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    La Palapa

    3.9 (249 reviews)
    ModerateSeafood, Mexican

    La Palapa Photos

    Business Info

    LA PALAPA ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - La Palapa

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    Chips and salsa immediately #heaven
    Niccole W.

    I held off for awhile on writing this review but after discussing what happened it think it's appropriate to share. This is the only place I have ever dined that cause me to get sick while attempting to eat their food. I ordered the green chili enchiladas and made it through the chips and salsa appetizer along with the beans from my meal before feeling suddenly very ill. I raced from the table to the restroom and barely made it into the stall before my body forced me to purge everything I had consumed. The experience was violent. The capillaries in my face around my eyes broke from straining and I had no idea that was possible. Returning to the table I then realized that my food smelled like liquid dish soap and oddly enough is known to make people instantly sick. So why am I giving two stars? Because the staff is kind and strives to be attentive. Because my family did not get sick and because we enjoyed the atmosphere.

    Menu July 2024
    R J.

    Decent Mexican food. Service is reliable and friendly. Enchiladas and fajitas are excellent.

    Molcajete was outrageously good!

    Friendly from the get-go. We were sat right away. Salsa and chips were outstanding. They said it might be a little slow because of a big party, but it wasn't. Our server Jose was the best, as he seemed genuinely happy to help us. The food was delicious and portions were huge, especially the Molcajete! We are visiting the area, and wish we had such a great Mexican food place near us!

    Molcajete
    drew d.

    Wow! I've been coming here for years getting an off-menu seared octopus in olive oil which is amazing, but last night we ordered the molcajete... it blew us away! The best I've had... This is a locals joint with a great staff and owner. Highly recommend! (But skip the guacamole... waaaaay too much red onion)

    Whitney N.

    Service was really great, our waiter was so nice and really did a great job. He even made my margarita which was really good. We both got the chicken fajitas they were pretty good. I did think they were a little flavorless though and the peppers could have been cooked longer they were really hard. There was some sort of red sauce on the fajitas but it didn't taste like anything. Next time I would try something different. I really like a nice char on my fajitas and this didn't have that. I did however enjoy the pepper amount and that they used 3 different kinds of peppers the red, yellow, and green. Salsa was really good too chips could have been a little fresher. The restaurant itself is really nice had a great parking lot. Really spacious inside with a bar. Overall I would try here again I would just try something different. Service was really great and was quick if you want something on your lunch break they are really speedy.

    Shrimp cocktail
    Rebecca C.

    We came back to Joshua tree (the city) at 7.10pm on a Sunday. The saloon was 2 hours for the wait, crossroads was closed, and we are not going to repeat the mediocre experience at "pie for the people". So we felt lucky when La Palapa was open and took us in at 7.45pm right before it closed. I RECOMMEND: Free chips and salsa - solid. Ask for extra salsa. Lobster bisque - huge portion. Can definitely share if you want. Add a bit of salt, pepper, and lime juice to elevate the flavors. SKIP: shrimp cocktail - a bit too sour. Angel hair pasta - I followed the hostess' recommendation and regretted it. What am it doing ordering angel hair pasta at a Mexican place??? The portion is family size - can easily feed four people. It came out really oily, the sauce is too thin, and the ground beef is chewy in texture. I would recommend sticking to the Mexican items on the menu. I would probably have ordered a taco or tostada if I had to do it all over again.

    Fish tacos were excellent!
    Darci L.

    We stopped here for a quick bite on our way home from Joshua Tree. I went inside and ordered our food to go. They didn't seem too busy when I walked in but by the time I got my food and left it was pretty busy. I had the fish tacos. They were some of the best fish tacos I've ever had. Lots of fish, not too greasy, plenty of cabbage and tortillas were fresh. I waited a while for my food but the servers were very friendly and working hard as it was getting busy.

    Best Micheladas in town!!! Absolutely delicious!!!

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    1 year ago

    I don't think I've ever had better Molcajete anywhere else. I stop here any time I'm in town

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    3 years ago

    Go here for the Pasta Alfredo. During my Joshua Tree week long trip, I went here 3-4 times just for this dish!!!

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    Page 1 of 7

    La Palapa Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - La Palapa

    Do they allow dogs?

    We have a pet friendly patio. Inside service dogs only.

    Does La Palapa cater for events?

    Yes, they cater large and small events. They also can host large events in their ballroom / hall. Big enough for many people and a band.

    View All 3 Questions

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    4.5(281 reviews)
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    This spot is definitely on our lunch list each time we're in the area! Freshly prepared food,…read morefluffy tortillas and yummy marinated meats. I ordered the three rolled tacos with rice and beans. Love the fresh guacamole, lettuce, tomato's & cotija cheese on top! The menu includes the following: tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, enchiladas, tostadas, nachos, asada fries, combo plates, family pack (includes one pound meat, rice, beans, onion, cilantro, red or green salsa, flour or corn tortillas and liter of soda), catering (five or ten pounds of meat), breakfast plates and burritos. Meats to choose from: asada, pollo, alpastor, carnitas, deshebrada, lengua, tripa and buche. Nice, friendly, employees, great food, plenty of parking out front and in the back. Note; inside is a small seating area, however you can get it to go. Wish they were closer so I could visit more often!

