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Sooooo yummy and authentic. Three enchiladas and beans and rice were $16. Yum. enchiladas verdes are slightly spicy
Continuing my Summer of Old Town as a celebration of the new, safer-for-cycling and walking Project Connect. I biked up to the top of Old San Marcos road and then went right on downhill to Old Town. La Chapala was the perfect, post ride stop. Had a delicious pork and chili burrito (ten bucks) and an orange soda. The staff was great and the booths are comfortable.
If you are looking for authentic Mexican food in Goleta this place is the spot to go to. The restaurant is located in the front of the little super market. Whenever I come here to eat, I usually get the carnitas tacos or the Chile verde burrito. What I like the most about this place is the amount of meat they put on your tacos, burritos, etc. It's definitely worth the money. The prices for the food are just about the same as El sitio or any other restaurants around but way more meat. They also sell agua Fresca and have a little salsa bar in front of the counter. The only thing that kind of sucks is that sometimes i feel like they look at you funny if you don't speak Spanish, but that's ok! The food is good so that's all that matters.
This is a Mexican market/restaurant. The 5 stars are for the amazing breakfast burrito that keeps me coming back! Forget the fact that these are busy people running a business, regardless of the wait, the loaded breakfast burrito is the BEST in old town. There's another amazing spot that has loaded burritos but it costs you about $15 where here's it's about $10 depending on if you add extra toppings. I recommend you try the breakfast burrito with jamón (ham) you'll be full for breakfast AND lunch. Please be patient, yes the wait can be long at times; they take care of the grocery lines and the food order lines, but I promise it's worth the wait.
La chapala market is much more than a convenience store. The front kitchen area makes authentic Mexican fairs at an incredible bargain. I got an array of tacos and a chili verde combo for less than $15. The serving size was generous, the adobado was nicely seasoned, the carnitas was tender with a few crispy bits. The shrimp taco was a little overcooked, but still tasty. For those with a more adventurous palate, you can get goat and cow brains for the taco fillings. The chili verde combo was enough for 2 to share with big pieces of tender pork in a tomatillo sauce that's spicier than you expect. Even the rice and beans were very flavorful, but there could be copious amount of lard in the preparation that made the sides so delicious. I took a quick tour of the store while waiting for my food. The best part was the meat department with most items being around $3 per pound. They had already marinated pastor and fajita meat (get 2 pounds and drive to Goleta beach to grill for a relaxing yet delicious weekend). There were also many cuts that were completely foreign to me, most of them were sliced very thin so you could grill it quickly or prepare it Milanese style. I imagine some korean bbq marinade would work beautifully with them too. The store also offers good prices on a selection of produce common to Mexican cooking such as tomatillo, scallions, chayote, jalapeno, etc... There are ample parkings in the back of the store. Don't let the sketchy looking facade fool you, there are plenty of cheap good eats in La Chapala.
Market/restaurant. One stop shopping for all you South of the boarder, culinary needs. Well, I assume they have everything you need. I wandered the meat and veggie isle wile waiting for my Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup) that was on special. My lunch date ordered up the Chili Verdi The menu board is inside to the left and you order at the cashier just ahead. Grab drinks from coolers along the left side and pay. Con't find a spot ton the street? No problem. Pull around in back for plenty of space.Helps to speak and read Spanish but it's not a prerequisite but it helps. Don't let that stop you form visiting. While I was not crazy about mine due to the lack of any real spice and a bland broth, I did like the Chili Verdi. I'll give it a try again.
