Review: La Tapatia

 By Jamie Klein

Not only is La Tapatia, 1037 L Street, rich in flavor – it’s rich in culture and color.

Piñatas and small flags from Corona and Budweiser are strung across the high ceilings; the restaurant is tucked into the back of a grocery store and deli.

My roommate and I visited last Wednesday. Our meal started with warm chips and two dishes of salsa, one mild and one hot. The restaurant was tucked against the grocery store and deli, but close enough to the kitchen that we could hear (and smell) our food being prepared.

The mild salsa was chunky with bits of tomato and onion—just perfect for my low “spicy” tolerance. The hot made me gasp and quickly wolf down more chips, much to my roommate’s amusement. She didn’t think the hot was too spicy, though she generally doesn't prefer a lot of spice.

To get a taste for as much of La Tapatia as we could, we decided on a large combination plate. For $10.95 we ordered an enchilada, a taco, a bean tostada, chile releno, rice and beans.

The enchilada was cheesy with a little bit of seasoning in the ground beef. The taco (hard-shell) was essentially the same as the enchilada in a different crust – but the cheese and tomatoes made it especially fresh. The tostada – my roommate’s favorite – was messy, but tasty. We both appreciated the freshness and smooth texture of the beans.

I especially enjoyed the salty, cheesy taste of the chile relleno – a wonderful layered dish with lime and pepper.

The waiters were friendly, polite and liked to tell jokes. When my “oh-so-graceful” roommate knocked over her glass of water they were quick to arrive with a mop and towel. After a quick clean up, and with a big smile on his face, our waiter promptly asked her if she would like more water.

At $3.95, my roommate and I devoured four “fun-sized” churros each. The smell alone was captivating—a warm blend of sugar, cinnamon, honey and chocolate—but the taste made my day. The churros are smaller than I’ve usually seen them, but make up for size in taste. Chocolate and honey splotches were drizzled over a crunchy cinnamon and sugar covered crust, while inside a doughy center provided a comforting contrast.

Also on the menu: Tapatia combinations, which are served with Spanish rice, refried beans and enchiladas (cheese or chicken), like three tacos, three enchiladas or two pork burritos for $9.95.

Fast service and positive attitudes made La Tapatia a pleasant trip to the corner of 10^th and L street. My roommate and I will be back for more churros soon.

Hours: Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Phone: 402-475-2364