Best Mexicatessen

La Palma

Delicatessens have come a long way since they arrived here from central Europe, pickled herring intact, a century ago; today in the great American melting pot we have our French delicatessens, Italian delicatessens, Scandinavian delicatessens, even Chinese delicatessens. The Mexicatessen is a welcome Hispanic variant. At La Palma, a crowded, friendly, always busy venue in the heart of the Mission, a squad of artisans creates tamales, tostaditas, and tortillas out of preservative-free, freshly ground masa before your eyes. The deli counter serves up some of the tastiest tacos, quesadillas, and tortas in town. If you're in the mood to do your own cooking, all of the ingredients are as close as your outstretched arm: canned hominy, yucca chips, spices in bulk, cheeses and sausages, house-rendered lard, hibiscus syrup, several varieties of chili pepper, and coconut candy in red, white, and green. Be sure to pick up a sack of the unlabeled house-made potato chips as well -- they're thick, crunchy, and elementally good.

 
My Voice Nation Help
 
©2013 SF Weekly, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places San Francisco / Bay Area

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city