Lulu's on the Alameda in Menlo Park, CA
When Lulu's opened, the neighborhoods around it (West Menlo Park and Sharon Heights areas) went nuts. In its opening week, everyone and their mother wanted to eat there. I'd drive by and see huge families with screaming kids, grandparents, friends, and dogs piled into the tiny storefront. As time has worn on, Lulu's luster has worn off - most likely because the food (generic Mexican), is merely adequate. Lulu's makes up for the so-so food with convenience and great attitude.
Let's start with the ambiance. Think of a family-run neighborhood eatery in a cheery space. My one complaint about the building itself is that the eating area is too small. It's not just the eating area; the prep area is small, too. When the restaurant first opened, the proprietors had no fewer than 15 people running around behind the counter. Things have thankfully cooled off since then, and the whole restaurant has a more relaxed atmosphere. The seating outside is prime (especially during the summertime when it's hot inside). A great breeze blows up Alamedas de las Pulgas, and it is a treat to people-watch. At least one member of the family that runs Lulu's is usually on-premises, offering extra chips to waiting customers, and generally giving smiles all around.
The food. Well, the food is your average American/Mexican. Burritos are medium-sized, but filling. Salads are crisp and fresh. Nothing really stands out (except the low-carb burrito, if you're into that sort of thing). The highlight of the restaurant would have to be the great salsa bar. Fresh veggies are always used, and the salsas are rich and flavorful. You know a salsa bar is good when you see members of construction crews standing by it, loading up for take-out.
Speaking of take-out, I'd highly recommend taking out from Lulu's. As I've mentioned, during peak hours (weekends and weeknights between 6-8pm), seating is scarce. So call ahead and eat at home. For this neighborhood with its dearth of restaurants, you could do a lot worse.
Lulu's on the Alameda
5.5/10
Let's start with the ambiance. Think of a family-run neighborhood eatery in a cheery space. My one complaint about the building itself is that the eating area is too small. It's not just the eating area; the prep area is small, too. When the restaurant first opened, the proprietors had no fewer than 15 people running around behind the counter. Things have thankfully cooled off since then, and the whole restaurant has a more relaxed atmosphere. The seating outside is prime (especially during the summertime when it's hot inside). A great breeze blows up Alamedas de las Pulgas, and it is a treat to people-watch. At least one member of the family that runs Lulu's is usually on-premises, offering extra chips to waiting customers, and generally giving smiles all around.
The food. Well, the food is your average American/Mexican. Burritos are medium-sized, but filling. Salads are crisp and fresh. Nothing really stands out (except the low-carb burrito, if you're into that sort of thing). The highlight of the restaurant would have to be the great salsa bar. Fresh veggies are always used, and the salsas are rich and flavorful. You know a salsa bar is good when you see members of construction crews standing by it, loading up for take-out.
Speaking of take-out, I'd highly recommend taking out from Lulu's. As I've mentioned, during peak hours (weekends and weeknights between 6-8pm), seating is scarce. So call ahead and eat at home. For this neighborhood with its dearth of restaurants, you could do a lot worse.
Lulu's on the Alameda
5.5/10
posted by epicure | 10:37 PM
|
0 comments
