Las Palapas - Callaghan

"One of my favorite breakfasts is a good machacado plate, bits & chunks of dried beef (carne seca, beef jerky) mixed into scrambled eggs. I like mine "a la Mexicana" with some pico de gallo also mixed in. Some restaurants ask if you want it all la Mexicana, but a la Mexicana is Las Palapas standard rendition of this classic scrambled omelette. I specifically noted the traditional use of dried beef to highlight the fact that Las Palapas uses seared steak, which has a different texture and taste. There were 1 or 2 bites that were a little tough, about the same as with carne seca. With that in mind, I want to say IT IS DELICIOUS!!! The chew, texture, and taste are different, but it actually enhances the foodie experience. Variety truly is the spice of life, and this preparation hits every note for me. The refritos were delicious, perfectly seasoned, very flavorful, just loose enough to scoop with the tortilla, but sticky enough to hold the machacado in the taco! Also very good dipping the hash brown potatoes, too. And the papas ... The potatoes were a good size dice. Some places chunk them so large that it's hard to get one piece into your mouth. These were diced so that several pieces made a nice bite. I prefer this because each piece contributes more surface area to the whole bite that there is more seasoning and browning adding more flavor. And these were seasoned to command the spotlight on their own. Tortillas ... I got the corn tortillas. I know, flour tortillas are the preferred taco, especially in San Antonio, but corn was the original tortilla, and I love the good ones (the bad ones fall apart). These were delicious and held the refritos and machacado (& salsas) till the last bite. Also, I don't think they are very popular because it took a few minutes to make them, and they were served piping hot fresh off the griddle. The red and green salsas were both delicious. I slathered them on my food, but was never offered any chips. I didn't ask. I would have liked about 3 chips, but the only thing I would have used them for would have been to taste the salsas. Ultimately, my analysis is that both have great flavor if not particularly hot. Tea, half-&-half sweet, well done, served with a ¼ wedge of the lime. Now, a word about the service ... It wasn't great. But, I want to qualify that by saying the place was hopping, 3 wait staff covering the dining room, and it was packed at 11:15 am yesterday (Saturday). There were several tables open when I arrived, but they quickly filled up. I was dining alone & was glad that I chose one of their smallest tables. That said, there were a few minor glitches in my service. The waitress asked if I wanted flour or corn tortillas, & I specified corn. My plate was served without tortillas or salsa. Another waitress came out with a tortilla container and asked if I wanted flour or corn. When I said corn, she turned around and left. A few minutes later, my piping hot corn tortillas were delivered. It took another few minutes to get salsa. I'd have been happy with either the red or green. They brought both. I think they had to fill the tiny Solo cups for my order, and didn't look to see how other tables were served. At one point, waiting for the salsas, my waitress came out with a later seated tables food. But as soon as her tray was empty, she went back and grabbed salsa for me. Like I said, the place filled up after I arrived, & everyone was hustling. The only misstep was that the tortillas and salsa were not brought with the plate. But, she did look at me every time she walked past and asked if I needed anything, so I definitely was not being ignored. I gave 5 stars for everything else, but only 4 stars for service, but I still left a 33% tip - I wouldn't deduct tip for an honest error in the heat of battle. Overall, a very good dining experience which I shall be revisiting from time to time. Well done!"

"I work nights ... it's so hard to find a GOOD place that's open for us overnighters .. open 24hrs! The smothered burrito was super good. But the verde enchiladas were ahhhhhmazing.MUST get the the sopapillas... THAT is where it's at. And its $4 for a large order of 12. Yum. Agave honey, powered sugar and cinnamon were perfect! U"

"I got quesadilla, that wasn’t really a quesadilla, like where’s the cheese ?? And did I mention they gave me bigol pieces of meat very disappointed"

"Walked here from the nearby Marriott for breakfast tacos on our last day. Well worth the walk!!! Order the chorizo and potato special breakfast taco. Fresh flour tortilla. Just a little pillowy with a soft chew. So good. The waitress made us feel welcomed. Highly recommended and will stop in for lunch, breakfast, dinner next time in San Antonio. BTW, the green sauce is slightly spicy... very delicious."

"Visited here for lunch couple weeks ago. Service was good. Atmosphere was good. The food, for most was good. The fish tacos need a little revamping of the recipe. It wasn't bad; but just blah. I'd come back again and try other entrees."