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La Palapa East Reviews List
La Palapa East
La Palapa combines authentic Mexican home cooking with a festive bar and a warm and friendly atmosphere which makes for the perfect place to dine or celebrate any occasion! We specialize in "Mexico City style" tacos and quesadillas and regional home cooking. Our menu includes such dishes as Tacos al Pastor, Mole Negro Oaxaqueno, Salsa Pibil and many other specialties from different regions of Mexico. Our Margaritas are all made with fresh juices and are delicious, especially when you add house made hibiscus aqua fresca and a chile-piquin salted rim! We have many flavors from the traditional fresh lime to mango, blood-orange, ginger, tamarind, wild blueberry and more! Refreshing Mexican beer cocktails, such as the Michelada and the Chelada are even given special attention at La Palapa. We also have an extensive tequila selection, cocktail and beer menu. La Palapa is available for catering on or off premise. We specialize in creating menus for private parties and events.
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71 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 71 reviews
5 stars
(14)
4 stars
(37)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(33)
- good for groups(29)
- fit for foodies(19)
- vibrant bar scene(15)
- great for brunch(13)
- special occasion(13)
La Palapa East Reviews List
Review 1 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Not your typical menu
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Recommended by a friend as a Mexican restaurant with a less-than-typical menu, we were pleasantly surprised. Food was extremely flavorful and plentiful. No basket of chips and salsa on the table to fill us up before ordering. Liked that. My wife ordered a Sangria that came in a pitcher, enough for 5-6 glasses, but was considered only one drink. It was a beautiful evening and the windows were open, and even though we ate inside (limited window tables) we could enjoy the ambiance of the excitement of the St. Marks street and area."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good neighborhood option
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We ended up here when we decided not to brave the line somewhere else in the neighborhood. Overall not a bad meal. I had enchiladas which, while nothing special, were good. My date had one of the shrimp specials and I confess to having food envy. It was delicious. The one thing that really annoyed me was that they charged $7 for chips and salsa. Especially since the salsa was maybe an ounce worth and was nothing special. Maybe I just haven't been to a mexican restaurant in a very long time but chips and salsa should be a given. It would be like asking for bread at a restaurant and being charged for it."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2005
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Review 3 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect Chill Date spot
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food. Great drinks. Perfect ambience for a chill date"
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
local touch, legit authenticity
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"great local spot for quality authentic mexican- way beyond burritos, texmex, and corona
A legit menu of farm to table ingredients and a varied offering for all - excellent tequila list, good service, in a fun atmosphere. also more than reasonable and dont forget desert"
A legit menu of farm to table ingredients and a varied offering for all - excellent tequila list, good service, in a fun atmosphere. also more than reasonable and dont forget desert"
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 5 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
still a gem in area but slipping
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"went back for the third time to la palapa - a first for a friday night dinner (previously for brunch). the main course food hit the right spot but the drinks were less than impressive (watered down sangria - had to ask for more alcohol to put in!) and the guacamole was bland. and then the service... our waiter seemed harassed, serving four tables (he actually told us that) never checked in with us, did not bother recommending dishes, was just happy to take our order and rush away. we had taken friends new to the city and it was a bit of an embarrassment for us, but overall, it is hard to find sit down restaurants in st.marks place, so i suspect la palapa will always be full, but it will start losing regulars .."
Dined on 5/24/2013
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Review 6 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Soo yummy!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I made reservations here for a special occasion only because I have been here before and was completely impressed! It was just as good the second time around. My entire family absolutely loved their food, no complaints at all there. We just wish it came out more consistently. It was about 5 minutes from the first plate set to the last plate set. The white and red sangria was on point and delicious. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone for any occasion. We had such a great time!! I will definitely be back!"