La Chapala makes some of the best Mexican plate lunch in the Goleta/Santa Barbara area. Good prices, huge portions, and authentic flavors. It isn't California-style Mexican food. It's just like the food you would find in Nogales, Tucson, or any town on the border periphery. Their Mole Poblano is the definition of happiness. Unlike many spots in town, the mole isn't too sweet. It's mildly sweet, a little bitter from the chocolate, and the flavor from the ground nuts is warm and appealing. A plate is big enough to split with a friend, and comes with freshly-made, thick corn tortillas rolled up in foil. Their Birria de Chivo is also wonderful, and well suited for a chilly day. It's a huge bowl of goat soup with veggies. The goat is so tender - you can tell a lot of time went into simmering it to the perfect consistency and flavor. Their tacos are hit-or-miss, and could be greatly improved by a little more well-stocked salsa bar. Don't get me wrong, a number of their salsas are spot on... but their condiments (onions, limes, cilantro) can be a little sparse and sad. Looking at the other photos on Yelp, I see that isn't always the case... in the future I'll just ask if I need something. My favorite meats for the tacos include the pastor, chili verde, and (you guessed it) chicken mole. I'm not a fan of their lengua, and don't think it lives up to the higher price tag. La Chapala market is an excellent spot to fill up on homestyle Mexican food... consider ordering from their specials list as it has some stellar renditions of classic dishes. The market is also a great place to stock up on staple foods (all the Goya products you need for half the cost of other grocers!), frozen goods, etc.
I love walking to this restaurant to take a break from work and buy a breakfast burrito. This restaurant is 80% market and 20% restaurant. They have a large raw meat selection in the market that they use to cook their burritos and other mexican dishes, if you like pork ribs try the costillitas. The food here feels fresh and homey, because the ingredients are from their groceries I know that I'm getting good quality meat in my orders. Their Taco prices are a great deal at only 1.89 a taco with a ton of different options, they have a 3 taco and a drink special for 5 dollars on Wed (Or was it Tuesday?).The other prices are average and I haven't tried many of their more expensive dishes but the portions of the 10 dollar entrees are already massive as is (see photo).
Oooooof! That's my final remark on my taqueria tour of Old Town Goleta. La Chapala was the last place on my list, and I am FULL. The majority of La Chapala Market is grocery/convenience store. There's even a good meat department, for raw cuts, and carnitas and chicharones. But I was there for the dining portion. It's a very, and I mean VERY, basic counter for ordering hot foot, and half a dozen small tables for eating in and another eating counter along the front windows. Really, no frills. It is important to note that the counter where the menu and prices are listed is not the counter you order and pay for your food. That is done at the general store's cashier counter. If your Spanish is no bueno, that is okay, the cashiers can cope. But for the guys in the kitchen and who bring your plate to the counter, you might encounter a language barrier. Just hold onto your order stub and listen for your number, and pick up your food at the counter where the menu is displayed. The menu is not complicated. An assortment of meats and vegetable, offered as burrito, taco, torta, hurrache, gordita. And a few combination plates and specials. I got the birria hurrache for $4.99. Oh man, it was more generous than I expected, piled high with succulent goat meat. There was one bone in it, but it was obvious and I much prefer that to fine shards of bone I get at some other places that serve goat. This hurrache also was loaded with a cold marinated green vegetable, perhaps a sweet pepper. There was actually too much of it, and I picked some off. I also ordered a carnitas taco, at $1.39, the cheapest tacos in Old Town. This deep fried pork had both the golden-brown deliciously of being fried and big tender chunks that make me feel la Chapala has been best carnitas of Old Town Hollister as well. Really good stuff. My lunch companion got the mole chicken, which came with refried beans and rice and tortillas. I sampled a bit and found the mole underwhelming compared to other places I like in Santa Barbara. It had a bitter burnt taste. I think that dish cost $6.99. I spent just a smidge over $6 and I am ridiculously full. So full, I am feeling a little relieved that my taco tour is over. Time for a break. But I know I'll start reminiscing over the memories within a week. Adios!
