Café La Paloma

Bought a groupon and every time we went there it was CLOSED! Even on a Saturday! Don’t buy the groupon!

I tried to go here this past Saturday. The restaurant is **CLOSED**. Appears to be permanent. The phone # is disconnected. The name is not on the door. Website says reopening 11.7.14 but that never happened.

Our first time here and such a pleasant surprise compared to local «big» establishments.
The tortilla soup was delicious and the structure (tortilla strips on bottom, shreds of chicken, slices of avocado mixed in broth with cilantro) was phenomenal.
Hubby got the «pyramid» meal and devoured it from top to bottom. I had the (standard) chicken fajitas — not too greasy, homemade soft tortillas, came with avocado (always a plus!).
Service was friendly and prompt, the art on the walls is impressive, and the food was great.
Only negative? Chips were slightly stale and we weren’t a fan of the salsa, margarita prices were also a little high (but custom crafted).
4.5 stars! We will be back!

Quetzal will be the new name of this place. Closed and reopened per the owners. Still colorful and lots of organic selections. We had the shrimp tacos and fish tacos. Delicious. The tortilla soup was awesome and comes with lunch or dinner. The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious. Bring your friends. Local brews and coffee available. Stop in and enjoy. Look for the colorful building. Park in front or on 5^th street. Bar inside. 5^th street was quiet at noon on Saturday. Lots of room to park and plenty of room for groups. May be busier at night. Downstairs hall for rent also. Owners and staff very helpful and friendly.

We stopped in to check out the recently reopened Café La Paloma yesterday & really enjoyed it.
Our waiter explained that they’re still working on the menu, but that all meats are locally sourced. CLP really reminds me of Riveria Maya in Bay View — there’s fun Day of the Dead décor, several mole choices and great margaritas.
Meals start out with chips and two salsas — a tomatillo/​avocado one (fresh, mildly spicy) and a roasted chipotle (smoky, more like a mole sauce). It’s nice to have a change from the standard tomato salsas & both were really good. Meals also come with tortilla soup — this was the best I’ve ever had. CLP’s version is full of cilantro, cheese, chopped onion and big chunks of fresh avocado. Absolutely delicious and full of flavor.
Mister had fish tacos which he really liked. I saw Pipian Verde pork & was sold. The mole sauce was amazing — definitely better than Riveria Maya’s version. The pork was great too — clearly pork tenderloin, it was tender and tasty. Dinners come with rice but you can sub that for beans if you like. I also tried one of their margaritas which was quite strong.
Overall, fans of Riveria Maya or those looking for a little different take on Mexican should absolutely check out Café La Paloma. The food is great, the people are friendly and I’ll definitely be back.
EDIT: it’s not a coincidence that this place reminds me of Riveria Maya as the owners here are/​were associated with RM. Also, I believe that once they get settled in this location the name is going to change to «Quetzal».

In the heart of the Latin Quarter it’s a competitive spot. La Paloma needs to pull off something stellar not only the keep people coming in this neighborhood with La Fuente, La Perla and Botanas but also the plethora of all other continuously growing restaurants in Walker’s Point that customers can choose to go to.
The guacamole was very strange. It wasn’t right — all 3 of us agreed. Even the color was off. I do not know what happened the avocados but they have vowed to make corrections.
The soup had just broth but needs more vegetables or an option to add meat and again the owner has vowed to make corrections.
It’s going to continue to be a customer as the kinks get ironed out. I hope it comes together fast and I’d definitely rather be here than la Fuente!

This update isn’t based on a new experience at the restaurant, but to reflect how important I feel it is for businesses to show their concern and appreciation for their customers. The message I received in response to my review was heartfelt and fair.
Okay, update here. Within a few days of my previous review of Café La Paloma, someone from the restaurant reached out to me to correct all the issues we had.
They mentioned the website needs to be updated, so the prices are not accurate. The $ 12 margarita is with premium tequila, so that makes sense. They gave me options to make up for my dissatisfaction with our experience, and cited several things they are doing to make sure people leave with full bellies and a smile on their face.
I feel it’s important to remember that every restaurant is staffed with –people-​, and that any experience is still just a one-​time event. Like I said in my previous post, it was a busy night.
I’ve offered to return to the restaurant to give it another try. I’ll post another update once I have.

