La Bamba Mexican Restaurante & Cantina

17470 Scales Avenue, Sandy, OR - (503) 668-8628

Overview Reviews(1) Rate Restaurant Upload Photos Bookmark Email

Posted By Laura Fouts on 5/13/2008 6:15:00 PM

In the humble little town of Sandy, OR, a sign at the city limits states: "The Gateway to Mt. Hood." When skiing, snowboarding, or hiking one must pass through this corridor to reach Mt. Hood. Tired of ordinary fast-food tacos, my adventurous spirit led me to LaBamba Mexican Restaurant & Cantina on the main thoroughfare. LaBamba has a gracious, good-natured, and pleasantly cheery owner, Carlo Vicenttin.

LaBamba’s delectable fare caught the attention of the Mexican Consulate in Portland. The Mexican government was selecting three of the best restaurants to train at the prestigious Gastronomic Seminar to further learn traditional and highly cultured Mexican cuisine. LaBamba fit the profile, expenses paid by the Mexican government, and they were on their way. Bestowed with this high honor, they were recognized with another coveted top distinction and singly received an invitation to a renowned seminar at Oaxaca, Mexico. The combination of expert aptitude and new experience and knowledge has kept customers returning and new ones raving.

The attentive wait staff acknowledges customers immediately, flashing a genuine smile, making one feel as if they have walked through the front door of a home. I have found the quality of food to be superior to that of other Mexican restaurants: fresh, full of succulent flavor, and served in generous portions. I have yet to finish a plate.

When seated, a large bowl of freshly made tortilla chips arrives; these warm enticing triangles are especially suited to scooping up freshly made salsa. In my opinion the salsa is textbook, a balance of inspiration: thick enough to stay on a chip, thin enough to pour over a burrito. My husband’s taste finds the salsa heavy on the onion. I personally like the small crunchy additions. LaBamba's staff is keen to notice a salsa or chip bowl diminishing, quickly remedying the situation.

Tender morsels of white chicken breast is mildly seasoned, brimming in their own exceptional juices. Imagine this fine fowl coddled in a handmade tortilla. Grilled green jalapeño, left whole, with seeds and stem removed, add a mild bite. Next in this enclosure are two layers of gooey, comforting mild cheddar cheese. This chicken enchilada is covered in a trademark sauce. It's my favorite dish, and I order one with whatever else I am eating. I prefer no added cheese, no rice; it is no problem to ask, for you shall receive.

Even when fully stuffed, their desserts should not be missed. I am impressed with this establishment enough to give it my stamp of approval. I trust you will too.

Note from mr chips: There is also a Portland branch of La Bamba:
4908 S.E. Powell
Portland OR 97206
503-445-6341

Scorecard

Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace

Rate this place

Reviewers Photos [Upload Your Photos]

"Fajitas! Four combinations are available. Tender pieces of steak sauteed in their own fajita sauce. Served in a hot skillet with beans, rice, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and tortillas. Best fajitas this side of the Mississippi."
Laura Fouts

"Camarones Veracruz. Jumbo shrimp sauteed in a Mediterranean-Mexican sauce, tomatoes, onions, garlic, green olives, capers and herbs. Served with tortillas, which we used as scoops. Homemade pinto beans, too."
Laura Fouts

"Enmoladas de Puebla. Two chicken enchiladas topped with mole and cheese."
Laura Fouts

"A perfect beginning to a perfect meal. Freshly made chips and salsa arrive as you are seated."
Laura Fouts

"Pollo Asado Yucatan. Chicken breast marinated in achiote, then grilled. Served with homemade guacamole. -LoveMyLab "
Laura Fouts

"Camarones Enchipotlados: large shrimp sauteed with mushrooms and pineapple bits. The savory chipotle (smoked dried jalapeno) sauce is spicy, but so good! Served with rice and beans. Order a Corona, a perfect balance to the jalapenos. "
Laura Fouts

"A "small" burrito combination plate. Your choice of fillings are beef, chicken or beans. My burrito was packed with tender chicken breast."
Laura Fouts

"Puerco en Salsa Verde. These lean and tender chunks of pork are simmered in a sauce of tomatillo, peppers, and herbs. I love the black beans!"
Laura Fouts

"Carne Asada. Grilled sirloin with slightly charred edges, my favorite part. Grilled vegetables, too, and homemade guacamole."
Laura Fouts

"Easy to find, hard to resist."
Laura Fouts