Our Story

La Palapa Restaurant began in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico in 1971, built on long-held family recipes passed down through generations.

Our unique design is inspired by the fishing villages of southern Mexico, where fishermen lived in thatched grass huts known as palapas. Look up at our high interior ceilings and you’ll see how this traditional style comes to life in our space.

La Palapa arrived in Austin in 1984 and has evolved over the years from its humble beginnings. While our menu has grown to include Tex-Mex favorites and burgers, we remain true to the flavors that started it all.

Every dish is prepared fresh daily using our time-honored family recipes—because great food never goes out of style.