La Fondita (99 Good Days in Tacoma)

Proctor's little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant recently expanded into the space next door and is looking really good these days. It's always been a cute place, but the homey terra cotta red walls and Frida Kahlo/Diego Rivera artwork really make the place feel special.

I've always liked La Fondita, but found it kind of difficult to manage with the kids. I think that even with the recent expansion the space is still a little too cramped and the environment a little too stimulating for my eldest to get through a meal there without losing it. (The same qualities that make it great for adults make it hard for a kid with sensory issues.) Families with mellow temperaments may not find this problematic. Fortunately, we had some time yesterday for lunch without the youngun's and had a very nice meal.

I had the lunch combination with chile relleno and a shredded beef enchilada. The chile relleno was very good, the pepper didn't taste like a can, and the omelette around it was just thick enough. The enchilada wasn't quite as good. I thought the shredded beef had a bit too much sauce, but it was still fine. I didn't hear any complaints from my husband's end of the table, where he also enjoyed a shredded beef enchilada and a chicken taco. (Your basic store-bought hard shell deal, but it looked good. Note to local Mexican restaurants - fry your own hard taco shells and you will develop a huge following.) Our server was great and must have re-filled my husband's iced tea at least four times.

La Fondita might not be quite as authentic as some other places in town, but it definitely has a date restaurant feeling that you don't get at those spots. The food and service are definitely much better than a similar place we recently tried in the Stadium district. Prices are reasonable, and it's the perfect place to catch dinner before a movie at the Blue Mouse. (This week: The Transformers)

Delivery is available through Letzeatnow.com

La Fondita II

2620 N Proctor St

Tacoma, WA 98407

(253) 752-2878

dining, Mexican, Mexican map, Proctor

Proctor's little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant recently expanded into the space next door and is looking really good these days. It's always been a cute place, but the homey terra cotta red walls and Frida Kahlo/Diego Rivera artwork really make the place feel special.

I've always liked La Fondita, but found it kind of difficult to manage with the kids. I think that even with the recent expansion the space is still a little too cramped and the environment a little too stimulating for my eldest to get through a meal there without losing it. (The same qualities that make it great for adults make it hard for a kid with sensory issues.) Families with mellow temperaments may not find this problematic. Fortunately, we had some time yesterday for lunch without the youngun's and had a very nice meal.

I had the lunch combination with chile relleno and a shredded beef enchilada. The chile relleno was very good, the pepper didn't taste like a can, and the omelette around it was just thick enough. The enchilada wasn't quite as good. I thought the shredded beef had a bit too much sauce, but it was still fine. I didn't hear any complaints from my husband's end of the table, where he also enjoyed a shredded beef enchilada and a chicken taco. (Your basic store-bought hard shell deal, but it looked good. Note to local Mexican restaurants - fry your own hard taco shells and you will develop a huge following.) Our server was great and must have re-filled my husband's iced tea at least four times.

La Fondita might not be quite as authentic as some other places in town, but it definitely has a date restaurant feeling that you don't get at those spots. The food and service are definitely much better than a similar place we recently tried in the Stadium district. Prices are reasonable, and it's the perfect place to catch dinner before a movie at the Blue Mouse. (This week: The Transformers)

La Fondita II

2620 N Proctor St

Tacoma, WA 98407

(253) 752-2878