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La Palma Mexicatessen
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
2884 24th St(between Bryant St & Florida St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 647-1500
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 6 pm
Sun 8 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
277 reviews for La Palma Mexicatessen
Review Highlights
"I love their super burritos with carnitas."
(in 69 reviews)
"Fresh tortillas makes all the difference."
(in 18 reviews)
"Delicious fresh tamales at a bargain price."
(in 63 reviews)
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276 reviews in English
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Review from Sean M.
Oakland, CA
10/1/2011
Beware, food nerds. Once you taste the salty fatty porky wondrousness that is the Chicharones con Grasita (fried pork with fat) here, you will find yourself wandering back day after day for your fix. For me it's easy. I work around the corner, so wandering in every day for a super-Atkins lunch of a bag o'fried pork is yet another benefit of working in the public sector.
Everything I have tried here is absolutely delicious. The tacos Sonora are something special. -
Review from Andrew M.
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
La Palma Mexicatessen's super burrito with chicharones was the perfect example of too much of a good thing.
The crispiness of the outer skin of the chicharones combined with the juiciness of the fat remaining created a hurricane of greasy goodness for the first half of the burrito. However, the buildup of oils and the sudden desire to be on an exercise bike midway through the burrito made the second half more difficult to finish. The chicharones even overwhelmed the sturdier whole wheat tortilla.
However, because of the fresh tortilla and fair pricing, I be back for another try - next time with a different meat. -
Review from Veronica N.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2011
I love their super burritos with carnitas! The carnitas is nice and juicy and they have the best wrap ever! They're made fresh, you actually see them making tortilla's in the back. It's pretty awesome! I usually don't eat the burrito wraps (least favorite part of the burrito) but theirs is thin, soft, chewy and holds together all the ingredients beautifully! A bite into their burrito is a mouthful of yummy Mexican goodness :)
I've also purchased their tubs of guacamole, it's delish! Best guacamole ever! -
Review from Erin G.
Berkeley, CA
10/13/2011 2 photos
What I ate: Tacos suave (one with chicharones and another with chicken verde) with everything, Sunkist in a bottle!
Visit date: October 13, 2011
First time? Yes, and you'll be seeing me again!
La Palma, you are my hero! You are mouth watering perfection and everything my taste buds desire. The chicken in the chicken verde is tender; the chicharones are good and salty. But what makes the tacos (in my opinion) is the aaaamaaazing salsa!! It's so fresh and so green, green...and spicy, too. The tacos were so good I started talking to them, telling them how good they were. Too much? Go try them for yourself before you call me crazy.
Bonus! Sunkist in a bottle! That was a first for me. I do love my Sunkist and think soda should always be packaged in a bottle.
The smell of fresh tortillas reel you into the store and then you're thankful you decided to listen to your nose! -
Review from Karen U.
Seattle, WA
1/8/2012
BOMB chicken burritos and BOMB CHIPS (and salsa).
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Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2011 2 photos
Donde Estoy?
Being a San Franciscan that was born and raised here, I felt like a total foreigner in La Palma Mexicatessen. I walk in and see three counters with no number dispensing machine in sight (as per Yelp reviews). I go around in circles like a touron until I see what seems to be a regular just walk in so I follow him; yup, hella stalker status! He orders in Spanish, gets a number, pays at another counter and picks up his food when his number is called. Damn, I'm stoopid.
COUNTER #1:
*Chicharrons (by the pound): skin, skin with meat and skin with attached fat.
*Tamales
*Nacatamales (A Nicaraguan tamale that's larger than the typical tamale and filled with meat, potatoes, tomato paste and rice)
COUNTER #2 (back counter): THE KITCHEN
The entire menu is in Spanish but the employees do speak English and will be happy to help you.
*Burritos
*Tacos
*Quesadillas
*Tortas
*Enchiladas
*Papusas
*Roast Chicken
*Weekend Menu: Birria (Goat Stew) and Menudo (Tripe Stew)
Catering is available.
