Ph: 526-422-7813
526-420-2096
Hours of Operation: Daily 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Directions: From Walmart head east on the Carretera approximately 7 kilometers to the intersection with Calle Francisco Madero. Turn left on Calle Madero. La Lena is 1 1/2 blocks on the left. Parking spaces are along the highway and are limited - watch for an opportunity to park as soon as you turn onto Calle Madero.
First Impressions
Brightly colored La Lena is perched above the sidewalk in Chapala. Decorated in orange and green, it looks like a Mexican fiesta. Banners are strung above the dining room and tables are covered with multi-colored tablecloths. The open air dining room overlooks the sidewalk and the main thoroughfare through Chapala. A charcoal grill, made from half of a 55 gallon barrel, smokes on the patio. Cooks exit the kitchen from time to time to put a pot on the fire, or to roast tomatoes. La Lena has that casual, beach shack feel that is perfect for a late afternoon lunch.
The menu is propped against the wall, next to the short flight of steps into the dining room so customers can peruse the selections before making a commitment to la comida.
Menu
La Lena is not designed with gringo visitors in mind, but that is the charm of this cafe. The food is traditional Mexican fare. The menu offers several varieties of quesadillas, tacos, empanadas, and burritos as well as steaks, hamburgers and chicken burgers. The menu is in Spanish and the waiters speak no English, but we were able to get by with our limited vocabulary and the young waiter was patient with us.
We ordered a cheese quesadilla, empanadas camarones (shrimp turnovers), a chicken burger and French fries. The waiter brought totopos, salsa and pico de gallo to the table along with our Pacifico beers. The chips were fresh and crisp and the pico de gallo some of the best we have had.
Our meal was served after just a short wait. The chicken burger was actually a grilled chicken breast on a bun, served with avocado slices, tomato and lettuce. The plate included french fries, but not knowing this, we placed an additional order for fries. No matter, since they were very hot with no greasy taste, so we ate those too.
The shrimp empanadas were incredible, served with a tomato and lettuce salad. The turnovers were fried crisp and the shrimp and cabbage interior was warm and cooked just right.
La Lena has a full bar located at the end of the dining patio, however, they do not serve wine. Beer is available.
Ambiance
La Lena is a cool place to eat. The dining room is outdoors, under a covered patio. It is just high enough above the sidewalk to allow diners to watch the world go by without feeling like they are part of the street scene. We sat at the table closest to the railing to have a bird's eye view of the main thoroughfare and do some people watching. Carnival started today in Chapala and strangely costumed actors where beginning to show up in the plaza across the street.
It is all very casual, very Mexican, very pleasant. Our waiter spoke no English, but was prompt, efficient and friendly. The washrooms are clean, with separate facilities for men and women.
Price
We ordered a chicken burger, an additional order of fries, cheese quesadilla, shrimp empanadas and four Pacifico beers. Our bill totaled $279 pesos, about $22 USD - a great deal. Most of the items on the menu ranged from $20 pesos to $65 pesos. The most expensive items were those that served two people, which topped out at $120 pesos.
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