La Palapa Mexican Restaurant, a family owned Mexican restaurant specializing in traditional comfort food and cocktails, is getting ready to relocate in Lakeside to 12212 Woodside Ave.
The restaurant is set to move into the former home of Lakeside Cafe & Bakery, according to documents recently submitted to San Diego County Planning & Development Services. Co-owner Maura Kelly tells What Now the restaurant is relocating across the street from its current location and is still working through the county permitting process. While an exact opening date has not been announced, the team hopes to open as soon as final approvals are received. Customers can expect the same menu of traditional Mexican dishes, cocktails, and family-friendly service.
La Palapa Mexican Restaurant has served the Lakeside community since opening in 1983 at 12169 Woodside Ave. The family-owned restaurant has built a longtime following with its selection of Mexican comfort food and has remained active in the community by supporting East County schools, youth programs, and local organizations.
The new location sits directly across the street from the restaurant’s current home, allowing La Palapa to continue serving its existing customer base while relocating into another established restaurant space. This will be an excellent landing space for La Palapa, giving the longtime business a refreshed home while maintaining its roots in Lakeside.
The menu features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, carnitas, carne asada, and combination plates. Customers can also order specialty items such as garlic shrimp, surf and turf, pozole, albondigas soup, and fresh guacamole, along with margaritas, cocktails, flan, buñuelos, and Kahlua cake.
After more than 40 years in Lakeside, La Palapa continues to serve generations of local customers while preparing for its move across the street. Once permitting is complete, the restaurant will reopen in its new location and continue offering the same dining experience that has made it a longtime part of the community.
