This is my favorite restaurant in Philly! Whenever visit Philly from NYC, I always make sure to go to La Bamba for the eclectic cosy atmosphere, to hang out with the owner Michael who is so awesome and welcoming, as well as the amazing food! I always have the best time at La Bamba, it’s a must go to spot when in Philly
I am so lucky to have stumbled across this place!!! Incredibly friendly and generous people working here, especially Michael, the owner! The food is fantastic. Best shrimp taco I’ve had in the city. Thanks for an awesome meal!
a bit hard to find but so worth it. the owner was so friendly and helpful. we didn’t really know how the menu worked so we just got brisket tacos and they were INCREDIBLE. seasoned, fresh ingredients. absolutely wonderful, would definitely recommend
Truly so delicious—such a fresh, incredible tasting burrito and delicious drinks! The owner was so friendly and welcoming as well. The filet mignon burrito was out of this world.
Before La Bamba, life was a dull every day occurrence that I was forced to endure. After La Bamba, I finally know what real, sincere optimism is. This food the environment, and the experience is something that you would only imagine exists in an imaginary universe inside your favorite multi-season show. The ambiance is intimate, yet still authentic to Philadelphia and the culture that creates what La Bamba really is. No restaurant will ever be able to recreate this type of life changing experience. Make sure you call and make a reservation because you'll regret it if you don't. If I was ever in a position to choose a last meal, La Bomba would be catering. Even after writing and rewiring this review, I don't think I can fully explain what, exactly, La Bamba is bringing to the table.
Amazing food and juice! Heritage Burrito and Mahi mahi taco platter were delicious and very filling.
Such a unique little spot! Felt like we were in a movie the way the music was playing and the table was set up for us on the sidewalk. Truly so memorable
La Bamba is your MUST-visit, MUST-try, MUST-love spot if you want the badge of honor associated with being able to say to your friends, "I've had the best burrito in the city." I recommend the "Heritage Pibil Pork, BB, Plantain" burrito. It's just delicious and a positively new experience for burrito-lovers. The chef is a master who told me about how he came to Philly from N.Y.C. to continue his operation. I'm grateful, but the fruits of his labor and journey show: the burritos are otherworldly, and it's hard to get to that level without knowledge, wisdom, and perfection of craft. Days and weeks later, I'm still saying, "just WOW." The juice creations also will nourish you back to life. The 4-Berry Guava option is pictured below. Don't settle for the first few restaurants off the block... keep walking, go farther, and the journey will be worth the chance you took.
Michael's restaurant La Bamba is a hidden gem. I took my friend here for his birthday dinner and we actually passed the restaurant as we circled around multiple times trying to find this place, overlooking what appeared to be an eclectic shop of some sort. We almost gave up but our serious determination was worth it. We came for the rave reviews, but we stay for Michael. It initially felt a bit pricy, but the pricing is very reasonable. Michael's quality of food and service is exquisite. No muss, no fuss. Expect a super casual and comfortable dining experience with elevated cuisine that focuses on technique and uses very fresh, simple ingredients. It's a very laid back atmosphere with lovely, impeccable service and friendly banter for those who enjoy some light-hearted conversation. We treated ourselves to the grouper fish tacos, juicy brisket enchiladas, and toasted to a couple of freshly squeezed juices. The brisket was so juicy and tender and the freshly made flour tortillas had soft flaky layers! The grouper fish tacos were my favorite. Clean, succulent grouper with a nice meatiness, light chew that tasted buttery with a delicate sweetness. My regret wasn't that it was too expensive, but actually that I was a bit toasted. That freshly squeezed juice had more alcohol than I realized, and I tipped him less than I planned to. I plan on making this up to him when I take my family over for the amazing culinary and dining experience I keep raving to them about!
This place is a beautiful combination of cozy, genuine hospitality, delicious food, and incredible ambiance. Classic cash only spot, ATM on site, and the prices are really fair.
Michael, the business owner is the Jack of All Trades in this place; FOH, chef, and host. He started us off with some huge tropical drinks; guava mango and pineapple lime; both were in itself a meal, real fruit and generous portions!
My partner ordered the surf n turf while I ordered the vegetarian chimichanga (one of the specials)— both were so goood and very large in portions. Each plate was like feeding for two!
The space is super small but SO cozy. There’s even a fire pit in the front of the restaurant that pulls in that amazing campfire smell.
This is definitely a place I’ll recommend if someone is looking for real authentic Mexican food; owned by a Latinx chef.
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