La Palapa Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Lubbock

La Palapa opened about 6 months ago on the corner of Slide and Loop 289 (the old Rockfish). If you want some different flavors than the typical Tex-Mex, this is definitely the place to try!! Nicely decorated in warm colors, the main dining room has cushy booths as well as tables overlooked by a well lit open bar. We were promptly greeted at the front and offered our choice of booth or table. The menu is bound leather and offers a large variety of traditional Mexican fare as well as enchiladas, tacos, and chimichangas. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The chips were a good thickness for alot of crunch and holding salsa, ceviche and guacamole. The salsa is full of flavor, but not too spicy. Corn on the Cob was fresh and juicy with just enough chili to enhance the flavor. The Carne Guisada was fork tender, chunks of beef in gravy served with beans, rice, and a small salad. The rice has some corn and peas cooked in and a nice, light cumin flavor. I chose corn tortillas with my meal, and they came to the table wrapped in foil, keeping them warm and soft. Needless to say, I cleaned my plate. Dessert was Churros and Oh My Goodness, they were soooo good!! Covered in cinnamon sugar, filled with caramel sauce served on a plate decorated with chocolate and caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and extra caramel sauce on the side. Pure deliciousness!! Take a date, grab some friends, and go...

Went yesterday for the first time. It was not quite packed yet for lunch rush. Waitress hardly ever came by to see if we needed refills on our drinks. Food came out and all was good until I found a hair in one of my tacos. I told the waitress and she took my plate and said that they would look at it. Well obviously she didn't tell the manager because he was coming around asking tables how their service was, he came to our table and I told him and he looked surprised. He said, " oh only in 1 taco" like what kind of response is that. Having a hair in any of my food is unacceptable and disgusting whether it's in 1 or 3 tacos. That really left a bad taste in my mouth especially after we showed him the salsa plastic bottle lid had black on it like mold. He took and said he would look at it. What the hell kind of response is that. Then he promised he would give me a discount for my plate and he didn't. Needless to say it was my first and last time going. I will not be back. And the manager better learn how to react better to issues that arise. Really bad training. I'm surprised this place...

It's cute inside. The food is good enough, but like- in a "this is the only place in town im passing through and I need to eat" kind of way. That's where it stops and this review goes downhill from there. for instance.... Having to ask repeatedly (3+ times) to get chips Dirty silverware with food on it The surprise whir of the vacuum offered an unwanted guest in our table conversation. Overcharged us for happy hour drink costs (the system didn't register it) Unable to get the plates right or have them be good. Dry beef in the chicken taco, no mushrooms in the veggies fajitas, wrong tortillas, etc. We had to ask numerous times for literally anything (drinks, chips, etc) and the waitress couldn't keep more than two thing in her head. The hostess desk left their cell volume all the way up, and the constant ringing for multiple times because no one was nearby was... not expected or wanted at dinner.

I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot, but honestly.. good. the more I can forget this place the better. save your time. but if you'll come- food is fine, it's cute enough...