Robin Luckow
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
Madeline
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!
S B
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
Tabiya Ahmed
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.
Elin S
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.
George Kvaratskhelia
Amazing food and juice! Heritage Burrito and Mahi mahi taco platter were delicious and very filling.
victoria brach
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
Matt Schuman
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.
Megan Yinh
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!
Vee T
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.
Alex Branco
I can say with absolute certainty say that the brisket burrito I ate earlier tonight was the best I have ever had. Michael the chef was extremely personable and an all around pleasure as he provided excellent service. It almost feels like being invited into someone’s house and being served a home cooked meal.
Ariel Ma
Love this spot! My husband and I try to come here as much as we can. The owner is super nice. The burritos are the freshest and most savory burritos I've ever had. I always get the pork but the chicken is also amazing. Just be prepared for a longer wait time as their kitchen can get backed up.
Jimmy Schneider
Burrito was the best I've had in Philly, maybe best I've had anywhere. As others have said, the tortilla itself is something special. All the flavors are just spectacular. Owner is passionate about his craft and always having a great time. I recommend it to everyone who asks about Mexican food in the area.
M Stojakovich
Outstanding establishment with great food. Michael, the owner, is a great guy and very friendly. Pretty sure it's a one man show so it might take some time for the food to come out, but well worth any kind of wait. Michael was very attentive and ensured we were enjoying ourselves. The menu might not have the prices posted but honestly it helped me order with my heart and not my wallet. Dinner for two cost me 52 with drinks
Victoria Lee
We try to stop here and pick up burritos whenever we're driving home from Philly. The juices are amazingly refreshing, and the Heritage Pibil burrito is our go-to favorite. The tortillas alone are better than any we've had before! This is really a hidden gem and the owner is so kind.
Gabe L
Quite possibly the finest and most delicious vegetable burrito in existence. I say that as an omnivore.
Juniper Sweeney
I came back to LA Bamba for the first time in a while. The prices have been increased to keep pace with inflation and prices at comparable places. Honestly not a big deal, still worth the money, but it was nice before that the food was underpriced. I splurged for fish tacos and they were unparalleled, perfectly cooked and seasoned fish and a lot of it. The fish tacos (grouper) were a little steep but a standard chicken or pork burrito still run you about $12. Michael is as nice as ever
The food is excellent, portions are large, and prices are fair. The owner, Michael, is a really friendly guy and knew me by name from the first time I returned
Upon a few more visits, la Bamba presents two challenges. 1) resisting the urge to eat here most days and 2) resisting the urge to eat the whole dish in one sitting, because most things are big enough for two meals.
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