Disclosure: My wife's family owned this restaurant for decades, but sold it to some friends a few years ago. I had never met any of the current owners before this visit.
Our primary objective in the San Diego area was for my wife to give me the tour of her hometown highlights: her high school, her house growing up and, of course, the restaurant (formerly) owned by her parents. We had a pretty tight schedule, so we weren't able to stay long, but she wanted to make sure we stopped in to meet the staff that had worked there since her childhood, as well as sample the cocktails for which La Palapa has become famous.
Due to our "familial proximity" to the ownership, I am not going to blather on and on about how awesome our margaritas and side dishes were; there are other reviews here that do them enough justice. What I will say is that they were excellent, as good as reported, and the staff were warm, friendly and gracious. Perhaps my experience as the pseudo-son-in-law played into it, but I was also able to observe, with the disconnected gaze of a seasoned reviewer, that all the other customers in the restaurant were treated with the same level of care, quality and familiarity as we were; it seemed obvious that many of the patrons here were regulars, this being among their favorite local haunts. After having a margarita here, I understand why.
Lakeside may be a bit out of the way for the average San Diego tourist, but if anything is going to draw you away from the bustle of the metropolis, to a sleepy suburb, the cocktails and companionship here at La Palapa could do it. Great local place, filled with warm, wonderful people, some of whom have worked here since my wife was a child. *That* says more about this place than any review I could ever publish.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa
My 91 year old mom loves the food here. It is great food friendly server and the food comes out fast. Definitely will be going back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chile Relleno
Fantastic food & great atmosphere! Portions are insane!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chile Relleno
