Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    La Palapa

    3.2 (209 reviews)
    ModerateTex-Mex, Mexican
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    La Palapa Photos

    Business Info

    LA PALAPA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - La Palapa

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Jenn C.

    Quick and easy place for Mexican food. The make a great cheese enchilada and a crispy beef taco. Nothing fancy just good food. I come for lunch since it's close to my office. Good margaritas too!!! It's easy on the wallet with affordable options.

    Lauren M.

    An Austin Tex-mex staple. If you haven't been here, you are missing out. Lots of good Tex mex options and alcoholic drinks to choose from. Service is quick and friendly. The place may look a little rough around the edges but the food is delicious authentic Tex mex.

    Sopapillas
    Maria M.

    Nice atmosphere, good customer service, and the food was outstanding. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food served it was worth it. We like how the bar is separated from the main dining area. We will definitely come back.

    Fish tacos
    Mo L.

    Stumbled upon this cute place after a day playing tennis at the high school next door. Food was tasty! We ordered fish tacos and enchiladas. Food was very reasonably priced and drinks were fantastic! Service was very fast although it was closer to closing so there weren't many others there. Overall would recommend if you are looking for a good casual Mexican sit down experience.

    Margarita couldn't wait did the tacos to arrive. Cheers!
    Inez V.

    As soon as you walk in the door you're greeted by the friendly host and a big sign with all the daily specials. You can't go wrong with a margarita and some delicious tacos. I ordered the street tacos and was instantly hooked! This is my favorite place with a chill, and enjoyable ambiance where you can eat, talk and drink up! Best thing is there is a bar in the back area where you can enjoy a louder room and listen to some great music. Great bank for your buck, great value at a great cost!

    Bacon cheeseburger
    George N.

    The bacon cheeseburger from here is something to write home about. So much flavor!! The cheese was beyond imagination. I will be back and order again.

    Botana Sampler
    Amy G.

    La Palapa is the place for the best cheese quesadilla in town, or maybe Texas or the entire universe (which is basically the same thing because this is obviously the only state that matters when it comes to tex-mex food.) Sure, a cheese quesadilla is a plain thing to get from a restaurant, but when it's done right, it's absolute cheesy delight. I can never quite replicate it at home. The combo of cheeses they use is very mellow and not greasy, and the texture of the tortilla is crispy and almost flaky, without being burnt. Most other things from La Palapa are satisfactory as well, but it's hard for me to come here and not go straight for the quesadilla.

    Menu 8/2024
    John M.

    Overall not a bad visit....Place has been here forever, and we have passed by for years....yet a friend who had just moved up the street said we need to try it....for as old as it is, very clean and the up keep is great.....Salsa, Chips and Queso hit first....Salsa if very tomato forward, and I swear it tasted like Pace out of a jar...but had some heat to it. Queso was good but not a fan of the raw veggies, but was better with a scoop of salsa. Wife went with the Beef enchiladas with Chipotle, double rice...Sauce had a decent bite, beef was stand alone good...Rice was rice...I went with the Tri color Enchilada....All three were good...sour cream sauce being my favorite...Beans were good...The service definitely needs work...Huge party (20+) of city workers showed and we were forgotten....didn't even get a second water refill. We will continue to pass this place by, as there are several in the area we prefer. Onto the next adventure.

    Great salsa!
    Mary L.

    After driving past this place for years, we finally checked it out for lunch the other day. We found good, solid Texmex lunch specials, and a sprawling menu that lures us back for further exploration. The Happy Hour looks tempting as well, with drink and appetizer specials. I ordered the lunch Chicken Flautas, which were excellent. The two were bigger than I expected and tasted fresh from the fryer, and the rice and Charro beans that came alongside were very good. A few TexMex places have started upcharging for Charro beans instead of Refried, but La Palapa does not. My guy ordered the Chile Relleno. He's from Chicago and refuses to pronounce "relleno" properly, but our server did not hit him over the head with the chips basket, and was kind and friendly throughout. He has a weird idea that the fried chile shouldn't be flattened before cooking, but said it tasted fine. I liked the interesting architecture of the building and the friendly vibe. We'll be back.

    a colorful christmas tree in a restaurant
    Katherine A.

