Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    La Bamba

    3.4 (149 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican, Bars
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    La Bamba Photos

    Business Info

    LA BAMBA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - La Bamba

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Dinning room
    Lindsey F.

    My favorite shockoe bottom hidden gem. This is my favorite comfort Mexican food spot. It's pretty low key and there's never a wait. The owner regularly waits tables and so fun to interact with! The food is delicious and reasonably priced. They have the best fresh salsa in RVA. (little spicy) Stop by for 2 dollar tacos on Thursdays!

    What a fun salsa carafe!
    Jeff Y.

    Para bailar la bamba...(sorry, couldn't resist :P). I'm going to Guatemala this summer with a campus student organization, and we decided to have a dinner meeting at La Bamba! Since we had such a large group (15 people), the restaurant combined four tables and seated us outdoors. It was a comfortable temperature outside, but during the first half of our meal, many of us were concerned about a potential thunderstorm. The clouds looked a little suspicious, and there was a 50% chance of rain; we even felt a few isolated raindrops while we were ordering. Fortunately, it never actually started raining and we made it through the night. In fact, it cooled down a little after the sun set, which was quite pleasant. Our group leader told the servers that we were going to Guatemala and asked them to refrain from speaking any English with us (although the restaurant is Mexican, the waitress was coincidentally Guatemalan). Thus, we had to order all of our food in Spanish. ¡Fue una buena oportunidad para practicar español! Unfortunately, we had to wait quite a while for everyone in our group to show up (15-20 minutes). We then waited a period of time before our orders were taken, and a considerable amount of time again before the food arrived (I arrived at 7PM but we didn't start eating until 8PM). Luckily, we were able to chat with each other and munch on chips and salsa to pass the time. I ordered the Morelos Special, which was beef (and bonus chicken apparently) con arroz, frijoles, y un tamal. The meal also came with two chicken taquitos and guacamole salad. When my plate arrived, I was originally disappointed with the portion size. There were no taquitos to be seen; instead, grilled chicken meat accompanied my beef. I started wondering why my meal did not match the menu description. However, it turned out that the rest of meal would come out on a separate plate (the two taquitos, salad topped with guacamole, and some sour cream). The food came out nice and hot (so hot that the waitress brought out our dishes using oven mitts). Flavors were excellent, and my meat was tender, well-marinated, and not too dry. The friend to the right of me ordered the fried fish dish, which came as an ENTIRE deep fried fish (head + tail included)! I think I will try that the next time I come! Possibly because of the heavy food and possibly because I had so many chips while waiting, I was VERY stuffed at the end of my meal. I had considered ordering horchata as a beverage, but decided to spend less money. Someone else did order horchata later though, and said it was pretty tasty! There wasn't anyone sitting inside the restaurant while we were there, but the restaurant's interior is actually pretty cool and colorful. The blow-up Corona bottles (balloons) and other drinks hanging on the wall were fun, and there are a number of candy dispensers near the cash register. [FYI: There was a small sign by the register advertising a 10% discount if you paid with cash. I didn't have that much cash on me though, so I can't verify this statement since I paid with card.] There is even a jukebox by the door! The atmosphere, especially with Spanish music playing in the background, was a lot of fun! Instead of splitting our bill so many ways, the waitress just asked each of us to pay separately at the bar. She also told us to come back tomorrow for the Cinco de Mayo fiesta! ;) I definitely plan on coming back here, since: a) it is within walking distance from home, and b) I want to try more items off of their really extensive menu!

    Choripollo
    Crystal W.

    We are really happy La Bamba is still able open during COVID. Even prior to COVID, they had patio seating - one of the few places in the city. They moved their patio tables to front (parking lot instead of behind the building, maybe for visibility?) The margaritas are great, the chips and salsa ( big factor in how I judge a Mexican restaurant) are delicious and free flowing, and the menu is vast! Being from Texas this place competes well with local restaurants back home. Yum, yum! The service is friendly and the prices are great!! We're so happy to be able to still support this restaurant! Plus!! They have to go super delicious margaritas and they allow dogs on the patio.

    Enjoying our Chips and Salsa while we wait to order.
    Kendall C.

    We had a great experience at La Bamba. We dined in during COVID and there was no one else in there. From what we can tell chips are included with a meal so we got one refill with two people and didn't pay extra. Food was very yummy. Rice is much better than a lot of run of the mill Mexican places. Since we were the only ones in there, the waiter was super friendly with us. Margaritas are also very good. The Texana is HUGE and has a very unique fruity flavor.

