La Palma Mexicatessen

Masa products made on-site, fresh daily, and they've been open for over 80 years. Trying a variety of things here is a good idea if you've only ever been exposed to tacos and burritos, but this is truly mexican territory on 24th Street and it may take some figuring out if you, like me, don't speak a lick of Spanish. So this place is a mexicatessen, in that it's roughly operating similar to a deli with a selection of things you can eat freshly made or buy ingredients to make your own or snacks for later. Since they grind masa one of those products is varieties of masa products like corn flour masa, tortillas, corn chips, but also all the things that go with it - queso, dried chillies, canned beans and pickles by the jar, house made chicharron, dips, hot sauce, premade guacamole, etc. That part makes up the bulk of the public space, counter at the front on your left as you walk in, fridges on the left wall and a shelf of goods that splits the small stall into two tight fitting aisles, if it's busy you may not have much room. Towards the far side as you walk in you get to the food ordering counter. You can pick off the screens, which rotate between submenus, so waiting for the screens can be annoying. Everything is made in the large manufacturing space behind that counter, and they are always busy with production. Now, even if you and one of the folks behind the counter are speaking English, it may be hard to communicate because of accents - as an Aussie with a soft voice that can't pronounce the things on the menu I had to repeat things many times so your mileage may vary, but they are there to help while accomplishing other tasks so be patient. Now you can get tacos, burritos, or quesadillas, sure. But you want to try pupusas (flat breads stuffed with choice of protein), gordita (think stuffed pita with lots of cheese and choice of protein), tamales (steamed masa with choice of protein), tortas (sandwiches), be different and try a variety, look at pictures here on google maps and ask, the menus are fairly descriptive. Once you place your order you get a number and can pay at the other counter at the front, which is also where you pick up your order. They call out numbers in Spanish so I had to listen for something tres because I can only count to 6 thanks to the Offspring and Pretty Fly for a White Guy but they won't get upset if when it's quiet that you check on your order. There's space to the side of the shop outdoors with a small row of tables and chairs, which may be quite sunny and only lightly shaded if you need it depending on time of day.

This place is wonderful!! My coworker wanted mexican food for her birthday party. My supervisor suggested La Palma! She certainly steered us in the right direction. Excellent customer service, the food is fresh, hot, and well seasoned but not overpowering. They make all of their food including their corn tortillas, flour tortillas and chips. Their chiliverde guacamole salsa is to die for!!!! Seriously if you're in San Francisco come visit this place you won't regret it! Side note: it was busy and it wasn't even lunch time yet!!!

La Palma is our go-to place for authentic Mexican tamales, tortillas, masa (for tlacoyos!), and on-the go quality food. Staff are lovely and it’s a nice old-fashioned process: you order at the counter, you pay at the cashier and you pick up at the exit. It works! And the food is delicious. No need to wait 20 minutes at La Taqueria in 25th. La Palma is as good if not better.

The chicharron and guacamole slaps tf outta you. They sell variations (with carnita, querito, etc.) I bought extra because the next day I chopped up the leftovers, fried it with cebolla and chile, and added some cilantro. Don't forget to grab a dozen of tortillas and both salsas. You'll need them for breakfast tomorrow! Yes, the pupusas are all that. I just can't get over the chicharron.