La Comida — Restaurant in Chico

People always ask why I like La Comida. And it's actually a long answer that very simple. First, I have known the family now for over 20 years. I started working there in 1998 and worked there for a couple years. Growing up in Chico, La Comida was definitely a staple in every family's menu. Back when I was growing up, going out to dinner was more of a treat than an expectation. And I remember going and standing in line and always hoping we would get the tables near the back because I thought those were the coolest. So once I got a job there I was ecstatic. Back then the old man was still alive and my junior was running the floor like a madman and he was amazing at it. And every single person in this town, multi-generational groups of people, all know Jr very well. I'm sure you could hear the stories of how many people he has watched grow up and have kids of their own and even kids of Their Own. So today when I went in there during this quarantine to pick up my to-go order with my mask on and saw an empty a part of me was sad. But again, a familiar face. Is I walk in the manager, bill, is still there. La Comida is and always will be family-oriented. Their food is amazing. Especially for the price you pay. They are giving you good food at a great affordable price. These days when you cannot get a meal for one on a food delivery service for less than $20, I went to La Comida and I got a meal for 3 for $21.32 out the door. And in this world today, that's amazing in my book. I love La Comida, I love the entire family that owns it, and if you haven't eaten there you should. Always five star...

I'm not sure I can give this place an unbiased review because I have been coming to La Comida since I was young. It was our lunch destination after church most Sundays and definitely the.only perk about that day. My Nana enjoyed a friendship with Mr. Pavis the founder of this establishment. Now La Comida became the place to go during our high school ( broke as a joke) years and sometimes a friend would be lucky enough to be hired . When closing the restaurant, sometimes we'd stay,loiter around ( help out????) and eventually someone would sing into the microphone. Yes, there's memories that have nothing to do with reviewing the food ( Paradise Senior High class of 1989). 2022- finally, as I've recently gone in for some " comfort" food, I was reminded that there's been a change of ownership and other things as well. The point of sale had a suggestion tip value which I added my own custom tip, in surprise. Also, the cold tostada I ordered was paired with warm beans and rice. Typically this is in box #2 so that my lettuce doesn't get warm, wilty. I haven't decided if this error matters. I can always correct it by requesting my order be boxed...

I've put this off for too long. There's a BIG reason this establishment has won the "Cheap Eats" award year after year... and the word is "CHEAP". The meat is bland with very little flavor, and offered with little to no consistency inside the shells or burritos. The dishes are more than not plated sloppily depending on who's working, and the textures of the taco shells tend to fall apart at the mere touch. Bagged lettuce and cheese overwhelm anything they're on. I'm not trying to rain on any parade... I'm well aware of the following this place has. I just cannot in good faith recommend this place, nor patronage this restaurant until the consistency picks-up. I had assumed that with the closing of the Paradise store, the food and service would be better...unfortunately it didn't. The only reason to go in now would be to purchase the salsa to use on your own prepared meals at home... which would probably be made cheaper than...