COUNTER #3: THE MARKET LINE
*Fresh Handmade Tortillas (still warm): Flour, Harina, Spinach, Tomato and Blue Corn
*Tortilla Chips
*Salsas and Guacamole
*Chorizo
*Cojita Cheese
*Masa: Corn, Cactus, Blue Corn and Sweet
*Corn Husks and Banana Leaves
Almost everything is sold by the pound. CC's accepted.
WANT TO ORDER FOOD?
Go to Counter #2 (back counter) to place your order and you will be given a ticket number. Pay and pick-up order at Counter #1 (to the right when you walk in).
CHICHARRON BURRITO w/ Guacamole ($5.89 + .75 for guacamole) - 3.5 STARS
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I love chicharrons and lately I've been on a crazy Mexican food hiatus so I thought this combo would be out of this world. However, the most unlikely ingredient outshined the chicharron...THE TORTILLA! Yup, you read right! The harina tortilla was unlike any you would find at a regular taqueria. It was thick, soft and chewy with a rich consistency. HELLO LARD! I could have eaten this alone with salsa and be a happy camper; it was THAT good!
As far as the filling, the chicharron was very sparse. The heat from the seasoned rice and refried beans softened the chicharron causing it to lose its crackling crunch so it tasted more like salty pork jerky.
I also bought a tub of Salsa de Guacamole. http://www.yelp.com/bi... The salsa de guacamole was like an avocado cream that was seamlessly thick, rich and buttery; perfect as an accompaniment if you want to add a buttery layer. My only gripe is I wish there was more of a citrus (i.e. lime) component to brighten up the flavors.
Next time, I'm going back just for the chicharron and the harina tortillas so I can make my own chicharron soft tacos. Pure Pork Fat + Lard? Life's NEVER been so good...JUST FAT!Listed in: ANDALE, ANDALE, ANDALE! Give…
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Review from JK C.
Albany, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
We go to this market for chcken/pork Tamale. Best I have ever had so far.
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Review from Shawn L.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2011
I love fresh masa...last year i bought 5 pounds for tamales. Get there before the line out the door. While you are waiting for the chili verde to cook at home, buy some huarchetes con chorizo(spelled it wrong, i am gringo! and dont care), they have everything for your mexican feast. I cant wait to try something different for this christmas.
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Review from Vanessa G.
San Jose, CA
9/4/2011
My pops was born and raised in SF, so he knows the go to spots for legit food. This place has been around since he was a child. I think it's family operated. Home made tortillas, fresh carnitas, and mexican queso fresco. The 45 minute drive from San Jose to San Francisco is never a let down when you go to La Palma. Parking is almost always an issue, but it's San Francisco so that shouldn't come as a surprise.
The worst time to go is around 11 am on Sundays because there is a nearby Catholic Church. A whole flood of people go eat after mass, so if you're in the area either get there by 10:00 am or wait until noon. Otherwise you are in for a long wait. -
Review from MM M.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2011
El Toro, Pancho Villa, Cancun, El Faro all surround us but we like to drive down to La Palma for delicious carne asada and carnitas. They have a family package - 3lbs carne asada, 3lbs carnitas, quart of rice/beans, 1 pt gucamole, 1/2 chile picante, 2lbs of corn toritillas that can feed 10 adults for under $50 is an awesome deal!
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Review from Jane K.
10/11/2011 1 photo
I like mashups and I think they can be applied to food. Take La Palma's regular burrito with refried beans and spicy sauce and add to it their chile relleno (replace meat) and you will find yourself hooked to one hot chile relleno burrito mashup.
Tip: It's a deli and a store with limited (but outdoor!) seating. Order at the deli in the back, take the ticket and pay and pick up your food in the front. -
Review from Jen W.
9/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Can we say FRESH?
