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    Palapa

    3.0 (605 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Palapa Photos

    PALAPA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Palapa

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    Reviews With Photos

    Quesa birria tacos and green salsa chilaquiles. Two palomas.
    Jacqueline M.

    Lunch today sent me straight into a food coma nap! These birria tacos were everything and more. The server convinced me to add cheese and boy am I glad I listened! My mom ordered the green salsa chilaquiles and I may have helped her out to make sure we didn't leave anything behind. The steak we added to the chilaquiles were the true star of the show. She and I enjoyed sitting in the patio for two hours, thanks for not kicking us out, Palapas! Ps. say yes to the paloma's.

    Birria Nachos  Drink: agua Fresca de Jamaica
    Josie F.

    Hello Fullerton Community. Let me tell you about the gem in Mexican food in Fullerton! You don't have to search far for good quality made fresh Mexican food. I went out for dinner with my mother and sister to Palapas restaurant it did not disappoint. We got a plate of Birria Nachos and two Carne asada sopes with a side of rice and beans. The owner was in last night and she gave us consomé on the house and for dessert she gave us a slice of their delicious creamy flan. We also ordered a plate of churros because you can't end the night at a Mexican restaurant without trying their best desserts. Can't wait to try the breakfast menu, see you soon Palapas.

    Alfie E.

    Dropped by on a whim (with the help of Yelp locator) and was interested in the birria ramen, which was something that I wanted to try at foodie fests but didn't get a chance to. The restaurant is modern but cozy. The music is loud which makes it a fun casual place to take your friends and family. Service takes place at the counter and they take your order to your table if you decide to eat in. The day was beautiful so I chose to eat outside at the covered patio. The ramen was hella good! It came out in a Tapatio ramen bowl but hacked the stock with the consomme and the birria. My order even came with a queso birria so I can try the meat in a taco form. It is also delicious so so ordering the queso birria tacos on their own is a good choice. After ordering a gobenador taco and eating both tacos, I was very full. It is a lot of food! Because the ramen is sold in the ramen cup, they don't have a lid or a container with a lid so be forewarn if you want to bring the soup home. They can provide a foil to seal the top then a small bag to secure it in. Ramen was good the next day as the flavors intensified. Overall, I had a good first visit.

    Asada tacos
    Johnnie C.

    3 1/2 stars. I came here for Taco Tuesday $1.75 each. Great deal and good sized tacos. Good tasting the food was a bit cold though when I got home. They had a salsa bar, with four or more red and green salsas. They charged a .50 cents fee to use a credit card Quick and easy ordering and clean space. They have other specials for burritos, etc. I will return

    Inside
    Andrea B.

    Went for a quick bite on taco Tuesday ($1.90) each taco. It was nice and clean inside and we were greeted and seated quickly by the woman in the front. She was the only server there but it also wasn't very busy, only one other person there. She was very attentive, and took our order right away. So that was very nice. The food took about 15 minutes to come out, between my girlfriend and I we ordered 3 tacos al pastor, 2 asada and 3 carnitas, so 4 tacos each. Flavor wise they were "meh" , I was actually kind of disappointed . They were actually kind of small and they were street tacos with "hand made" tortillas but the tortillas weren't doubled so it made the tacos feel even smaller. The salsa had no spiciness only the red had any kick to it. The Agua de horchata was very good and sweet , great flavor. It was $4 for a regular size cup. So overall it was just an okay place to go eat, definitely could do better and I probably won't be going again anytime soon. Sorry Palapas.

    Menu
    Lucy S.

    Got together with the girls for a much needed Sunday Brunch and it did not disappoint...well for the most part. We arrived at 11am and waited about 20 min or so not bad considering it was a Sunday and it was pretty busy. The place itself is not very big in fact its pretty small so minus the 1 star for that. There is plenty of parking in an adjacent parking lot and it's free.We were seated in their patio area which is also not very big , it was shaded but unfortunately it was a hot day and it was toasty. Servers were attentive, efficient and personable. Everyone enjoyed their food and portions are a decent size. We shared the mimosa flight and they were just ok for me not very strong but I guess it is just a miimosa lol-next time I'll try a drink drink ;) overall a fun brunch and I would recommend to come check them out!!

