La Palapa Grill & Cantina

Doesn't Recommend

bb4002

Joined 2 years ago

La Palapa Ellicott City. Went to this restuarant several months ago, and it wasn't bad but had a coupon for $12 off an entree, they declined it for whatever reason. Been back 3 more times since trying to use this coupon and have been denied using the coupon now 4 times for 4 different reasons, crazy! The food was not bad I'll give it an 8 out of 10, the service I'll give a 5 out of 10, and overall with the coupon ordeal I will give the overall a 4 out of 10. Point is, is that if you go to La Palapa, don't try to use a coupon, they will not accept any of their coupons unless it is used on the third Tuesday of the month, you can't order an appetizer, or any beverages, and pay full price for everything, then they may accept your coupon, but not gauranteed. If you go there, just expect to pay full price for your apps, drinks, and entrees, be patient as you wait 20 minutes for your drink, and you will have a good time. Me, I think I'll be headed elsewhere, there are better places.

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dublj

Joined 6 years ago

Decent Mexican fare - customer service is spotty. This review is for La Palapa Too in Laurel. Soups were good, particularly the chili. The food is good, but a bit overpriced. The "specials" are particularly overpriced - I had the chicken mole - which was mostly an overbearing sauce over a rather sparse amount of chicken. Furthermore, the chicken was a bit fatty and not trimmed well. My wife's beef dish contained similar pieces of beef that were unnecessarily fatty. All the Mexican food standards (burritos, tacos, enchiladas, etc.) are here and are above average, however refried beans and rice sides are rather bland. Salsa is not memorable - I have had better out of a bottle.

A major problem I had with this restaurant is they turned down my use of a coupon that they issued. I followed the instructions and met all requirements as printed, but its use was denied by the manager because only about half of my $50+ bill was for food. Management said that the coupon should state that the coupon was only for a food purchase, but it did not. This was embarrassing to me and to the server, who explained that there have been recent problems and complaints from other diners over this same coupon. After several emails, they have since offered to honor the coupon, so I give them credit for coming through in the end.

Doesn't Recommend

tv_tv

Joined 6 years ago

Avoid and consider other better alternatives. Food was below average, prices were unreasonable, service was so so, location is decent, ambience is ok, all in all not worth the trip. save your money and go somewhere else. Atleast you'll be happy you went out. FOod was so bad that they had to take it back twice. Once it wasn't cooked and I showed them non-cooked bloody chicken and the other time I saw hair in the food....ewww I had to leave after that....I still get nightmares from that night. The band on fri night is a joke, music was such a dump. Outside seating would be good only if chairs were not cheap..all plastic like the $2 ones from walmart. I've never had such a bad experience and I eat out almost every other day. You can check my other reviews.

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dperssonca

Joined 6 years ago

Good Value. The food was above average. We had their burrito which was good but not my favorite. The margaritas were absolutely delicious. The price was just about right too. For the quality of food and atmosphere I would say it was a very pleasant dining experience. I recommend their top end Margarita as well. Very tasty....

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Nestled in picturesque environs, this cozy, happening Mexican joint serves up flavorful favorites.. The Scene
Set amid rolling hills and bubbling creeks, La Palapa feels more like a quaint Southwestern lodge than a typical Mexican eatery. Inside, a central fireplace, warm yellow walls and copper decor add to the rustic apres-ski feel--although instead of hot chocolate, customers get warm drinking flavored margaritas and sangria. A popular separate bar has several pool tables and a tiki-style stage for DJs and live music.

The Food
Standard Mexican fare is given a hearty boost via diverse preparations. The enormous pork burrito is simmered in a tangy green tomatillo sauce; the classic quesadilla gets a seafood double whammy with both fresh crab and shrimp. The sticky sauce overwhelms the meat in the chicken mole entree, but generally, everything from super-spicy chile con queso to American fare like a hamburger satisfies contrasting tastes.

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elgringoviejo

Joined 11 years ago

the borrego rulez. La palapa is a nice Mexican place, quite similar to El Azteca or Senor Toucan. However, on the evenings when the chef prepares his famous Borrego, then La Palapa rises to its true potential. Borrego is lamb shanks smothered in a delicious Guadalajara-style sauce. My only wish is that the Borrego was offered more often.