La Palapa

This place is gone.

Nothing to scream about, write home about, nor will I drive out to Utica to revisit this taco shop. The people that ran the place were absolutely wonderful, kind and friendly peeps. But for being Mexican you would think they would take the time out to make their own signature salsa. It’s not that hard to make pico de gallo, a red chili salsa or a tomatillo salsa. The food was to bland and nothing like you would anticipate from a authentic Mexican restaurant. I was kinda disappointed and was hoping for something a little bit more authentic. Get back to your roots and make some kick ass Mexican food even if it means going back to Mexico for a little fresher or maybe Visit Mi Pueblo in Southwest Detroit for a few pointers.

Like a junkie looking for his or her next fix, I roam these cities, scour Unilocal often & pester friends for the next spot to score that high to satisfy my taste buds. Boasting a four star rating I thought I would pop in for a late lunch and check it out.
I ordered a trio of items off the dinner menu in hopes to try as much as I could, adding a side of guacamole. The dining area was completely empty and the owner had no problem changing the channel so I could watch the Tigers game. I cracked open a cold one, no they don’t have a liquor permit, I’m talking about an ice cold Coke a Cola from Mexico. The meal was kicked off with free chips & salsa and my order of guacamole. The chips were a tad stale, the salsas were OK, cold chopped tomatoes, a touch of heat with very little seasoning. The guacamole was solid, fresh avocado with tomatoes, onions & jalapenos. It could have used a touch more lime, but I think that is a personal preference. My combo came out pretty quick and looked delicious. Fresh shredded lettuce, diced red tomatoes, a nice dollop of sour cream. This platter did what some restaurants fail to do, fluffy fresh rice and cheesy refried beans that actually tasted good. A lot of times rice & beans are just an after thought. The small beef burrito was alright, seasoned ground beef rolled inside a flour tortilla. The chicken hard taco equaled one my wife may make me on taco night when its her turn to make dinner. The tamale was cooked perfectly but like all the other items, the flavor profiles were elementary. No citrus, no heat & no cilantro. I understood going in that La Palapa wasn’t going to blow my mind but I was hoping it would be a little better then it was. So this food junkie will have to keep roaming the streets, keep stalkin’ your Unilocal reviews & continue to hound my friends for that next fix.

Tucked away in a strip mall on the north side of M59 (Hall Rd) this place was quiet, clean, and had GREAT food. I love mexican food. especially tacos and burritos. and this place is now at the top of the list. better than even the places downtown, Abuelo’s, etc.
They start you with chips and salsa… the mild was just that, while the hot had a big bite (according to my wife). She said it was great – the mild was perfect. The chips are light, crunchy and served warm. yummy! We polished off two baskets.
My son got the chicken fingers/​fries. but after tasting my wife’s chicken wet burrito he didn’t touch them… it was delicious. Served with rice, beans and shredded lettuce and sour cream on the side… she loved the sauce and melted cheese on top. Even though my son was helping her with it – the portion was big enough they couldn’t finish it and ended up taking ¼ home.
I got the beef wet burrito but skipped the sauce… they covered the top in melted cheese… I’m a huge fan of burritos and this was one of the best I’ve had. The ground beef had a nice flavor… a tasty but not spicy sauce. and the beans were great! Again – it was too big for me to finish so I took it home.
The prices are very good for the portion sizes… and service was great. The staff was very friendly and attentive… the place wasn’t super busy but had people coming in and out the whole time.
A note about the décor. the tables were all brand new and stylish (glass tops and very trendy chairs). the booths (where we sat) were nice and while maybe not ‘brand new’ were not worn or anything and were very comfortable. The walls were painted a neutral color (not marked up) and had nice pictures… it was spotless too. Possibly remodeled since Annon Imus I visited?
The only knock on the place is when you get a pop its in a can ($ 1)… no fountain drinks or free refills. Add fountain pops and this restaraunt would be perfect… because of the pop (I usually suck down 2 – 3 w/​mexican food) we might do take out next time.
One side note. my son got one of their mexican sodas (in a bottle). It was lemon/​lime… he loved it… my wife tried it and said it was very good! They have a few different flavors… When we go back maybe we’ll try those.
We were too stuffed for dessert but intend to try that next time too. A great Mexican restaraunt…

This restaurant is a favorite of mine. Great food, servers that are always helpful and a great authentic Mexican menu (especially the back of the menu). I highly recommend this place. I don’t know what wrong with the people who rated this poorly, they must be ridiculous food snobs that are never happy because this place never fails to please.

Not bad if I do say so myself. I had the tamale dinner, which came with, beans, rice, and side of lettuce with sour cream. I also ordered a side of chips with some salsa. Everything was good. Not drooling, can’t wait to get me s’more…but I wasn’t disappointed at all. The beans were good, different than I’d had at other mexican restaurants, but good. Rice was good as well. Tamales were great. Everything was A-​OK! I would go back!