    Bland carnitas, laughably tiny portions of beans and rice.
    Brian F.

    So disappointed. We ate here back in December and the food was amazing. Best carnitas I have ever had. The prices were fair as well. We revisited today and the entire experience has changed. First, they changed from fast-casual to full dining. Which is fine. The staff are all attentive and friendly. Great service. However, they have a new chef (since January) who changed the menu entirely. The prices more than doubled. The portions shrank a lot. The salsa bar is gone. The carnitas were bland- worse than store-bought packaged. Beans and rice are inexpensive, yet there was maybe 2-3 spoonfuls on our taco combo plate. Ridiculous. The huevos rancheros was basically just 2 eggs and a crisp tortilla with some sauce. Barely any beans. The chicken & waffles had the tiniest of portion of dried out fried chicken. It was a small piece sliced and stacked to look larger. The prices are just too high for what you get. $20 for huevos rancheros that was literally a snack size. They actually have the nerve to charge $18 for 3 pancakes! Honestly, I hate being this harsh. I prefer to praise restaurants, but the experience was so bad I have to warn others. We were so excited to have found a delicious restaurant, and now thanks to these changes we won't be back.

    Senia O.

    You need to come here Upon walking in imely got greeted which is awesome I did get a sample of their horchata. It's pretty much seat yourself and pick up your order when they call your number We got the carne asada fries I got the video quesadilla and the Cali burrito tamarindo and two horchatas and let me tell you it is on point Please come here I don't advertise for anyone for free . however , when I walked in , it wasn't as busy as I thought but when we left it did give a little bit busier definitely have to hit this place up when you're craving some Birria anything. I will be back

    Kendra A.

    Service was quick and food was fresh. Good selection of salsas. Food was pretty good, big portions. Sat inside and vibed to the music with happy food dances. Birria pizza Birria fries

    Traditional margarita for Valentine's Day.
    Jacki O.

    The food is soooo good. I had the Carne Asada platter and my boyfriend had enchiladas both were delicious . The salsa is served warm and sooo yummy! The chips are super fresh and also served warm. They seem to have drink specials most of the week. I definitely recommend this place for quick service and great food!

    Tres Leches Cake
    Sarah D.

    TWO RESTAURANTS UNDER ONE ROOF! Looking for a lively, nice brunch spot... QUE HUEVOS is the spot! With coffees, mimosas, micheladas to start off the morning... to their sweet and savory dishes! Palapas Tacos resumes their normal hours after brunch! My favorite is their fries and burritos. Their hot salsa also packs a lot of heat, which I love! With newly renovated decor and ambience, seating indoor and outdoor is equally nice. Service is quick and their staff is very welcoming. Definitely give QUE HUEVOS/PALAPAS TACOS a try!

    They serve breakfast too
    Verito V.

    Food was great environment. Was okay. I was honestly expecting a little bit more from all of the advertisement on all social media. But I will recommend it food. It is good, they have good portions parking. Is a little bit hard to find Selection was not a whole lot of variety.

    al pastor & carne asada street tacos.
    Michelle H.

    Was drawn in by their banners advertising their daily deals. I happened to stop in on a Monday in which they have all you can eat tacos. They serve them in plates of 5 and I had 2 plates. tried their carne asada, chicken, and al pastor. The flavors were good and have a fair serving per taco. I tried their green mild and hot salsas, I preferred the mild one. The al pastor and asada had some chewy fatty bits but it didn't bother me too much. I did get pretty full around taco 7 tho. I left full and satisfied. I came in around 2pm, so the restaurant was pretty empty. However, the place was clean and the staff were friendly. It wasn't too quiet or loud, they had TV's playing different channels and had a radio playing some good music. I would definitely come back and try something new.

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    Stopped in for a quick lunch and everything was great!! Service was amazing and the food was on point!!

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    Page 2 of 16

    Palapa Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Palapa

    Do they take apple pay?

    Yes

    Is the birria ramen made with goat or beef?

    beef

    Do they charge extra for using a card?

    Yes there's a 1 dollar charge.

    Do they still have all you can eat tacos? If they do, how does it work now that you're not able to dine in?

    yes 2 hr time limit

    Heard they have birria ramen anyone try it yet?