I have to admit… My first experience here was a nightmare! It took FIVE tries of bringing out my plate until they got my order right. That being said, it was the night of the Dia de Los Muertos parade, it was very busy and I’m vegan (difficult, I know.) No excuse for that awful service, but I’m happy that something about that place brought me back. I liked the atmosphere. I really wanted to like more about it and with the Living Social offer, I was sold on giving Café la Paloma another shot.
SECOND VISIT: The owner recognized me from the first time I was there. He came over to thank for me for coming back and said my first drink would be on the house. I only went for margaritas and chips and guacamole this time, but everything was fresh and flavorful! I cashed in on the Living Social deal and got an email asking for feedback. I was honest in my feedback saying that I had a fine second visit but was extremely disappointed in my first visit. I mentioned that I asked if they could prepare a dish vegan and even explained how I didn’t want cheese, or cream or meat. I then explained how I was disappointed that there was a review by Carol Deptolla that mentioned vegan options, but the staff had clearly not been educated on what vegan means. The owner wrote back right away. I wrote back again and he wrote back a second time. He was very apologetic and ensured me that he has since made sure his staff is prepared to work with a request for dish to be made vegan.
THIRD VISIT: My bf and I go for margaritas and appetizers. We order our first round of drinks and right away the owner comes over yet again. He buys me yet another drink (a coronrito margarita– holy deliciousness!) and apologized for not knowing what vegan meant. It’s that attentive service and thanks that will keep me coming back and back again. This time my bf and I ordered the Huarache with no sour cream, no cheese and added soya meat. The blue corn masa cake was to die for. And toppings were delicious too!
BOTTOM LINE: Two more visits after a diner’s nightmare and I have truly been blown away by the incredible service and gratitude that the owner has shown me. I am also impressed by the unique dishes and fresh flavors, and now feel confident that they are more than willing to accommodate guests with special dietary requests.

I love me the bright colors and fun stuff on the walls. this is the perfect alternative to the over-​sized mexican restaurants that adorn the streets nearby La Paloma.
Mole. i love mole, and really loved their mole. (the sauce, not the animal) AND i got a random free margarita. I would not expect that if you go here, though, i think it was completely random.
OH…I also got the ceviche… and it was damn good. like i want more.
So stop in why don’tcha, and see for yourself.

Reasonable prices. Good food. Decently convenient location. Friendly host/​manager. Vegetarian section on menu.
We went late on a Friday for dinner. I’m in search for a new Mexican solid with chips, salsa, and margaritas. I had a blended strawberry margarita and it was fine (it didn’t blow me away, but met standards). The tables were clean and we were seated right away. It took our server quite a while to come over, I think this was more reflective of her inexperience than of laziness.
The menu selections included unique items but also standard (Americanized) fare. The menu was not as long or large as other Mexican places nearby (La Fuente, for example), and this was great. There is still plenty to choose from, but not 10 pages of dishes that make you wonder how fresh the food could be. I enjoyed their very unique quesadilla — made with a tortilla but instead made with their homemade blue maiza — like a tamale tortilla. Delicious and very filling. My dinner companion had a steak burrito. He gave it neutral marks and said he would try something else next time.
The chips and salsa continued to flow after we polished off the first round. I appreciate this. The salsa was good.
My only complaint was how cold and bright the space is. I had to keep my coat on because it was so cold in there. The bathroom was not at all heated — I could see my breath. The lighting in the dining area is very intense — they need to tone it down for a more comfortable dinner atmosphere.