Yes we can and that it is. My stomach is growling just thinking about this place. The smell of fresh hot tortillas waiting to be consumed is simply mind blowing.
What do I recommend? EVERYTHING.
That's it. Review done. -
Review from adlih z.
Oakland, CA
9/25/2011
La Palma is a celebration of food. This place houses a restaurant, molino and grocery store in the smallest of spaces.
The handmade tortillas are beyond amazing and La Palma truly celebrates the beautiful technique that is tortilla making.
I highly recommend their food and will return whenever possible to eat their yummy pork! -
Review from Zachary S.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2011 4 Check-ins Here
A wonderful little neighborhood gem that offers all kinds of fresh Mexican goodies in a corner store / taqueria fashion. The big bags of fresh chips are amazing and very fairly priced, also the pupusas are warm and fresh every time I go in there.
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Review from Christina R.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2011
Some of the best Mexican food in the Mission, bar-none. Wander in from 24th street and spy the ladies in the back, making tortillas by hand.
Whether you're looking for something made-to-order (select your food at the back counter, and take your receipt to the front to pay. I recommend the tacos dorados with carnitas, the gorditas, or tamales), or you can get your fixin's to go.
One of the best places to buy corn husks and masa to make tamales, any (and all) dried Mexican chiles and fresh chicharones for tacos. The salsa, oh my god, the salsa!
It's a deli, though, so they close early in the evening. The only seating available is located outside. Perfect for a sunny SF luncheon. -
Review from Kelly P.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2011
The carnitas super burrito was the best I've ever had. I don't think I'll be able to go anywhere else again. Can't believe I've lived here this whole time, settling for pretty good burritos, when I could have been having these.
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Review from Coy L.
12/6/2011
Top 5 best ... hand made chips and torta a lost tradtion ....
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Review from Kara R.
6/22/2011
As a Bay Area native, it's rare that I'm blown away by my meal at a taqueria. But there was something about my burrito yesterday that makes me want to come back every time I'm hungry. I'm pretty sure it was the tortilla - thick, chewy, crispy in all the right places, but the carnitas were delicious too.
I know it's a Mexican place, but their papusas are also really amazing. I had part of my friend's chicharron papusa and I couldn't stop picking at it despite her swatting my hand away. I can't wait to go back to try more food!
And the makeshift patio area on a nice day is pretty bomb.Listed in: SFGH Lunch
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Review from Alice L.
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I smelled the goodness wafting from its doors half a block away, and what a block. Beware, the neighborhood is beyond shay-dee. I felt a bit uncomfortable walking around, even in broad day light.
The place is a lot smaller than I expected, but they had a wide variety of dried chiles. The guy behind the counter was very helpful in assisting me to pick out a few varieties of chilies. They came in pretty big bags but the prices were super affordable. I bought chile negro, ancho chiles and California chiles. Can't wait to whip some Mexican dishes for my boyfriend!! -
Review from F. P.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
So for some reason, I've been on a Mexican food kick lately. I mean seriously. This was my fifth burrito/taco meal I've eaten in a week!
La Palma Mexicatessen is store/restaurant (take-out orders only). They close at 6pm (5pm on wknds) so unless you're in the area during the day, you're SOL.
Luckily, I happened to be in the neighborhood today and got a chance to check it out. La Palma is known for its homemade tortillas and it was good to see that they sell these separately.
You order in the back, pay in the front and wait for your food in front as well.
I got the super burrito with carnitas. They have specific tortillas (flour, whole wheat, cactus). I got the cactus kind b/c it sounded interesting and I also got a chicken tamale.
The burrito definitely has some heft so you won't be disappointed if you're looking for something substantial. I'm not sure if they got the order right with mine because the pork pieces were rather large and not the seasoned, browned pork that I normally associate with carnitas. But after my first bite, I didn't really care as the large chunks of meat were very tender and of good quality.
