Taqueria La Bamba
Mountain View, CA
| Overall Score based on 35 reviews |
8.4 recommended |
Editorial Reviews (4)
Eric's Score: 8 / 10 full review...
Okay, so I've eaten here at least two dozen times, and I'm only now getting around to writing a review. "I'll take Linklater Movies for $800, Alex." "This movie title, meaning 'lazy-ass', rhymes with a term for someone who breaks into computer networks."
Chris's Score: 8 / 10 full review...
La Bamba is a simple taqueria, no fancy themes, no exorbitant menu. They put the effort where it counts- into making some great burritos. I went out of my way to try La Bamba, based on the advice of coworkers and the reviews here. The reviews are correct. This is good eats.
Mark's Score: 8 / 10 full review...
I had an afternoon to myself, and decided to make the pilgrimage to the Sanctum Sanctorum of lower peninsula burrito-dom. I've been eating a lot of good carnitas of late, and decided to stick with my most highly calibrated taste-buds, and got a super carnitas ... and then moved down the counter to watch the action.
Dan's Score: 9 / 10 full review...
La Bamba has an interesting history; it's two doors down from La Costena market, and is kind of the illegitimate child of that legendary Silicon Valley institution. La Bamba was started in the mid-1980s by a former cook from La Costena who was frustrated because he wanted to put a more Salvadorean spin on his cooking. So he packed up one day and set up shop in what was then an empty storefront in the same strip mall. After twenty years, he's still going strong, with fantastic burritos and the best pupusas I've ever had.
User Reviews (31)
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Showing 12-31 of 31 (most recent reviews shown first) ‹ Older
Score: 2.5 / 10 Reviewed by: ThrustGordan
It is common sense a burrito is a great hangover cure...period. So naturally I went there on a Sunday morning to do so.
I ordered a pollo asada with black beans. This is the equivalent of ordering a grande latte at Starbux...standard stuff.
When I finally recived it I noticed:
The tortilla was steamed. Bad, grilling is better.
The beans were pinto. Naughty Naughty! I said black! Like my soul!
They used guacamole. Cut avocado is best. Guac is just a way to cut corners.
The rice had barely any tomato sauce in it.
So, the overall combined flavor was mediocre.
Final thoughts, it sucked.
Score: 8 / 10 Reviewed by: GrapeSmuggler
I have heard excellent things about La Bamba from my work friends, and finally tried it out. As I was driving up to it, I saw another place on the corner, not sure the name, but they had "Rated Best Burrito in Mountain View" signs in the window. It almost made me switch places, but I continued to La Bamba.
I had a chicken burrito. It was great tasting meat. Beans were cooked just right, not too soggy. Cheese was melted to perfection. Guacamole added a great finish to the taste. I wouldn't say this was the best burrito I have ever had, but I would definately rate it in the top 5% or so. I WILL be going back, and I would recommend it to any burrito lover.
Score: 8.5 / 10 Reviewed by: sjmadsen
To be fair, this review is based on my last experience at La Bamba, which was a while ago since I moved out of the area and only make it back for an occasional visit. I used to eat here probably once a week when I worked not too far away.
A few years ago, La Bamba was consistently the best carnitas burrito I'd eaten in the South Bay, but the last few visits, something was off. Perhaps it was the time (weekday evening for dinner or weekend for lunch). If I were in the area and hungry, I wouldn't hesitate to go back, but La Bamba has fallen a bit from "willing to drive out of my way" status.
Aside from the burrito, La Bamba is kind of a terrible place to take kids. Tables (such as they are) are really low counters along the outside walls with plastic chairs. They have one or two high chairs for small ones. This probably also impacts my desire to get back, since when I am in town, it's with my family and they need to eat, too.
Score: 9 / 10 Reviewed by: Gobbler
After living in the South Bay for 4 months, I finally found a burrito that I would wholeheartedly go for the next time the burrito jones hits. After reading so many rave reviews of Taqueria La Bamba, I tried their carnitas
super burrito. The carnitas was excellent, crusty and chewy with good seasonings. The rest of the ingredients were a good mix with the inclusion of cilantro a plus. It's surprising that more burritos aren't made with cilantro. The size of the burrito and the splendid combination of flavors make it a good value. Forget the rest, this place may be the best in Mountain View.
