Taqueria La Patrona - Lynnhaven — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

Taqueria La Patrona is located along Lynnhaven Parkway in Virginia Beach. It isn't too far from the intersection with Lynnhaven Parkway and Holland Road. There is ample parking available here. You have several options too. You can dine in, order ahead and pick up inside, or order ahead and pick up through the drive through window. This is first Mexican restaurant that I have seen do that, and it's actually a pretty good way to do it. I have been here several times now over the past few months, with visits on November 28, 2020; December 11, 2020; and January 16, 2021.

Before coming in for the first time, we've passed by the place several times, but never made it in. In November 2020, we got a coupon for them through one of the mailers. It was then that it was decided to try this place out, and that first visit was in late November 2020.

When you first come inside, the place is very bright with white and blue as the main colors in there. I like that color combination. While we are still in this Covid-19 pandemic, I wanted to add to this topic. There are notices on the door before you come in that a mask is required. If you don't have a mask, you will be required to leave. Tables were seated as every other table to promote social distancing. The place isn't overly large, so during peak times, do expect to have a wait to be seated when dining in. Hand sanitizer is available for use at the bar table as you come in, but remember, the bar itself is temporarily closed.

When I normally come out to places for lunch or dinner, I tend to come during off peak times, which was the case in all three of my visits. It was definitely busier as we were done and leaving. Each time we were immediately seated. You get the standard chips, red salsa and white salsa. There is a QR code on the table in order to access the menu, so make sure to have a QR reader on your phone to download it. Sometimes it gets a little quirky, so you may have to try and do it twice. Each time our servers gave us time to review the menu so that we could decide what we wanted. We did get the cheese dip appetizer each time as we had a coupon for each of those visits. The cheese dip is really good too.

In each of these visits, I would end up getting the Burrito California entrée with no rice and no lettuce. My mom has gotten the Two Chimichangas (soft) entrée on each of these visits so far. Next time it might be trying something else. The food every time came out consistent and hot. The burrito has had great flavor to it and love the guacamole and sour cream in it as well. According to my mom, the chimichangas were really good too and is a favorite for her as well. Servers were also really quick to refill drinks, chips, salsas, etc. too. There always seems to be someone going around checking for refills of anything.

When it comes to paying, there is a QR code at the bottom of your receipt. This is for the MobileBytes app that you can pay through there. You also earn points through that app and can get coupons and such through there as well as your points rack up. It's a great way for doing contactless payments.

Overall, food, service, and the overall experience have been great. This is now one of my favorite Mexican places in Virginia Beach. There is plenty to choose from on the menu. The overall bright atmosphere in here also keeps things upbeat here. If you are in the area and looking for a Mexican place to try out, this place is definitely worth checking out. If you're local and got a coupon in the mail, make sure to look at that and try this...

07/31/2024

It deeply saddens me to share my recent experience with Patrona, a place my family and I have always loved for its authentic Mexican cuisine. We even celebrated my daughter's high school graduation here. Recently, after my aunt's surgery, she was craving Patrona, so we placed a pickup order. Unfortunately, this time was very different.The Mexican street corn (elote) we received was spoiled, and the packaging on the beans and queso was compromised, resulting in a mess in the bag. While the burrito my son ordered was good, the handmade guacamole served was noticeably less than usual, which was disappointing given our regular patronage.Considering the nearly $50 spent, it was disheartening to have to discard the corn and deal with the spillage. I attempted to resolve this by calling, but was put on hold and never received a follow-up.I still have a strong affection for Patrona, but I felt it important to share this experience as it was not up to the standard I have come to expect. Please see recent pictures.

This has been my #1 spot for authentic Mexican food for a while now!! I'm so happy to review this place!!

Parking lot is big and it's easy to find parking. The parking lot itself is well lit and clean. The restaurant is well lit and very clean as well.

Super friendly atmosphere and the staff is always happy to greet you! Carlos has become my favourite waiter and is always awesome!! Jose is also one of my faves he can tell you about anything on the menu and always has good suggestions if you want to try something new!!

I've had a lot of their menu. The first time I went it was to try the Birria and it did not disappoint. From the homemade tortilla shells to the homemade pico, the slow roasted carnitas. Everything is delicious at this place. I will put a few recommendations at the bottom of my review. There are chips and salsa is amazing and if you have to have the white dip they do in fact offer it! My drink of choice is always Horchata unless it's been a long day or girls night, then of course I've got to get their margaritas which are also amazing!

This will continue to remain my number one spot for if you want to try out authentic Mexican I'll leave a list below with you. Different things you can try that are delicious!!

Birria Tacos with consomme Gringos (carnitas inside) Vampiro with steak Burrito Miguel is delicious Elote is top notch! California burrito is delicious All of the soft tacos on corn tortillas Birra ramen was...

We were greeted and escorted to our table immediately (good). Scanned menu is too small but you can request a hard copy (okay). Ordered drinks (horchatas are too sweet and lacked the aroma typically in a horchata but drinkable) Chips and salsa (chips are average, "fresh" salsa was liquidy and white sauce tasted fine) Placing an order (waited 15 minutes, place wasn't busy, there were only 3 other tables occupied and they have already been served their food, not good) Ordered a variety of food: Tacos (Onions and cilantro are too big, chopped in abnormal uneven big chunks *needs to be finely chopped/minced, Salsa: Advocado salsa and salsa de tomatillo was feasible to eat a bit too salty, liquidy, no kick, lack of herbs, I had to request for salsa which should come automatically but it was forgotten (okay), Meat: Carnitas was chewy, Carne was chewy/tough and didn't taste like it was grilled as an carne asada should, Tripa/tripe was fried crispy and seasoning was good, Enchiladas w/steak, sauce, steak was chewy/tough and enchilada salsa was chunky, Shrimp ceviche, shrimp was minced nicely and seasoning was good. Didn't care much for the huge slices of red onion placed on top (decoration, I get it but I'd rather it be minced/chopped to eat with my ceviche) Chicken Choro (rice was dry and whole plate did not look appealing. Chicken lacked flavor in which you'd think the chorizo would compensate it but no, corn tortillas were brittle, frijoles were okay. Sopa 7 mares, broth was salty and lacked flavor/spice/seasoning, mussels weren't open (not cooked) crab legs were cold and tasted old, big chucks of fish that were good, the octupus tasted fine but definitely need to be trimmed up more to be appealing there shouldn't be slimy film hanging, large shrimps (good), potatoes and carrots were cooked. Overall: Friendly service but execution of...