What was interesting though was first time that I can remember, I think the tortilla in the burrito overshadowed the meat and filling inside. The tortilla is soft but has some substance so that it won't break and make a mess. Typically, I don't look forward to the last bites of a burrito where it's all just carb-heavy tortilla where it's been folded in. But in this case, that was the best part!
The tamale was just ok. The chicken was dry and the tamale itself paled to the burrito. Would skip this next time.
FYI, they do cater. -
Review from Trinh N.
Nevada City, CA
6/10/2011
I dream about coming back here every day. If I lived in sf, this place would def be a weekly thing, without a doubt.
I only got a bunch of their packaged items when I was passing by with my boyfriend, but everything we got was so so incredibly good. The tortillas, beans, rice, all of it, to die for. Who knew such simple things when done so well could be so effin amazing? Oh, and I hate sour cream. I seriously cannot stand it and the salvadorean sour cream was so good. I couldn't stop eating it. It has a completely different flavor and texture than the American crap. Wow, if only I had been introduced to this type of sour cream first, I wouldn't be so averse to the typical stuff you find at the grocery store. -
Review from Claudia C.
Malibu, CA
5/1/2011
Firstly I have NO EXPERIENCE with Mexican cuisine. Sorry, I am a GRINGO of note !
Anyhow - best thing to do when stuck in a moment with a foreign menu glaring back at you .... ask the employees for their favorites !
So we did ... There were 3 of us and we all got a flavorful, decent meal for a reasonable price.
I love that they make almost all of their food on the premises and the staff were SUPER FRIENDLY.
I would try it again in a heartbeat ! -
Review from Jane M.
San Francisco, CA
9/25/2011
In July of 1972 I had my first burrito . . . a chile verde burrito from La Palma. I had never tasted anything like it, nor anything as delicious. Oh my.
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Review from Troy H.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2011
This place is the BOMB!!!! If you make Tamales, they have the best masa around!!!! The staff is AWESOME, The other foods are GREAT, and they have chiles and other stuff to make GREAT Tamales. I've gone back on a weekly basis as I'm making a ton of tamales lately and I just LOVE this place!!!!
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Review from Victor G.
Oakland, CA
3/31/2011
La Palma Mexicatessen seems to sell everything: tacos, pupusas, tortas, chicarones, burritos, tortillas, and huraches, etc. i seem to have ordered the one item they're not very good at: super burritos.
Sampling: beef super burrito (6.19) since regulars were 5.59, got a super
-usual size for a super. not too spicy, mushy and uncooked rice, grizzly beef, mushy beans, a bit of sour cream, some guacamole, a little salsa
-no chips, salsa, nor pickled veggies
frijoles refritos:
-order at the deli counter, pay at the front, pick up food on the right.
-heard pupusas. nacatamales are the bomb here.
-place is cramped.
-will repeat with tamales or nacatamles. -
Review from Joji V.
Woodland, CA
6/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Was in the area for a xilonen ceremony at Raza park and took a look at what was around on yelp, saw this place and thought 'hey, why not.' I was with a friend and i still hadnt eaten anything yet. All i can say is the place is great for food. The line sometimes is long and the wait takes a bit but very worth it. everything is made right there same day fresh. not too pricey and very good. it was like having a home cooked meal all over again. :3
Although not a sit down place(though they could seriously benefit from it if they were) all of it is worth for the food.
If you want some authentic mexican, fresh made food i recommend this place. the food was soooooooo good i might just be dreaming about this place for a while :3 -
Review from Jacquee p.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2011
Love it! Drop a benjamin and you can throw a party and feed about 20 people.
CHICARONES!!! Fried pork with skin and fat and a sprinkle of salt = BLISS
Papusas are huge (like 5-6 inches in diameter) and NOT covered in lard or shortening. -
Review from Luis C.