    Goto appt for a last minute dinner. Lots of choices. There's always a daily special so that's really nice. They have things on there like enchiladas, pollo, caldo all sorts of yummy stuff so it's always a good idea to go for the special

    Taco Salad shredded chicken  perfect
    Blas M.

    Food was hot and prompt. The waitress was very polite and made sure everything was perfect! A++

    Carne Asada

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Fajita Nachos are addictive AF!!! Michelle best bartender & server ever!! Laid back vibes & good for friends & families to meet up!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mo L.
    4
    18
    29

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Inez V.
    13
    38
    129

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of George N.
    193
    37
    40

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy G.
    459
    300
    1021

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John M.
    515
    905
    3931

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tyanna B.
    240
    61
    61

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jon H.
    0
    31
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Blas M.
    0
    21
    14

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yuko H.
    733
    2108
    4676

    7 years ago

    Helpful 31
    Thanks 0
    Love this 26
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen A.
    0
    64
    2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John W.
    74
    18
    10

    3 years ago

    This place was cute, the food was nice, and our server was friendly. Those of you complaining are just babies.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah S.
    517
    18
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - La Palapa

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Tex-Mex 8,860 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Moonshine Grill - White chocolate bread pudding

    Moonshine Grill

    4.4(6.4k reviews)
    4.8 miDowntown
    $$

    Came here with a large 25 person group all from out of town and it exceeded expectations. Our…read morewaitress McKenna was super sweet and gave great recommendations. Since we ordered basically one of everything - here are our recommendations. Appetizers GET THIS: 1. Corn dog shrimp (think shrimp tempura) - light, flavorful, crunchy YUM 2. Cathead biscuits NOT THAT: 1. Street corn queso dip not a favorite for our table. The cheese tasted thick and plastic like... Velveeta vibes... not much flavor Meals GET THIS: 1. Hangar Steak 2. Creole shrimp & grits 3. Chicken fried steak Not that: 1. Horseradish crusted salmon - I didn't try it but the two people who ordered at our table were disappointed and wished they would've gotten one of the above Desserts GET THIS: 1. Bread pudding was delicious! Not overly sweet & the added white chocolate gives it that dazzle dazzle 2. Chocolate Espresso Brownie - perfection NOT THAT: 1. Banana cream pudding. This was a no for the table because it was over the top sweet (I think because of the added butterscotch) 2. Peanut Butter Mousse Pie super super thick & sweet. Didn't taste much other than PB - it was like eating a giant spoonful of it and trying to swallow.

    We had a group here for dinner and were excited to try it, due to reviews. The ambience is lively,…read moreloud, and buzzy. Looked super fun. Service was good, no issues there. Friendly staff overall. The food fell flat for almost all of us. The salads were fresh and good. However, the ribs were below average. Cornbread was stale and not tasty. Biscuits tasted more like firm bread and not at all flaky/soft. That seemed weird to all of us. Chicken fried steak was soggy and not crispy. Drinks were ok. Not quite sure why the food was subpar, but there were 10 of us who all agreed we wouldn't return for food. There is a swanky little cozy speakeasy in the basement that may be good? We didn't try that.

