blammed their bad day on their experience here. i would recommend it to ANYONE!
(5)Ninja S.
This is a good option. A bit of a weird house conversion and 70s funkadelic ambiance, but they serve up some strong drinks, sneaky salsa that gets hot slowly, and respectable mexichow. I'm thinking this would be a cool place to go to for happy hour and have a couple margaritas and taquitos. I'll have to check and see if they have some happy hour specials. They also take Amex for a change. How nice.
(3)A. D.
Amazing, everytime! The food, drinks, atmosphere and service are all great. I frequent this place more than any other Mexican restaurant.
(5)Mike M.
Good food, service could be better, but nice atmosphere and will try this place again.
(3)Maria D.
La Palma is a great place to take someone for a birthday drink. Came here for a friend's bday and the waiter surprised her with a sombrero and free shot.... This is the only reason I am giving La Palma 3 stars. Otherwise I would have gone with 2 due to multiple order errors at our table, ultra sweet/syropy margaritas, and mediocre food.
(3)Samantha C.
The place is a little small on the inside and they also have lots of stairs, so be prepared. I got the 2 cheese enchilada & beef taco plate, which is a lot of food. The food was SUPER greasy & didn't taste good; I barely was able to eat 1/2 my taco & 1/2 an enchilada. I couldn't bring myself to try the beans as they looked like they had been cooked too long & then covered with it's own layer of grease. We wont be giving it a second chance since it made me super sick. Sadly, the only good part of eating there was the friendly waiter.
(1)C Y.
Very old school and a little pricey for the quality but it's typical American Mexican food. The service is friendly and there is plenty of seating.
(4)Drew G.
Solid Mexican if you're looking for your standard big plate traditional Mexican place. Relatively inexpensive for the size of the portions and for the area of Seattle. Friendly waitstaff, a bit dark and dingy, but it's been around for 36 years. I'd go back again.
(3)Sue M.
IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES, DO NOT EAT HERE! Our son has life-threatening allergies and twice his food has been cross-contaminated with either seafood or mole sauce.
(2)Theresa D.
I went here for lunch one day on the recommendation of one of my coworkers, and I really don't think I'd be back. The chips were uber stale, the food super greasy (while expected from a mexican food restaurant, they seemed to cook with an exceptional amount of lard. Compared to similar restaurants (La Palmera, Azteca), it seemed pricier for lunch, especially considering it's an extra .95 cents just for chicken. Not even white meat, but dark meat. Yuck.
(2)Orion P.
While the staff was friendly and helpful, the food fell far short of our expectations. Even for a greasy spoon Mexican food experience, it was disappointing. The nachos had (you say it's not possible, but it is) too much cheese, and a pool of grease in the bottom of the dish. The guacamole lacked any interesting flavor, and tasted as though it came from a bag. The veggie quesadilla was soggy, and contained what appeared to be a frozen vegetable mix of zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and broccoli. The chicken taco was completely acceptable; that's all. The only redeeming quality? The aforementioned service staff, which was friendly, offered plentiful beverage refills, and took the horrifying quesadilla off the bill without being asked. They received an excellent tip, and a hearty thanks, but in spite of that, will not receive our business again.
(1)Sarah V.
My husband and I love to go here for the nachos. Being from south Texas (where family owned Mexican restaurants are to Texas what coffee shops are to Seattle...), we have rather high standards. So far, the nachos have never failed to disappoint (when I say nachos, I am talking about their "super nachos"); granted, I haven't really tried any other dish besides the nachos since I have been on a nacho kick lately, but whatever. The chicken that goes on nachos is stereotypically boiled Mexican chicken. I prefer grilled chicken, and if you do too, then be sure to specify. Geez, can I say nachos one more time?! Last night I tried their blended lime margarita (they also have peach, banana, strawberry and pineapple I think). It was wonderful. It was strong without tasting strong (I was tipsy when I walked out) and huge and just generally one of the best margaritas I have ever had. They are pretty cheap, so you should definitely try it, and if you don't like it then you won't feel like you wasted a ton of money. :)
(5)Ryan D.