1 year ago
10 months ago
Food was moldy. They did not have what i ordered at first, even though they have a full deli. read more
6 months ago
2 years ago
Sooooo yummy and authentic. Three enchiladas and beans and rice were $16. Yum. enchiladas verdes are slightly spicy read more
8 months ago
8 months ago
Continuing my Summer of Old Town as a celebration of the new, safer-for-cycling and walking Project Connect. I biked up to the top of Old San Marcos road and then went right on downhill to Old Town. La Chapala was the perfect, post ride stop. Had a delicious pork and chili burrito (ten bucks) and an orange soda. The staff was great and the booths are comfortable. read more
1 year ago
7 years ago
If you are looking for authentic Mexican food in Goleta this place is the spot to go to. The restaurant is located in the front of the little super market. Whenever I come here to eat, I usually get the carnitas tacos or the Chile verde burrito. What I like the most about this place is the amount of meat they put on your tacos, burritos, etc. It's definitely worth the money. The prices for the food are just about the same as El sitio or any other restaurants around but way more meat. They also sell agua Fresca and have a little salsa bar in front of the counter. The only thing that kind of sucks is that sometimes i feel like they look at you funny if you don't speak Spanish, but that's ok! The food is good so that's all that matters. read more
5 years ago
This is a Mexican market/restaurant. The 5 stars are for the amazing breakfast burrito that keeps me coming back! Forget the fact that these are busy people running a business, regardless of the wait, the loaded breakfast burrito is the BEST in old town. There's another amazing spot that has loaded burritos but it costs you about $15 where here's it's about $10 depending on if you add extra toppings. I recommend you try the breakfast burrito with jamón (ham) you'll be full for breakfast AND lunch. Please be patient, yes the wait can be long at times; they take care of the grocery lines and the food order lines, but I promise it's worth the wait. read more
4 years ago
La chapala market is much more than a convenience store. The front kitchen area makes authentic Mexican fairs at an incredible bargain. I got an array of tacos and a chili verde combo for less than $15. The serving size was generous, the adobado was nicely seasoned, the carnitas was tender with a few crispy bits. The shrimp taco was a little overcooked, but still tasty. For those with a more adventurous palate, you can get goat and cow brains for the taco fillings. The chili verde combo was enough for 2 to share with big pieces of tender pork in a tomatillo sauce that's spicier than you expect. Even the rice and beans were very flavorful, but there could be copious amount of lard in the preparation that made the sides so delicious. I took a quick tour of the store while waiting for my food. The best part was the meat department with most items being around $3 per pound. They had already marinated pastor and fajita meat (get 2 pounds and drive to Goleta beach to grill for a relaxing yet delicious weekend). There were also many cuts that were completely foreign to me, most of them were sliced very thin so you could grill it quickly or prepare it Milanese style. I imagine some korean bbq marinade would work beautifully with them too. The store also offers good prices on a selection of produce common to Mexican cooking such as tomatillo, scallions, chayote, jalapeno, etc... There are ample parkings in the back of the store. Don't let the sketchy looking facade fool you, there are plenty of cheap good eats in La Chapala. read more
Market/restaurant. One stop shopping for all you South of the boarder, culinary needs. Well, I assume they have everything you need. I wandered the meat and veggie isle wile waiting for my Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup) that was on special. My lunch date ordered up the Chili Verdi The menu board is inside to the left and you order at the cashier just ahead. Grab drinks from coolers along the left side and pay. Con't find a spot ton the street? No problem. Pull around in back for plenty of space.Helps to speak and read Spanish but it's not a prerequisite but it helps. Don't let that stop you form visiting. While I was not crazy about mine due to the lack of any real spice and a bland broth, I did like the Chili Verdi. I'll give it a try again. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
La Chapala makes some of the best Mexican plate lunch in the Goleta/Santa Barbara area. Good prices, huge portions, and authentic flavors. It isn't California-style Mexican food. It's just like the food you would find in Nogales, Tucson, or any town on the border periphery. Their Mole Poblano is the definition of happiness. Unlike many spots in town, the mole isn't too sweet. It's mildly sweet, a little bitter from the chocolate, and the flavor from the ground nuts is warm and appealing. A plate is big enough to split with a friend, and comes with freshly-made, thick corn tortillas rolled up in foil. Their Birria de Chivo is also wonderful, and well suited for a chilly day. It's a huge bowl of goat soup with veggies. The goat is so tender - you can tell a lot of time went into simmering it to the perfect consistency and flavor. Their tacos are hit-or-miss, and could be greatly improved by a little more well-stocked salsa bar. Don't get me wrong, a number of their salsas are spot on... but their condiments (onions, limes, cilantro) can be a little sparse and sad. Looking at the other photos on Yelp, I see that isn't always the case... in the future I'll just ask if I need something. My favorite meats for the tacos include the pastor, chili verde, and (you guessed it) chicken mole. I'm not a fan of their lengua, and don't think it lives up to the higher price tag. La Chapala market is an excellent spot to fill up on homestyle Mexican food... consider ordering from their specials list as it has some stellar renditions of classic dishes. The market is also a great place to stock up on staple foods (all the Goya products you need for half the cost of other grocers!), frozen goods, etc. read more
