La Palapa

“We were driving home from an event looking for a place that was still open at 8 pm and drove past...”

We were driving home from an event looking for a place that was still open at 8 pm and drove past this brightly lit up restaurant so we made a U-turn and were pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness, service and delicious food! The portions are huge and filled with flavor. We definitely needed to go boxes and the food tasted amazing even the next day. The green salsa is to die for! Sad we didn’t order a container to go, but will definitely be back. Seems like the summer time is a great time to visit given all the outdoor space they have.

Candelario Saldana

Jan 2026

“So delicious 🤤 The seafood is very delicious, they have a good taste and the drinks are very good,...”

So delicious 🤤 The seafood is very delicious, they have a good taste and the drinks are very good, friendly and fast service, of course we will be back

Gabriela Nazario

Oct 2025

“La Palapa in Chicago nails coastal Mexican comfort in one quick stop.”

La Palapa in Chicago nails coastal Mexican comfort in one quick stop. I started with the ultra-crispy Empanadas de Camarón—golden shells packed with juicy shrimp—then dove into the star attraction, La Mariscada: a steaming bowl loaded with shrimp, mussels, tender octopus, and imitation crab in a perfectly balanced, mildly spicy broth. Portions are huge, flavors pop, and the friendly staff keeps the experience smooth. Round it all out with one of their tangy micheladas from the solid drink list. I left full, happy, and already planning my next visit. Highly recommended for authentic mariscos right here in the city.

luis alvarado

Sep 2025

“The service is great and the food is consistently YUMMY.”

The service is great and the food is consistently YUMMY. The horchata is the best! Pleasantly surprised that they are decorated for Valentine's Day! 💗

April Stewart

Jan 2025

“This place is a MUST aim your bucket list!been coming here since it was originally a very small...”

This place is a MUST aim your bucket list!been coming here since it was originally a very small place,everything it’s absolutely great from food-atmosphere. 💯

Elsa Casas

Dec 2024

“This my 2nd time at this restaurant & it was better than the 1st one.”

This my 2nd time at this restaurant & it was better than the 1st one! Our waitress was great! I wanted a drink with red bull, the menu didn't have 1 but she custom made my drink. The food was delicious. The bathroom is clean but I wish they had a handle to open the door with the feet instead of my hands. Enjoy the show by a very talented 14 year old singing. My sister & my self enjoyed this restaurant very much.

Sandra Delgado (mexicanhellokitty)

Nov 2024

“I visited La Palapa this past summer and had a very memorable and delicious dining experience...”

I visited La Palapa this past summer and had a very memorable and delicious dining experience alongside my father and sister. Upon arriving with my father, we were promptly seated and attended to while we waited for my sister. We were served salsa and chips along with a very tasty ceviche. Our server was very pleasant and continued checking on us while we waited for my sister to arrive. Once she did, we were quickly attended to once again and our orders were taken, which did not take long to arrive. Our father requested a specific song to be played and our server made that happen. All our dishes were magnificent. We all had such a wonderful time and will certainly be back! Highly recommend!

Christy Ortiz

Oct 2024

“Mexican seafood restaurant in McKinley Park with tropical beach theme.”

Mexican seafood restaurant in McKinley Park with tropical beach theme. Service was not very good and slow. The girls seating us seem to be not happy with being bothered. You get complimentary chips, salsa and ceviche. The ceviche was delicious. And would have ordered more but the mai dishes were generous. We ordered Rompecolchn and went with mild. It was fantastic with so much seafood. Every bite had either shrimp, octopus or imitation crab. I will definitely ordered it Spicer next time. Pulpo Al Gusto was ok but I wish it has more more flavor. Very good overall.

Walker

Sep 2024

“I cannot give this place enough stars.”

I cannot give this place enough stars. Every time I go I am treated like family. I have only ever ordered one thing but i will literally drive all the way from Canada just to get it. The rest of the menu looks amazing too and I’m sure it is but the rompecolchon is just unbelievable. Amazing service, amazing vibe, amazing food. Whenever I have friends going to Chicago I immediately start yapping about how they HAVE to eat here until they tell me to shut up. Highly recommend!!! Yum yum YUM!!!

Scott Copeland

Jul 2024

“I'm allergic to shellfish but brought my wife she loves it.”

I'm allergic to shellfish but brought my wife she loves it. The portions were big and she ordered camarones a la palapa and said they were really good. I ordered a steak burrito and it was good the steak had seasoning and I would try it again.

Gonzalo

May 2024

“Been here quite a few times and every time we have enjoyed everything we ordered.”

Been here quite a few times and every time we have enjoyed everything we ordered. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly it's always been clean and smells great. During the weekend it's quite lovely having live shows. Service is incredible never have I ever been here and felt forgotten or like I'm just there.

Joseph Aimaro

Mar 2024

“Today I had an amazing michelada and shrimp cocktail, and I must say, it's a combination that I highly recommend.”

Today I had an amazing michelada and shrimp cocktail, and I must say, it's a combination that I highly recommend! The michelada was perfectly done with just the right amount of spice, while the shrimp cocktail was fresh and flavorful. If you're a fan of refreshing drinks and seafood, do yourself a favor and give this combination a try. You won't be disappointed!

Jaime di Paulo

Mar 2024