The atmosphere was nice, the food was solid, and the service was present and very pleasant. It's a solid option for Mexican on the Ballard side of things. La Palma is in an older house on the side of Elliot Avenue just before the Ballard Bridge. The dining area is split between two levels, but the restaurant feels very open, and there's lots of great "mood lighting" (read: Christmas lights and hot pepper lights). Because you are not dining on the ground floor, you don't have to stare at the parking lot out the windows. We sat down and were immediately greeted with chips and salsa. For dinner, we ordered the mole chicken and the chorizo burrito. The mole chicken was quite good -- they were generous with the rich, flavorful mole sauce, and there was plenty of chicken for dinner and leftovers. The chorizo burrito was a gamble that paid off well! Usually chorizo is greasy, but La Palmas chorizo is well spiced and moist (without being orange and greasy). Both plates were served with perfectly good beans and rice. Prices were reasonable and our server was very friendly .
(4)Elena M.
We were in the neighborhood and decided to stop in. I can generally take or leave Mexican food, but, my husband is a fan and so we partake at times. La Palma is close to where I used to work, and, though I'd never been before, I have several past co-workers who are big fans. Also, they accept the Passport card, which is always an enticement in getting us to try some place new. Our experienced was mixed. We were seated almost immediately, but then it took a very long time to actually get waited on. We were in a small room with two other occupied tables and these two parties had also just been seated. I don't know what was going on in the rest of the restaurant, but our three tables sat there a long time ignored. They have sign at the front door that "coupons must be presented at the time of ordering." So, I presented, and they took, my Passport card. This not a coupon, but a keep-in-you-wallet, reusable card. I've never had it taken from me at the time of ordering before. [In fact, at another establishment, I tried giving it to our server after we were done eating, before she brought the check, figuring it would save her a step to have it in advance. She told me she could not take it until she'd brought the bill and we'd presented our method of payment. But, I digress... ] I initially found the chips to be a bit greasier than the norm, but then I found I really liked the salsa and so put away a few more than I'd planned. I had a chicken with grilled onions in a creme sauce and it was actually quite good. The offer the alternative of whole beans over refried and that is always a plus for me. The rice serving was not overly generous, but, that is probably just as well as I'd rather fill up on the chicken than the rice. My husband had a pretty standard dish of burritos with rice and beans which he reported to be fine (no great shakes, but nothing wrong with them either). He was not crazy about the place in general, though -- thought it had a bit of a stank. I would not quite say that, though it is definitely a bit "rough around the edges." If we're in the neighborhood, we might stop in again some time, though I definitely do not see this as a place we'd go out of our way to go to again.
(3)Terrance D.
I live near this place and have been to it twice. We ordered the enchiladas and tacos. It honestly felt like we were eating at Azteca. The food was just not that great. The beans and rice really didn't have any taste, and the enchiladas and tacos tasted as if they microwaved a Banquet tv dinner and put it on my plate. The only reason why i'm giving this place 2 stars is because they made some delicious margaritas.
(2)Lydia P.
This is where we go if we're in the mood for "yellow cheese mexican" comfort food. I've gone with several friends, and Jaz almost always gets the Arroz Con Pollo, I know a couple of people who never stray from the spicy prawn dish (can't remember what it's called, something to do with the devil I think...but it's 2nd from the bottom of the left hand side of the menu on the right side of the page... yep, I've considered it a few times.) Amy varies her selections, and frankly... I have no interest in what any of them are getting, because all I can focus on is the thought of my order: Pollo a la Crema... That's right. Because, say it with me kids: "Fat IS Flavor"! And boy howdy, how I dig it! I love their refried beans, and ridiculous portions. I'm still snacking on leftovers two days after a visit! The decor is errr.. entertaining, the wait-staff are nice, and we'll keep coming back for our fix.
(4)Zombie C.
