I will always sing a few bars of "La Bamba" in honor of Taqueria La Bamba, as nothing epitomizes Richmond, California more than ordering a super burrito at Taqueria La Bamba. Located along a busy stretch of San Pablo Avenue next to the Interstate 80 on and off ramp, Taqueria La Bamba has been here for many decades, taking over for the Old Oak Pit barbecue restaurant and they have managed to maintain so much success over the years thanks to their signature staples, especially their Pupusas, of which they have no fewer than eleven different varieties. For those who don't know, Pupusas are a thick griddle cake, or flatbread, from Central America, namely El Salvador and Honduras, that are made with either cornmeal or rice flour. They are similar to the Colombian and Venezuelan arepa and are filled with various ingredients, which in Taqueria La Bamba's case includes cheese, pork, beans, and even zucchini. In what is becoming a bigger trend to diversify their menu many traditional taquerias have expanded their offerings beyond the traditional burritos and tacos, and Taqueria La Bamba is definitely in that category.
My most recent trip to Taqueria La Bamba was for a quick takeout lunch, as I had just gotten off the nearby subway and was in need of some quick sustenance. My first thought was to head to Taqueria La Bamba as I knew they were quick and affordable and I haven't been in quite some time. Finding parking at Taqueria La Bamba was easy as they have a nearby parking lot that their neighbors the Goodwill store and KFC both share. When I walked into Taqueria La Bamba one of their doors said exit only, when I realized that it was their only door to enter their restaurant as they used to have an outdoor ordering space on one side of their building that their open kitchen faced, but now that seems to be gone. The menu at Taqueria La Bamba has categories including Burritos, Tacos, Fish & Shrimp, Combo Plates, Breakfast Plates, Platos Típicos, Side Orders, Appetizers, Drinks and of course their Pupusas. I opted to order a Super Burrito, as it came with rice, pinto beans, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, salsa fresca, onions, cilantro as well as your choice of meat of which I opted for Asada or steak. My total bill before tip was $12.07 with tax, which is a price increase from the last time I came, which admittedly was quite some time ago, but in line with their many competitors in the Richmond area.
It didn't take too long for my order to be called out, as I also received complimentary tortilla chips and one salsa verde and two salsa rojas to go with my Super Burrito. Once I got home, my burrito was so large that I was able to cut it into two halves and enjoy it over the course of two lunchtime meals. My burrito was filled with a wide variety of ingredients that made every bite when combined with a tortilla chip and the salsa verde was a truly delicious meal. I should warn anyone who loves salsa with their burrito that their red sauce is muy caliente so your tongue is forewarned. My burrito only wanted me to make a return visit to Taqueria La Bamba and try one of their signature Pupusas, as I saw a team of staff members preparing and cooking away in their open kitchen, so they must be good, especially if they're made to order burrito is any indication. I am so glad that Taqueria La Bamba continues to thrive in the competitive Latin cuisine marketplace that is near the Interstate 80 corridor of Richmond and El Cerrito, as at Taqueria La Bamba they have a menu filled with such a wide variety of items that would satisfy any appetite and will have you singing a few bars of "y arriba y arriba" after your visit! read more