Score: 8 / 10 Reviewed by: PedroReynaldo (San Mateo, CA)
Well, I’m not saying it’s a downright la bamba-ination. But, come on, it sure ain’t a 10. Despite all those giddy reviews by ex-high-school-newspaper, now local freebie shopping news unpaid foodie stringers. That gushing newsprint blather plastered, as if to cover a plenitude of holes, over la Bamba’s south wall. From, you know, the recycled paper litter tossed on your driveway for you to use on the bottom of the parrot’s cage. And even said the very best the “Murky” could find! Well, that’s believable.
La Bamba’s is a good burrito. And, they do offer a chile colorado. The burritos are longer than usual, but a little thinner. The total effect is a burrito of about average NorCal size. The flavor is pretty good. Not outstanding, but pretty good. The meat was good and there was enough, but nowhere near a surfeit. Evidently a very little if tasty salsa added during the (good) integration. But little else; I actually prefer more good rice, beans and vegetable bits du jour. The la Bamba menu includes eight commonly found meat fillings. As reported in a fancy take away four-page print, mostly devoted to that swooning reportage of the local rags. Unforgivably, there are no deep-fried tortilla chips, nor is there a self-serve salsa bar. Nada. Chips and salsas are $1.50 extra! Like Chipotle. Any good? Dunno; I refuse to pay extra.
The store crew is very well organized, friendly, fast and efficient. If the line’s getting long, a staff person speeds things by walking that line, taking orders. (Una Mas take note.) Burritos are ready at uncommon speed. For a total burrito experience, the store is pretty barebones. It does offer counter sitting along the wall, which, as a loner, I like. There is the usual eclectic décor. Some gratis beverage stuff, such as mirrored beer signs. A nice if small touch; some bizarre paper mache’ mascarons menace from the wall over the counter. There’s a very large unframed, Abuelita-quality painting of that 19th Century putative halcyon rural fiesta life. You know, rancho grinning, strutting and dancing among the cacti. A first for me, the wall-hung TV is a thin plasma-type, but shockingly, apparently tuned to three old male gringos conversing around a sound stage coffee table. Blah. Blah Blah. Maybe, “Best durn burrito of the Bay Area.” “Yes, yes, I agree” “ What!? What!? Oh. Me too, but they upset me anymore.”
The TV program is consonant with the clientele. At lunchtime there are about 20 to 40 people inside. But, overwhelmingly white, youngish and male. At a glance, an assortiment of cubicle pantywaists from accounting, marketing, sales, IT and HR. Probably quite a few from the local free newspapers. Maybe two women? Two Latinos? No Viejos. No construction types, no machinists, etc.
Worth checking out? Would I go again? Depends upon the alternatives. How much time do I have; where else can I go? La Bamba’s is a good burrito, but not an outstanding burrito. And, definitely a very meager burrito experience. Despite the affirmative hysteria in newsprint. A 7.5 to 8.0.
Score: 10 / 10 Reviewed by: burrito1Love
I think some people may be thrown off by the looks of this place - but this is the best burrito I've ever had. The meat is always good- I never get a chunk of nasty fat when I bite into the burrito. A lot of places use cheap meat cuts and I've never had that problem here. The blend of guac/sourcream/cheese/salsa/beans and spiciness is perfection in my book - warm, but not too hot. Even the regular burrito is perfect - never too greasy...
Score: 8.5 / 10 Reviewed by: guero_gordo
Stumbled into this place the other day looking for La Costena. Ordered the regular carne asada. Proportion of meat to rice was ideal. Beef was tasty, and chewy, no gristle or fat. I was too dumb to get a tub of sauce, but the plain ol' pico de gallo was livelier than I expected and very crisp.
My no frills burrito was excellent, didn't need anything more to be memorable.
Score: 8.5 / 10 Reviewed by: tulrich
I was in town for work and made the pilgrimage during lunch one day. My first burrito at La Bamba, and a fine one, I think a shade better than my first visit to Los Charros earlier in the week.