    Painter Smurf loved the #2 lunch Special.
    Topaz W.

    Not what I expected. #PainterSmurf is please with lunch today!!!! At La Bamba. Customer service was remarkable, greeted with a smile at the door and was seated quickly. The entire staff was very friendly and cheerful... and not judgemental (PLUS). I ordered the lunch special #2 taco, salad with guacamole dressing, fried chilly's and refried beans. And it was very tasty. And loved the free wi-fi as well. Their refried beans were not bland like sone Mexican restaurants, had a mild spicy heat and light savory flavor that I really appreciated. Come here and spend less than $10 on lunch and leave full, satisfied, and sleepy (due to the large portion) lol.

    #5
    Sarah K.

    AWESOME-Ville with a capital A. I'm a real stickler when it comes to a place being what it's supposed to be. (Makes sense? It does to me!) If it's supposed to be 5 star, I expect a table crumber to hit the table at some time during the experience...if it's a dive, I expect to have to hold my bathroom stall closed with my foot. Ya heard? This is a little Mexican joint in a college town with awesome specials and awesome food. Have I said it's awesome? I had the lunch special #4- a taco and an enchilada- they dropped off a basket of fresh salsa and WARM tortilla chips. Awesome. I ordered a side of guac salad (guacamole with sour cream? or was it mayo?) which I'm not sure I would do again- it was good, just didn't need it. If you're having a soft drink (and I am these days) get ready for a 40ozer. It's GIANT cup of awesome lemonade (or whatever you order.) Otherwise, there's an (you guessed it) AWESOME alcoholic drink special every day. I love this place. It's a small place- so don't try to bring a HUGE group here.

    Piña colada
    Ivet V.

    This place was a hole in the wall. It was recommended to me by a tour guide. I went and wasn't sure I was in the right place. The place is very small and intimate. I sat at the bar and looked at the menu, couldn't believe the prices on it, very reasonable and affordable. I ordered the chilaquiles which was not the worst dish I've ever had, it wasnt bad just different. I ate most all of the food not sure because it was good or because I was hungry. I also ordered a pìna colada, which was good probably better than the food. The drink actually was more expensive than my actual meal. Overall it was good because of the price not sure if I would to back unless I'm strapped for cash.

    See all

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amber R.
    22
    135
    146

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leah T.
    14
    46
    0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Average Mexican restaurant in Shockoe Bottom. Kind of divey dark atmosphere. An ok meal if you are in the area that is not expensive.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Still my favorite go to Mexican restaurant. Food is really good and ready very quickly !

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Robyn P.
    107
    16
    7

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rhyan C.
    106
    13
    1

    5 years ago

    This place is so good! Their margaritas a huge and tacos were super filling! I will be back!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Walker T.
    129
    26
    17

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Terrible service. Food will make you sick. If you eat here and thinks it's authentic you probably think mayo is spicy

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    The BEST mole and chorizo pollo we've had in a LONG time. Owners are amazing and care about the patrons. Super friendly!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    This is my go-to Friday night dinner. The staff is friendly and they always remember my order and the food is delicious every time.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K M.
    0
    14
    0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dee B.
    4958
    1107
    661

    13 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tammy P.
    106
    129
    3

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 4

    Ask the Community - La Bamba

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 7,171 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    The Emerald Lounge - Bar Area!

    The Emerald Lounge

    4.3(68 reviews)
    0.6 miChurch Hill
    $$

    My date and I had never been here before and had the most amazing experience. The drinks? 10/10…read more.. the service 10/10... the ambiance? 20/10!! The patio outside was really cute and cozy, the various seating areas is really great because you get a different feel from different angles. Our server recommended a Mexican lager.. it was SO GOOD! Try the lager!! My only gripe, the downtempo music changed to club music around 12am and got much louder. My date and I had to raise our voices to continue our conversation, we wanted to take our drinks outside but were told the patio closes at 11 :( We got lucky as the crowd was really thin but most weekends our server said it gets packed.. it's such a small place, I can't imagine what it would be like with 100 people inside!!

    Not sure what this place thinks they are but it's not a 2026 customer service award contestant…read more Open the door for an elderly couple to leave and was literally yelled at to close the door, like the hostess almost physically accosted me to close the door. Yes, it's hot outside but c'mon, will the entire clientale die within 30 seconds of heatstroke? Fine, no worries, let it pass, walk in just wanting to grab a quick drink at the bar, AGAIN, accosted by the hostess that DEMANDS that I go back to her command center to talk to her, whereupon she really happily informs me that I can't even stand at the bar to have a drink and she would reluctantly put me on the bar waiting list which would be a minimum of one and a half hours... to grab a drink at the bar. tldr; AVOID unless of course, you love being judged at a low rent tiki bar...