I love walking to this restaurant to take a break from work and buy a breakfast burrito. This restaurant is 80% market and 20% restaurant. They have a large raw meat selection in the market that they use to cook their burritos and other mexican dishes, if you like pork ribs try the costillitas. The food here feels fresh and homey, because the ingredients are from their groceries I know that I'm getting good quality meat in my orders. Their Taco prices are a great deal at only 1.89 a taco with a ton of different options, they have a 3 taco and a drink special for 5 dollars on Wed (Or was it Tuesday?).The other prices are average and I haven't tried many of their more expensive dishes but the portions of the 10 dollar entrees are already massive as is (see photo). read more
18 years ago
Oooooof! That's my final remark on my taqueria tour of Old Town Goleta. La Chapala was the last place on my list, and I am FULL. The majority of La Chapala Market is grocery/convenience store. There's even a good meat department, for raw cuts, and carnitas and chicharones. But I was there for the dining portion. It's a very, and I mean VERY, basic counter for ordering hot foot, and half a dozen small tables for eating in and another eating counter along the front windows. Really, no frills. It is important to note that the counter where the menu and prices are listed is not the counter you order and pay for your food. That is done at the general store's cashier counter. If your Spanish is no bueno, that is okay, the cashiers can cope. But for the guys in the kitchen and who bring your plate to the counter, you might encounter a language barrier. Just hold onto your order stub and listen for your number, and pick up your food at the counter where the menu is displayed. The menu is not complicated. An assortment of meats and vegetable, offered as burrito, taco, torta, hurrache, gordita. And a few combination plates and specials. I got the birria hurrache for $4.99. Oh man, it was more generous than I expected, piled high with succulent goat meat. There was one bone in it, but it was obvious and I much prefer that to fine shards of bone I get at some other places that serve goat. This hurrache also was loaded with a cold marinated green vegetable, perhaps a sweet pepper. There was actually too much of it, and I picked some off. I also ordered a carnitas taco, at $1.39, the cheapest tacos in Old Town. This deep fried pork had both the golden-brown deliciously of being fried and big tender chunks that make me feel la Chapala has been best carnitas of Old Town Hollister as well. Really good stuff. My lunch companion got the mole chicken, which came with refried beans and rice and tortillas. I sampled a bit and found the mole underwhelming compared to other places I like in Santa Barbara. It had a bitter burnt taste. I think that dish cost $6.99. I spent just a smidge over $6 and I am ridiculously full. So full, I am feeling a little relieved that my taco tour is over. Time for a break. But I know I'll start reminiscing over the memories within a week. Adios! read more
5 years ago
I've visited for both the market and to eat in. For the market I got the fixings for a carne asada the meat was reasonably priced and marinated nicely. The produce section is small but has what you need. Tortillas are handmade at the restaurant, yum! I highly recommend the al pastor and buche tacos. My daughter also loved her carna asada quesadilla. Looking forward to some caldos and menudo on the weekend. Flavor is authentic, food is tasty and service has been consistently good! read more
8 years ago
The food at this unassuming restaurant housed in a supermarket is amazing. Try the homemade tortillas with any dish on the menu. read more
9 years ago
This place is amazballs ! Tacos are crazy packed an full of flavor. I cant believe the size of the taco an all the meat they give you on it. They gave me enough meat on my tacos for 4 tortillas. The salsa bar was good just needed to by cleaned up. I bought a burro for my co worker an he could not even finish it. Super yummy spot ...next time im in town im stopping here fo sure. read more
17 years ago
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7 years ago
9 years ago
Fantastic food, I particularly like the chicken mole and the "tacos Chapala", both which come with handmade tortillas. The fruit juices are different every day and are always wonderful. Friendly staff too, overall a great hidden gem in Goleta. read more
13 years ago
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More info about La Chapala Market
5780 Hollister Ave
Goleta, CA 93117
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(805) 681-0277
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