I went for lunch with a group of 4 and everything was pleasant. The restaurant is brightly decorated with Day of the Dead themed items.
I had the Huarache with pibil. I have never had this type of dish before and oh man, I’m excited to go back for more. The menu description is: Blue corn masa cake with a spread of black beans, topped with lettuce, tomato, sour cream + queso mixto Mexicano (with guacamole + salsa). Pibil is not described on the menu, but I heard the waitress say something about pulled pork and something about cinnamon so I decided to try it. I’m so glad I did.
Everyone else at my table was pleased with what they had and since I was there on business, we didn’t share any bites so I can’t speak to the tastes.
The horchata was not the best I’ve had, but I wouldn’t turn it down. Probably needs a bit more cinnamon in it.
I’ll definitely be back.

Café la Paloma has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in town. I went back for lunch today. I sat at the bar and was immediately greeted by a bartender that was busy setting up for a busy night.
The Sopa de Limon is a fresh tasting chicken broth with a slightly more than subtle lime flavor. The pulled chicken is very tender and the tortilla strips are at the bottom instead of the top which makes it easier to spoon them up with the rest of the soup.
I also ordered the D’Jauregui Salad. I learnd that D’Jauregui is the chef’s last name.
Romaine lettuce forms the foundation and is topped with fresh strawberry halves, avocado slices, queso fresco, grilled chicken breast, and a lightly applied strawberry dressing. Pickled purple onions and peppers are served on the side for those who want to add some heat and another layer of flavors.
I added the pickled onions and peppers cautiously. They definitely brought some heat, but the flavors were too good to pass up.
Jose showed me the party room downstairs which seats 40 and has its own bar. Keep this place in mind for your birthday or holiday party.
Consider this 4 star review more of a 4 ½ star review.

This place is totally unexpected in the midst of the over-​hyped, under-​performing places that surround it on this block.
We were here on a Wednesday night and it was quiet, which was a nice change. The colors and décor are homey, bright and inviting. The staff was attentive but not pushy or overbearing.
When I mentioned I wanted to have ceviche since others had said it was good, the waitress made a suggestion so that we could get some to share and I could still have an entrée. Since that left me without the choice I’d already made, I needed to pick something on the fly. When I said «al pastor» she jumped to say they make it in house and it marinates for 24 hours.
The food was solidly good. Nothing amazingly out of this world, but good, filling and delicious.
One complaint would be the $ 1.50 I was charged for a side of sour cream. Especially since she didn’t mention that it would be an extra charge when I asked for it.
I had a raspberry mojito that was on point — muddled and layered flavors. Well worth the price.
Overall a good meal. I’d go back, especially over the other places on the block.

I went here with my wife and a couple of friends just to try something new. We weren’t sure what to expect, as La Paloma is nestled in the Mexican food hot spot, where everything is either delicious or tacky, flash fried and full of lame patronizing novelty.
When we walked in my confidence in our choice to dine at La Paloma was given a boost upon seeing the dining room. I dug how brightly colored the walls and decorations were. The whole room is very brightly lit which sort of works as a double edged sword. Given the bright lights and big open space, I would definitely recommend coming here with family (probably not little kids) or friends, but not necessarily a romantic date where I’d want the room to help facilitate a feeling of intimacy.
I decided to go simple to see how the kitchen handles the basics, so I ordered the taco plate with one chicken taco, one pibil taco and one tinga taco. They were all really good, but the pibil and tinga were far and away better than the chicken. The chicken was moist and cooked well but it was also unseasoned. My wife had chorizo tacos that tasted awesome but were super dry. Those two things were literally my only complaints.
If I get tacos next time i’ll stick to the tinga and pibil, those ruled.
The rice and beans aren’t the stereotypical refried beans and mexican rice. The beans are whole cooked beans that are served in some of their own broth and the rice is made fresh. The chips and salsa that are complimentary with the meal are really good, but make it a point to ask for the habanero salsa if you can handle a little kick.
The service was casual but not TOO casual, which is the approach I prefer no matter where I’m eating. My server forgot my second beer but other than that no slip ups.
One last tip: sopa Teotihuacan, get it, seriously. A cup of soup is like three dollars and I haven’t had many soups that dynamic and interesting in my whole life.