    Photos
    Moonshine Grill
    Moonshine Grill - Garlic appetizer

    Garlic appetizer

    Moonshine Grill - Bourbon pour

    See all

    Bourbon pour

    Mama Betty’s - Churros slathered in sticky sauces

    Mama Betty’s

    4.1(374 reviews)
    12.3 mi
    $$

    Listen as a self proclaimed Texmex/ Mexican food ambassador I wanted to be critical of this place…read moreand cannot say one bad thing about it other than it's always packed. We absolutely recommend coming here and getting fajitas or enchiladas or Barbacoa quesadillas maybe all of the above if you bring enough people because it's all delicious! The restaurant itself is very well kept and clean. It does get a little bit loud, but that's only because it's always packed to the doors. Mama Betty's has a really fun outdoor patio space and always has great music playing. It's an awesome establishment to bring families kids Little League teams, office meetings whatever you want you won't disappoint anybody you bring. No matter who we have gotten as far as the wait staff they have all been extremely friendly, kind and helpful when it came to choosing something on the menu--everybody here has a wonderful and warm personality. They really have put together a home run of a restaurant and I hope that they stay around for a long time. Last, but not least the drinks are outstanding, and everything is very competitively and fairly priced. If you haven't tried it and are worried about it being packed come during the weekday at lunch.

    Went on Sunday after Easter service because we were craving something a friend brought us during a…read morerecent meal train but felt it a bit lacking. First, the menu needs a rewrite for content and clarity. For example, buying fajitas doesn't list guacamole and based on size, single, for two and family you get more sides of rice or beans. There's no definition of how much actual meat you get and our server couldn't provide that information beyond a rough estimate. Second, the fajitas we got of family size and for two portions for 7 were not consistently cooked. We asked for medium rare and got about 25% at that with the ones in the center at a more well done. Again, the multiple tiny sides were more obnoxious than anything as it's legit beans and rice unless you want to upcharge. The cilantro lime rice tastes like nothing so skip that and go for abuelita rice which has a hint of flavor. Overall, the butter/gravy that go on the fajitas is the real winner but again a menu where you overbuy and misunderstand (that doesn't even list extras like guacamole or a simple small queso) was beyond frustrating. I would stick to them for one to possibly get a better cook.

    Photos
    Mama Betty’s - Not so Private event space

    Not so Private event space

    Mama Betty’s - Chilli relleno and blood orange margarita (Notice the rice looks orange red, it wasn't it was normal Spanish rice color)

    Chilli relleno and blood orange margarita (Notice the rice looks orange red, it wasn't it was normal Spanish rice color)

    Mama Betty’s - Mexican martinis

    See all

    Mexican martinis

    Chuy's - QUESO - Blend of melted cheese, Green Chile & Ranchero Sauces. Add seasoned ground beef, guacamole & pico de gallo.

    Chuy's

    3.9(1.4k reviews)
    5.8 mi78704 (South Austin)
    $$

    It's not the worst, but it's definitely not the best. The salsa is super hot. If you don't like hot…read moredon't try it. I don't understand why they don't tone it down a few notches. Chicken tacos are three boneless strips with nothing added. Sides on the plate served are lettuce, chopped tomatoes, guac and a small dash of cheese. Very bland chicken, it's not marinaded in any flavoring. It's actually sad with some tweaking the menu has potential. It just seems like the Corporate side of the business dictates volume over quality.

    AMAZING!!! Last time my bf and I came to this Chuy's, we…read morewere super overstimulated and vowed to never go again, but after visiting a few other locations around Austin and coming back here- I can confidently say that they by far make the best rice and enchiladas! Their rice is so fluffy and fresh and their enchiladas always come out steaming- never skimping out on the sauce also. For the first time we also finally made it to the weekday happy hour from 3-6 PM and got the $5 "chips 'n' dips" deal with a new queso; the boom-boom queso and it was amazing!! Such a great deal considering the plain queso alone during regular hours is nearing $10...

    Photos
    Chuy's - GUACAMOLE - Fresh avocados & Salsa Fresca, all mashed up.

    GUACAMOLE - Fresh avocados & Salsa Fresca, all mashed up.

    Chuy's - PANCHOS - Tostada chips, refried beans, cheese and your choice of fajita chicken, fajita beef or seasoned ground beef.

    PANCHOS - Tostada chips, refried beans, cheese and your choice of fajita chicken, fajita beef or seasoned ground beef.