    Yes I really liked it. This was before Covid. The sopa was really flavorful

    View All 6 Questions

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    Rialto Cafe

    Rialto Cafe

    3.8
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Located in Downtown Fullerton with convenient access to nearby public parking, which makes visiting…read morepretty easy. The restaurant itself is small and cozy with a comfortable atmosphere, but seating is limited. It can get busy during peak hours, so waiting is expected. There are also outdoor tables along the street that you can use when the weather is nice. Prices and portion sizes are reasonable, making it a good option for a casual breakfast or brunch. They were out of cold brew during my visit, so I ordered an iced coffee instead, but it was served a bit lukewarm, which was slightly disappointing. The omelet and Cobb salad were both flavorful and well prepared. The staff were friendly and provided good service. Overall, a cozy breakfast spot with solid food and a welcoming atmosphere.

    We ordered the strawberry Nutella crepe and the breakfast panini. Overall, the food quality was…read morereally good, although I do think it's a bit pricey for the portion sizes. The crepe was definitely my favorite! the combination of fresh strawberries and Nutella was delicious, and it really hit the spot. The breakfast panini was also tasty, and I would happily come back for both items. The service was fast and efficient, and the staff stayed attentive throughout our visit, making sure we had everything we needed. One thing I really loved about this cafe was the atmosphere. There are plenty of seating areas, making it a great place to hang out or catch up with friends. The overall vibe is cozy and inviting, which makes me want to keep coming back.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Breakfast Panini with Breakfast Potatoes
    Breakfast Panini with Breakfast Potatoes
    Waiting outside

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    Waiting outside
    Eggspresso

    Eggspresso

    4.3
    (911 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    I keep coming back for the lemon cream pancakes! Love the softness and that lemon cream is…read moreaddictive. A half stack probably would be filling enough since they're pretty big. Recently came and almost couldn't finish the full stack. Forgot they were 4 huge pancakes! Also liked the other food and drinks. Really should try more on the menu, but those pancakes keep calling me each time! It's one of those order first then sit down places. Plenty of seats inside and outside. Parking can be tough when the plaza is busy because it's a small lot but they validate.

    Went in with great expectations but left with nothing but regret for choosing this location as the…read morestart of our 6 yr anniversary celebration. 1. Customer service was terrible. No welcome or direction to where to order. When we went to order the gentleman attitude surprised me, felt cold and rushed.‍ Then when we went to our table to sit , but the table was dirty and the walls had stains too! The only thing nice from their interior was their paintings. they do have outdoor seatings, so I recommend eating outside. When we asked for hot sauce they brought it to our table but the waitress or owner? Not sure who but left it on top of my silverware instead of the table, then I looked up to see her and she was facing the other direction. She didn't even notice as if she was in a hurry. ... however there was no rush?? There was no line waiting to order or tables filled with people waiting for food. I looked around and the workers were on their phones. Maybe they had a lot of to go orders I'm not sure ‍ 2. The foooood! Ok, I got the Mr.Eggspresso which is an egg sandwich. It was really good, my only complain is the "salad" it came with . This was not a salad ! It was just arugula and pickled onions, my egg sandwich already came with a lot of arugula. I wished they choose a different kind of greens for the salad to have a different flavor. 3. Drinks! I got their strawberry matcha with oat milk. Probably the only thing I would go back for. The balance between the matcha, milk, and strawberry was really nice

    Photos
    Eating area
    Eating area
    Eggspresso Classic Breakfast | IG @moniquedao
    Eggspresso Classic Breakfast | IG @moniquedao
    Dirty Paris Fog (dark, chocolate, chai, cinnamon) - excellent

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    Dirty Paris Fog (dark, chocolate, chai, cinnamon) - excellent
    Early Bird

    Early Bird

    3.9
    (3.3k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Such a gem! I've…read morebeen hearing great things about this place and finally had a chance to try it... I was so impressed. The restaurant has plenty of seating and the staff is very welcoming. They also were playing great music here ;)) My partner and I shared a breakfast burrito and the churro waffle. The breakfast burrito came with a side (we picked hash browns) and it was packed with egg, cheese, and bacon. The hash browns were so flavorful. The churro waffle was such a treat! It's not too sweet and comes with banana and whipped cream. Shoutout to our server Kezia she was so attentive and kind :) You should definitely come try this place out!

