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La Palapa Grill & Cantina, Ellicott City, MD

La Palapa Grill & Cantina

4.8
4.8
137 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

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online

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 137 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Baltimore / Maryland

    Kid-friendly

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Best Service

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Best Value

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Kid-friendly

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Healthy

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Hot spot

  • Baltimore Suburbs

    Lively

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Filters

  1. KathyL

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

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

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 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!
  3. SuzanneT

    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 .
  4. AmamdaG

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service both excellent
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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!
  8. 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.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    47 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Just an okay experience for a date night early evening, would try somewhere different next date night..
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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!
  13. 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?
  14. 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.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent evening
  16. 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.)
  17. 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!
  18. DrButterfly

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    15 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.
  19. BobP

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 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.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Stephanie was great, awesome server.
  21. PATRICKR

    Baltimore

    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
  22. 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.
  23. 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!
  24. GeorgeW

    Baltimore

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We thoroughly enjoyed our Mother's Day brunch!
  25. DARIA

    San Antonio

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2022

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

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, service was great, and ambiance was terrific.
  27. 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!
  28. RichardC

    Puerto Vallarta

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service. Although menu somewhat reduced from past years, more than adequate selections and all served hot and tasty. Great value for the price.
  29. JacksonM

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Estefany great service and delicious food definetly will be back!!
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Most excellent server and food was scrumptious as always!
  31. DoreenT

    Baltimore

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was amazing! I highly recommend.
  32. GuyV

    Baltimore

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food & great service! The seafood Chile Relleno was very good & unique
  33. DrDana

    Baltimore

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Great fajitas and food selection, would like to see more vegetarian options. Wish the combo meal came with a small salad or something a bit healthy.
  34. JillD

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was awesome! The food was great and we had such a great experience!
  35. LuraF

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Authentic Mexican food. Great service and awesome margaritas
  36. JenniferB

    Baltimore

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service and food were great. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for great Mexican food.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2021

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Easy reservations and reminder. Excellent service, great food, good value. A little too dark, hard to see sometimes. My only complaint is that it was our anniversary but it wasn't recognized or mentioned by staff. A discount or complimentary dessert would have been great.
  38. NeilB

    West Virginia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2021

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The menu is extensive. The food quality is excellent. The mixed drinks were expensive but good.
  39. jack

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2021

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Birthday dinner with young kids. Relaxing, quick service, good food.
  40. wendyb

    Baltimore

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    All very good EXCEPT for the yellow jackets that were annoying. Please find some candles or something that will keep them away.

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 137 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
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

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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