La Chula Mexican Grill

Man, I sure wanted to like this place. After two BAD experiences with Mexican food in the past few weeks – one right around the corner at Chelly’s – I was ready for some taco redemption. We really try to support small, local businesses and the four existing Unilocal reviews of La Chula seemed promising, so we stopped in for lunch today. There was no crowd and no wait; typical of a new-​ish place that hasn’t really caught on, or a place that just isn’t destined to catch on. I’m afraid that La Chula is the latter, although frankly it doesn’t look very inviting from the street, what with all the weeds growing up out front. They do have a new sign, so maybe that will bring some people through the door for them. Sadly, I don’t think that the food will bring them back for a second visit. The chips and salsa were… fine. Salsa needs more flavor and more spice, but at least the chips were warm. We started with the Quesito appetizer, which is just your basic queso blanco dip. It was actually pretty tasty, to be honest. But they only offer one portion size, and it is pretty big and priced accordingly ($ 7.49).
The entrees arrived fairly quickly and looked like you’d expect. Giant plates, filled primarily with beans and rice, although both were spread thin so the portions aren’t as big as they look. Turns out both were also microwaved and super bland. The Al Pastor tacos come with a lime wedge and a small cup of an avocado salsa. The tortillas are good quality and I think that the meat was too; it wasn’t authentic spit-​roasted al pastor, but it tasted fine. Bright red grease poured out of the tacos with each bite, so that was a bit unpleasant, and the pineapple taste was very subdued in spite of the visible pineapple on the tacos, but otherwise they were standard street tacos. Just lacked flavor. Which brings me to the Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada. Sort of what it sounds like, but the chicken had absolutely no seasoning at all – not even a little garlic, not to mention any spice. The sauce was the same story – in fact, the little ball of sour cream that came on the plate was more flavorful than the «sour cream sauce» that came on the enchilada.
So, again, this was our third disappointing Mexican meal in the past few weeks, and all three were basically for the same reason – LACK OF FLAVOR. I really think that these restaurants are trying to appeal to a largely white clientele in completely the wrong way. I used to think that Jalapeño’s was «white people’s Mexican food», and I guess I still do, but man… I’ll take their food over La Chula’s any day. Also, Taco Bell is better than La Chula. Makes me sad – I really don’t think that what they are serving in the restaurant is what they would eat at home… and I’m afraid it will be their downfall. I want this place to succeed, but it’s not looking good.

I was craving Mexican and meeting friends in Waldo, and though I was cautious about the change from Paparico’s to La Chula, it turns out I had nothing to worry about. The menu has appeared to remain the same, and reading it reminded me that I need to head back there for breakfast! Overall the food was good, though the chips needed extra salt and the salsa was pretty mild as well. Prices were competitive with similar restaurants, however, I wish they offered coupons for complimentary queso!

To be honest I stopped here because I got lost and just wanted something quick. On approach you will notice its pretty shabby on the outside which probably scares most but do push past this and give this place a try. Dining room is pretty plane Jane and could use an update but is good enough.
Was greeted kindly enough and given a menu that had multiple choices that seem pretty typical of most Mexican fare but also had some authentic looking dishes too. I ordered the Grilled Steak Tacos to go and was surprised to see they included chips and salsa which is a nice surprise and appreciated. It was served with a Guacamole sauce of sorts that had a good little kick and was exploding with flavor. I will be back.

I was craving tacos and couldn’t wait until Sunday so decided to check out the new place in the area. I was a little disappointed that Papirico’s closed as it was the only decent Mexican place in the area. Luckily, although it says new owners, La Chula has the same yummy food and same yummy menu! By pass the terribly overrated place around the corner and come here!
I have tried multiple things here. Street tacos are pretty awesome. This visit I tried the Entomatadas de Pollo. Fried tortillas (I expected them to be crunchy but they were not) covered in green tomato sauce, chicken, queso, sour cream, with lettuce and tomatoes on the side. (Normally comes with onions too, mine was sans onions.) Super simple dish packed with great flavor. The green tomato sauce is the real star. It has a slight heat to it and just adds an incredible layer of flavor. The chicken didn’t have much seasoning, but was so tender and perfectly cooked.
Stop and check this place out. It is a good business ran by a good family. They are off the Waldo business district that everyone flocks too, but should be included in the great restaurants of Waldo!