I went to Café La Paloma twice last week because after going there for the first time on Wednesday night, I HAD TO take the mrs there for dinner on Friday.
I ate at the bar both times, since that’s my thing. Each time, the guys behind the bar were very nice and attentive. The first time there, me and my dining companion decided to split two separate tostada apps. Without us asking, the bartender had the kitchen split them in two plates so we each had one. It’s the little touches like this that makes a place stand out in my mind.
We had the ceviche tostadas and spinach tostadas. The ceviche was very fresh and full of lime juice. The spinach tostada is going to be something I randomly crave because of it’s uniqueness. Who knew that black beans, sauteed spinach & blue cheese went together so well? It does and it’s amazing!
While we were there, the bartender made sample size portions of the house margarita for everyone at the bar to try. Normally I upgrade my tequila on margaritas, but this one I wouldn’t need to!
The second time I was there, I inquired about the different types of moles and without hesitation, the bartender brought us some to sample. I had the poblano one and was not disappointed.
I will definitely be back many, many more times.

I really like Café La Paloma. The interior is colorful and bright with awesome masks and artwork on the walls and a cool mosaic on the bar. They nailed it with the décor.
I started with a spicy tortilla soup that was great. They have a vegetarian section in their menu, which I really appreciate. I asked our server what people prefer from that section and he recommended the burrito or enchiladas. I chose the latter and was pleased. Everything tasted fresh: fresh green sauce on the enchiladas that came with beans and rice. The beans had a really great flavor, too and were perfectly cooked. The margarita was a perfect blend of sweet and sour.
Our server did everything right and was perfectly attentive.
I wonder if they have competition with being so near La Fuente, La Perla and Botanas, but I would choose Café La Paloma over all of those any day.

I’d call La Paloma upscale Mexican. It’s a step above it’s neighbors but similar to Cempazuchi. The dining area is huge and brightly lighted with a colorful décor.
Chips: I believe these were house-​made along with mild salsa. I liked the texture and taste of the chips but the salsa was underwhelming.
Drinks: The house margarita was strong, but had a pre-​mix taste to it.
Food: I went back to my standard tostada. A generous layer of black beans topped the tortilla followed by a small amount of decently flavored pork. A heap of lettuce was then dropped on top with tomato and cheese. I was impressed with the rice and bean sides, especially the nice chunks of bacon in the beans.
Overall, it was a great meal. I’ll definitely consider dining at La Paloma in the future to try some of the other menu options.

Fish tacos were the worst I’ve had. Basically fried slivers if fish with breading. I couldn’t believe it. I don’t know if this is «traditional» but they weren’t good. The waitress recommended them so I tried them. No bueno.
On a positive note: Margaritas are good and so was the ceviche. Chips and salsa are solid too

Excellent restaurant, very colorful, it’s like a mini art exhibit. We sat out in the patio since the weather was so nice. The menu is like no other, the selection was so big it was hard to decide what to get. I order a soup the teotihucan which was like a tortilla with Beans and spices and it was to die for. My main course can right before I finished my cup of soup (very prompt). The burrito suizo was made with frijoles de la hoya, fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, and the carne Asada was very tender it almost shredded by itself. I did not have a dessert since I was so full with the soup and burrito, but the selection was sooooo tempting. I will for sure return next time I’m in town.

A very welcome addition to the southside! I think quality, freshness, and unique menu will really set this place apart from other restaurants in the area.
The ceviche was excellent– a mix a fresh (real) seafood and lime (none of the gross sugary red sauce you find in some other restaurants.)
The fish tacos were delicious with a tasty slaw. My companions ordered the chile rellanos and steak enchiladas. Both had excellent sauces. The layers of flavor in the sauce really elevated the dish. The menu had some other regional Mexican dishes that I look forward to trying in the future.
Yummy margaritas and sweet attentive staff. Loved the environment and art on the walls– be sure to check out the mosaic on the bar!