La Palmera Family Mexican Restaurant

It’s been years since I’ve been to a La Palmera and it was good to see it still lively. It was so cute how decorated it was too!

Unfortunately, my friends and I came for lunch and while the food was delicious, our service was sub-par. From the beginning, just with ordering, our waiter was snappy because we also wanted some food to-go for later. I understand it might’ve just been a little stressful given it was busy, but still it threw us off. I had ordered the taco salad on the far left of this menu in the picture. Clearly it states, “all served with rice and refried beans,” but when I got my food, it did not have said rice and beans. No biggie, so I ask our waiter and he says “it’s a salad, why would it come with rice and beans?” And I simply pointed out that’s what the menu says, there is no disclaimer that the taco salad does not. Instead of acknowledging the confusing menu, he got defensive and told me to calm down when I said “do you see how this can be confusing for a customer though?” And he said “no, so do you need rice and beans?” And I said it’s fine, but he came out a few minutes later with it on the side and said “for the future, taco salads DO NOT come with rice and beans.”

I get it, I was surprised at the steal of a deal a $10 taco salad was too, but I was simply pointing out the discrepancy in the menu. In customer service, I believe it could have been handled better. When I pointed this menu out to a manager, I’m assuming, he took to it well and said “wow I never noticed that, thanks for pointing it out” and that’s all it would’ve taken for the situation to be done. Our waiter also never brought us water refills, despite us asking 3 separate times.

Food was tasty, but the experience left a lot to be desired, and I do not know that I’ll be back.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 2

Okay, so I checked out this place at 546 University Ave in Palo Alto – it was buzzing! Really lively atmosphere, felt pretty busy but not frantic. The staff were super friendly, and my portion was huge for the price, which was great. Parking was a bit of a challenge, but worth it for the tasty food. Would have been nice to have a few more water refill options though.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place to have dinner. Very festive decorations for the Christmas holiday. There was a small hiccup with my friend's order but it was quickly corrected with apologies. Food was very good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

I don't know if it's worth the hype yes their Christmas decoration is pretty good but food is really avg, even the Christmas drinks were avg.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Came here Monday night and ate in the bar area. They had sweet deals - can you believe a $5 margarita- and several dishes in our group, and they were all excellent. The Christmas decorations were so amazing!!! The servers are the best!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

La Palmera in Mill Creek was pretty busy when we went – had to wait for a table. The food was good, really flavorful, and the portions were generous for the price. Our server was friendly. Parking was a bit tricky, but overall a solid spot for a decent meal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food, service, and atmosphere!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have very mixed feelings about this review. I must go back sometime and try it again.

Our dinner started with a horrible experience but ended with one of the most interesting Mexican dinners we have had.

We were part of a large group that came in after the tree lighting just down the street. There were not enough spots at the table so some of us sat nearby at the bar. The wait staff for the table ignored us not realizing we were part of the group. The staff tending that area was pointing to the server for the group tables saying she was going to help us.

We were finally moved to a different table and given a different staff member after deciding to leave. We were done being ignored. The others in our party had ordered!

Once we did too, this is where it gets strange. The food was some of the tastiest I have had. But.... the holiday drink that was ordered was bland. Not very fruity. There was another drink ordered that was fruit juice and tequila and it tasted like straight tequila. It was sent back for more juice. A touch better but still too alcohol forward. You can not taste anything else! Definitely not what we were expecting.

The big highlight I have to mention is the holiday decorations. I love the lights and all of the hard work put in to making the place radiate with Christmas spirit like this.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 1

Okay, so I checked out La Palmera in Mill Creek today. It was pretty busy – definitely a buzz! I ordered the paella and it was a huge portion for the price, which was great. The staff were really friendly and welcoming. Parking was a little tricky, but manageable. Honestly, it was a solid, tasty meal after a long day exploring. Maybe a small sign near the entrance about parking would be helpful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tasty food, nice atmosphere, friendly service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a decent restaurant. We liked the cheese dip - diablo and the drinks we good but the enchiladas, tamales and fajitas were pretty mediocre.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Diabla Cheese Dip

Tried the food, even though the food had good presentation and the service was great the food had no flavor. I would recommend adding more authenticity in the flavor.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

Horrible, rainy weather, but then relaxing and cozy inside. The bowl of soup I ordered was such a bigger portion than I expected & the take home container they offered was a sturdy, Tupperware that sealed securely and made the trip home stress free. Friendly staff. Reasonable pricing and as I mentioned, generous portions. I'll be back the next time I'm down that way.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We love going here for dinners.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stopped by La Palmera in Mill Creek town center and was really impressed! The food was fresh and full of flavor, and the service was super welcoming. The atmosphere was lively but relaxed — perfect after a long day of sightseeing. Definitely a highlight of the trip!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5