{After over 50 years of fiestas, La Barca closed it’s doors in 2012}

Located on Lombard Street, La Barca has been slinging “traditional” Mexican food since 1962. Stepping inside, the decor had many fun vintage “South of the Border” touches including a large wrought-iron light fixture and fences and photos of celeb diners like Liza Minnelli and Richard Dawson.

This particular evening, all the Dames aux Gatueax wore festive circle skirts or other South of the Border inspired vintage wear. A boisterous drunken fella greeted us as we entered, slurring “Wheeerree rrrr uuu laaaaadies goooing?!”  We were escorted to our own private room by a charming host and seated at a large round table— our preferred table style!

We often like to have a little theme to the conversation, and the private room provided the perfect place for each Dame to share their international dream vacation location. Destinations like Sweden, Scotland, Paris, Toyko were top picks and each Dame explained what they would do there.

We also indulged in a few pitchers of margaritas and we can officially say that they do not skimp on alcohol! The menu is filled with may classic dishes—burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas—and even some unusual ones like mashed potato enchiladas for the vegetarians. The food was simple, hearty and tasty, with huge portions and great salty crisp homemade chips.

The best part of the evening was the realization that La Barca had their own special retro Latin-inspired birthday song. Think lively Herb Alpert! We all loved it so much we clapped when we heard it played for the table next to us. Dame Alix was so exuberant as she raved about it to the waiter (or perhaps it was the margaritas raving??) that he surprised us with our own mock birthday celebration—playing the song yet again and presenting us with a sparkler-laden dessert! You have never seen grown woman more thrilled for sparklers. It was a truly festive night.

Overall Dames aux Gateaux Rating (1, lowest – 5, highest)
Ambiance – 3.5 Dames forks
Service – 5 Dames forks
Food – 4 Dames forks
Cocktails – 4 Dames forks
Dessert – 4 Dames forks (although most would say with the sparkler this deserved a “5”)

Dame Katie – “You you never saw such excitement for a sparkler on a dessert!” 

La Barca
2036 Lombard St
San Francisco, CA