I had the cheese enchiladas and it was a lot of things. My lunch was a lot of food, but it was really greasy. It was so greasy, and I'm not sure if I like the sauce or not because there didn't seem to be much taste to it; but the grease could have been masking the flavor. The beans, OH THE BEANS! Why would anyone do that to the beans? I've never seen beans look like that before, they looked like the surface of a strange alien world where grease dominates the surface and constantly tries to permeate the already saturated body beneath through strange random pits and ridges. I went here because there are really good reviews of this place, and I.......... don't know why. Maybe I'll comeback and things will be better.
(1)Dan H.
I love La Palma, but not for the reasons that normal people love it. It's a little on the dumpy side with fairly unremarkable standard Americanized Mexican fair. I love it because I'm a regular. My friends and I have been looking for a cool hang out for a long time. Somehow, we never found a place that was quite right. It was either too hip or too divey or too country or too upbeat or too down-scale. We always had an excuse for why some particular place was not THE place. Because it was close to many of us, we started going to La Palma. Honestly, I didn't really think much of the place when we first started going but it grew on us. The margaritas are as stiff as Ron Jeremy at a beauty pageant and the sangria is a tasty evening palate primer. The table salsa is always excellent in its plainness. They don't try to make it original by adding creative ingredients like *gasp* celery; nor do they improvise with the texture. It's good ol' straight up spicy and flavorful salsa the way God intended it when he handed the recipe down to Adam. At least I think that's where the recipe started. We go often enough now that the waitstaff knows us and our preferences. The staff turnover is refreshingly slow so you can be a regular in no time.
(4)b b.
Its TexMex - in Seattle Get yer fix here Careful, the plate is hot !
(4)Heather F.
This place was not bad. Service was friendly and prompt, definitely not the best but worth giving another shot. The Margarita I ordered was quite strong but not so much that I didn't feel the need to order another.
(3)Flying J.
La Palma is a great place to come to with friends for cold Coronas and lots of food. It's decently priced. It's fast. And it's large enough to hold a group of friends comfortably - - and you can chatter to your heart's content w/ nobody giving you any grief about it. If you want satisfying Mexican, La Palma is cool.
(4)Ron G.
This place is always ok; never great. Pretty decent beans, always the key to good Mexican food for me, but its such a crap-shoot if you get a decent seat or not. If you're down in the basement against the wall it's not a fun time, if you're upstairs on the balcony and can watch the kitchen it's not bad; but it's still just a slightly better than average plate of Mexi-slop. I was here once with my 82 year old mother and they presented us with someone's bill from the week before; accusing us of skipping out on it! Check out the spray-can-green house next door (painted same as the restaurant and giant rocks). Do the workers all sleep there?
(2)Mei-I F.
La Palma is awesome! The place looks a little scary from the outside and no it is not a front for anything. Once you step inside it is really cozy and you will be treated to super friendly service and gigantic plates of delicious Mexican food. I usually wear yoga pants there because (1) we walk there so we are forced to walk back after eating too much to help digest and (2) because elastic pants are the choice are for eating too much. Killer-never-ending chips and sala doesn't help either.
(5)Taylor B.
Oh my...I had no idea that Mexican food could be this ghastly. My bland and over-tenderized broiled chicken breast tasted like it was about to spoil. The beans came out of a can...no...they would have tasted better if they'd come out of a can. The green pepper in the Chile Relleno came out of a can for sure...it was the worst version of that dish I could ever have conceived. When I got there I was hungry but left more than half of my dinner uneaten. I wanted a drink but the Margarita was so sickly sweet that it tasted like cheap cough syrup. Added to that was the frantic herd of six- and seven-year old kids who were running up and down the interior steps and who at least twice nearly made an adult take a header from top to bottom. I guess at La Palma they figure that if you break your neck or get knocked out you won't mind the food. This was the worst restaurant meal I have had in Seattle in at least two years...mind-numbingly and jaw-dropingly HORRIBLE. Stay away if you like Mexican food...no joke you will get better quality and service at Taco Time. NOTE: When I wrote this review the ohter day, I should have noted that the place was packed with what seemed to be happy diners. I sometimes forget that there are plenty of good folks out there for whom just the act of going out to dinner is a sufficient treat that the food becomes incidental. I am not one of those folks!
