On a corner of a mixed residential and commercial section in north Burbank sits a nondescript Cuban restaurant named La Bamba. It might be the ultimate “don’t judge a book by its cover” establishment, but stop if you’re in the neighborhood or make it a destination because the outward appearance is deceiving.
Although the eating area is covered, the feeling is more open air. The only barrier separating you from the outside is the plastic “shower curtains” (endearingly described by Corky, our delightful server) that are very casual, and on a busy day the street traffic could be distracting. We ate on a mildly cool night but Corky turned on a heat lamp and all was well.
As we scanned the menu, which is fairly extensive without being overwhelming, Corky brought us the obligatory basket of tortilla chips, which were crisp and not greasy, and some pico de gallo, which was a good balance between mild and hot. We decided to try some guacamole ($5.25), whose texture was nice combination of a thick, smooth paste with small chunks of avocado. The chopped onion gave it a boost but I would have preferred it with more of a kick because I like mine on the spicy side.