    Photos
    The Emerald Lounge - It's Electric - be careful, it is strong!

    It's Electric - be careful, it is strong!

    The Emerald Lounge - Inside

    Inside

    The Emerald Lounge - Spring Fling

    See all

    Spring Fling

    The Roosevelt - Fried catfish

    The Roosevelt

    4.3(669 reviews)
    0.6 miChurch Hill
    $$$

    I've been wanting to go here for the longest time and finally did. Now I understand why it's always…read morebooked! It's a historic place that used to be a boarding house that became a drug store then restaurants. Ambiance was casual. Service was very good. Our server Louise took good care of us. Food was delicious! I love the grilled Albemarle peaches. Perfect for this weather. Mix of sweetness and saltiness from cheese with some spice from chili oil. It was so good. The crispy pig tail was also wonderful. For the entrees, we got grilled pork belly and butter braised half chicken. The chicken was creamy, tender and very flavorful. The pork belly was soft, flavorful and really went well with the grits and collards. Our desserts were also heavenly. The miso banana panna cotta was light and very good. My favorite was the chocolate cloud semifreddo. The cold semifreddo and the warm strawberry preserves definitely complemented each other. I love this place. Will definitely be back!

    So been here twice in 4 months and can definitely say it's in my family's top three for favorite…read morerestaurants in Richmond. Love the decor and ambience, service is friendly and helpful and the food and drinks are all creative and delicious. Our second time out we ordered these for cocktails: Daybreak Seersucker Stevie's spell Amelia Earhart Nutty professor We all liked our drinks and mostly each others as well lol. I usually don't order rum drinks but my son's nutty professor was very good especially with the fresh nutmeg on top. For apps we got the shishito peppers, deviled eggs and the grilled albemarle peaches. We enjoyed all of them but my favorite was the peaches and everyone else loved the deviled eggs. For entrees we got the fried catfish, buttermilk braised brisket, grilled pork belly and pan roasted scallops. We all ordered well! We liked the bites from everyone's dish but liked what we ordered for ourselves best. I got the brisket which had such flavor and depth. Had a really healthy portion too so had to box up half and bring it home which is awesome. Parking is on the street which can be a challenge but the walk isn't too bad if it's nice weather. Has a ramp to the entrance which makes it handicap friendly.

    Photos
    The Roosevelt - The restaurant's namesake!

    The restaurant's namesake!

    The Roosevelt - Cheerwine cake

    Cheerwine cake

    The Roosevelt - Ramp stuffed chicken

    See all

    Ramp stuffed chicken

    Grandstaff & Stein

    Grandstaff & Stein

    4.1(351 reviews)
    0.2 miShockoe Bottom
    $$

    A must stop in the downtown Richmond area!…read more It's truly a speakeasy with the door posing as a bookshelf. To get in, you must know the password or tell the host a joke that makes him laugh. We were escorted in and quickly noticed that this was more than a speakeasy-it was a full restaurant. We stopped in for drinks, but it was nice to have tapas. I got the popcorn with the Tequilla lime butter, which was the perfect balance of salt. I had a mezcal drink which was perfect! I'm such a fan of mezcal and am excited when I see it on the menu. Our waitress was a delight-super attentive and also a bartender so she was able to answer all of our drink questions. It was very spacious with outdoor seating. Definitely a 10/10 experience. I would definitely go again!

    The parking is a sh*t show around here. We walked here, so I can't fault them for that…read more Upon entering, we were greeted by an enthusiastic young man dedicated to his role. He asked for the password and we, unprepared, had to tell him a joke or an interesting fact. Luckily, my partner had one on hand. The atmosphere was lovely, very reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy, or at least what you'd imagine it to be like. Our server came by within a few minutes of us being seated. She lacked enthusiasm, unlike the host, unfortunately. Her service turned out to be lackluster as well. We ordered the chicken pot pie and the filet mignon with asparagus. For drinks, the Grape Gatsby and Maine root beer. The food, like our server, lacked appeal. The saving grace was the host and the atmosphere. The view was lovely and the intimacy of the setting was a welcome experience. For dessert we ordered the bread pudding, and it was tasty, though nothing special. The burned odor that we smelled prior to its arrival turned out to be the bread. I can recommend Grandstaff and Stein as an experience, but you should not expect much in the way of culinary delights or exemplary service. We probably won't be back, but if you've never been, it's worth trying at least once.