Recently moved to Michigan so finding good Mexican food out here is a pain! This place hit the spot.
I ordered carne asada tacos. My husband ordered the beef enchiladas and a ground beef taco. His enchiladas were good and his taco was just ok. My tacos were good and definitely hit the spot.
I would have given this place a higher rating but the waitress had major attitude. She seemed miserable. She also charged me for an extra taco (realized after I left). She didn’t get my order quite right.
Other than the waitress, the food is good… at least what we had. The chips were stale but the hot sauce was good. We tried the green hotter sauce and it was really pasty with no flavor. Would go again, but hope to have a different waitress. Manager (possibly the owner) was really nice and talkative though.

My husband and I love this place! The homemade guac is outstanding! He has since taken his mother there (who is a food critic in our family) and La Palapa’s is her new favorite Mexican restaurant!

The service and the food were excellent! We would highly recommend

A small Mom-​n-​Pop restaurant. Went there on a Saturday evening and had a great time. The food was good, prices reasonable, and our waitress was very good, even though she had just started that week.
A couple families met there and were seated together — yes, it’s family friendly.
I will repeat my visit.

Food was good — not outstanding, but solidly good. Service was really pretty poor.

I’m surprised at all the good reviews. When i asked the server for recommendations, she said she didnt really work there, that the real servers quit and she was just helping out. The food was mediocre. There was no queso/​cheese dip on the menu. The owner said they’d make it for us, and came back with this weird melted shredded cheese salsa stuff, then charged us almost $ 6 for it. Their salsa is pureed and hot (as in warmed up.) Chips were very good. Food was very overpriced for the quality. Won’t be going back. Bummer, as it’s so close.

This is our new favorite restaurant! We have eaten there 3 times in the last 2 weeks. Outstanding guacamole! Best cheese and onion enchiladas. The tacos on the back of the menu are fantastic — try the shredded beef tacos with onions and cilantro. You won’t be sorry. We have also had the burrito and chimichanga — both are very good. Make sure to try the tre leches cake for dessert.
Joanie and Maria are great! The service is excellent.
We are looking forward to going back for more.

La Palapa is a small unassuming restaurant hidden in a strip mall on the north side on M-​59 just west of M-​53. It was tough to find but well worth the search. The food is excellent. The menu isn’t huge but everything we’ve had easily bests comparable dishes at other mexican restaurants in the area even favorites like El Charo and Mexican Village. It’s clear that everything is made fresh here. Gordon Ramsey would be proud. The beans are moist and flavorful the rice is tender and fluffy, the salsa is served hot with just the right spice and the Guac is made to order which means I can have it without cilantro. So there is nothing here that’s been cooked days in advance. If you’re in the area and have a craving for some cheesy saucy Mexican goodness give La Palapa a try. This is one local restaurant worth supporting. If

I hate to be the buzz kill, but…
After reading all these great reviews, I was very anxious to try this place. We showed up Saturday evening around 8:00. Only two other tables were occupied. It is a very small restaurant with marked up walls and furniture that has seen better days. Oh well, I suppose that gives it character.
There is only one young lady acting as server, bus boy, etc. (maybe the cook’s wife) and her young daughter who entertained herself by playing on the computer and pouring herself endless glasses of Silk milk. I felt bad for the little girl who probably spends her afternoons and evenings hanging out waiting for the restaurant to close so they can go home.
The server was very attentive and friendly and even offered to let me try the different sauces before I ordered.
The hot salsa and chips were served warm which was a nice surprise (reminded me of Don Carlos back in the day).
We ordered the chicken taquitos and debated if they were store bought or homemade. I ordered the enchiladas rancheros as my entrée and was so disappointed. The corn tortillas were so soggy and falling apart that I had a difficult time eating them. I paid extra for a combination of one shredded beef, one chicken and one cheese so I could try all their flavors; I wouldn’t recommend any of them. The refried beans were good, however.
I really wanted to like this place and want to support small, local businesses (especially in this economy). I asked the server if she and her husband owned the place and she replied that the cook and his two brothers own it and she just helps out. Even though I had a coupon, I chose not to use it. I didn’t want to take another $ 9.00 out of their pocket when they’re probably already struggling, but I won’t be going back.

I love this place! In the area on TDY and the hotel staff recommended this place. Its not real fancy but if you want good authentic Mexican food, you will get it.

Just tried La Palapa and was very impressed! The food was very good, loved the warm salsa. The service was great, cook and waitress very friendly. Prices are great! We all need to start supporting small, neighborhood businesses like this.

I live very close to La Palapa and have never seen this place before. I had a coupon (love to save the cash ha ha) and had to google the directions. It’s just a tiny little place positioned within a strip mall in Utica, very easy to miss. I loved it here! It’s very small inside with one waitress and the cook working. I was in the mood for some chicken enchiladas and my craving was totally satisfied. I enjoyed the salsa and chips before the entrees came out, the hot salsa had a real nice kick to it. Available to purchase are soft drinks, juices, and candy from Mexico. the service was great! Food was great, not too dry not too greasy; it was just right. I ate out with the BF and for about ten minutes there were no words, just eating, and we weren’t in a disagreement! ha ha We both really enjoyed our food, maybe too much… I went into a food coma promptly Thanks to the coupon we both ate wonderful meals for under 12 dollars-can’t beat that! It’s a nice little place to stop in if you are in the area.