Las Palapas Alamo Ranch — Restaurant in San Antonio

Bottom line up front: consistently good quality and a great value. I've eaten here a good 10 times in the last 50 years. It's near my house. It is consistently good and I have not had a bad experience with the food here. Today (Jan 12) I arrived solo around 6pm and there was ample seating so I was seated immediately. The place is always clean and today was no exception. The background music was a mix of Ramón Ayala, Selena, Cristian Nodal, and other rancheras and norteñas. They have TVs playing basketball, football, sometimes soccer depending on the season.

Today my server was Victoria. After she brought me the free chips and salsa (no need for rate those two because they're free and like my mom says, "a lo dado no se le ve el lado" - you can't criticize if it's free), I ordered 2 items: the $6.99 combo of soup (chicken caldo) + stuffed avocado (with chicken al pastor), and the chicken fajita plate.

The chicken caldo was very good. It's light and they add rice to the chicken and veggies and it doesn't feel too heavy. Itbsomes with regried beans with cheese and one flauta covered with guacamole and sour cream. The size of the bowl is medium. They use dark meat, which I prefer. I think white meat on caldo does not produce as good flavor as dark meat. White meat may be healthier and many places in SATX use shredded chicken breast but the Schwarzeneggeresque size (I think just created a new word?) of American chicken breasts ('Murica!!) makes it impossible to serve whole or in chunks in anything smaller that a 10-gallon bucket so they serve it shredded. Dark meat can be served in chunks and that's how they serve it here. The beans and the flauta were nothing to call momma about but they were not bad. A flauta plate could perhaps have more pizzazz and more flavor but in this situation the chicken caldo is Tim Duncan and the beans and flauta are the bench.

The avocado stuffed with chicken al pastor was also very good. It overflows with chicken, veggies, lettuce, and tomatoes cut in small chunks. I think it's Keto-friendly because there is little in it that contains carbohydrates. You can eat it with a spoon if you're Keto, with the free chips like guacamole, or you could make tacos out of it. The portion isn't small. I can't say everyone could make a meal out of it but those in the smaller side surely could.

For $6.99, the soup and combo is a great deal. The size of the portions isn't small and you won't leave hungry (unless you're one of those Nebraska corn-fed football types that eats 5 kilos or protein per day).

The grilled chicken fajita plate wasn't bad but I expected more. It comes with rice and beans (no cheese on beans) but I substituted the rice for veggies. The portion is a good size but the chicken lacked flavor. It needs bit more seasoning. I don't think they use any seasoning for the grilled chicken other than maybe salt and a little fine-ground pepper and it tasted bland. It's $7.99, one dollar more than the soup + stuffed avocado combo but the combo makes a better meal for less. And it tastes better. So next time I'll stick with Tim Duncan and will keep Manu on the bench (sorry Manu!).

The service was solid. No complaints there. Victoria did a great job. Attentive, courteous, and bilingual for when I bring my mom.

I will continue to return. Las Palapas produces consistently good quality and although today the chicken was a more bland than Courtney Kardashian, the combo...

Today, Sunday Feb. 19th around 2pm. My husband and I decided to stop at Las palapas for a late lunch. In the past we have enjoyed going there. The food is not the best, but the waiters are good people. Today I was outraged at the attitude of both so call managers. There holier then thee attitude. I think the are under the impressions, they are doing the customers a favor by letting us eat there. Not understanding that the customers are doing them a favor by eating at the restaurant. The table that we were sitting at was the only table in the area where they keep it warmer, but the table was under a very strong vent and it was very, very, very cold. So cold that our food became cold. I spoke to one manager who per him didn't speak Spanish and when I spoke to him in English, still was understanding what I was trying to explain to him about how cold that area was, I asked him to please make cut a little warmer so we could finish our meal. Lord y I would think I was asking him for his 1st born! He told me that he would turn the heater on. But towards the end the AC was on again. When we were ready to pay, a young girl asked me how our visit was and I told her that this would be the last time we would go there and how uncomfortable and cold we had been. I really hate these so call mangers that give you this stupid story that they can not turn the AC OFF, REALLY! I guess they really think customers are dumb and are going to swallow THAT story. When the 2nd so call manager was told about our experience, in a very loud voice, said that we were not at our home and. basically it not have to make my husband and I comfortable in anyway form. When I heard how loud he was talking I approached him about his comments, he was very combatant, rude, holier then thee attitude. I told him that the restaurant was not doing us favor, we were the ones doing the restaurant a favor by eating there. A few weeks ago we ate at the OLIVE GARDEN RESTAURAN, with the same issue. When I spoke to the manager. He was more then happy to make us feel as comfortable as possible. He said he wanted us to enjoy our visit and meal. He did not say in loud voice that we were not at our house, or in so many words like the so call managers at las palapa, There way or the highway.. Rude, rude, rude, so call managers! I hope the owner, reads this so he knows how some customers are being treated. To all of you don't mind being treated this way, THIS THE PLACE FOR YOU! IF NO CHOICE A RESTAURANT THAT WILL APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS BUSINESS AND YOU AS A CUSTOMER!

MR.AND...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely Outstanding Experience at Las Palapas Alamo Ranch!

I cannot say enough good things about my experience at Las Palapas Alamo Ranch, and it’s all thanks to Jerry!

From the moment I walked in, Jerry made me feel like family with his warm smile and genuine hospitality.

The Service - Jerry is a ROCKSTAR! 🌟

Jerry went above and beyond in every way possible. He was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about every item on the menu, and made fantastic recommendations that were spot-on for my taste.

His enthusiasm for the food was infectious, and you could tell he genuinely cares about making sure every guest has an amazing experience.

Jerry anticipated our needs before we even knew what we wanted - refilling drinks, bringing extra napkins, and checking in at just the right moments. This is what exceptional hospitality looks like!

The Food - Absolutely Divine! 🌮

Every single dish that came to our table was a masterpiece. The flavors were bold, authentic, and perfectly balanced. The ingredients tasted incredibly fresh, and you could tell everything was made with care and attention to detail.

From the first bite to the last, each dish exceeded my expectations. The portions were generous, and the taste was fantastic! This is Mexican cuisine at its finest.

The Drinks - Perfection in a Glass! 🍹

The beverage program here is seriously impressive. Whether you’re looking for a perfectly crafted margarita, a refreshing agua fresca, or any other specialty drink, they’ve got you covered.

The drinks complemented the food perfectly and were made with premium ingredients. You can taste the difference quality makes!

Overall Experience:

Las Palapas Alamo Ranch has earned a permanent spot on my list of favorite restaurants, and Jerry is a huge part of that.

When you have amazing food, incredible drinks, AND service that makes you feel truly special, you know you’ve found something extraordinary.

Jerry, if you’re reading this - thank you for making our dining experience absolutely unforgettable! You’re an asset to Las Palapas and the reason we’ll be back again and again.

Highly recommend to anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine served with...