Chef Isaias Peña’s does it again. He is just a culinary genius, creating some of the tastiest cuisine you will ever have the honor of trying. I have been to many of his establishments and am here to say that every experience has been outstanding. Qué Padre is right up there with the others. Most recently their sister restaurant Hank’s nearby was a fantastic tasting culinary adventure. This whole area has taken some very positive leaps to make it one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for dining and retail therapy.
Qué Padre is a modern Mexican restaurant located in Palisades Village, Pacific Palisades, CA. Executive Chef Isaias Peña offers a full modern Mexican menu and signature tacos, while the bar offers an extensive list of tequilas, margaritas, and cocktails. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend breakfast, offering both indoor and outdoor seating.
There were so many highlights of this experience, but when GM Reagan Moore offered up a tequila tasting as part of this culinary journey, I said – Hell Yes! I really got a first-hand knowledge of all their great selections of Tequila’s. The tasting included Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo’s Tequilas. You learn how to tell them apart, what a great education into this magical world of Tequila. Reagan is so knowledgeable, he really knows his Tequila, and is able to tell you about all of them in a very simple way. Thank you Reagan, it was so fun!
Here’s What I Tried:
Appetizers:
Salsa Sampler (V) An array of each of their house-made salsas: Roja, Tomatillo, Cruda, and Habanero. Served with house-made chips, ancho chile dust and lime zest. Each one is completely different, with some really unique flavor profiles.
Guacamole (V) – Fresh, made to order guacamole. Served with house-made chips, ancho chile dust and lime zest. The lime zest is all that, it makes for one unique guacamole.
Chicken Taquitos Salsa roja, crema, queso fresco, salsa verde. I love a good taquito, and these did not disappoint, the crema made this so rich and enjoyable.
Cactus Salad – Cured cactus, jalapeños slaw, red onion, cucumber, tortilla crisps, queso fresco, avocado dressing. I loved this salad, and would order this every time.
Shrimp Ceviche – Gulf Shrimp, serrano citrus, cucumber, avocado, tomatillos, red onion, cilantro, ancho chile dust. Lots of succulent shrimp makes for one great appetizer.
Tacos:
Fish – Catch of the Day, chipotle-chile de arbol aioli, avocado cream, pickled onion, micro-cilantro garnish, served on flour tortilla. This is my all-time favorite fish taco. It is fresh and not fried which I loved. The aioli is the best part, a fantastic taco.
Mushroom (V) Mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, morita black bean puree, avocado crema, and cilantro, served on handmade corn tortillas. This is a very large taco, and the mushrooms are abundant. It’s a great menu option for a vegan customer!
Shrimp – Garlic chipotle shrimp, morita black bean puree, jalapeno slaw, crema, and queso fresco, served on handmade corn tortillas. These flavors all mixed together and are vibrant and super delicious.Burrito & Bowls:
Burritos and Bowls:
Bowl – Black beans, rice, corn, onions, cilantro and birria. The meat is very tender and all of the fixings that come with it make it a well-rounded meal.
Burrito – Black beans, rice, corn, onions, and cilantro, served with a side of house-made chips, and grilled chicken. This burrito is huge, but you get all the notes in one bite, I would or order this one again for sure.
Quesadilla:
Quesadilla – Chihuahua cheese, queso fresco, onion, and cilantro. These were 2 separate orders one with carne asada and one with carnitas. Both of these quesadillas are rich and filling. The cheese is super melty and the seasonings hit the spot.
Sides:
Esquites – Fire roasted corn, chipotle aioli, toasted child de arbol, lime, and cotija. I just loved this dish: is is comfort food at its best.
Achiote Rice (V) – Peas, carrots, and corn. The added vegetables really make this rice amazing.
Black Beans (V) – Epazote, avocado leaves, Jalapeno’s, onions. A very mellow rendition of this Latin staple.
Plantains- Crema, and toasted walnut. These could be a dessert, but they add a nice sweetness to any of the savory menu items.
(V = Vegan)
Desserts:
Mexican churros served with a tequila-guajillo reduction chocolate and raspberry sauce. These will just melt in your mouth, with the added sauce it’s just all together a very divine experience.
Margaritas:
Que Padre – Hussongs tequila, lime, orange, and agave. This one would be my go-to margarita, it just hits all the right notes.
Mango – Tequila, mango, lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit soda. A perfect mango margarita, just lovely.
Guava – Tequila, guava, lemon, lime. Orange, lime salt, grapefruit soda. It has an effervescence zest from the grapefruit soda which makes it very different from your average margarita.
Jarritos Soda: Guava and Fruit Punch. Both are extremely refreshing and delightful.
Qué Padre is excited to announce its upcoming Cinco de
Mayo Celebration on Friday, May 5th, 2023. The party will
run from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm featuring The Smoke Label artisan smoked Blanco and Reposado Tequila Tastings, Coronita Buckets, Cervezas, Qué Padre Cocktails, Signature, Tequila Flights, and Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s full Modern Mexican
Menu and signature dessert!
Qué Padre’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration promises to be an
unforgettable experience for tequila lovers and food
enthusiasts alike. The Smoke Label, a premium tequila
brand, infuses its tequilas with smoke from mesquite wood,
offering a unique and delicious twist on the classic spirit.
Guests can sample The Smoke Label’s smoked Blanco and Reposado Tequilas, which pair
perfectly with the restaurant’s modern Mexican cuisine.
In addition to Tequila Tastings, Qué Padre will also be
serving $20 Coronita Buckets and $5.00 Cervezas, as well
as Qué Padre Cocktails, Signature Margaritas, and Tequila
Flights. Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s full Modern Mexican
Menu and signature Tacos – Carne Asada, Grilled
Chicken, Carnitas, Beef Birria, Mushroom, Shrimp, Fish and Al Pastor – will also be available for guests to enjoy and to finish off the perfect meal. Guests can indulge in Chef Peña’s Mexican Chocolate Churros for dessert!
“Cinco de Mayo is an important day for celebrating Mexican
culture, heritage, and achievements,” says Chef Peña.
Qué Padre will be celebrating Cinco De Mayo on Friday, May
5th, 2023, from 12:00 pm noon to 9:00 pm. For more information
about Qué Padre or to make reservations on Cinco de
Mayo, please call 310.461.8226 directly or
visit www.QuePadreTacos.com.
With all of Que Padre’s goodness there was no room for dessert but I still had to have a bite. The food and the ambiance are just delightful.
In the summer this place rocks, with its gorgeous patio and location, it’s a people – watching place for sure. Couple that with delicious margaritas and food, and Que Padre is a real winner. Could be a destination for lunch or dinner, going to or back from Southern California’s lovely beaches, or whatever the occasion it’s worth a try.
Qué Padre
15225 Palisades Village Ln
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
* Note some content was taken off their website.