    So, we come in at 1015am on a Thursday. There are 4 other tables occupied in an otherwise empty…read morerestaurant. The unenthused server possessed of a French "ennui", bored-with-life vibe offers coffee (good), doesn't know the waffle of the week (not great), and disappears behind a bus station to check her phone for 20 mins at a time rather than walking the floor to check on tables. No buckwheat on hand for the buckwheat pancake I fancied (it's a bulk staple, so how do you run out?). Ordered the brioche french toast and an omelette. While overpriced (~$19 for the french toast) and delivery 20+ minutes after ordering (industry standard is about 10-12 mins for this dish, less for the omelette), taste was good and almost made up for the blasé service and tardiness. Net-net, this was my fourth and final stop at Early Bird. I might miss the french toast, but they won't miss us.

    Photos
    Pork belly Benedict, Frank Floyd Benedict, Nitro Iced Coffee, & Strawberry Mimosa
    Pork belly Benedict, Frank Floyd Benedict, Nitro Iced Coffee, & Strawberry Mimosa
    Duck confit hash, frank floyd benedict, the dutch waffle
    Duck confit hash, frank floyd benedict, the dutch waffle
    Pork Eggs Benedict + Chilaquiles

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    Pork Eggs Benedict + Chilaquiles
    Café Cultura

    Café Cultura

    4.0
    (239 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    Nice spot we decided to try out. They have daily specials…read more We came on a Wed where they have buy 1 get $1 waffle. These are regular size portions!!! Waffles were deliciously nice and crispy but soft once biting into it. Loved them! The churro waffle had perfect amount of sugar cinnamon and we ordered the banana foster with caramel on the side. So delish!! The tortas were good also. The carne asada one came with pieces of carne and they were a little tough to chew. We ordered the iced cafe de olla. Sorry to say I tasted better. It tasted like day old coffee. Overall, I would return to try more plates. Med sized Parking is in the back and shared with other businesses so it can be busy.

    Unfortunately this was a disappointing experience. The food and coffee were decent but weren't…read moreanything particularly memorable. The biggest issue was the service. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt cold and unwelcoming. The ordering process is done at a kiosk in the front, which gives it more of a fast-food vibe than a café. That's fine but even with that setup I would expect some level of hospitality. After our food was brought to the table, no one checked on us, offered drink refills, or asked if we needed anything. When we were ready to leave, we had to get up ourselves to find takeout containers and bags. Good service can make a meal feel special but poor service can have the opposite effect, I don't see myself returning to Cafe Cultura.

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    Café Cultura
    Café Cultura
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    The Classic Cafe

    The Classic Cafe

    4.6
    (451 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$
    Free WiFi
    Wheelchair accessible

    Ladies and gentleman we have ourselves another 5 star gem!…read more This spot is solid! Parking is street parking but free. Its in a busy street and a bit far from the freeway. The space is super picturesque so come ready to pose. Every little space has a theme that feels a bit different. You can enjoy your tea with a fairy vibe, English vibe, outdoor vibe, grandmas' yard vibe, kids like vibe or coffee shop vibe haha this spot has it all. Come alone or come with friends. The outdoor area has a good amount of shades spots that block the sun and its heat. The coffee menu is unique and delicious. The drinks are really well thought out. They have a few syrups made in-house. I tried their pistachio latte and it was perfection. It has little pieces of pistachio in it and so every sip has a bit of it. I had the bulgogi panini and I wasn't sure what to expect but it surpassed anything I could imagine that panini would be. Whoever came out with this combo is a genius. You must try it! Overall, I will be back. Even though I live a bit far , this spot is totally worth the drive.

    My hubby found this café, and I absolutely fell in love with it! It feels like stepping into a…read moremagical little cottage. Everything about this place is charming and cozy. The food was delicious, the service was amazing, and the staff made us feel so welcome. My favorite part was the beautiful garden in the back. You can choose to sit inside or relax outside in the peaceful garden, which makes the whole experience even more special. I will definitely be coming back and bringing my loved ones with me. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by and help support this wonderful local business. You won't be disappointed!

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    Entrance
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    The Classic Cafe
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    Palapa - mexican - Updated August 2026

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