Under the canvas-covered patio punctuated with colored lights, diners at La Bamba restaurant have been enjoying Cuban plates and a Caribbean/Island style menu for over 25 years. Regularly busy at lunch and dinner, the convivial restaurant is casual and friendly, and, most-importantly, consistent.
From a small kitchen in a converted house on the corner of Glenoaks Boulevard and Lamer Street, dishes sail forth: half a chicken with fragrant yellow rice and black beans, a Cuban sandwich filled with pork, pickles and cheese, freshly made salads topped with chicken or shrimp and colorful veggies.
La Bamba’s take on the taco is a hearty one: two corn tortillas for each taco, filled to bursting with the meat of choice (pork, chicken, beef, fish or shrimp), and nestled next to a generous serving of rice and beans. Two people can easily share a three-taco plate.
While La Bamba has the Cuban specialties on lockdown, their Garlic Avocado Lobster Burrito is my current favorite on the menu. The lobster is the definition of succulent – sweet, tender, light. A perfect combination of flavors makes this burrito stand out, along with its market price, currently $18.95. However, two people can share the lobster burrito and split a plate of fries or plantains and be comfortably full.
La Bamba’s plates are reasonably priced, with most entrees under $10. In addition to a selection of fragrant teas, beer, wine, pina coladas, bloody marys and margaritas are also on tap. The house pico de gallo and green salsas are fresh and full of flavor. With the green salsa, a little goes a long way!
We have enjoyed meals at La Bamba for many years, and the spot is a popular one in Burbank. There always seems to be enough street parking on Glenoaks and nearby streets, and tables generally turn over pretty fast.
The food is always delicious, every time we’ve visited throughout the years. At night, the colorful lights under the canopy add to the festive island vibe. Night or day, La Bamba is a pleasant casual dining experience.
Restaurant Info: La Bamba is located at 2600 N. Glenoaks Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91504. 818-846-3358. Open Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
La Bamba receives: On The Marquee
myBurbank Ratings:
Tops In Town (Outstanding)
On The Marquee (Really Good)
Could Use A Rewrite (Average or Slightly Below)
Don’t Quit Your Day Job (Roadkill)
