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La Palapa Grill & Cantina, Ellicott City, MD

La Palapa Grill & Cantina

4.8
4.8
150 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mexican
La Palapa Grill & Cantina is committed to providing only the freshest and highest quality of Mexican cuisine in a distinctive Hacienda decor setting, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with exceptional service, and the real flavors of México.

We have created a unique restaurant concept around original recipes. Beyond tacos, enchiladas and burritos... we offer a tour of authentic Mexican gastronomy; from our delicious ceviche and mouth-watering molé, to our more traditional tamales and equally delectable quesadillas.


Our bar is without a doubt the witness of fun nights under the Maryland sky, and the best host of good friends and great times.


La Palapa Grill & Cantina, family owned and operated, is your festive neighborhood restaurant and bar.


The Flavor of Mexico in Historic Ellicott City.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Thu 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–1:45 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 2:15 pm–10:00 pm Sun 2:15 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (410) 465-0070
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    David Garcia
  • Catering
    For more info: info@lapalapagrill.com
  • Private party facilities
    Events at La Palapa Cantina & Grill are always memorable and special.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Event Coordinator: (410) 465-0070
  • Neighborhood
    Ellicott City
  • Parking details
    1000 + free parking spaces are available in and around Old Ellicott City including seven parking lots (A, B, C, D, E, F, G). Additional parking is available at the Howard County Circuit Court lot just above Main Street and can be accessed from US 40 via Rogers Avenue to Court House Dr. which ends at this lot.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 150 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Baltimore / Maryland

    Kid-friendly

  • Baltimore / Maryland

    Good for groups

  • Baltimore / Maryland

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Best Value

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Kid-friendly

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Good for groups

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Great for outdoor dining

150 Reviews
  1. JenT

    Baltimore

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Really fun place to go. Food was delicious; service was good and friendly. I wish they offered the happy hour at all of the tables/locations but that’s a minor point.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Centennial4

    Baltimore

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We always have a great meal here. Food is great and the price is great. I only gave four stars for service because some servers were really busy and some servers were standing around. Our server was really good but super busy. Seems like the servers could have been spread out better based on workload. Overall great experience as usual.

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  3. kathleenr

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I haven’t been here in years. The outdoor dining area was lovely, but a bit loud. The food for the family was good and well liked. I ordered the crab and shrimp quesadilla and was a bit disappointed. There was very little crab and one small shrimp on each slice. I wouldn’t order it again. The free chips and salsa were a nice addition, but the chips were overcooked and had a burnt taste.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enchiladas were excellent. Full bar. Sometimes live music. I will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Moutaineer43

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The service was great! Ambiance was good; we ate in a covered outdoor area and it was fine if a little noisy. Three taco dinners and two chimichangas all met with approval. A pitcher of margaritas received rave reviews! Cost was a fair value. When I have been here in the past, there was music; there was no music before we left before 8:00pm on a Tuesday. You need to remember this is not a five-star restaurant. What it is is a fun, casual place to enjoy a good Tex-Mex meal and a good time without breaking the bank.

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  6. TanyaE

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great service and great food! We can take friends and family with confidence.

    Is this helpful?

  7. ShelleyM

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and ambiance were fabulous. Would return.

    Is this helpful?

  8. SteveW

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very good food. Great service, nice price. We’ll be back

    Is this helpful?

  9. MaryJean

    Baltimore

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service2ambience3
    We all enjoyed our meal. The delicious food make up for the mediocre service. We are usually disappointed with restaurant guacamole, but it was wonderful! And we were all pleasantly surprised by how great the beef nachos were! We’ll definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fantastic quality of food. Street corn appetizer was a hilight. Chile Verde entree was best I've had in Howard county. Also family friendly, which is appreciated

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  11. nanuq

    Baltimore

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were great! Had reservations and was seated as soon as we walked in. If ever in downtown/historic Ellicott City again, will be stopping by.

    Is this helpful?

  12. ItzelH

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really good place, the food is delicious! I went to celebrate my birthday and the service was great

    Is this helpful?

  13. StacyU

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Good margaritas, kind skimpy on the free salsa and chips. Guac is excellent and taco Tuesday is a pretty good deal. Always enjoy eating here w/ a group!

    Is this helpful?

  14. KathyL

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a very nice lunch. It wasn't too crowded and we were served quickly. Thank you

    Is this helpful?

  15. Veronica

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Elote corn appetizer and Tilapia grilled fish tacos were yummy. My husband thought his burrito has too much queso cheese poured on top but thought the steak was good. Excellent margaritas!