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Group dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had my graduation dinner at La Palapa last night and it was amazing! Great atmosphere, food, and service. I will be recommending to friends and my friends there loved it as well!"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 8 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great for a girls night
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was really good. The restaurant is a little loud so it's probably not the best place for a first date but it would be great for a group. The portions are pretty decently sized. We shared 2 appetizers and 2 main plates between 3 of us and it was the perfect amount of food. The margaritas are great too!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Mexican in the City!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I found this place while walking around in the East Village one evening. It was packed with people - usually a good sign. The margaritas are fantastic. We saw several different drinks made while we waited at the bar and they all looked fantastic, ex. jalapeno margarita (with real muddled jalapeno!). Food recommendations: queso fundido with peppers and corn quesadilla. Tacos are great too, but avoid steak taco (a little dry). We have been twice in 2 weeks and already have plans to return this weekend. Enjoy!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We expected to have a tough time finding a low-key spot for Mother's Day brunch - this place was a pleasant surprise :-)
EXCELLENT service (one member of our party has very explicit dietary restrictions and the server went above and beyond to accomodate us). Great food for the price ($15 gets you a coffee, a cocktail, a fruit plate and an entree).
They do not skimp on portions - I couldn't even finish my omelette because there was so much food!
They do not skimp on portions - I couldn't even finish my omelette because there was so much food!
I recommend getting a bowl of tortilla chips w/salsa and guacamole for the table. The guacamole is really delicious and the chips come with four different salsas ranging from sweet to savory in varying spice levels."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 11 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Margs & Sangria!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Happy Hour deal and a great place for a genuine mexican meal. The guacamole could use some help, but definitely edible. I enjoyed the margaritas and sangria- I highly recommend both."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food and pleasant servers.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and pleasant servers. But the place so too noisy for a truly enjoyable evening. The tables are so close to the bar and the conversations just echo all over the place. If it were just a bit less noisy it would be an ideal Mexican restaurant."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 13 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The service here was horrible.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service here was horrible. We ordered an appetizer which came out immediately and then 1 minute later they brought us our dinner so there was no room to even put the plates on the table. The waiter was clueless. He never apologized or anything and just avoided us the rest of the night. We mentioned it to the manager and she asked when they should bring the dinners out. You're in the restaurant business and you don't know that? Clueless. It was packed with frat boys and frat girls. This is not a place I would recommend or ever go back to."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
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Review 14 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love LaPalapa. The tres
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love LaPalapa. The tres leches cake is delicious."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 15 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went there for brunch.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went there for brunch. The restaurant offers good size portions and the food is tasty. As a costumer,you are treated well, so you don't mind ordering extras from the menu."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch
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Review 16 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicioso!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Guacamole was DELICIOUS, the vegetarian chile rellenos were quite tasty, and the corn on the cob was sensational. The service was friendly and prompt, the atmosphere is what you would expect from a Mexican restaurant. The only downsides were that the bar is integrated with the dining tables, so if all the stools are taken, it's a bit awkward when you're waiting for your table, and it was quite noisy. I'll definitely go back!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 17 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good brunch place. Big big
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good brunch place. Big big dishes. Didn't love the chicken verde enchilada (slightly dry and bland) but the french toast and omelets were very good!"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2012
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Review 18 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Get the lamb shank!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I came here on a Saturday at 8pm. My date and I shared a pitcher of margaritas which were mixed well and were very good. I ordered the Chochinita Pebil. My sides of saffron rice and plantains arrived late to the table, but the flavor was great, so it was worth waiting the extra few minutes. My date got the Barbacoa Lamb (BBQ lamb shank) which was excellent. Overall, we were really happy with the taste and texture of our food. We were seating right next to the door, so wind and people kept brushing against me on their way in which was a bit frustrating. So if you come, make sure you get seated in the main dining area, rather then the lobby area. I only saw the dining room bar area when I went to the rest room. Service was average."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We were seated 30 minutes
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were seated 30 minutes after our reservation, however given guacamole on the house to make up for it"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
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Review 20 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The place is light and airy.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The place is light and airy. Always feel welcomed whenever we visit and the prices are great."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 21 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This place is always hit or
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place is always hit or miss. Like tossing a coin."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, great atmosphere
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for a late dinner on a Friday night. Food was delicious and server was very attentive. Great atmosphere. Loved it!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 23 for La Palapa East
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, not too keen on
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food, not too keen on the Valentine's Day menu - the regular menu was better. Nice environment and attentive waitress. Would return in the future."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for La Palapa East
Based on the average of (48) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
13 out of 13 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic