La Mexicana — Restaurant in Paso Robles

Visited 18 July 2022

This is actually my second visit. I was probably recovering from unintentional gluttony why I never wrote a review.

The portion sizes are huge!! HUGE!!

The table is provided chips and salsa as soon as you sit down. The salsa isn't spicy but it is flavorful. I'd suggest avoiding it at all cost to save room for your meal!! Seriously!!

On my first visit on 6 July 2022, I had the a-la-carta beef burritos - $16.95, because I thought it would be smaller than the "giant" burritos. It was MAYBE half inch small. Lol. I also ordered a side of guacamole - $5.95. That was was also a huge dollop that I ended up sharing with the rest of the table.

During my 18 July 2022 visit, I wasn't hungry hungry so I thought I would order something small from the Aperitivos (appetizers) section...boy was I mistaken. I got the Asada Quesadilla - $14.95. There was a ton of cheese in it; I would have preferred a little kess. Also, the portion was huge and I ended up taking some to go.

I also had a regular margarita - $8.00, but it seemed watered down. There are also local beers $4.00 and imported beers $5.00. There are a few on tap and other bottled beers. There is also a small selection of wines.

The food here is delicious but just be prepared for large portions. I'd even suggest sharing a meal...

It's not the best Mexican food, but we definitely enjoyed it and will be back. This is actually our second time eating there, but the first time was for a going away party and we didn't take pictures of the food. I had the enchiladas the first time, and the tamales today. Both were excellent, and I will say that I like the tamales better. Good masa, good beef, excellent sauce, covered with melted cheese. My friend had the Bamba burrito the first time, and the Mexican burrito with carne asada this time. He very much liked both, and they're big enough for two meals for most people. Their margaritas are alright, but nothing special. However, their horchata is really good. I mean, it's not as good as homemade horchata, but what is. Still, for a mass produced horchata, and at only $3 with free refills, it's a good horchata. I definitely recommend eating there if you're in or near Paso...

I had a delicious breakfast here last week - chilaquiles with a side of potatoes. The tortilla chips were perfectly drenched in cheese and sauce. The potatoes were equally well seasoned. My pina agua fresca was cool and refreshing. I also appreciated the complementary chips and salsa - even at breakfast! I could have eaten more, but had to pace myself. As it was, the portions were large enough that I could have taken them home. If I wasn't traveling, I would have.

La Mexicana is colorful, bright, and airy. It would be a great place to sit at a booth for a while. The staff are friendly, thoughtful, and efficient. They care about their customers and it shows.

Whether you're exploring Paso Robles wine country like I was, or live closer, I'd recommend making a visit. It's just off the main town square and easy walking distance from some of the major hotels. I'll be back the next time...