(1)Hunter O.
the food here is good.. the waiters suck... so the price for the good food is crappy service.. but i still go there often as i can so it is what it is!!!
(4)Nicole P.
this place is awesome. i'm totally blown away that the waiters actually remembered my name after the first time that we ate here. food is good and not at all over priced, or attempting to be anything that it's not. it's just honest americanized mexican food... oh, and the drinks? i love me a margarita... actually... usually morelike 4 or 5... but here i feel like a light wieght. lets just say they are strong, really, really strong. anayway- long story short, great service, good food, strong cocktails, affordable. what more could you want in a neighborhood mexican restaurant? have fun.
(4)Diane T.
I did not go into this place with high expectations on food or beverages. My visit was more to explore this interesting, yet shady hole in the wall. To my surprise, the place was actually merely ok as other reviewers have said. You could even say the food was actually slightly good, but not really good or really bad. The margaritas were also ok and the beer was moderately priced. They had a giant menu with almost every single combination of rice, beans, tortillas, meat, cheese, and sauce. The plastic parrots, fake flowers and bright colors mixed with some additional cheesy mexican/american decor created a pretty pleasant atmosphere. My only real complaint was on the price. Not sure how they get away with charging $14 an entree. This place is in an undesirable location, but whatever they are doing it's working because this place had a steady influx of pretty average looking people. All and all, it was a pretty tolerable experience. The little homies vending machine in the entrance is reason enough to revisit.
(3)Todd W.
Ever since Beso del Sol closed down I've been looking for its replacement, and I think La Palma is it. I love the way the restaurant is laid out, very Escherish a maze of steps and rooms. The food reminds me of authentic mexican cuisine, the drinks are great, the staff are friendly and it's a great place to eat and party with your friends.
(4)Carlie B.
When you unpeel my foodie exterior you will discover a soft squishy spot somewhere deep inside for bad Mexican food. La palma takes bad to the next level. The salsa tasted like canned marinara sauce. The vegetarian fajitas were soaked in a sugary sauce that may have once resembled terriyaki?! I may end up going back there, because it's in my neighborhood and I'll hope to get the same server. He tried to be funny, upsell, and be our friend at the same time! Letting us know that he was new, but would still hook us up (wink winK). I have no idea how, but he kept telling us so. Anyway, I enjoyed the tacky atmosphere and the aqward service, next time I'll opt for something covered in cheese.
(2)Kaylene C.
I used to frequent this restaurant almost daily in my teen years when I lived in the 'hood. My friend lived right behind it and we befriended the people who ran the joint (yay free food!). Don't know how it is these days but if it's anything like it was back then it's great!
(5)Michael F.
Actually 2.5 stars. Typical " big plate" of rice, beans, and whatever. Nothing to write home about, totally edible. When in the 'hood it's a good place for fair salsa and a store bought chip fix, some tacos and enchiladas. Restaurants like La Palma are all over town. Not much to distinguish one from the other. Lots of places do it worse (a shout out to Azteca.) Some do it so much better you gotta' wonder how these other guys stay in business (try Barrio or Galeria's.) At any rate, something must be right as this place has been going strong for over 35 years. The staff is super friendly, provides good service, and a big menu with all the expected combinations. Could someone explain to me their chicken vegetable soup? :Plopped down in the middle is a whole bone in thigh skin included. That's the dish we all talked about when we left. The rest could have been served up in any one of many other places in town.
(2)Shannon S.
When I'm in the mood for straight-up mexican food this place fits the bill. Great specials and it taste the way it should. Great, friendly, fast service and yummy sangria. Good stuff!
(4)Jasmine M.