    Chuy's - QUESADILLAS  - Flour tortillas stuffed with cheese, green chiles & onion. Served with guacamole, sour cream & tomatoes.

    See all

    QUESADILLAS - Flour tortillas stuffed with cheese, green chiles & onion. Served with guacamole, sour cream & tomatoes.

    El Alma - Chips salsa and queso

    El Alma

    4.1(1.4k reviews)
    5.7 miBouldin Creek, 78704 (South Austin)
    $$

    That rush hour traffic in Austin is lethal. If it starts raining too, oh buddy, what a nightmare…read more Eventually you'll make it to your destination and if it's half as good as El Alma, it'll be a sigh of relief. I've driven by El Alma many times being in the Austin area, but I never went until last Thursday, and after surviving a brief monsoon, I was glad to get a few drinks and eat some good TexMex with my large party just before a wedding. The best way to describe El Alma is that it is TexMex that is Austinified. Everything feels a little more unique and special than your classic TexMex options. I started off with a Mezcal Margarita that put a little hair on my chest and got me going. My group ordered two of their Nachitos, which were these nice nachos. For my main entrée, I got 3 Al Pastor tacos on corn with a side of their rice and beans. Their pastor was served with pineapples, onions, and cilantro with limes on the side. They were great and I immediately crushed them all. I thought their rice and beans were pretty good as well and a step above the typical TexMex rice and beans. The server was pretty attentive throughout our whole visit, and I honestly have no complaints about what they had to offer. Pricing on the meal and drinks was pretty standard for Austin, and I didn't think anything really took me out of the experience. On top of that, for being in Barton Springs, there is quite a bit of parking. I would love to come back at some point in the future and hang out on their rooftop bar because that seems like a lot of fun. Shoutout to El Alma for being a TexMex oasis saving me from the MoPac traffic. RIYL: TexMex, but better than your average

    Who designed this menu?!? How can anyone read this? This 4-point-font requires a magnifying glass…read moreand surgical lighting to read. I'm 43. I have 20/20 vision. I'm not old. Yet. However, this is illegible. The pink on pink color scheme actively works against any sensible comprehension of what's to order. There is so much empty real estate on the back of the menu - QR code, etc. That wasted space could easily be used for a bigger font. Please redesign this IMMEDIATELY.

    Photos
    El Alma - Busy on a Tuesday

    Busy on a Tuesday

    El Alma - Queso blanco

    Queso blanco

    El Alma - Mezcal Margarita

    See all

    Mezcal Margarita

    La Piscina - honey chipotle bowl with steak

    La Piscina

    4.3(246 reviews)
    5.1 miWarehouse District, Downtown
    $$$

    Highly recommend this place. The food was delicious and they do not use seed oils. The steak…read morefajitas were the best we have ever eaten anywhere and generous enough to split. The guacamole was mostly just avocado but they put pickled veggies with it and it will light you up! Our server was super sweet and did a good job and the place was slammed. It was SXSW weekend so all of the extra crazies were in town. The churros do not get cooked inside. They were wet and gummy. We mentioned to the manager and she was very apologetic and replaced them immediately. They were still raw inside but they were already removed from our ticket. The house margaritas were very good! Like I said, it was a crazy, busy weekend so the DJ had the tunes bumping really loudly. Not sure if it's always this way but with concrete ceilings and floors it was loud. Hard to hear server and each other. I'd still go back for the food.