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  16. SuzanneT

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food and reasonable prices for a non-chain restaurant . Family friendly although our reservation was for 5:30 PM . Happy hour prices on drinks and appetizers 2-6:00 PM ( dine in only ) . Good all around , we would take out of town guests here .

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  17. AmamdaG

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service both excellent

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  18. LuraF

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food as always. Service was great and margaritas are on point!

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was very good and the meal was reasonably priced.

    Is this helpful?

  20. Chris

    Baltimore

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Went a bit earlier than usual and it paid off. Not too busy and before the sports crowd showed up for the games. Service was quick and the apps were great!

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Thought the price was a great value compared to other Mexican restaurants.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    52 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Just an okay experience for a date night early evening, would try somewhere different next date night..

    Is this helpful?

  23. CarolynC

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of my son's favorite restaurants, and we came here to celebrate his birthday. It's been a long time since we've been here, due not only to the pandemic, but also to my son being out of the country for several years. My son, his wife and I had a fantastic time. The food was delicious, plentiful and fun, the service was so friendly, and the ambiance was great. We came for lunch, so the atmosphere was quiet. We loved the large Christmas tree and the fire in the fireplace. The charm of the Ellicott City location doesn't hurt, either. We loved our dining experience and lood forward to going back to La Palapa soon.

    Is this helpful?

  24. SNOW

    Washington DC

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good fajitas, guacamole and margaritas. Will come back again.

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  25. ChantalS

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a nice treat! Love the salads and the recommendation of the staff!

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  26. CathyC

    Denver

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a favorite! We come weekly. My order is a bit complex due to food sensitivities and they always get it right! PS is it possible to get salsa without cilantro?

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  27. JohnB

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I love the relaxed feel of this place, the only problem is parking in downtown Ellicott City. However there is a small parking lot for the La Palapa. The food was excellent.. We will definitely would return to try more dishes. Service was well-timed and friendly, The waitress suggested a draft beer that was fantastic.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent evening

    Is this helpful?

  29. JACK

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The entre was delicious, the service was most excellent and the deserts were great! (Deserts are only an afterthought at some restaurants, but not here! They are very tasty.)

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  30. MMMM

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Tasty food, large outdoor patio and terrific margaritas make for a really pleasant experience. I recommend, enthusiastically!

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  31. DrButterfly

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Came here r for my birthday dinner. It was horrible. The lady who provided our service was not personable, extremely slow. The waitress never came and offered us a mother drink. She did not come check on us. My water took forever to come... got my food before I got a cup of water. Only got 1 cup because she never came to get ask if I'd like another cup. Then to top it off a bug was crawling on the wall beside me.

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  32. BobP

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    This is a great place for Mexican food if you can find parking in Ellicott city. Staff very friendly but the waitress did forget to bring some things that were asked for and we had to remind her. I recommend this place.

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Stephanie was great, awesome server.

    Is this helpful?

  34. PATRICKR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was excellent, Food better then advertise and the experience was perfect for my wife’s birthday dinner

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ambiance and food was great! We where there at 6PM so it was not crowded.

    Is this helpful?

  36. DrDana

    Baltimore

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great food, excellent service. Would love some music playing, would even like live Latin music on weekends!

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  37. GeorgeW

    Baltimore

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We thoroughly enjoyed our Mother's Day brunch!

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  38. DARIA

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You can't beat it here for good, local Mexican food

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  39. RobertS

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, service was great, and ambiance was terrific.

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  40. CathyC

    Denver

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service is always good at La Palapa's! We come nearly every weekend! Its nice when the servers remember us too!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from La Palapa Grill & Cantina using the Order Online button. La Palapa Grill & Cantina also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (410) 465-0070.

La Palapa Grill & Cantina is rated 4.8 stars by 150 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for La Palapa Grill & Cantina

8307 Main St., Ellicott City, MD 21043

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Ellicott City
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Thu 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–1:45 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 2:15 pm–10:00 pm Sun 2:15 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    1000 + free parking spaces are available in and around Old Ellicott City including seven parking lots (A, B, C, D, E, F, G). Additional parking is available at the Howard County Circuit Court lot just above Main Street and can be accessed from US 40 via Rogers Avenue to Court House Dr. which ends at this lot.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    David Garcia
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (410) 465-0070
  • Catering
    For more info: info@lapalapagrill.com
  • Private party facilities
    Events at La Palapa Cantina & Grill are always memorable and special.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Event Coordinator: (410) 465-0070
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