QUE PADRE
MODERN MEXICAN FARE IN PACIFIC PALISADES

Westsiders looking for quality Mexican fare don’t need to head east anymore, instead they can dine al fresco and enjoy modern Mexican cuisine at Qué Padre—a comfy and cozy eatery in chic Palisades Village.

From Regional Executive Chef Isaias Peña, who also oversees nearby Hank’s (offering elevated American classics, including the Best of the Southland cheeseburger), Qué Padre, which is Mexican slang for “cool” or “badass”, offers a laid-back setting with its delectable menu of street-style tacos and shareable plates packed with the freshest of flavors from all over Mexico.

While the Qué Padre interior is comfortable (that’s polite for “tiny”), prime seating is located outside on the patio and lawn—just perfect to people watch. So, make yourself at home and start your experience with a cocktail—a Paloma or Margarita would be my recommendation.  And there are plenty of margaritas to choose from here, including strawberry, mango, hibiscus, and key lime.  If you like it old school, opt for the Qué Padre Margarita made with Hussong’s tequila, lime, orange and agave.  Cheers!

There are also frozen cocktails to choose from as well as a bevy of agave spirits so make it a long and pleasurable experience with terrific tequilas and mezcal.

Start your meal with fresh, made-to-order guacamole, served with house-made chips, ancho chile dust and lime zest.  And treat yourself to the Salsa Sampler—an array of house-made salsas, including Roja, Tomatillo, Cruda, and Habanero.  Another favorite dish of mine is the Esquites—fire roasted corn, chipotle aioli, toasted chile de arbol, lime, and cotija cheese.  This corn side is a Chef Sai specialty.

The award-winning tacos at Qué Padre are plentiful.  My favorite is the Beef Birria—a mighty mix of Guajillo braised beef, crisped tortilla, quesillo, jalapeño slaw, and dipping consommé. I love the combination of the cheese and consommé and, of course, the tasty braised beef.  Next time I will get this one as a burrito.  I can only imagine how awesome that will be.

Other popular tacos include carne asada, carnitas, shrimp, al pastor, and lobster.  If you’re looking for healthy eats, opt for the Ceviche Tostadas, including Pescado Tostada (catch of the day) and Aguachile Tostada (gulf shrimp).  Heartier entrees include burritos, quesadillas and fajitas (carne asada, chicken, shrimp, or mushroom).  And do save room for dessert as the Tres Leches Flan served with salted piloncillo syrup, and the Mexican Chocolate Churros are satisfying crowd-pleasers.

I really like the laidback setting at Qué Padre.  While Palisades Village is an outdoor mall, it doesn’t have that mall feel.  Sitting outside on the lawn was so relaxing.  It just made for the perfect chill night out.

Qué Padre is located at 15203 Pacific Palisades Village Lane in Pacific Palisades. Open daily for dine-in, takeout and delivery from 12pm to close.  Call 310-461-8226.

Story and Photography By: Jose Martinez

Top Photo Courtesy Of: Qué Padre