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    Photos
    Kasa Carniceria y Taqueria
    Kasa Carniceria y Taqueria - Carna Asada torta

    Carna Asada torta

    Kasa Carniceria y Taqueria - Entrance

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    Entrance

    El Guero Mexican Grill

    El Guero Mexican Grill

    4.2(233 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $

    I came here for the first time today with my husband and daughter. Mind you, she is only 10 months…read moreold, and I have no clue why she chose violence today--but she did! We decided to sit down for lunch, and they had some pretty good deals going on for their specialty enchiladas: only $9.99 for two enchiladas with beans and rice. Hell yeah, dude! You even get to choose red or green sauce and shredded beef or chicken. It was absolutely delicious. My daughter and I shared an enchilada off of the children's menu. I've gotta say, our waitress was pretty freaking cool. She was super understanding of the fact that my child was frustrated because she was hungry, and she was very patient with us--which I appreciate, especially having anxiety in public. The cute little shop has plenty of seating, including kid-friendly options like high chairs and boosters. It's very clean and smells amazing! The food was out fast, hot, and delicious. The staff was friendly, courteous, and kind. Even the customers, who seemed to be regulars, were very understanding of the fact that my 10-month-old "chose violence" today. Thank you for hosting our lunch and being an amazing part of Yucca Valley! Guys, if you need a fast Mexican spot, this is definitely it. Enchiladas on point, rice on point, and the beans taste like you went straight across the border and got them from someone's abuela. (I think that's how you spell it--don't mind my white ass!) --waffles2319

    We came here one a Monday night and there were several tables occupied which is always a good sign…read more We grabbed one of the two remaining tables and while looking at the menu were given warm chips and homemade salsa which was really hard to stop eating, especially when you're hungry. Food wise, that turned out to be the highlight. Anyway, I ordered the El Guero Soecial: steak with cactus, and all the fixings. However when I ordered the steak "medium rare" I felt that it is at this point when the server should have told me that the steak is prepared in beef jerky-like strips, more appropriate for a fajita plate. But even for fajitas, they are served on the dry side, salty, with a texture more resembling leather than beef. It's not so bad when you combine it with the accompanying pico de gallo, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, rice/beans and wrap it into a warm corn tortilla. No lime sightings anywhere for some reason. Now, the cactus: maybe if you're a fan of Okra or any other slimy textured veggie, you might like it, but I just can't bring myself to enjoy what I would describe as a green pepper that was trampled over by a garden snail. But try this desert delicacy and judge for yourself. Finally, do NOT order the chicken wings. I paid $15 for six small, burnt, overly salted wings. Not sure what I was thinking. Mexican restaurants aren't known for chicken wings after all, are they. Great ambience, maybe try the tacos and enchiladas next time. That's all...

    Photos
    El Guero Mexican Grill
    El Guero Mexican Grill
    El Guero Mexican Grill - Chilaquiles with carne asada

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    Chilaquiles with carne asada

    The Tiny Pony - Our famous indoor view of the disco ball and our favorite animal art.

    The Tiny Pony

    4.2(567 reviews)
    0.4 mi
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    Women-owned & operated
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    The Tiny Pony is a cool little spot. The decor is kind of all over the place but it works and fits…read morethe desert vibe. Got the Tiny Pony burger and it was really good. Proper smash burger with crispy edges and a juicy center. The patties had great flavor and didn't need anything extra. Came with homemade chips which were actually really good and easy to keep picking at. Service was good and everything came out without a long wait. Simple, tasty, and a spot I'd come back to.

    We came here around midnight on a Thursday, and the place was packed. There's both indoor and…read moreoutdoor seating, with the outdoor area split between covered and uncovered sections. They also have heaters outside, which kept it pretty warm. If you plan to sit outside, the covered area is definitely the best spot. They have an amazing drink selection. I was actually really surprised they had Laphroaig. I also ordered an Old Fashioned, which was delicious. That said, the prices are a little steep for what's technically a dive bar. There's a pool table if you want to play, and they also have a Photo Booth that costs $6 and gives you two prints, which is a fun little addition if you're there with friends. The decor throughout the place is super cool and adds a lot to the overall vibe. It says they close at 1 AM, but they were doing last call at 1 AM rather than kicking people out, so I'm not exactly sure what time the night fully wraps up. The music selection wasn't really my favorite, but the staff was very friendly, the drinks were great, the atmosphere was lively, and the decor is awesome. Definitely a top-tier dive bar with a fun vibe.

    Photos
    The Tiny Pony - We make smash burgers and sauces in our scratch kitchen every day until late.

    We make smash burgers and sauces in our scratch kitchen every day until late.

    The Tiny Pony
    The Tiny Pony - Our backyard is pup-friendly!

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    Our backyard is pup-friendly!

    La Palapa - seafood - Updated May 2026

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