    Real rating is 3.5. Over all food and drinks were great. But there was a random dog running around…read morethe pool area that no one seemed to have control over. Kind of irritating when you're trying to relax. A cabana is the way to go but the seating for the couch slides all over the place. Service was great for how busy they were! Update- apparently the dog's owner is a resident of The Proper.....still not okay to be doing this....but grateful for the waitstaff for trying to manage such rude people

    Photos
    La Piscina
    La Piscina - Lobster Quesadilla, Steak and Chicken Fajitas

    Lobster Quesadilla, Steak and Chicken Fajitas

    La Piscina - View from the rooftop

    See all

    View from the rooftop

    ATX Cocina - Queso flamado

    ATX Cocina

    4.2(814 reviews)
    5.2 miWarehouse District, Downtown
    $$$

    We celebrated our anniversary at ATX Cocina and had an incredible night. The entire restaurant is…read moregluten-free, which is a huge plus, and the food absolutely delivers -- don't sleep on the Hamachi Crudo. Our server Alexa went above and beyond all evening -- he arranged a champagne toast and a beautiful dessert for us, and at the end of the night the staff surprised us with a personalized anniversary card signed by so many of the team. It was a genuinely sweet touch that we weren't expecting. The food was outstanding across the board, but seriously -- order the Hamachi Crudo. You won't regret it. If you're looking for a spot that nails the food AND makes you feel taken care of, ATX Cocina is it. We'll definitely be back.

    It's actually kind of insane that this place has a 4.2 at the time of writing this review. I…read moreliterally just ate at a Michelin star restaurant in ATX two days ago. This place is better. Flat out. The food is unreal. The hamachi crudo is the best raw seafood dish I've had in any kind of short-term or long-term memory. The carne asada has a masterful balance of just enough smoky flavor and spice. As someone who's been cooking Mexican cuisine for decades, it's very difficult to properly assess how balanced those chiles will turn out. The pork chop was also unreal. We ate every bit off the bone. We live in NYC and eat nothing but great meals. This place is a standout for us in ATX. Can't wait to come back here when we are back in Austin.

    Photos
    ATX Cocina - Dinner for four at ATX Cocina

    Dinner for four at ATX Cocina

    ATX Cocina - The amazing cesar salad with watermelon radishes and parmesan cheese crisps

    The amazing cesar salad with watermelon radishes and parmesan cheese crisps

    ATX Cocina - Ahi poke tostadas were pretty good

    See all

    Ahi poke tostadas were pretty good

    Pueblo Viejo - Taco Plate

    Pueblo Viejo

    4.4(670 reviews)
    6.2 miOltorf/East Riverside
    $

    Tucked away in a building across from Popeye's, this charming little restaurant doesn't have a wide…read morevariety to choose from--but what they offer is pretty special and definitely worth a visit. I ordered 2 steak tacos and horchata, both very delicious. The horchata is milky and sweet but not crazy sweet, and topped off with cinnamon. The steak tacos came out pretty hot, fresh from the grill. I got them on corn tortillas and I'm glad I did: idk if they make them in house but somebody in some house is making these because they definitely aren't store bought, and if they are I want to know where! I tried the orange habanero and creamy serrano salsas. The habanero was spicy off the bat, while the serrano had more of a lingering burn. Both paired well with the steak. They have a little bar, too, though I did not imbibe this time. Seems like they have a decent selection of agave spirits, and even Campari behind the bar (iykyk). Give them a shot, and thank the ladies in the kitchen.

    I personally don't eat breakfast tacos usually, but the breakfast tacos here are delicious. Out on…read morea whim, happen to drive by and saw this place. Decided to come in and the cashier greeted us and was really nice and patient because of questions with the menu. The Taco Bueno is what I had ordered and requested no potato. Sat down and after a few seconds, chips & salsa was delivered. Then after a few minutes, the food came. Quick service for sure and the food, AMAZING. Anyone reading this, try this place out and if u like it, come back! Cuz we are for sure =D

    Photos
    Pueblo Viejo - Dining Pueblo Viejo ~ Riverside

    Dining Pueblo Viejo ~ Riverside

    Pueblo Viejo - Lime pudding

    Lime pudding

    Pueblo Viejo - Delicious pineapple cucumber agua fresca!

    See all

    Delicious pineapple cucumber agua fresca!

    La Palapa - tex-mex - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...