1/14/2011 1 photo
There's a reason why La Palma is the best Mexicatessen in SF. http://media4.px.yelpc... They know their customers, and take care of the extra little details that keep customers coming back. One example, unlike other shops the chicharron (not pork rinds) is already cut into smaller pieces and sorted: con cuero (with skin), con carne (meaty), con sebo (fatty). While still charging the same competitive prices ($7.50/lb.). Home cooks can then simply toss the pieces into a stew, without the extra work of cutting and fat trimming. Also a great place to buy food for catering parties (pachanga trays, serves 25).
Most reviews talk about the ready to eat foods (tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, enchiladas, huaraches, sopes, pupusas, roast chicken, etc.) from the menu in the back, as if this were simply another taqueria. Not many realize that this shop's main business is to supply meats, stews, handmade tortillas, spices, and other ingredients to cook at home or for wholesale to other busniesses.
Almost every single SF taco truck buys their tortillas from this store. Excellent handmade quality and super cheap. Ready to quit your job and start a street food taco business? u come here to buy the taco ingredients.
Hours:
Mon-Sat 8am-6pm
Sun 8am-5pm -
Review from David M.
4/28/2011
I absolutely love this place. I've been visiting La Palma regularly since I moved to the City a few years ago, and cannot get enough. While La Palma may be most visited for its many hot food options like tacos, tortas, burritos, and other mexican fare, they are also a full blown tortilleria. As a result, you can pick up all your fresh masa for tortillas, tamales, or pick up a dozen ready made tortillas.
When I finally decided to do homemade tamales for Christmas last year, I was happy that La Palma wasn't far away. I picked up a few pounds of unprepared masa, some lard from the cold case, and was on my way.
There tortilla chips are also of the utmost quality, not bland and processed like what you get at Safeway. These are the real deal, and perfect for ceviche, or your favorite salsa. They also have a few varieties of cheeses, chorizo, and my oh so favorite carnitas! They have a few different preparations, so make sure to grab a 1/4 pound of each to figure out your favorite.
Overall, a great neighborhood spot. Next time you're in the area, or even if you're not in the area (I live across town), make a trip to La Palma, and I'm sure you'll find something you like. -
Review from Bob M.
Raleigh, NC
7/8/2011
I had not been here in 10 years, because we moved to NC.
We just went back last week and it may be even better than before.
We went to several Mexican restaurants in SF, but nothing came close.
It is so fabulous - I want to move back!!
It is great to watch the ladies making the tacos by hand.
Spanish is helpful, but they will get it right anyway.
The Chicharones are brilliant. I had a chicharones burrito...OMG!! -
Review from Matt M.
Alameda, CA
10/5/2011
Everything is fresh and made from scratch. Great tacos, stuffed tortillas, and the burritos are OK.. But the chicharrones rock. Eat 'em while they're hot, and you'll think you died and went to heaven.
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Review from Sheila S.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2011
There are just some places that don't have their sht together.
This place does.
The Carnitas are savory! And the next day leftovers-- just tastes even better!
I used to order from La Palma for my office & (just about) everyone loves their food.
The refried beans are yummy. Porky, yummy.
Their Guacamole' sauce is so addicting. Just right!
They are bad-ass at catering. They have Panchanga Trays. You can choose a tray category: A, B, C, D, et cetera.
If you're feeding a ton of people, you can basically just order a "Letter" and then set your trays out and have people dig in!
HELLO TO MY FRIENDS AT LA PALMA! ::WAVES:: -
Review from elizabeth h.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2011
YAY!!!!! I finally found the best mexican food the city. I have been searching for years! This place makes everything fresh! You can see the authentic mexican mamas making the tortillas right behind the counter. When I order food here it makes me proud to be Mexican. You see everyone working hard and taking pride in what they are cooking.
My favorite are the CARNITAS, they are fresh and juicy. I sometimes order it by the pound and bring it home to make tacos, if I'm taking a lunch break I will order it in a burrito...it is the BEST burrito I have ever ordered...EVER!!! My boyfriend loves the rotisserie chicken! We order chicken in so many different place in the city, (italian, mediterrean, middle eastern, american) and by far they have the moistest and most flavorful chicken. Everything I have tried here has been Fantastic!!!