Oh La Palma, you're really too good to me. What with your damn fine, yet simple margaritas and the best Arroz Con Pollo I've ever had, how can I not come here once ever other week for the past 10 years? I can't. The tri-level interior is cooky but easily manageable. The large picture of the Lady of Guadalupe over the kitchen pass out window is just the right touch to remind me of Arizona. The child loves the large parrot figures hanging from the cieling and the 50 cent machines full of silly and useless toys. Oh and their crisp beef tacos with extra sour cream (who ever heard of a 6 year old liking sour cream?) The Camarones ala Diabla are beautifully spicy and tasty. The Chicken Flautas (I get 'em w/o the sauce) are very crispy and tasty. The #12 is my fave combo with the Chili Relleno (oh so friggin' yummy), tostada and enchilada, no rice or beans with this one but really you don't need it. Speaking of their rice and beans, nice and light with mild flavoring so as not to out do the main part of the entree. And cheese. LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS ... AND LOTS of cheese. Cheese? Yes please! And to finish it off, the guys working here are so friendly it's a crime.
(5)Diana H.
One word: Be-N. Never again will I return to the McDonald's-like food of a certain Mexican chain restaurant that shall go unnamed. Granted, I'm sure La Palma's food is just as unhealthy, but it reigns supreme. As described by other reviews - the interior is a classic Elvis portrait meets Mexican vacation on crack. If you're looking for the crisp lines found in the interior of Pottery Barn, search elsewhere. The building itself looks like it must have been a giant, old house; so the layout is multi-tiered for dining, which makes it kind of fun. You can eat ala carte and they have the combos you'd typically find - "pick one, two, or three of the following", but their dinner selections are great and come with the standard rice and beans. My favorite is the carne tacos with sauteed green peppers and onions in flour tortillas. Also, splitting their chicken fajitas with a buddy is a great lunch idea. This place also has kickin' margaritas. Beware though: after having more than one, getting into your car may be a bit of a challenge (the parking lot is sloped and if you get one of those spots, opening your door or closing it can be difficult). Tip: for birthdays - yes, you get to wear the sombrero and have your Polaroid taken and posted on the wall. What more do you want?? If you're looking for a funky little Mexican restaurant to walk away with Buddha belly - this is your place.
(4)Soren L.
The most underwhelming (or maybe just whelming) Mexican food I've ever had. I didn't think you could go wrong with chips and salsa, but it's like they poured La Victoria brand red taco sauce into a bowl and served it with day-old chips. The enchiladas were also drowning in cheese and not very exciting to eat. I left feeling like I had eaten food... but nothing more.
(2)Jim K.
I love this place! The chorizo burrito is GREAT and my coworker swears by the Colorado Burrito. Good prices for a large amount of food with quick, friendly service. What else can you ask for? Perfect lunch spot.
(4)Rory M.
Nothing is more meaningful then the taste of memories. When I was a young kid my family would frequent the now closed Olympia location for birthdays and other special occasions. How my heart ached when that place closed down. Jump ahead 10 or 15 years and my Fiance and I discovered the Ballard location and have never been so happy eating at a Mexican Restaurant. Contrary to what others have written about this place, the food is great, ESPECIALLY THE BEANS! They are not out of a can are filled with great flavor. The service is great and when you are seated you instantly feel as if you're family. Pay no attention to what others say...La Palma is the best! Hell I'm getting some to go for the Super Bowl. Keep Eating!
(5)Helen H.
This place is near where I live, so I thought I'd try it one night based on the good reviews it got here. I have to ask, did you people even go to La Palma? Because when I went there, the food was terrible. The absolute most bland Mexican food I have ever had in my life. The service was terrible, the margarita was from a mix. Even the chips and salsa were bad. I will never go here again!
(1)Adam C.