There was a good line going, but not out the door or anything. The order-taking lady was traveling up the line, keeping things moving nicely. I asked for carnitas/cheese/rice/refried beans/pico/hot sauce but no guac, sour cream nor jalapenos. My order came up in good time, definitely less than five minutes.
The tortilla was fresh, soft and chewy; the carnitas was tender with a little bit of crunch and not greasy; the pico de gallo was fresh with a prominent cilantro note. Integration was good.
I have some minor quibbles. Perfect carnitas has a bit more crunch and a bit more juice. The hot sauce was a disappointment; either they neglected to put it in my burrito, or it's not very spicy -- I didn't experience the desired kick. Maybe the secret is jalapenos, I will try that next time.
Also, I wish they had pinto beans as an option, though the refried were not bad at all.
Overall, it didn't blow my mind, but I was very satisfied.
Score: 9.5 / 10 Reviewed by: adam
These are the burritos that I dream of when stuck in a snowy winter in the east, with no edible burritos within 1000 miles. Great integrity, perfect balance of grease and creamy (sour cream/guac) and spicy (jalapenos, salsa)--salty enough but not *too* salty. My only complaints are that they don't seem to throw the assembled burrito on the grill any more for a "second cooking" (they used to do that, and it was awesome), and jalapenos don't come by default. (On occasion when I've forgotten to request them, the whole thing is missing... something. The spice really pulls it together) Oh, and the horchata is too sweet :( But none of that matters, because their burritos are almost always perfection in an aluminum wrapper :)
Side note: I've had mixed experience with the pupusas--for sure you really have to eat them immediately. I love the homemade cabbage pickle that comes with it, and usually they lovingly hand pack some for you in a ziploc baggy. Once we got home to realize that they hadn't given us any, I don't know if it was a mistake or if you have to ask for it special.
Score: 4 / 10 Reviewed by: dougefresh
Ate there once, won't go back. There was a huge lack of vegetarian and vegan options here. They had a vegetarian burrito on the menu, but fail to tell you they make the rice with chickstock till you ask. The burrito I ended up with was not worth the $6 I spent and tasted bland. At least they made an attempt.
Score: 8 / 10 Reviewed by: M_R
Used to eat here mostly as a kid, and a few times recently. It puts out decent authentic mexican food. That being said, the burritos are decent as well but nothing special. Good carnitas and asada as well as salsas. Its nothing fancy and its not a huge place but you can tell they know what they're doing.
Score: 8.5 / 10 Reviewed by: burrito_legend
My first visit to a burrito place with burritophile in mind and the bar has been set fairly high. Knowing that parking was limited, I decided to park across the street and play Frogger on the way to the front door. The line was surprisingly short, and I ordered a carne asada super burrito. I just ordered the default without modifying the beans (I prefer black beans which weren't default) or making any other changes.
The wrapping was solid and the burrito itself had good texture. Not dry, not soggy, but the perfect sweet spot in between. Atmosphere is authentic hole in the wall, complete with wall facing tables. Bottom line, a very good burrito and worthy of a visit if you are in the area. I'll be sure to return to try other versions and offerings.
Score: 8 / 10 Reviewed by: just_vball
The burritos are good but not exceptional. The quesadillas are excellent though and are my meal of choice when coworkers bring me here. It can be tough to get parking and seating at lunchtime, but it is worth the effort. Even with the crowds, the food is served up quickly.
Score: 9 / 10 Reviewed by: ZeDeutscher
This was my first real tacqueria experience. I co-worker took me back in the early 90's when I worked on Villa Street. Before that, the only burritos I had were at Taco Bell. Never in my wildest dreams did expect something so good. After that first visit, I was hooked. I went once a week for the Carne Asada or the Carnitas Super Burrito. I couldn't believe that something so big and good was that inexpensive too. A little under $6. Still go there occasionally when I am in Mountain View. My second favorite tacqueria. The only negative is I wish they had a salsa bar.
