La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails
About La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails
La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails has been a Lakeside staple for over 40 years, offering homestyle Mexican cuisine and legendary margaritas. Signature dishes include Chile Verde, tender pork slow-cooked in green tomatillo sauce, and the Kahlua Cake, a rich chocolate dessert infused with Kahlúa. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it ideal for families and groups. The restaurant also provides take-out, delivery, and catering services for small or large groups.
17 years in business
Services
Catering
FeaturedCustom catering for corporate events, parties, and private gatherings. Minimum order applies.
Starting at $21 / per person
Dine-In
FeaturedFull table service in our dining room. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Starting at $32 / per person
Happy Hour
Daily specials on drinks and appetizers. Check our current menu for details and times.
Starting at $6 / per item
Private Events
Reserve our private dining room or full venue for special occasions and corporate functions.
Starting at $636 / per event
Takeout & Delivery
Order online or by phone for pickup or local delivery. Same menu, same quality.
Starting at $18 / per order
Location
12169 Woodside Ave Ste A
Lakeside, CA 92040
Hours of Operation
Services Offered
Catering
Custom catering for corporate events, parties, and private gatherings. Minimum order applies.
$21
starting at
Dine-In
Full table service in our dining room. Reservations recommended on weekends.
$32
starting at
Happy Hour
Daily specials on drinks and appetizers. Check our current menu for details and times.
$6
starting at
Private Events
Reserve our private dining room or full venue for special occasions and corporate functions.
$636
starting at
Takeout & Delivery
Order online or by phone for pickup or local delivery. Same menu, same quality.
$18
starting at
Reviews
4.7
7 reviews
7 reviews
Ryan I.
The tacos al pastor at La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails are the real deal. Marinated pork, fresh pineapple, and housemade salsa. One of the best Mexican spots in Lakeside without question.
21 people found this helpful
Response from La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We work hard every day to deliver the best dining experience in Lakeside and it means everything to hear feedback like this. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Sarah M.
Amazing enchiladas and the best queso I have had in Lakeside. La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails uses traditional recipes and it shows. The margaritas are strong and fresh, not from a mix.
6 people found this helpful
Response from La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails
We are so glad you enjoyed your visit to La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails! Your kind words motivate our entire team. Please come back and try our seasonal specials!
Robert C.
Birria tacos and consomé at La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails are next level. The meat is braised for hours and the flavor is incredible. Get there early, they sell out on weekends.
2 people found this helpful
Response from La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We work hard every day to deliver the best dining experience in Lakeside and it means everything to hear feedback like this. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Rachel G.
Great family Mexican restaurant in Lakeside. La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails has huge portions and the chips and salsa are bottomless. The fajitas sizzle comes out perfectly seasoned every time.
Anthony Q.
I order the carnitas burrito every single time at La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails. Slow-cooked pork, fresh guac, and the perfect amount of everything. Best value Mexican in Lakeside.
13 people found this helpful
Response from La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We work hard every day to deliver the best dining experience in Lakeside and it means everything to hear feedback like this. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Heather B.
Good solid Mexican food at La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails. The chile relleno was stuffed generously and the rice and beans are housemade. Friendly staff and quick service.
4 people found this helpful
Michael B.
La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails is a hidden gem for Mexican food in Lakeside. The owners have been cooking these recipes for generations. Get the street tacos and the agua fresca.
7 people found this helpful
Response from La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails
Thank you for sharing your experience! We love welcoming guests to La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails and are thrilled you enjoyed the food. See you next time!
Location
Lakeside, CA 92040
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated April 2026
Ask About Reservations or Events
Send a message to La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails
Similar Businesses in Lakeside
Related
Related Restaurant in Lakeside
Marieta's El Cajon Mexican Restaurant
Restaurant in Lakeside
Lakeside Thai Food
Restaurant in Lakeside
Marco's Pizza San Diego
Pizza in Lakeside
Original Joe's
Restaurant in Lakeside
Broken Yolk Cafe - Rancho San Diego
Breakfast in Lakeside
Giant Bambino's Pizza
Restaurant in Lakeside
Tasty Pizza
Restaurant in Lakeside
Yuki Sushi
Restaurant in Lakeside
ON THE BORDER - MIRA MESA
Restaurant in Lakeside
CHOPSTIX
Pizza in Lakeside
Mama's Bowl
Restaurant in Lakeside
Filippi's Pizza Grotto
Pizza in Lakeside
Cupcake Store
Pizza in Lakeside
The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole
Restaurant in Lakeside
The Weevil Burger
Italian in Lakeside
Other Trusted Businesses in Lakeside
Discover more verified local businesses near La Palapa Mexican Restaurant & Cocktails.