One of my favorite mexican places in the Seattle area, great dishes, drinks and staff. Their chips and salsa are great, be careful not to fill up on them before your order arrives (which doesn't take too long) as that'll more than likely blow out the old gut too. I don't mean blow the gut out in the Taco Del Mar sense (those of you who can't handle that crap will understand where I'm coming from), but from the "Oh mah god, my bellies can holds no more Captian," sense. I've never had a bad meal here and have tried quite a few things on the menu. Since it is a mexican restaurant and I'm pretty sure "mexican food" means "anything with a shit ton of cheese melted on it", they keep that belief alive with me at least. Cheese, cheese, cheese and some cheese on the cheese. It's like the goddamn "Spam" sketch from Monty Python; except with cheese. One of my "test dishes" for a good mexican place is wether or not their chile relleno passes muster and La Palma's does not disappoint by any stretch of the imagination. I've introduced a few friends to this place as well and they've not been disappointed either; if their empty plates and happy faces were to be believed that is. They have a full bar, as well as a good selection of mexican beer; my favorite is Negro Modelo which goes nicely with everything and all bottled beers are served with a chilled glass. I've tried their fried ice cream as a dessert once and it was pretty tasty, but I don't generally eat dessert when I'm out on the town so it might not be as good as some other places; I simply haven't tried it at many places. Be wary of their parking lot though, its laid out kind of strange and is on a hill as well. My car almost got backed into last time I was there by some knob who was driving a huge SUV. I believe they have a second lot kind of above the restaurant but I've yet to park up there. Also park with the mindset that you'll eventually have to leave, should the parking lot fill up this can be a little bit of a challenge; especially if you've had a margarita or six.
(5)Gerald H.
Be careful which plate you get. The enchiladas and burritos are so so but the shrimp fajitas are awesome. After I got that, I didn't order anything else. Went here about 5 times and service was always good. Try this place but get the fajitas.
(3)Marc M.
this spot is kind of like a time machine. step inside and the decor is vintage since it seems like they haven't touched it since at least the 80s - which is a good thing. the combos are pretty standard like what you'd find at Azteca. don't frequent here too often, but the veggie fajitas were absolutely on point last night. tons of yummy mushrooms, onions, and other goodness. other times i've had the burrito chorizo (eggs + sausage) which was coo. while i can't say that there's anything that sets this place apart as far as the food, it's a good spot to go to if you live in the Queen Anne/Magnolia/Interbay neighborhood.
(3)Bethany L.
it was alright. nothing special. my husband and I split the carne asada burrito. It was freaking huge! The salsa that comes with the chips though is pretty good. Not your pico de gallo--very good though.
(3)M S.
Love this place. We are regulars too. We usually come late at night so Sergio is commonly our waiter, and he's awesome. The beans are the best around, without a doubt. My husband and I are from Illinois where there's a certain Chicago-Mexican fare we're used to. We searched high and low in Seattle for it.. and La Palma is the closest we've found. Not a replica, but we've grown to love it. The Mai Tais are also tasty in my opinion. The nachos, enchiladas, arroz con pollo, and burro especial are all on the top of our list. Hmm.. they're guacamole always tends to lack a little though, if that's a priority for you.
(5)Brien H.
Not spectacular by any stretch of the imagination, by no stretch also not terrible. Typical yellow-light, sombrero-on-the-wall ambience. Pretty tasty, simple, VERY cheese-y num-nums. Open pretty late for Mexican food on a weekday, which is nice.
(3)Renee D.
Had it delivered and it was delicious. Totally hit the spot.
(4)David N.
Just like everyone else who patronizes here, we have become regulars and this place is a weekly habit. Being from Texas, I'm used to more (dare I say) greasy cheesy Tex-Mex food, and this brings me back! But in a good way!! Call it comfort food. They pretty much know us by name so I'm biased, but so what.
(5)Ireina B.
just give me the rice and beans already! oh and a little hot sauce, top that with some cheese and you've got a meal.
(4)Kathy J.
I am not much for Mexican food, but hubby loves it. After he started telling people 'my wife won't let me eat Mexican food' I 1) pointed out he drove by Taco Time twice a day and 2) consented to go to La Palma. Waitstaff was hardworking and efficient and it seemed to be predictable Mexican/American fare. After eating about a quarter of my chicken fajitas things began to feel seriously wrong. It reminded me of my co-op preschool where there were three kinds of kids: the paste eaters, the paste tasters and me, the would never, ever dream of eating paste. I imagined this was what paste felt like in the GI tract. Hubby said his was even worse. So now he gets to go to Taco Time, until summertime when we can snag a sidewalk table at Oaxaca in Ballard. This was a serious disappointment, particularly since the staff really work hard, but chicken fajitas should not require 3 Zantacs and half a jar of Trader Joe's peppermint enzymes.
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