Eat here! Best tacos, salsa, and margaritas...still! And generous, lovely owners. I recently popped in on a recent trip back to NYC, after having moved away 15 years ago. La Palapa was one of my regular eateries when I lived in the east village. I chatted with the owners as they were opening up and they were so lovely and offered us all (70 year old mother and 11year old son) water as relief from the summer heat. They were so sweet about me just wanting to pop my head in to see one of my old haunts, and lovely to chat with. I had forgotten one of the owners was from Mexico City, but made her home in NYC. After walking around the east village we went back in for dinner. The food was just a delicious as I remembered - amazing salsas and there were a few new items - more vegan tacos - on the menu. I had a few of those and they were incredible! The margaritas were as amazing as they were years ago. This is a local spot that you should absolutely eat at. Theres a reason they've become a neighbourhood mainstay for almost 20 years... still so consistent and delicious.

I've tried my fair share of Mexican places and this is definitely the best !! Soo many delicious choices but definitely recommend the Birria flautas they were PHENOMENAL!!! And the guacamole which you can customize the spice level !! You have the option of either tortilla chips or veggies to dip and I loveeed having that option. The drinks here are also really good especially during their happy hour such a great deal and soo many flavor options to choose from. Definitely had a great time here and it's super affordable

I came here with a friend around 7 PM on a Tuesday evening. We just wanted to find a place to sit down and read our books and we walked by here and it looked really cute inside. The inside is very dim and has a nice intimate experience and the patio seating feels great when the weather is nice. We were lucky and we didn't have to wait for a seat at all. We got the guacamole and vegetarian enchiladas to share. The food was delicious and fresh! The mango aqua fresca was not that great. It wasn't sweet and didn't really have much flavor. It also watered down very quickly so maybe try a different drink. I would definitely come here again for the food and maybe happy hour drinks.

Service was average-good. They sat us in the back, super cute ambiance. Fantastic chips and guac, soup, beans, and tacos. We ordered their ceviche, though, and that's where things started getting weird. The mango salmon ceviche was fine. Too sweet but perfectly good. BUT. The shrimp and olive and capers ceviche was weirddddd. I can't even describe it more than just not correct. Everything else great. Don't get the shrimp ceviche and you're in the clear.

I guess a lot has changed in 8 years! We had tacos, a burrito bowl, and fresh guacamole today - everything was 5/5. Will definitely be back. Very glad we rediscovered this spot.

Solid spot for Mexican food in the East Village! I've been coming here since moving to NYC in 2005 and the food and margs have been consistently good. Lately I've been enjoying their boozy brunch! Mimosas can be hit or miss but margs are always strong and tasty! My fav brunch entrees are the breakfast tacos, breakfast burrito and the barbacoa bowl. They also start you off with assorted fruit. Staff are always friendly and don't rush us!

Food here is authentic Mexican well prepared and presented. This is my second time to come here. Each time is excellent! Everything they serve is homemade including the dips for the chips - green and red salsa pus some spicy one. The tacos are very authentic. One is made with beef that is simmered a long time and shredded. They serve interesting drinks I would not have combined but taste fabulous. This was a special event with a menu.

If you're looking for a good happy hour spot in the city, this is your place, especially on Tuesdays! They have $5 frozen margaritas all day on Tuesday. I'm not a huge fan of the OG lime flavor and recommend spending the extra $1 for a flavor. On all the other days of the week, they also have happy hour from 4-7 offering Fresh Lime Frozen & Rocks Margaritas for $10. The service is great with attentive servers that are happy to accommodate the customers needs. I love the different atmospheres of La Palapa. They have different dining rooms, that each have their own vibe.