THANK YOU LA PALMA for being Authentic and Delicious!!! -
Review from Fred C.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2011
Best burrito I've ever had.
The tortilla wrap is super soft and chewy.
So so good. -
Review from Dave H.
11/12/2010 5 photos
La Palma Mexicatessen is one compact Mexican deli. Colorful too.
For its size, La Palma manages to jam tons of goods and people in, as well as fresh offerings like handmade tortillas, chicharron con cuero, and a pupusa-like dish whose name escapes me. My friend picked up pre-prepared items, while I made sure to grab a bottle of pineapple Jarritos to go - so refreshing!
Staff here work fast to keep everyone moving. Bring cash, though credit cards are accepted.Listed in: SF Cheap Eats
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Review from Mike A.
2/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
When returning to San Francisco, there have been times I've driven the rental car right from SFO airport with luggage in the trunk straight to La Palma. I love their carnitas flautas!
They have a full tortilleria operating in the back, so you can get extremely fresh, barely-made tortillas by the dozen. Other times I've purchased fresh carnitas, tamales and other awesome meals or parts thereof. If you're making tamales at home, you can also get the tamale dough pre-made, ready and bagged up... -
Review from Julie L.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2011
"Yes, I made the carnitas." (Lie. I bought them at La Palma. 'cause why on earth would I go to all that trouble when I can by the most perfect pile of crisp-juicy carnitas meat at La Palma and toss it into the slow cooker to keep warm?)
Oh, and their bags of house-made tortilla chips? Salty crisp golden triangles of heaven.
This is the best place to go for home-made items and you don't want to make at home yourself. The ultimate party trick! Gracias, La Palma! -
Review from Laura E.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2010
GET your MASA here! This is our second year making Tamales. Both years we bought 2/3 coarse prepared masa and 1/3 fine prepared masa. It makes for a deliciously balanced tamal with a great texture. YUM!
I also bought the dried chili pods (ancho, guajillo and new mexican) for my red sauce for the pork.
Their newest set up makes it a little easier to get in and out a bit more easily.
My boyfriend loves their queso fresca. I recommend the fresh salsas and guacamole.
Street parking is usually easy, staff is friendly and helpful. -
Review from Vittorio L.
Oakland, CA
3/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place, ever since I was a kid (yes i'm a rare, native San Franciscan) has made quality, authentic food. Always a good choice for huaraches, tamales, and pupusas. Ok, so it can seem a slight bit greasy, but shit! it's friggin good.
Also a good place to get your mexican cheese and tortillas or homemade things you may want to attempt. If you're picking up sour cream and haven't tried salvadorean vs mexican vs regular sour cream... the salvadorean sour cream is a little saltier and thicker than the other two. Works really well when showcased, but may not be what you want if you're making a dish that needs a little creamy topping.
Oh yeh, and they have fresh carnitas and other fried meats (Buche' anyone?) that are yummy. The chorizos and longanizas are great. give this place a gander if you're in the area, chances are you'll find something you'll like... unless you're vegan =(. -
Review from Bianca M.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/13/2011
This place has great food & it's super cheap! It's a grocery store/deli/restaurant with outdoor seating right across from some of the fantastic murals in the Mission district.
I got the 1/2 L Menudo for $3.39 (how cheap is that?!). It was amazing! The meat was incredibly soft and melted in my mouth. If you are normally squeamish about stomach/intestine meat - don't be, it's nothing to be afraid of, it's just like any other meat but much softer and meltier. It's actually very tasty. The broth was spicy and savory. It came with cabbage and onions to thicken the soup. All in all, a very hearty, delicious meal, great for a cold day.
I'm definitely coming back to try some of their other eats.
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