Restaurant Name: La Salsa
Location: 601 Main Street Lafayette Indiana (map it)
Phone: (765) 423-7815
Cuisine: Mexican
I had the opportunity to visit La Salsa the other day. Not the one in the Union in West Lafayette, but the one downtown. They are not affiliated even though they have the same name. The one on campus is part of a chain, and the one downtown is independent. They are located on the corner of 6th and Main, in a location that has known the demise of many former restaurants. Hopefully this one can make it for a while.
The restaurant is nice and open, very airy and bright. I enjoyed the decor and the big windows that allow you to see what is going on outside. We were told to sit anywhere, and we had that option since the place was pretty well empty. We didn’t have to wait long to place our drink order. I don’t believe they have a liquor license yet (although I could be wrong) but we got our drinks.
Then we were asked if we wanted chips and salsa. This was really odd to me, because when I go sit down in a Mexican restaurant, I kind of expect chips and salsa to be placed in front of me. Perhaps I’ve just been trained in this tradition over the years and it’s not the norm, but I was taken off guard being asked. But the answer is yes, yes I do want chips and salsa. The server started to walk away then thought to ask if we wanted hot or mild. Both please. Then she started off again when it occurred to her to mention that they have green salsa too and would we like that? Yes. Yes we would.
The chips and salsa came and I really liked all the salsas. They were a bit thinner than I like, I generally prefer a thicker salsa where I can see the tomato chunks etc, but it was still quite good. I particularly liked the green salsa, and my husband really liked the hot salsa, which had a rather smoky flavor.
Everything on the menu is priced individually, there are no “platters” or “meals.” I asked if the burritos were pretty big, and was told they were a good size. So I ordered a chicken burrito with a side of rice and beans, and my husband ordered three steak tacos.
The food arrived and I’m sorry to say was something of a disappointment. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great. It didn’t stand out over any other place in town. The chicken burrito was bland as were the tacos. The rice and beans were bland as well. If you are downtown and in the mood for Mexican food, this will do. But if you want some really good Mexican food, venture elsewhere. (Taco Rico, anyone?)
The food was delivered quickly and the service was fine as well. I never had to wait long for my glass to get refilled or the chip basket to get a boost. The price was really reasonable, less than $20 for the two of us. This restaurant has a lot of potential – in a great location, good salsa, good service. Hopefully the food will catch up.
Kid Friendly: Yes
Price: Reasonable.
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