    Photos
    Grandstaff & Stein - Atmosphere and large table

    Atmosphere and large table

    Grandstaff & Stein - Baked Brie

    Baked Brie

    Grandstaff & Stein - Hidden bookshelf door

    See all

    Hidden bookshelf door

    Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille - PH Quesadilla

    Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille

    3.9(146 reviews)
    0.4 miChurch Hill
    $$

    As always, the parking here was easy, even though it has street parking. We arrived on a Thursday…read morenight, around 8 o'clock, and it was already starting to pick up. The bar was getting full, but there were still a few tables left to choose from. This is a dive, similar to Poe's Pub, so if that's not your scene, don't come here. That said, we really like the character of this place, even if it smells a little funky upstairs. It adds to the character and charm, or at least, that's what we tell ourselves. The same bartender as usual (still don't know his name) helped us. They do have a sour beer. It's not as fruity as I like, though, still passable. (Seriously, Patrick Henry's, y'all need to order some from Texas and Oklahoma sours for the real deal; Martin House Brewing Co. in Ft Worth does them so right). Anyway, we ordered the goat cheese bread appetizer (warm apple butter, goat cheese, and sunflower seeds = immense pleasure). For entrees, I grabbed the Hot Chicken Pizza (hot sauce and pickles!), and my partner went for the chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries. There was so much food that we had leftovers, as usual. They heated up well in the air fryer and were nearly as good. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS PLACE. I will admit, it does look slightly seedy, but the food here is magnificent. The pizza was thin, crispy, and full of delicious flavor. I swear, the chefs here know what they are doing with their menu. It's simple, yet elegant. The appetizers are simple, yet they easily compete with The Brooklyn and Pinky's apps, for example, which are more affordable and in a more relaxed environment. Do yourself a favor and get the goat cheese. It sings. The customers here are chill and interesting, and the bartender is calm and cool; he never seems out of sorts, even when the bar is full with a line out the door. I wholeheartedly recommend Patrick Henry's. We have been here twice now, and the service and food have been excellent both times (Sept 2025, May 2026).

    Ungracious service. One of the more disrespectful fast…read moreGuinness pour I've had. Average food. Loved it. Will return and bring friends.... not because the service is cute, it's not... but because the place is awesome, open late, with food till 1:30. We need to support pubs like this. Go there. Love it. Don't tell anyone.

    Photos
    Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille - Bar area

    Bar area

    Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille - Pizza--gf

    Pizza--gf

    Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille - Pulled Pork Wonton (and Frankie)

    See all

    Pulled Pork Wonton (and Frankie)

    Kahlo’s Taqueria and Bar

    Kahlo’s Taqueria and Bar

    4.1(165 reviews)
    0.6 miChurch Hill
    $$

    We arrived on a Thursday evening around 8:15 pm. Parking was limited, but we found a spot out…read morefront. Our server was the bartender, Allan, who was an exuberant guy. He had high energy, even though it was a bit warm in the restaurant. He made some amazing mocktails; I had a virgin pina colada, and my partner got a "drank." I forgot what it was, but she said it was tasty. Note: If you don't like onions, be specific with the staff because the kitchen apparently loves them. We, however, do not. Ha That being said, I ordered the barbacoa street tacos (onions piled on top), and my partner ordered something similar, chicken tacos, maybe? Anyway, she had to send it back because they were all up inside the taco, and she wasn't having it. She ended up ordering a chimichanga or burrito-type entree, sans onions, and said it was exquisitely prepared, apart from the pico de gallo accompaniment. We had a great time here, and the staff was so accommodating; the service is top-notch at Kahlo's Taqueria and Bar. It was obvious by the number of regulars we saw come and go from the bar. All in all, we had a fabulous time; the food and drinks were sensational, and the staff was the star of the show. Will try again. I totally spaced on taking pictures of the food, but I did manage to snap a pic of our drinks at least.

    Really good. Fast service when ordering ahead. A little messy but that expected with a burrito and…read moreit's HUGE! Friendly staff. Did not dine in but would love to come back and try some other options and drinks. 4 STARS!

    Photos
    Kahlo’s Taqueria and Bar - Bar view + chips & salsa, Cheese Dip, Mango & Strawberry Fresa

    Bar view + chips & salsa, Cheese Dip, Mango & Strawberry Fresa

    Kahlo’s Taqueria and Bar
    Kahlo’s Taqueria and Bar - "Texas" Margarita

    See all

    "Texas" Margarita

    La Bamba - mexican - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...