Score: 8.5 / 10 Reviewed by: jsimone11
There was no Eddie Valens. No crazy Spanish dancing. But there were burritos at La Bamba Taqueria. And they were good. My fiance and I decided on a pre-Patriots burrito experience after a beautiful stroll through Big Basin National Park last Sunday. We arrived and experienced the wall art before entering. This was the first taqueria which featured a person taking the order who appeared to be in such a rush that you felt bad to order too slowly. I was quick enough to get in an order for a chile verde burrito with cheese and salsa - I didn't ask for black beans because they supposedly don't have any black beans. I went over to watch the authentic burrito roller and noticed they DID have black beans, and quickly asked him to change my pinto to black. The burrito was a little homogeneous but it was great - creamy, tasty and decent sized. The black beans and rice were very good - which when you really think about it shouldn't be that hard for every taqueria to accomplish. the meat was great - chile verde is just an excellent option. I think the burrito could have used more salsa (given the homogeneity of it, salsa would have added some nice contrast). The other details of the night are slightly lost at this point (as was the pats game) but La Bamba definitely came through in the clutch with a tasty burrito.
Score: 9.5 / 10 Reviewed by: bulldogburritolover (Redwood City, CA)
La Bamba is the BOMB!! Maybe it's the hole-in-wall aspect of it or the El Salvadoran influence but La Bamba has almost perfected the art of making a burrito. You will not be disappointed with your burrito here. It's a toss up between the carnitas and the simmered pollo as the best meat but you can't go wrong either way. Just watching them make it and your mouth will water.
Score: 9 / 10 Reviewed by: Twylo
I have to give some love to La Bamaba. I've been eating there for over ten years now, ever since I was a wee pup on my first out-of-school job at Silicon Graphics.
I was a vegetarian when I first started eating here, and I have to say the veggie burrito (beans, rice, cheese, sour cream, cilantro) is still a favorite. Yes, it's not the most healthy food in the world, but what is a burrito for if not a little bit of indulgence?
I'm also very fond of their carnitas. Their carnitas tacos are superb. The meat is almost crunchy, well seasoned, and tangy.
I gladly drive out of my way for La Bamaba, it's worth the trip from the south bay. I don't know if I'd make it here as often if I lived as far away as San Francisco, but that said, this has always been a personal favorite spot.
Score: 10 / 10 Reviewed by: honkbonk
Bar far the best burrito in Mountain View.
Sure it lacks all the charms of a big restaurant but they make up for it in quality food.
My favorite is the Lengua. Super juicey.
If you're in a hurry make sure you place your order while you are in line. This will speed up the order/pay process.
Parking can be a bit of a hassle but remember that there's plenty of space behind the building.
Score: 10 / 10 Reviewed by: scottlawrence
Awesome Awesome Awesome. La Bamba offers a slight variation of flavor that is a nice break from the area's other taquerias. The seating is sparse, and the parking is even worse, but what do you expect. I have a particularly fond memory of lunch here with my dad and brother when we were all working in the area. The salsas are all great.
Score: 8.5 / 10 Reviewed by: treed
La Bamba is a bit of a hole in the wall in an out of the way area of MV. Parking is limited, as is seating, but if you can find the first, you're likely to find the second as well.
My veggie burrito (with jalapenos added) was a bit disappointing if only because it wasn't spicy enough for my taste. I forgot to request it without sour cream and was disappointed when there was a huge blob of it in my first bite. That huge blob quickly went away, however, and the remainder of the burrito was pretty good, even if the jalapenos weren't of the spicy variety. The ingredients were otherwise well integrated, but the sour cream gaffe earns this an 8.
I am scoring this fairly highly despite what may otherwise seem a lukewarm review. This is because La Bamba is more Salvadorean than Mexican, and I am certainly more used to Mexican spices. The flavours that are present are more subtle here; nonetheless, it's still good, albeit in a different way, and that takes some getting used to. It should score an 8 in a more objective sense, sticking strictly to the scoring guidelines.
EDIT: I'm changing the score to an 8.5 based on the new availability of half-point scoring.
Showing 12-31 of 31 ‹ Older
