As we approached La Bamba, we could see the sign for the Casino and we knew we had hit the jackpot when we saw throngs of smiling faces coming in and out of the restaurant. In the dining rooms, dynamic murals share the bright yellow and soft orange toned space with colorful graphics and other decorative gems. Comfortable booths and tables are in abundance plus a full service bar that generates dozens of signature drinks. Our Strawberry Mint Margarita was an uplifting treat served in goblet sized glasses. Moments before our drinks arrived, the staff graced our table with servings of vibrant, homemade salsas accompanied by a basket overflowing with crisp warm chips.
Service at La Bamba is utterly amazing. Kudos to proprietor Manuel Martinez who is constantly on the floor greeting customers and maintaining a seamless flow of orders. Equally astonishing is the scope of the menu – so many gourmet delights on a two sided laminated sheet. Guacamole, for example, has become all the rage, but no one has the finesse and class of La Bamba’s culinary masters who serve the emerald green delight in a crisp, edible corn meal bowl. Not to lose a morsel of the guacamole, we demolished the bowl bit by bit.
Under a cloud of fragrant white mist appeared to what many Floridians see as the most iconic Mexican dish: sizzling fajitas. Gently seared onion, savory peppers and tomato formed the host for clusters of plump shrimp and succulent cuts of chicken filet. To wrap it all up in a satiny soft taco and top it with Pico de Gallo, two cheeses, guacamole, lettuce and tomato was a labor of love we would gladly repeat every day.
Searching diligently through every superb taco, burrito, nacho and enchilada offering, we came across what turned out to be a masterpiece of culinary ingenuity: La Bamba’s Fish Tacos. At only $6, each, you get a priceless feast of exquisite Haddock enhanced with a crunchy cabbage medley, sweet corn and an incomparable homemade chipotle sauce. It’s a feast that will linger perpetually in your imagination
And finally La Bamba’s flan, served as a delectable golden disc that like the afternoon sun, lights up our table and brightens our spirit with its glowing goodness. It’s a joy to behold and even a greater joy as the finale of our fabulous feast.
Enjoy Margarita Specials all day Monday as well as Happy Hour, Tue-Thurs, 4 to 6 pm. For more information about La Bamba, log on to labamba123.com.
5452 W Sample Rd, Margate, FL 33073
Open every day Tel: 954-978-6377